new den many light sources

[BMW]

I am remodeling my den which will open to the patio and 3 other rooms.It cannot be a dungeon, as it is a family room. Are there any projectors that are an option, or, do I wait for the next generation of large screen displays, say 70" to 90"? I currently have a Sony 70". Thanks for all input
BMW

[strube]

I am remodeling my den which will open to the patio and 3 other rooms.It cannot be a dungeon, as it is a family room. Are there any projectors that are an option, or, do I wait for the next generation of large screen displays, say 70" to 90"? I currently have a Sony 70". Thanks for all input
BMW

If you can afford 70" or 90" display, I am not entirely sure you would be happy with the display of a $2000 projector. That said, the Epson 6100 has the best brightness in the business, though its performance in other areas may be lacking compared to less-bright projectors.

The screen surface may offset a lower brightness/higher performance projector. I have never seen it in action, but the 1.4 gain Screen Innovations Black Diamond screens claim to perform amazingly in high light situations (even outdoors!!). Also, the smaller your screen (i.e. the closer your projector), the brighter your image will be. The 0.8 gain screen may work too, but I have read that it has some pretty poor viewing angles compared to the 1.4 gain one.

http://www.projectorpeople.com/scree...ference+Series

I would, if the Black Diamond screen performs as they claim, guess that your projector choice would not matter near as much if you had said screen, and you could probably look into the JVS RS10, or for less money and a bit more brightness the Panasonic PT-AE3000U (or soon AE4000U) or the Epson 6500UB (or soon 8500UB). Any of those options with the Black Diamond screen will likely cost (much) less than any upcoming 70+" flat panel display.

I would recommend investing in some good blinds as well, though it sounds like you don't want to darken the room - if the Black Diamond screen performs as advertised, you wouldn't have to....

[jostenmeat]

I am remodeling my den which will open to the patio and 3 other rooms.It cannot be a dungeon, as it is a family room. Are there any projectors that are an option, or, do I wait for the next generation of large screen displays, say 70" to 90"? I currently have a Sony 70". Thanks for all input
BMW

If you have a SERIOUS amount of cash to throw down, and the other side of the screen wall is a closed room, that itself can be painted a dark color inside, you can go baller with RP. I'm sure you can find a glass that is much more affordable, but in the case you are rich and famous, maybe something like the Stewart Starglas 60:

[BMXTRIX]

If the intent is to use the projection system full time without full light control, or at least significant light control, then forget it. Period.

If the goal is to add a really large display (110"+) into the room as an added feature to the 70" display you already own, then there are some definite options out there.

1. Use after dark! Once the sun is down, there is nothing which holds the room back from being a true theater. Perhaps the paint is a bit lighter than it should be, but 110"+ projection can still look great in this environment.

2. ZONE YOUR LIGHTS! - Don't just put up 16 in-ceiling cans and put them on one switch! Instead, turn on the brain and think about the layout of the room and where you need light to be after dark. The place you do NOT want light is near the screen, so make sure every single light near the screen can be 100% eliminated. Then, you want lighting over the seating, preferably the furthest from the screen as possible. Finally, you want controlled lighting. Not a lamp or chandalier, but a honestly directional light with a 30 to 50 degree field of lighting. Ceiling cans with halogen spots can do this nicely. Often more is better than less as you can add a ton of light without dramatically impacting the screen.

3. Get some top shelf blackout blinds. We aren't talking curtains here, but some real aluminum backed, completely opaque blackout shades which are designed to make a bright room dark when wanted. If you have mulitple windows, consider dual blinds which can reduce light at 100% and 50% depending on your choice. You don't have to close all of them if you want some daytime viewing, but you will then have the option.

4. Rear projection (as mentioned) using StarGlas from Stewart has been used in poolhouses to allow people in the pool to see rear projection during the daytime. If you have the environment which allows for it (very rare) it can give you the size and image with very little light control necessary.

Take a look at: http://www.avintegrated.com/lighting.html

5. A really bright projector! - Yes, they are out there. Runco has them (Blech!) as does Digital Projection (YAY!) and they can overcome some significant shortcomings in a room.

6. Set your expectations: The bottom line is that whatever shade of black, grey, or WHITE your screen is, that is the darkest color you can achieve in the room. Our eyes are really amazing at playing tricks of light and dark on them, but a very bright room simply won't allow for anything near a true black to be on screen.

[finishers]

very nicely said BMXTRIX. I don`t think that projector viewing can beat Plasma or lcd tv viewing experience. For Pj u have to make an environment to watch it for Lcd u don`t have to that much. i would prefer Tv or PJ