1. A method for reducing distortion in a projected image of images in a projection imaging system, said method comprising displaying a reference image pattern on a viewing screen in a rear projection imaging system by transmitting input video signals corresponding to the reference image pattern to a microdisplay, operating said microdisplay to create a visual image of the reference image pattern and projecting said visual image of the reference image pattern from the microdisplay and through projection optics disposed between the microdisplay and the viewing screen to create a projected image of the reference image pattern visible to a viewer; capturing a shape of the projected image of the reference image pattern on said viewing screen with a camera; determining said shape of the projected image of the reference image pattern on said rear projection imaging system with a microprocessor operably connected to the camera; comparing said projected image of the reference image pattern to the reference image pattern to calculate distortion effects; generating a warping map based on the comparison of the reference image pattern and the captured projected image of the reference image pattern.