Projecting Display on to Wal

[Thomas M.]

XP Pro SP2

Some the folks in microsoft.public.windowsxp.general suggested that I post
this question here.

I just purchased a house and I have this idea of setting up a
powerful machine and projecting the display on to a wall. I have plans to
use the machine for serious work with VMs. I am starting up a user's group
with some of my fellow Network Administrators and I want to build a virtual
network, do some virtual labs, etc. At the same time, I hope to satisfy my
wild side by using the machine for gaming, and being able to project that up
on the wall as well.

I've never setup something like this at home, and I'm wondering what all I
need to consider. I know that a good projector can be pricy, and the bulbs
can be very expensive as well. I've also heard that a special kind of paint
is required for the wall. Finally, if I have a sharp image on my LCD, is
that image going to remain sharp when projected up on a wall?

I would greatly appreciate any information you have to share regarding these
points, or any other points that I neglected to mention.

--Tom

 

[Guest]

If cost isnt a problem(s) that set up is possible,however youre wall
display will/would look only fair at best when comparing it to a lcd or even
a crt monitor....

 

[Bill Sharpe]

XP Pro SP2

Some the folks in microsoft.public.windowsxp.general suggested that I post
this question here.

I just purchased a house and I have this idea of setting up a
powerful machine and projecting the display on to a wall. I have plans to
use the machine for serious work with VMs. I am starting up a user's group
with some of my fellow Network Administrators and I want to build a virtual
network, do some virtual labs, etc. At the same time, I hope to satisfy my
wild side by using the machine for gaming, and being able to project that up
on the wall as well.

I've never setup something like this at home, and I'm wondering what all I
need to consider. I know that a good projector can be pricy, and the bulbs
can be very expensive as well. I've also heard that a special kind of paint
is required for the wall. Finally, if I have a sharp image on my LCD, is
that image going to remain sharp when projected up on a wall?

I would greatly appreciate any information you have to share regarding these
points, or any other points that I neglected to mention.

--Tom

I've seen some pretty good displays on projection screens, but the ones
on a wall haven't been nearly as good. Not sure, though, that wall had
special paint or not. Answer to your question depends on amount of
magnification and focus control of projector. I'd try to get any
projector on a trial basis to see if it suits your purpose.

I used to use a projector system with screen in a classroom teaching
computer courses. It was ok for Windows screens -- wouldn't want to use
it for watching a DVD.

Bill

 

[Bob I]

Stop by the Electronic audio/video sales store and ask them about it.

 

[Thomas M.]

XP Pro SP2

Some the folks in microsoft.public.windowsxp.general suggested that I post
this question here.

I just purchased a house and I have this idea of setting up a
powerful machine and projecting the display on to a wall. ....

I've never setup something like this at home, and I'm wondering what all I
need to consider.

Thank you to those who replied. All have provided me with some useful
information and ideas.

I just had another idea that I thought I would throw out. Instead of going
the projector route, which based on my experience with projectors in the
workplace I suspect is not going to be of sufficient quality for my liking,
what if I were to just hook the PC in to a big flat screen TV?

Actually, while composing this message I found the following article over at
Tom's Hardware (Projectors are covered on pages 8 and 9). Summary:
Projectors give you a huge image for a low initial investment. However,
while image quality is descent, it is not as good as LCD or plasma, and the
cost of ownership is high because the replacement bulbs can run $400 each.
Also, check out the coming technology discussed on pages 9 and 10. It looks
like there is some good stuff coming in 2008 and 2009.

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/2007/01/22/hdtv-buyers-guide/index.html

So it looks like hooking in to an LCD, plasma screen, or even a high end
flat screen tube TV might be a better way to go. I just wish I had some
place local that I could go to see such a setup and judge both the quality
and expense before making any decisions. Unfortunately, I live in a
relatively small market--about 60,000 in the surrounding 15 mile radius and
60 miles to the next town of any size--and the closest thing we have to an
electronics store is Staples.

--Tom