How can I achieve a larger image over a smaller space?

[FfWeapon]

I have the Optoma H31 projector. My problem is especially when I use my PlayStation 2 with it. Most games don't have Progressive Scan and even less have widescreen and the image doesn't look very good, especially the black levels. I can't afford a scaler right now and when it comes to gaming they are not very suitable do to the slight delay.

Anyway, back to my problem, the image cannot fill my screen. Even the widescreen games don't fill the screen, while my DVD Player and Xbox fill the screen completly. I don't know why. The lens is zoomed at max and when I use digital zoom to fill the screen pieces are cut from the top and bottom. When the screen is not filled, at least to the point a 4:3 image can fill a 16:9 screen the black levels look even worse, it's a matter of perception since the wall around the screen is black.

So, other that getting a smaller screen is there any way I can enlarge the image without having to cut any part of it? Keep in mind that I cannot afford anything very expensive.

[hornydragon]

move the PJ closer to the screen?

[FfWeapon]

Umm.....Wouldn't that make the image smaller?

[Kalos Geros]

Originally Posted by FfWeapon

Umm.....Wouldn't that make the image smaller?

Yes, you should move it away...but avoid and digital zooming or such...the width of your 16:9 image should fit left-to right on your screen and 4:3 image should be displayed with black bars left and right, while filling the PJ window top-tp-bottom...or use one of those modes that stretch 4:3 to 16:9 without exaggerated aspect distortion....

[FfWeapon]

You see, that's the problem, I can't move it further away, I don't have more space. And even in 16:9 mode from my PlayStation 2 the image still can't fill the screen, which is weird since this only happens with the PlayStation 2.

[fallwood]

Originally Posted by FfWeapon

You see, that's the problem, I can't move it further away, I don't have more space. And even in 16:9 mode from my PlayStation 2 the image still can't fill the screen, which is weird since this only happens with the PlayStation 2.

My xbox and gamecube do the same, lose about 3 inches down each side . Just one of those things you'll have to put up with .

[hornydragon]

moving it closer will make it smaller (but also brighter) and allow you to fill a smaller screen (perhaps i should have added that bit to tthe post)
most consoles "underscan" to cope with overscan on CRT sets so no game image is lost a CRT no help for digital display owners tho

[Lizard]

I mean no offense by this, but have you checked that you have selected widescreen in the PS2 setup menu?

[FfWeapon]

Yeah, widescreen is checked, but unlike Xbox I don't think it makes a difference in games.

[Kalos Geros]

Well you need to buy a shorter throw projector or an additional lens...if you use the digital and not optical zoom you are just zooming inside the PJ's frame because that frame is what the PJ is physically projecting (it's the physical boundaries of it's LCD/DLP panel) so it is logical you cannot zoom beyond them...so, additional lens or a new PJ...or try breaking down your wall...lol

[hornydragon]

OR sit closer (which i think is what i meant to say originally.....) bad day dont ask.............

[Kalos Geros]

Originally Posted by hornydragon

OR sit closer (which i think is what i meant to say originally.....) bad day dont ask.............

OK, I was a bit lost too as I'm actually not exactly sure what the problem is, I can only understand so far that the projected picture is too small for the screen but only with Playstation or something...

FfWeapon, a picture is worth a thousand words, they say so let's see some pictures of the problem, this forum has some really nice built-in tools for just that purpose...