I am very happy with my Benq and would recommend them as a brand to anyone. Mine is a business projector and it performs better than most every projector I have seen. It has the features I need and at the right price point. I am very happy with it.
I understand you are looking for advice and that is what I am giving based on my own experience.
As for room darkening, use
http://www.lnt.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=1331964&cp=1331609. and look for velvet, suede, or room darkening blinds. There are also blackout drapes that go behind the drapes you currently have.
