Daytime Projector Use?

[AndrewLyles]

I just re-arranged my entire apartment to hopefully improve the overall sound of the system in the long run, but am running into a problem with here to put a display, then it hit me...retractable screen front projection system! Why not right? It seems like a perfect excuse to upgrade my 19" CRT to a more modern system...and I don't have to worry about pesky technologies like FED or SED coming along and making me feel as inadequate in my purchasing decisions.

So my question is that in a room with poor light control I have been looking at the new screens that have improved contrast like the "Visage" from Screen Innovations. Does anybody know if there is something like this in a retractable model? Or am I completely hosed?

Thanks!

 

[mtrycrafts]

I just re-arranged my entire apartment to hopefully improve the overall sound of the system in the long run, but am running into a problem with here to put a display, then it hit me...retractable screen front projection system! Why not right? It seems like a perfect excuse to upgrade my 19" CRT to a more modern system...and I don't have to worry about pesky technologies like FED or SED coming along and making me feel as inadequate in my purchasing decisions.

So my question is that in a room with poor light control I have been looking at the new screens that have improved contrast like the "Visage" from Screen Innovations. Does anybody know if there is something like this in a retractable model? Or am I completely hosed?

Thanks!

How big is the room? What size screen would you be considering?
Poor light control is the enemy of projectors. I don't think you will like most of them.

 

[AndrewLyles]

How big is the room? What size screen would you be considering?
Poor light control is the enemy of projectors. I don't think you will like most of them.

Well I'll be sitting about 12 feet from where I am thinking about putting the screen (the room is probably double that in length), I was looking between 72"-84" as those seem pretty standard. As far as the the lighting in the room, yes its an issue, that's why I'm looking at some of the newer screens that help deal with it. I'm hoping that the light control that I have plus the added benefit of the newer screen technology will combine to create a good experience.

At the moment I'm experimenting as well, trying to see what will work best in the situation. I also found the DNP Supernova Flex as an option as well that would require a bit of time to save for though...I am willing to wait and be patient.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I would recommend a 106" screen at a 12' viewing distance - 72-84" is WAY to small (trust me) when you are talking about this type of investment on a screen.

I was specifically giong to recommend the DNP Supernova flex screen as it really is about as good as I have seen. Yes, I have seen this screen in person and was simply astounded at how good it performed. You will want to mount the projector pretty close to the top edge of the screen (max) so you want a projector with about 0% offset, or lens shift. In a brighter room, I would likely recommend something like the AX100U from Panasonic which delivers extra lumens and includes lens shift.

The DNP SF screen may be a bit pricey, but it definitely can give you some serious quality in a room that isn't properly light controlled.

 

[AndrewLyles]

I would recommend a 106" screen at a 12' viewing distance - 72-84" is WAY to small (trust me) when you are talking about this type of investment on a screen.

I was specifically giong to recommend the DNP Supernova flex screen as it really is about as good as I have seen. Yes, I have seen this screen in person and was simply astounded at how good it performed. You will want to mount the projector pretty close to the top edge of the screen (max) so you want a projector with about 0% offset, or lens shift. In a brighter room, I would likely recommend something like the AX100U from Panasonic which delivers extra lumens and includes lens shift.

The DNP SF screen may be a bit pricey, but it definitely can give you some serious quality in a room that isn't properly light controlled.

GREAT! I spoke with a dealer around these parts and they were quoting $6800 for an 84" DNP flex. What kind of conditions did you get to view the screen in? I'm nowdering if I can just do some casual watching during the day when I flip the blinds closed.

Thanks!

 

[BMXTRIX]

I saw it at the booth at CEDIA last year. It wasn't overly bright, but it wasn't 'dim' either. Kind of 'average' indirect light. The display they had allowed you to go up and physically touch the screen. That was the coolest part, was actually getting a bit hands on with things and really examining everything. It is what got me excited about it. Putting your hand up, seeing things appear normal, etc., then putting their screen up in front of the video and watching it really jump to life.

They had the split comparison screen which did a great job, and that one was mobile so I could put it in front of the projected image, move it around, etc. and see that there wasn't something really wacky going on.

The Flex screen also is (somehow) designed in a way that allows for a much higher viewing angle than the fixed hard screen delivers. I asked them about this and they said that they thought the demand for the flex screen would be greater in the home marketplace so they slightly reduced grain, but had a huge boost in viewing angle.

It was incredibly visible how much smoother the viewing angle was on the flex screen - but both images looked incredible considering the ambient light in the room.

Worth the money?

If I couldn't do rear projection from a light controlled room (garage/basement?) then I would seriously consider it if money allowed.

 

[louthewiz]

Have you ever considered a DIY screen , I have seen many DIY screens with great results and very inexpensive to make.

 

[AndrewLyles]

I saw it at the booth at CEDIA last year. It wasn't overly bright, but it wasn't 'dim' either. Kind of 'average' indirect light. The display they had allowed you to go up and physically touch the screen. That was the coolest part, was actually getting a bit hands on with things and really examining everything. It is what got me excited about it. Putting your hand up, seeing things appear normal, etc., then putting their screen up in front of the video and watching it really jump to life.

They had the split comparison screen which did a great job, and that one was mobile so I could put it in front of the projected image, move it around, etc. and see that there wasn't something really wacky going on.

The Flex screen also is (somehow) designed in a way that allows for a much higher viewing angle than the fixed hard screen delivers. I asked them about this and they said that they thought the demand for the flex screen would be greater in the home marketplace so they slightly reduced grain, but had a huge boost in viewing angle.

It was incredibly visible how much smoother the viewing angle was on the flex screen - but both images looked incredible considering the ambient light in the room.

Worth the money?

If I couldn't do rear projection from a light controlled room (garage/basement?) then I would seriously consider it if money allowed.

Thanks BMX, glad to hear it. I'm going to try and see a demo model somewhere in the city I think. The cost of the screen kind of blew me away, but if it allows this to work then I don't mind putting off for a little while to make sure everything is in order.

 

[AndrewLyles]

Have you ever considered a DIY screen , I have seen many DIY screens with great results and very inexpensive to make.

Well honestly no. I just assumed that the same material that allows these screens to work is new enough that it is still proprietary. Have you seen anything to the contrary? In fairness, I don't know the first thing about making a screen so it's not like I've actually looked for materials or anything.