February 18, 2009 by plusbryan
Hey Larry,
$1500 is going to buy you a lot of projector - you could do cheaper. I've not had problems with "distance of projection" limits before, in the four projectors I've owned (all low-end), the main consideration you should have is lumens. Higher the lumens, the more flexibility you have in where you show (i.e. streetlamps will be less of a problem for 2000 lumens or more)
I wouldn't worry about HDTV or 1080p if cost is an issue and you don't need it for your home theatre - outside on a wall, you won't really notice the difference. Just get something bright, and if you can, with a zoom lens (that gives you the most flexibility on how far back to park your truck).
I always watch the show from my own car, so I usually park nose-in, but, it's also fun to sit in the back of a truck - maybe you can put the projector on the roof and park tail-in, and then sit in the back of the truck in the outdoors!
Enjoy!
