I have someone asking about using a short throw laser projector. The projector would have to slide out in front of the screen because the screen is set forward in front of some cabinets (motorized screen). It's an interesting idea as long as the projector won't jiggle and move around, but where to get a motorized drawer? Was going to call Inca but thought I would ask.

this would be seriously easy todo with a linear actuator!

The only issue is the short throw projectors are seriously susceptible to any type of movement or shift.

I would use 4 heavy duty drawer slides with the actuator attached to one side. I would not use undermount drawer slides as they tend to have a bit of shift. Also you are going to have to watch your distance from the screen to the projector. You have no say so in this as these are fixed.

Goodluck! cool project!

thinking about this I dont know if I would do a drawer. Any chance you could get the top to move out of the way?

How far would it need to move? The fact that the cabinets are behind the screen means the projector is extremely short-throw, which compounds any problems with alignment.

I guess you could google 'motorized drawer', like I did.....

[Link: wwhardware.com]

This might stimulate some brain cells.

If you've got he budget for it, Future Automation or Auton (Activated Designs) can probably come up with a solution.

Auton has done some custom stuff for me in the past...

i think you could absolutely accomplish with high end slides and precision actuator. the goal is repetitive action. I know there are slides that can accomplish this. If you could make the extension of the drawer have a physical stop vs an electronic switch, i think this would eliminate one more obstacle. nonetheless very cool idea and would definitely make a cool project!!

We used an INCA slide and rotate surface to move a 35" tube TV out of a cabinet and rotate it into place. It was precise in its action. It was also something like $3000. I'd do it again, but I also live close enough to INCA to go there and look at the shop and the parts to be used. (INCA, if you're reading this, the idea of painting the walls of a metal shop bright yellow, which highlights the incredible cleanliness of your entire shop, is a genius move!)

I'd be concerned with doing a short throw with a motorized screen. Between the projector likely moving a little and the screen moving all the time I have to think this wouldn't be cool to watch. A tiny amount of movement between the projector and screen will make a huge difference on the image.

Which projector is it? How much does the screen move when the AC is on?

That box is crooked. :)

Does everything seem to have a purple tint after you leave their place?

Check it out! Some brain cells have already been stimulated, without any of us actually having the box!

I was looking at the Samsung unit. For what it's worth I recently spoke with Screen Innovations who says they've tested the LG, Samsung, and Epson short throw lasers projectors and they actually liked the LG the best, which surprised me for some reason.

They also said that using a short throw with a microperf was a no-go unless you have a dedicated room with full ambient light control, which I don't have in this situation.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

I like the idea of sliding the top of the cabinet out instead of the projector itself. Don't know why I didn't think of that! I've already mentioned to customer that any AC drafts would really mess with the picture of the screen moves! Obviously it would be tab tensioned, but yeah little concerned about the corners possibly have image issues with slight movement.

We just finished this for a client. We used a linear actuator from www.automationdirect.com Their tech support is great and the drawer works great as well. Ill be onsite on Friday and can get you a video. Let me know if you want to discuss further

I have a bunch of the LG 85lA’s in the field. They really are nice. Unfortunately most of them are on microperf screens. The one I did with the SI shirt throw screen was even more incredible.

I agree, the jobs where you can control the light the projector is still great on a microperf. I highly recommend the LG!