Can I ask some some dumb questions, the idea of one of these projectors is worming it’s way into my brain. UST would be only way I could ever have a projector and the only way I could go above 55inch screen size!
Is this projector really a replacement for a TV in a living room? I mean from a practical perspective, can it really cope with lamps being on during the evening or normal daylight during the day. My living room gets no direct sunlight and is quite shaded. I drawn the curtains when watching movies, but it’s far from dark (I could add some black out lining to the curtains but there would still be significant light bleed due to the type of curtains)
I’d be looking at a fixed wall mounted screen, which doesn’t need to be acoustically transparent. What sort of screen would I need - have no experience with screens so use laymen’s terms please.
You will need an ALR screen (ambient light rejecting) like a Draper React for acceptable day-time performance. Having a very dim lamp on with an ALR screen is fine in my experience.
What size image are you trying to project? If its under <85 inches, you will definitely be better off getting a TV.
How big is the room? Why must you go short throw as opposed to a normal projector (superior placement options and better ALR screen options as some ALR's don't work with short throw)?
Your question is loaded with a lot of mis-directions and decisions not made.
For a projector you need to answer the following specifics:
1. Have room dimensions and calculate throw distances
2. Decide what size image you're trying to accomdate
3. Have the best possible light control (blinds)
4. Reduce ambient light in the room (white walls reflect light)
5. Decide on what screen you're going to use.
6. Use light fittings/lamps which doesn't directly expose the bulb
7. Have sound sorted. What is the sound situation? Ideally for a projector IMO you need a 5.1 setup for that cinematic sound to pair with a big image.
8. Have a budget which accomdates projector, wiring, screen, projector mount and sound
Also it would be helpful if you tell us the type of content you watch. For example, if you watch films with black bars, I'd say definitely go with a projector because the bigger the image, the better as the black bars take up a lot of screen real estate.
A projector, in the right conditions with the right screen, can replace a TV IMO but you have to accept a sacrifice to image quality (specifically black levels during the day). If you're projecting the right size image (85+ inches), its very easily palatable as it offers a far more immersive cinematic exerience; especially if you have a good sound system. A 65'' TV with my 5.1.2 just sounds strange ... mis matched compare to when I use it with a PJ.