My job is pretty cool.  I get to work with new gear, I get to help you find solutions, and I usually get paid to do it, so thank you! 

For the past couple years, I've been waiting for a wide-format projector for small venues - one that's affordable.  As you know, television is wide format, computers are wide format, but many projectors are standard 4:3, and there's still a good reason to stay there, instead of changing out your switcher and your screens.  However if you're just starting out, here's at least one very compelling option for a new wide-format projector. 

The Sanyo PLC-WK2500 is Sanyo's newest ultraportable wide-format projector.  At 2500 ANSI lumens and with a 3000:1 contrast ratio, you'll find it to be extraordinarily effective for screen sizes of about 5x8' and smaller, with lights on.  The PLC-WK2500 features WXGA (1280x800) resolution.  That's a 16:10 wide format image.  DVD and video is typically 16:9, so that content will display at full width. 

Last July, we featured an article entitled "Go Widescreen" and it explains some of the visual benefits to wide-format projection.  At the time, I'll bet that we didn't have a wide-format machine under $1200 or so, but this one is under $800 and it works really well.  The PLC-WK2500 doesn't have a wireless network interface, but it has great video performance for smaller auditoriums, boardrooms and classrooms.  Chief makes a mounting kit for it, so getting it up in the air is a breeze, and it uses standard analog video interfaces via VGA, component, composite or s-video.  Some of those require an adapter cable.  

I almost forgot, if you are in a boardroom or small classroom, you might not need a PA system.  The WK2500 has a microphone input and a 10W amplifier with speaker.  That's just a bonus.   

All in all, if you're looking for a wide-format projector at a reasonable price, you've found it.  Sanyo PLC-WK2500  $795.95.