I am looking to buy a HD projector and I just want to check some things out before I buy one.

• What makes are good for HD projection
• What distances are needed for good sized projection
• Is a screen needed for projection
• Are they expensive to maintain

Any thanks will be appreciated

For distance, it all depends on the model. Some products display very well at far distances which results in a better quality and larger picture.

I would say a screen would be nice to have. If you don't have a screen but have a completely white wall (non textured) then I bet you could use it, but a screen would be better.

And for maintenance, all I think there is is changing the filter once in a while and changing the bulb if it goes out. The new bulbs can be expensive.

Depends on model things some lose quality at certain distances.

As far as expensiveness depends on the model

Projector bulbs go from 300 - 700+USD

And depending on usage ussually require replacement ever 1 - 2 years for heavy use and can last up to 5+ year if you use it lightly.

Our projector (Non-HD) is a Toshiba, and we have it maybe 100" from 10' away. Bulbs are about $300 every 2 years.

EDIT: Wait, aren't you a Brit? use some converters

I can convert feet and inches

I only need to project it to about 50" unless I use the 100" wall but that only has about 7 feet of projection

Oh and in my experience, a screen is a must, although if you're cheap you can us blank paper on the wall

Whatever you do really with a projector it's just going to luck cheap, unless you have a smart board in a blacked out room or spend years painstakingly adjusting it perfectly against a solid white background that gets dirty within a week. It just not financially liable either.

Stick with screens. If you want the best of the best then wait for proper sized AMOLED TVs.