4:3 for Sim and 16:9 for movies

[George Polycarpou]

Just building my room and will have approx 3.5m wide by 2.9m high for a screen so I've kind of opted to buy an Optoma GT1080 to use in a 4:3 format for that.

However, want to use the same screen for 16:9 gaming movies but that will require me to move the projector closer to get a big enough image.

Is there a similar specced 1080p projector that has an optical zoom built in or should I get a second projector?

I'm in the UK by the way.

Thanks in advance.

[gojoholo]

I've been looking at the popular short throw projectors mentioned on this forum. None of them have enough zoom to do 4:3 and 16:9 without moving. I'm thinking I'll have to rig up some kind of rail system so I can slide the projector between two positions, or alternatively by 2 identical quick release ceiling mounts. Mount the top half of each one in the 2 required positions and move the projector between them.

[simmb]

Few people on here including myself have mounted their projector on a sliding rail. I can move it forward for movies and switch to 16:9 then slide it back for golf and switch to 4:3. I just bought a camera slider rail from amazon and made it fit with the projector mount.

[George Polycarpou]

Can you show us a photo? I assume you just mounted it upside down and its strong enough for the weight of the projector.

How do you slide it? I guess its mounted out of reach.

Thanks.

[wbond]

Here is a write up I did for my garage. ugly but effective.

https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/build-your-own/projectors/63803-ceiling-mounting-to-be-able-to-change-projector-distance

[alopresti23]

I use the SkyRail XL from AllSportSystems. Works well for me.

[Wormburner]

Another solution is to buy a projector with a Zoom feature. I use an Epson that has this feature and it makes it nice to be able to swap out Aspects based on what I am using it for.

[George Polycarpou]

Which Epson projector is that? Sounds like an easier solution. Can you zoom using the remote or do you have to adjust on the projector itself?

[Wormburner]

I use the Epson 5050bu and also have had the cheaper 4050 projector and both are great. Also if you plan watching movies you will get the pixel shift 4k technology for great movie experience. Zoom is handled with the remote, also comes with a lens shift so you can mount to side of room and not lose quality of image. This makes mounting flexible and very forgiving.