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For a 100-inch 16:9 screen, plan on about 8.8–11.6 feet (2.68–3.52 m) from the PK52’s lens to the screen, using Optoma Australia’s listed 1.21–1.59 throw ratio. That is screen distance, not the full room depth: you also need room for the projector body and your seating. Optoma does not publish a universal minimum room size or recommended viewing distance.

There is an important conflict in Optoma’s published information: its Photon Series page says the PK52 can create a 100-inch image from less than 25 cm, while its regional specification lists conventional throw and a 1–8 m projection distance. Those claims do not describe the same normal placement geometry. Use the regional optical specification only as a planning estimate, and get clarification from Optoma before committing to a permanent installation.

How far from the screen should the PK52 be?

Optoma Australia lists a throw ratio of 1.21–1.59 for the PK52. For a native 16:9 image, multiply the image width by that ratio to estimate the distance from the front-centre of the lens to the projection surface. The following figures are calculations from Optoma’s ratio, not a manufacturer-published placement chart.

16:9 screen diagonal Approximate image width Estimated lens-to-screen distance
82 inches 71.5 inches 7.2–9.5 feet
100 inches 87.2 inches 8.8–11.6 feet
120 inches 104.6 inches 10.5–13.8 feet

For example, a 100-inch 16:9 projector screen is about 87.2 inches wide. Multiplying that width by 1.21 and 1.59 gives roughly 105–139 inches, or 8.8–11.6 feet, from lens to screen. The estimate assumes a 16:9 image and the published throw-ratio range.

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How much room depth do you need?

Measure usable depth from the PK52’s lens position to the screen surface—not from the back of the projector and not from the seating position. The official Optoma distance calculator uses the front and centre of the lens as its measurement point, describes results as estimates, and advises testing the position before fixing mounting parts.

To assess total room depth, add the projector’s physical footprint behind the lens and the space needed for seating and movement. Optoma’s cited specifications do not set those amounts or give a recommended viewing distance, so the room’s seating layout is a separate decision from the throw calculation.

  • Measure the planned screen diagonal and confirm its aspect ratio is 16:9 if you are using the estimates above.
  • Check whether the available lens-to-screen depth falls within the calculated range for that screen size.
  • Allow for the projector body and your seating arrangement, then test the image at the intended position before fixing a mount.

What the PK52’s published range does—and does not—mean

Optoma Australia lists a 1–8 m projection distance, 1.3x manual zoom, native 16:9 aspect ratio, and a 28–300-inch diagonal screen-size range. The regional page qualifies the screen-size range as mechanism travel and says it is optimized at 82 inches. These are specification limits, not a guarantee that every screen size will work at every distance within the 1–8 m range, nor a recommendation for total room dimensions.

The 1.3x manual zoom permits adjustment within the listed optical range. Keystone correction is also available, but it does not eliminate the need to check physical lens-to-screen distance.

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Why Optoma’s placement claims conflict

Optoma’s Photon Series PK52 page describes the projector as ultra-short-throw and says it can create a 100-inch image less than 25 cm from the projection surface. Optoma Australia’s regional specification instead lists a 1.21–1.59 throw ratio and 1,000–8,000 mm projection distance. The official distance calculator also describes lens-to-screen measurement. The cited pages do not explain the discrepancy or establish whether the under-25-cm text refers to a different configuration or is an error.

Because the claims cannot be reconciled from the published information, do not use the under-25-cm statement to position a 100-inch screen without confirmation from Optoma. Verify the documentation for your actual unit and test its intended position before drilling or permanently installing a mount.

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