Acoustically Transparent Screen Options?

[tomd51]

For some reason, I failed to look at your equipment/sig. Excuse me if my understanding fades atm, I am a bit under the weather, but maybe . . . you can do an amalgam of this thread's results?

Your idea of modding/cutting, Isiberian's idea of center underneath angled, my idea of AT fabric covering.

No need for AT anymore.

Sorry if there was something I missed. I'm logging off for now, good luck, and good night.

You didn't miss anything, I think you've pretty much summed up what I'm going to look into. Fortunately, I don't think I'll need additional fabric as if I can pull off the mod, the center will be masked by the bottom curtain in my setup. And if it's possible, I'll definitely update things.

Stay tuned... -TD

 

[lsiberian]

While I see where lsiberian is going and I agree to some extent, there are several reasons for keeping a properly working RPTV.

For standard viewing by myself along with the missus and other guests (family, kids, etc.), such as TV shows, short-term viewing (less than an hour), listening to music from my AppleTV both casually and when working out, the RPTV is a far better option than firing up the projector for short periods and for viewing that is less critical. Being a 61" screen, it's not like slumming, it's just a bit smaller than I would prefer for movie and concert viewing. These reasons, coupled with the decrease in value of a CRT rear projection screen TV making it difficult to sell for any decent return. While it's only 1080i capable, it still displays great PQ, black levels and superb detail, particularly using Blu-ray, but trying to sell outdated technology, whether it's much better performance for price than current technology, is difficult to say the least.

As for josten's suggestion, I'd considered an additional main for a center at one point and it may still be a possibility, but I'm not completely sure. My current setup has theater curtains above, below and to the sides of the RPTV. While the side curtains slide open w/out a problem, the height of the top and bottom curtains have been tailored for the size of the RPTV (see attached crappy screen shot). When I used just the projector and not the TV when it was being repaired, I was able to shorten the top curtain. Unfortunately, the bottom curtain is only so long (approx. 28") and I believe a main as a center, whether it was identical to my current mains or a step down would be at least 34" in height.

As for a manual screen, I assume it would have to be a pull-up, as the center is mounted on top of the TV. A pull-down would cover the center in its current location and unfortunately, due to the TVs base, I can't place the center below the screen of the TV.

If I were starting from scratch, I still think I would still want a TV of some sort in the theater room, there's several reasons for it, likely the most important would be insuring the longevity of the life of the PJ. In this case though, it's being a bit of headache... -TD

ps josten
Where's the cake? Me likey cake...

With this setup I bet you could have a fixed frame screen that can be moved into place. Hehe I'm crazy I know. But I am also going to toss out the new DLP tv idea. They are very cheap and it might give you a big enough picture.


But I suggest you just go with josten's screen/setup. an AT screen is way too much money IMO. A change to speakers with Coaxial drivers would probably be cheaper and easier to pull off. Then you wouldn't have this need for an AT screen. Just a wild thought.

 

[tomd51]

I was using a fixed frame at one point, however that's when I was having some repair done for the TV and had moved it from this location. I'd considered the possibility of throwing up a hanging fixed frame whenever I wanted to use the projector, but storing a 96" screen just takes up too much space.

If I didn't already have a perfectly working RPTV, I'd definitely consider a slightly smaller replacement for standard viewing while using the PJ for movies and sports, this would allow me to come up w/an easy solution. Unfortunately like Erin mentioned, budget is almost always king, so finding best balance of performance, budget and usability is difficult.

I'm afraid my quest for an affordable, quality AT screen is a pipe dream, but I thought I'd test the waters all the same. And as for changing out my speakers, that ain't happenin' any time soon. Does the phrase "You can have 'em if you can pry 'em from my cold, dead hands" ring a bell?

I've always been an 'audio first, video second' kinda guy. I'm just really happy with my mains and all my other acoustics, wouldn't change much at all from that aspect if I can help it... -TD

 

[lsiberian]

I was using a fixed frame at one point, however that's when I was having some repair done for the TV and had moved it from this location. I'd considered the possibility of throwing up a hanging fixed frame whenever I wanted to use the projector, but storing a 96" screen just takes up too much space.

If I didn't already have a perfectly working RPTV, I'd definitely consider a slightly smaller replacement for standard viewing while using the PJ for movies and sports, this would allow me to come up w/an easy solution. Unfortunately like Erin mentioned, budget is almost always king, so finding best balance of performance, budget and usability is difficult.

I'm afraid my quest for an affordable, quality AT screen is a pipe dream, but I thought I'd test the waters all the same. And as for changing out my speakers, that ain't happenin' any time soon. Does the phrase "You can have 'em if you can pry 'em from my cold, dead hands" ring a bell?

I've always been an 'audio first, video second' kinda guy. I'm just really happy with my mains and all my other acoustics, wouldn't change much at all from that aspect if I can help it... -TD

Yeah it is a pipe dream, but those are the most fun jk

I think life is full of compromises. You just have to make it work in your budget. But hey it could be worse. In this economy some folks have to pinch pennies for the next meal.

 

[tomd51]

I fully agree, almost half of the equipment I own is either pre-owned or refurb'ed, so getting the best performance for the best value has always been my creed with this hobby.

I definitely consider myself fortunate and things could certainly be worse. I'm grateful for what I have and enjoy it whenever I can... -TD

 

[jostenmeat]

I post on SEVERAL forums. This is the only one that has a thanks button, and on those forums respect is common knowledge so we rarely say thanks. I know I never expect it unless I've gone completely out of my way, and as you've implied in the bolded above, I have thanked you from time to time, so I'm not blatantly ignoring you.

I appreciate your help. I appreciate anyone’s help. I don’t use the thanks button because I truly never even realize it’s there. I’ll try to remember we have one here.

Well, actually, I was being generous with "sometimes". I think once, after many persons, like double digit chimed in, you did say, "thanks guys". I am not sure that you have once ever individually thanked me. Whatevs. Make it a habit I say. No one gets paid here. Cheers, and when I can see comfortably through my puffy sick eyes, I'm going to read your new thread.

I fully agree, almost half of the equipment I own is either pre-owned or refurb'ed, so getting the best performance for the best value has always been my creed with this hobby.

I definitely consider myself fortunate and things could certainly be worse. I'm grateful for what I have and enjoy it whenever I can... -TD

Ditto. My PJ was open box, my 7 HT speakers were bought as blemished, my stereo speakers as demo, receiver and mch amp as refurbed, integrated as superceded, 10 acoustic panels as used . . .