Acoustically Transparent Screen Any Good?

[TXBui]

My installer put in 3 rectangular in-wall brackets for front speakers behind the screen. He spec'd for me an "acoustically transparent" 109-in screen. My question is if the sound comes out from the back of screen, won't the audio causes vibration to the screen where it will be totally annoying to the video? I need some one with these transparent screen experience to help me with this before I can go further. Thx.

 

[majorloser]

No, you won't have problems with the screen vibrating the image. The screen materials are stretched on the frames VERY tightly.

But there is one significant trade-off with acoustically transparent screens. You will lose a good portion of projector light since the screen has hole in it. A fairly large amount of light will project right through the screen to the rear wall. This is why the rear wall needs to be painted black or dark colors. Also, the projector needs to be mounted as close to the screen as possible or use a projector with high lumens. This will help make up for the losses.

Here's an example:
http://www.stewartfilmscreen.com/microperfx2.html
http://www.stewartfilmscreen.com/sndq.htm

 

[Rob Babcock]

I think you could go with an SMX screen and get sonic transparency and a superior picture. I don't recall the cost off the top of my head but the performance is impressive.

 

[mtrycrafts]

My installer put in 3 rectangular in-wall brackets for front speakers behind the screen. He spec'd for me an "accustically transparent" 109-in screen. My question is if the sound comes out from the back of screen, won't the audio causes vibration to the screen where it will be totally annoying to the video? I need some one with these transparent screen experience to help me with this before I can go further. Thx.

I doubt the screens are really transparent in a sense that frequency intensity will not suffer at some frequencies. So, the center may need re-EQing if that is in the receiver capability.

 

[TXBui]

Let me check on the price of these acus. transp. screens. I hope they aren't too excessive over the standard screens. Thanks for the lead on Stewartscreens and SMX brands. Are there others you suggest I should look at also?

When the the screen arrives, is it unrolled and stretched on site by the installer? Does the installer make a frame on site and mount it on, or is this part of the screen delivery? What should I watch out for to get a superflat surface without waves or installation defects? Wonder if I can find installation process on Youtube...

 

[Johnd]

Let me check on the price of these acus. transp. screens. I hope they aren't too excessive over the standard screens. Thanks for the lead on Stewartscreens and SMX brands. Are there others you suggest I should look at also?

When the the screen arrives, is it unrolled and stretched on site by the installer? Does the installer make a frame on site and mount it on, or is this part of the screen delivery? What should I watch out for to get a superflat surface without waves or installation defects? Wonder if I can find installation process on Youtube...

Most screens come with the frame for installation on the ceiling or the wall TXBui. Reference the specific model to know exactly what you're getting.

 

[KevInCinci]

How the screen comes depends on the manufacturer, but most will send it to you (assuming it's a fixed frame, not a roll-up) with the screen rolled and the frame in a few pieces. You (or your assembler) assemble the frame, unroll the screen, and attach the two together. Mine (Da-Lite) uses a bunch of snaps that worked really well for that. The screen is very smooth and tight. The only thing I really watched out for to get a smooth screen was not to let the screen get bent or folded during unpacking ans assembly, as that could cause permanent creases in it. The whole process was pretty much a no-brainer, with the frame pieces going together only one way (and a few screws to fix them together), the snaps were already installed on both frame & screen, and a mounting bracket that attached to the frame with a few more (included) screws. The hardest part for me was getting the on-wall positioning exactly right, since my projector doesn't have a lot of offset, but that shouldn't be any difficulty for a professional installer.

Cheers,

Kevin

 

[Audioholics]

As a side note:don't forget that everyone has heard a perf screen at some point. Just about every movie theater uses them. I personally think it's the best way to go if you have the room for it.

 

[TXBui]

Not sure why I am struggling, but I can't seem to find any acoustically transparent screens for sale. I looked under Microperf X2, SMX, and all I get are articles about them, but no pricing. Does anyone know what model numbers the mfg uses for these screens (or a link to a seller)? Thx.

 

[rolyasm]

Be prepared to pay at least 50% more for a sound screen. For instance. The Vutec 92" white matte screen is $790 retail. The same sized soundscreen is about $1345. The way the imaging works with is very cool. No chance of the sound from the center sounding like it is below the screen. It is the way all movie theaters do it. The other side of the coin is that you are compromising both video and audio, to some extent. No sound screen is 100% transparent, nor it is as perfect for video. If you get to close to the sound screen, there is a good change you will see the weave or holes. That said, I really like them. I just find myself happier if I am at least 10 feet away. For a 109" I suspect you will be paying close to $1900, depending on the maker.
Roly

 

[majorloser]

Not sure why I am struggling, but I can't seem to find any acoustically transparent screens for sale. I looked under Microperf X2, SMX, and all I get are articles about them, but no pricing. Does anyone know what model numbers the mfg uses for these screens (or a link to a seller)? Thx.

Microperf is manufactured by Stewart Filmscreen. You'll need to contact your local rep to find a dealer in your area.
http://www.stewartfilmscreen.com/con_reps.html

First you pick the frame model. I personally use the Luxus Deluxe Fixed Screenwall:
http://www.stewartfilmscreen.com/sndq.htm

Then you pick the material of the screen:
http://www.stewartfilmscreen.com/FrontProjection.html

Then you specify that you want that material in Microperf X2:
http://www.stewartfilmscreen.com/microperfx2.html

BE FOREWARNED! Stewart is not a cheap screen. They only sell through authorized dealers.

 

[mperfct]

if you go the DIY route, you can use seymourav.com. That's who I plan on using and they are very inexpensive. For $300-400 you can have pretty much any screen you want. It is 99.9% the same material as SMX, and lots of people rave about SMX. Plus Chris, the owner, knows his audio stuff.

AT screens are the way to go, IMHO.