My boyfriend is a lot of things: sweet, goofy, caring... but subtle is not one of them. And his preferences in home entertainment are no different. He likes big screens, surround sound and lots and lots of gizmos and gadgets. So when we moved into this place, we decided that the time was perfect to finally go full-out baller and install a motorized screen and projection system.

In the last place we had to projector, but just hung a stationary screen on the wall. Here, we decided that it would be nice to be able to both use the projector and utilize wall space behind it.

Here's what the system consists of:

1.Mitsubishi HD 1000
2. Elite Screens VMax 2 84"
3. Denon 4310 CL

Since we didn't want to be craning our necks to see the screen every time we watched TV, we decided to hang it lower than flush with the ceiling. (Here's where I apologize for my stunning lack of photos! Sorry!) We measured the distance away from both the ceiling and the back wall where we wanted the screen to hang, and screwed in crown bolts (often used for hanging plants) where the ends of the screen would be.

Then we used chain link to extend the length that the screen hung down. The great thing about this choice was that it allowed us to have different lengths for each side. Our apartment, like most pre-war places, has sloping floors. So if we had just screwed the screen into the ceiling it would have been crooked. Then we just used an S Hook to create the juncture between the screen and the chain link. It's important to look at weight limits when choosing all of these components. Make sure that they can hold up the weight of the screen and casing. And be sure to screw only into a stud to support the weight!

The screen in its casing.

And after it's been extended.

Then it's time to install the projector. Simply center the device and play with the aspect ratio and screen size until it fits the screen. This is probably a two person job, as it will need to be held up as someone tinkers with the buttons.


Once both elements are in place, you can sit back and enjoy whatever form of media you want to.