What do I need for projector setup

ivegan on 12/03/2021 - 16:47
Last edited 12/03/2021 - 17:15

HI Guys,

I want to setup a projector on a ceiling. The purpose of my projector is to watch movie on a big screen. Thus, I will be connecting my laptop with HDMI cable and display netflix contents.

Please can I ask what all required components , apart from a projector :) , that I need to get?

  • I need HDMi 2.1, at least 10 meter, any good link where you bought it from also projector hanger? Is HDMI cable enough , or projector has ethernet port as well?
  • How about the audio? Will I be connecting my laptop with the sound system or the sound system should be connected with the projector?

What else do I need please?

regards
Amit

Entertainment Projector

Comments

  • Switchblade88 on 12/03/2021 - 17:09

    Please can I ask what all required components
    How about the audio?

    If you don't know what you need for any of this, then get a professional installer that does. At least then you might avoid buying Monster Cables or something stupid.

    You haven't provided anything useful like a budget, what equipment or AV receivers you might have, your video sources. We can't really help you.

    • ivegan on 12/03/2021 - 17:15

      Thanks for the feedback. I have now changed my ask.

      • Switchblade88 on 12/03/2021 - 17:19

        Much better!

        HDMI cables get rather unreliable after about 5m, so the shorter you can use the better unless you buy premium cables like from CableChick. If you don't have to put the cables in the ceiling it makes it much easier to replace if needed.

        Audio from your laptop should be perfectly fine; and it'll be easier and closer to your sound system. You just have to make sure that the laptop is outputting to your speaker out instead of HDMI out.

  • s1Lence on 12/03/2021 - 17:11

    It really depends on your needs, some people might install a full surround sound speaker system and connect their projector to a high-end PC to so they can watch movies and play games on a 100 inch projector screen, others might buy a projector and just project it on a small painted wall somewhere in their house using nothing else but their projector's internal speakers and a Chromecast or similar device. Depends on your use case.

  • ESEMCE on 12/03/2021 - 17:26

    Receiver and speakets to handle the audio, then the HDMI to projector is just for the video signal.
    I use 2x cat6 Ethernet with HDMI adapters at each end for my setup, cause long HDMI cables are super expensive.

    • ESEMCE on 12/03/2021 - 18:44

      I project onto a wall and have done so on to 3 different walls across my 10+ years of projector ownership.
      Always intended to buy one, but honestly never found a reason to.

  • AustriaBargain on 12/03/2021 - 17:27

    Blackout curtains.

    Also instead of gambling with a huge HDMI cable, I'd think about getting an Apple TV 4K or an equivalently powerful Android box (like the top tier Shield), and just sharing your movies over network. Then other people in your house could cast to the TV as well without worrying about a huge HDMI cable and your laptop. And you get the native streaming apps.

    • ESEMCE on 12/03/2021 - 18:39
      +1

      Still gotta get audio back out.
      Kinda ruins the big screen experience if you're listening to sound from the tiny speaker included in some (not all) projectors.

    • ivegan on 12/03/2021 - 23:25

      wow! I did not think of just adding Apple TV 4k or chromecast type product so that I can use it to transfer through wireless.

      Indeed I don't need to worry about HDMI. But still the question remains for Audio.

  • ShortyX on 12/03/2021 - 18:18

    This post is a few years old now but may help.

  • John Kimble on 12/03/2021 - 19:08
    +1

    I want to setup a projector on a ceiling.

    If you want a big picture, you need high ceilings. I've got pretty high ceilings and only get about 60 to 70 inches (I haven't measured).

    Plus you need to have a tripod that will hold the projector basically vertical. I have an old manfrotto tripod I use, with all legs still retracted (so projector is about a foot off the ground still.

    My setup is by no means sophisticated (projector is pretty cheap also), I just use the crappy projector speaker or Logitech X50…it's in a tiny room.

    I also have a HDMI to USB C cable if I can't use the Android apps already installed.

    https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/190487/87537/20210312_…

    https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/190487/87536/20200428_…

    EDIT: Never mind me, just realised you mean hang it from the ceiling and not project onto the ceiling 😂🤦‍♂️

    • Cheaplikethebird on 12/03/2021 - 19:40

      Do you do this in bed? Because that's kinda awesome.

