4. Positioning your projector
The distance between your screen and your projector will depend on the type of throw (short, standard or long), and your desired screen size.
To install, or not to install
Early on in your decision-making, you'll need to decide whether you want to install your projector (fix it in position) or keep it fully portable. An installed projector will need to be ceiling or wall mountable. Or a portable projector will need to offer quick set-up and flexible placement – on a table or a bookshelf as it suits.
Either choice has its advantages. An installed projector can be specially chosen and set-up to suit the environment. This way you will get the absolute best performance time after time. But portability allows you to take your projector on your travels (you'll need a portable projector screen too though), or just keep it out of harms way when not in use.
Does it have to be aligned with the centre of the screen?
Some projectors do and some projectors don't. If you want to position your projector 'off-axis' you'll need one with 'keystone correction' or lens-shift. Either feature lets you adjust the image to compensate for the projector being on an angle relative to the screen. However, we don't recommend keystone correction, as it deteriorates the quality of the image (in some cases quite significantly). Lens shift on the other hand, keeps the image as sharp as it should be.
Keep in mind: Only LCD projectors offer lens shift capabilities. DLP projectors do not. Some projectors will only let you make horizontal lens-shift adjustments, others vertical adjustments, and some both. Be sure to shop for what you need.
What type of lens-shift should you look for?
If you're looking at positioning your projector at the side of the room, you will at least need horizontal lens-shift.
If you're looking at positioning your projector well above or below the height of the projector screen, vertical lens shift may be a consideration.
If you just want to keep your options open (for portability, or in case of moving house etc) look for something with both horizontal and vertical lens-shift.
Keep in mind: Lens shift is not compulsory. DLP projectors do not have lens shift capability but will serve you very well if you don't require it.
How far away from the screen can my projector be?
Every projector has a maximum throw distance. That is to say, a maximum distance the projector can be positioned away from the screen e.g. 20 feet. If you move the projector further away, the image may not even be visible.
Quick projector placement
After following our guidelines and talking with a knowledgeable entertainment specialist, chances are you'll take the right projector home. If you've got your projector in your hand, here's a super-quick, easy way to position your projector (we recommend this to people over the phone on almost a daily basis):
Step 1: Switch the projector on and project an image onto the wall.
Step 2: Every projector has a zoom function, which allows you to reduce and enlarge the image (zoom in and out). Make sure that the zoom is set to about half. Setting this to half-way will allow you make size-tweaks later and perfectly size-match the image with the projector screen. If it is set to its maximum or minimum you won't be able to make the necessary adjustments later.
Step 3: Slowly step back until the image is the size you want (this should be equal to the size of the projector screen you have purchased, or intend to purchase).
Step 4: Assuming you intend to ceiling mount your projector (the most popular option), use a pencil to mark the location of the projector on the ceiling.
Step 5: Raise (or lower) the projector to the height that you will be using it at.
Step 6: Mark the four corners of the projected image on the wall.
Step 7: Install your projector screen, using the pencil marks to guide you.
Step 8: Mount your projector and tweak the image-size using the zoom feature.
Note: If you are positioning your projector 'off-centre' (relative to the screen) you may need a projector with a 'lens-shift' feature – to compensate for the angle of projection. Use the lens-shift to correct the shape of the projected image as necessary e.g. at Step 3, before marking the ceiling.
Ask an Expert
Before you buy a projector we recommend you discuss your plans with an entertainment specialist. Taking time to do this will ensure that you end up with the best possible result.