Dilemma: Good HD Proj. + Goo systems OR Lower-end Proj + nice screen

[BMXTRIX]

BMX,
Did you buy your screen off of E*Bay locally, or did you have it shipped? If the previous owner shipped it, how did they get it to you (all the screens I look at come in this heavy, wood-framed boxes and have to be freight-shipped)?

Yes, I got it off eBay. I actually got three screens off eBay. The 106" grey Ultimate Access V, a 119" 1.3 Access V, and a 161" 1.3 Ultimate Access V. The price for the 106" was the most expensive, by far. Yet, I still have the 161" in my basement. I got them from AVForSale on eBay...
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/AVFORSALE__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Who I believe used to liquidate returned or blemished Draper stock via eBay. I saw a bunch in a short time, then nothing else.

All was shipped via freight in a large truck, in normal Draper cardboard box packaging, and arrived without issue really.

I like BMX's setup of having a flat screen behind the screen (I assume that's for general TV). This would be perfect in my house as no one would want to watch TV on a huge projector. Maybe I could pick up a used non-HD flat-screen (say 42") for around $500 (or less). I'd imagine with HD now all the rage, a non-HD flat screen (or 720) would be pretty inexpensive.

It works for me very well. But, we are using a 60" Pioneer plasma, so our day to day viewing is really nice, and the projection setup really is for special occassion movies.

 

[mnnc]

ae4000 and Vapex fixed 100in or so. Killer setup.

 

[Sherardp]

Start by darkening those walls a tad bit. Any PJ you buy is going to suffer in that room with those light colored wall. But the Epson 8100 or Panny 4000U fit the budget. Carada or Elite screen and your still going to have some money left over.

 

[swalter]

I personally have a Goo Systems screen that I put together and I couldn't be happier. So many positives.
1. Exellent quality. Who wants to spend $ for a HD PJ and not be able to take advantage with a crappy screen. I have several friends with DIY screens, and, not good.
2. Easy to do.
3. Durable
4. Inexpensive. I looked into Goo Systems for months before buying, I would have had to spend @ $1,600 for an equivalent screen.

Everybody that sees this screen comments on it. A few have gone Goo.

Tried to post link of screen, not allowed untill I have 5 posts. I will PM to you if you want.

 

[basspig]

DiY isn't always bad, if you know what you're doing.
I built a 154" AT screen that would have cost upwards of $6,000 if I had bought one factory made. I took over two weeks fully-dedicated to researching the application and made correct decisions that led to a fantastic screen system, with $350 worth of material and a lot of hard work. I'm absolutely satisfied with the results.

 

[just-some-guy]

my DIY looks darn good. its just not big enough, for me.

 

[Sherardp]

Do the Panasonic 4000U with an Elite EZ Fixed frame screen. This should be around your budget easy. Projectorpeople has a good deal on the Elite screens. I have seen them in person and have to say for the price it is a very good performer.

 

[dllb]

DiY isn't always bad, if you know what you're doing.
I built a 154" AT screen that would have cost upwards of $6,000 if I had bought one factory made. I took over two weeks fully-dedicated to researching the application and made correct decisions that led to a fantastic screen system, with $350 worth of material and a lot of hard work. I'm absolutely satisfied with the results.

+1

Actually, DIY can offer you things better, far cheaper, original, and exactly the way you want them... if you have done your homework and work hard enough.

 

[basspig]

Exactly. It's the ability to have what I want, rather than off the shelf fits, that makes DiY so attractive, aside from the savings. If I had to spend $6,000 for a screen, this would never get done and I'd still be watching a 47" TV.

 

[just-some-guy]

i just got a Da-Lite HIGH POWER 2.8 (yes, it IS a 2.8). at the same time, i got samples.
my testing of my diy showed it is a retroreflective 1.5ish. not bad for $40ish.