Any experienced Projector users?

Thanks for the continued tips, I appreciate them!

Thanks for the tips!
Do LCD projector's in the budget arena offer easier placement with lense shift and zoom?, thats what I see when I look.
The room will be in basement so light isnt an issue but I would like to be able to use some lamps for ambient light for casual sprts and daytime events so I dont want a super dim dark-only unit.
Another concern is that the ceiling is low so the unit if mounted on ceiling would be around 6ft which I could pace aboive my sweet spot which will be about 12-13 ft from screen,otherwise on a table a few feet in front of me would be next ideal position, I am going to run 80in screen due to ceiling height and placement of center channel under screen. Thanks guys!

Thanks Dave, the Sanyo is on my short list and I have it saved in my favorites but what is the farthest distance you can throw the image for an 80 in screen without a major drop in performance? thanks

I would like to just get a rear Pro unit but there is a Fireplace on that wall I dont wish to conceal, plus the major point is audio and the soundstage which a rear projector no matter how slim will be a sonic compromise I want to avoid. With a simple screen either manual or power I can quickly close it up and let the music play to its best potential, thanks for all the thoughts and keep bringing them on!

The beam is a real distraction if in front of you?

I never would have thought about that.....everytime I think I am getting somewhere I get hit with more confusion :)
With the Sanyo should I be able to expect to be able to throw it from behind me if I am at around 13 ft from screen or will I be more limited to projecting from front?

Thanks Richard, while the Sanyo was a top contender it might be the unit I have to find a reason NOT to purchase at this point, everyones ideas were appreciated!

How big of a step up is the Sanyo PLV25 over the Optima HD-70? These 2 units plus the Panasonic PT AX1000 are my 3 top choices, I would like to be able to have some light fom time to time in room, it can be easily totally dark but for parties and casual veiwing, a bit of direct reading light and some low watt ambient would be great.
Also with any or all these options can I expect good if not passable results with a somewhat budget pull-down screen........around $300 for screen? Thanks again, doing research is great on many websites but having the chance to talk to members here makes me a bit more comfortable.

As I said I have been Projectorcentral, AVSforum, Audioholics and learned a ton of info but talking to real world owners makes me more comfortable, especially folks on this website.