I have a client who's Vidikron in on it's last leg. I am looking for a replacement and wanted to hear some thoughts. I have a roughly 32' throw to a 135" diag 2:35 screen (about 120" at 16:9 iirc) SI screen with slate screen material. I haven't talked budget yet but my guess is he is going to want to be in the $15-$20K range at retail plus installation. Would like some feedback what you might recommend at that price point. Biggest issue I am finding is that roughly 3.6:1 throw ratio at that price point.

As you stated, given the long throw and smaller screen options are limited. I'm thinking Digital Projection E-Vision series with an optional lens. If you can move it a few feet something like the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 would work and save a lot of money.

If you have to keep the 32' throw it might make it less expensive and open up options if you go with a significantly bigger screen.

You can probably find some commercial projector options that work at this throw. How critical is the viewing? Resolution?

Unfortunately the distance is fixed as this is a finished theater with the projector in finished cabinetry. he is replacing a Vidikron Model 70 with an anamorphic lens so the reality is that any current projector is going to be a massive upgrade. I was hoping to figure out a solution that would allow for digital 2:35 to 1 so he doesn't have to deal with a lens again. I've looked at some Wolf units but not sure he is going to want to play in that pool again but options will be limited.

This with the long throw lens should work for around $20k. Plus its laser so no bulb changes:
[Link: avprosupply.com]

This projector doesn't look like it offers the wide screen option.

Wolf would be a great option but on the expensive side of the budget.

Assuming you can reuse the anamorphic lens.

Never used E-Visionu before. I'm assuming you have used them a few times?

Many years ago on the only two commercial installations I’ve done. The engineering department was very helpful - gave them parameters/specs and they provided the recommended solutions. Not certain of their current state but thought of them because of the unique throw distance.

When you stated the budget, it became aparent that you have a client who wants a high end solution. In that case, if you have access to something from Christie Digital, the decision should be obvious. They have lens options to meet just about every situation possible. Their tech support is great!