      • John Kimble on 12/03/2021 - 19:47
        +1

        Yes, it is pretty good, would be better with a better projector and sound system, but can't afford that!

        • Cheaplikethebird on 12/03/2021 - 20:37
          +1

          How’s the neck go? Do you lay like vampire style?

          Lol I have a projector and a sore neck right now.

          • John Kimble on 12/03/2021 - 20:56
            +2

            @Cheaplikethebird: Yes, we have learnt to move it down a tad, so it's centred above our lower body instead of directly above our heads, so that helps I think.

    • ivegan on 12/03/2021 - 23:27

      Indeed it is an awesome idea!!! Better than what I actually asked :)

  • Halo375 on 12/03/2021 - 19:13
    +1

    Must be a dark room during the day otherwise its useless. Get a 75” tv instead and you could use in all environments.

  • This Guy on 12/03/2021 - 21:06
    +2

    Let's think the job though then the parts.

    Is this a rental? Are you willing to patch and repaint any walls that you put holes in or mark?

    What features do you want in the projector? Resolution? HDR types? Built in media box (not recommended)?

    How loud is the chosen projector? Do you need to play your audio at moderate volume to hide the fan noise? Is this an issue for the theater room?

    How big of an image do you want? What type of screen do you want, fixed or roll up (Motorised?)?

    Where do you want to mount the projector? Is there a beam at that location? Will the projector be able to fill the screen at that mounting distance? Will you need to install some kind of interface plate between the stud and projector mount to move the projector's lens further back?

    How will you mount the Projector? Is the projector compatible with the projector mount you have selected?

    How are you getting power to the projector? Are you a licenced electrician?

    What is your audio solution? You will need to split the audio from the video signal to feed the audio solution. How tolerant are you of leading or lagging audio? Can your set up correct this? Can you correct this?

    Where are you placing your audio solution (I'll just call it the receiver from now on, because that is what you realistically need)?

    How are you getting HDMI to the receiver? Are you happy to have your laptop open visible? Or a long, expensive HDMI cable snaking across your living room so you can use you laptop in your seat? Or do you want all cables managed in conduit or wall?

    What type of HDMI cable do you need to accommodate the desired features and the length from the receiver to the projector? Standard HDMI? HDMI 2.1? Active (one way) HDMI? Network cable?

    How are you getting the cable from the receiver to the projector? Loosy goosy? Conduit? Though walls and roof (do you have an ACMA cabler licence?)?

    Where are you putting your speakers? Will the surrounds have enough space behind your couch to be useful? Are you wall mounting, using stands or furniture?

    Are you installing atmos? How will the ceiling channel work (roof installation or reflection)? If roof installation, basically start again for each speaker. If reflection, is there anything above where you want to put the reflection speakers that will reduce the effect?

    How are you getting your cables from the receiver to the speakers? Pressed in the edge of carpet (if available), loosy goosy, conduit or though walls and roof (ACMA cabler licence?)?

    Prep:

    Decide cable routes, hardware positioning and mounting locations.

    Measure screen wall height and length to ensure screen will fit.

    Measure projector mounting distance from screen to ensure projector will have enough distance to fill screen. Remember the lens will generally sit forward of the mount, so if distance is borderline take that into account when selecting projector and mount or don't use full screen.

    Measure complete cable route lengths. Add 20%.

    Parts:

    Select projector, screen, receiver, speakers, mounting systems, mounting hardware (often included with mounting system, but not always), cables, any flush plates, conduit, tape, paint and tools like templates, saw, mallet, bulster, cutters, drill, bits, pliers and crimpers (if you are doing a CAT run).

    You will probably want a new entertainment unit as you are in $4k+ and they are only a few hundred.

    Make sure the receiver supports everything feature you want that your projector supports.

    Make sure your cables are compatible with the tech you selected.

    What you should actually do?

    Put a cheap projector on your coffee table and project it to a white wall. Hook up modest 2.1 computer speakers to the laptop for sound.

    If you must have a proper install, use a professional. Talk to a few AV shops about what you want and get prices. A good installer will often cost less than the retail cost of the Hardware + Cable + Consumables as generally DIY'ers will greatly over buy.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join