Concealing a projector

[mabell]

Wasnt sure if this was the right forum but I think it is so here goes.

I have a room of approx 5 x 4 meters, and would like a permanent set up for my projector i.e. ceiling mounted. However, as this is the main living room, I cannot think of an easy way to conceal the projector. Its a Sanyo Z3 and needs to be mounted in the centre part of the ceiling (more or less).

I thought about housing it in a wooden box and then painting it the same colour but thought this would cause overheating issues.

Ive noticed that on most installations people are not so fussed about concealing the projector because they are in dedicated cinema rooms (and not the main living room). The other issue is that im in rented accomodation so anything I do must be put right before I leave.

My initial thoughts are that im destined for a plasma, but if anyone has other suggestions that would be great

[ched]

If you are in rented accommodation I think you are a bit snookered. Most contracts I have seen say you need written permission to make any holes in walls or ceilings, so be very careful, lots of unscrupulous landlords and rental agencies who would just love any little excuse to hold back your deposit.

Anyway back to question, I would say that you only really have 2 choices:
1. Just accept the head height issue and build a box to match ceiling. But make sure you have adequate ventilation for the projector or it will die/cause a fire.

2. Don't go for a permanent installation for the Z4 just use it on a coffee table.

[AV Nik]

Is there a particular reason for concealing the pj?
If it's the 'out of sight, out of mind' scenerio,
If you can re-plaster the ceiling, you could concider a ceiling lift. If this is way out and not an option, would you concider removing the pj from a ceiling mount each time you have used it?
Some ceiling mounts have either a quick turn and lock or a quick release pin which splits the mount in two. you could then hide the pj?

[Liam @ Prog AV]

You could conceal it in/under a coffee table if your room layout suits.

[mabell]

Well thanks for the replies, ive given it some thought and sold my projector and will be buying a plasma. In all honesty im disappointed BUT projectors are something I will definitely go back to when im in a position to make the most out of it.

Back to the plasma research!