Sony Cineza vpl-hs3 optimization

Folks,

I installed a ceiling mounted sony cineza vpl-hs3. Its great. For this price, I am getting quite a nice projector, especially with HDTV hooked up to the HDMI port. cant wait for the HD DVD to be affordable !!!

I need a few pointers to get better image according to my setup.

First, he lamp is 450 hours...do you believe changing it will ameliorate the viewing ? or is a lamp the same over its lifetime..

The projector is about 15 feet away from wall, on which I project(directely on drywall). the hs3 being short throw, THE SMALLEST SCREEN SIZE ON THE WALL IS 136 inches !!!!!! Therefore flyscreen effect is fairly visible, and since its far, I am wondering if I could remove the short throw lens, and install a normal one, to gain brightness VS the distance. I cannot move the ceiling bracket for the time being.

I also painted my wall swan gray. The colors are supposed to be better, but brightness is down. Painting it white would make it better, but flyscreen effect will worsen. I could always defocus but.....

So what would you guys/gals do to optimize the setup ? lens ? screen color ? change the projector ? let me know

the DVD sends a RGB component feed, and the digital TV uses the HDMI port. I also have a PC sending data on the DB15 adaptor wire..

thanks in advance !
andré