screen help

[AVRat]

so to check:
same size + closer = bigger size + same distance

correct?

That's correct. Here's a calculator that helps: http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html

 

[jostenmeat]

umm options? where's the "you buy this" recommendation?

Mike, I wish I could, but there's more to it. I'll help you as much as I can with my very limited knowledge base about these things, but I encourage you to be patient. I would say this even if you lived in the US, but the fact that you live so far makes me feel even stronger about that.

Ok, let's see. The BW offers higher gain, but an angular reflective with higher gain may suffer more hotspotting, or less uniformity. But, since Carada seems to have such a good rep, methinks that the downside is not bad. OTOH, are you able to play with projector height? You most likely will get this bit of extra gain when more on-axis, and that paying for the cost and any possible hotspotting would not be worth it if at quite the offaxis angle. I am sort of pulling this out of my butt, or synthesizing among the bits I've learned, but it's something to look into.

So, I guess if you think you don't really care at all for extra brightness, then go with the standard screen. I encourage you to listen to rmk's advice and get as many samples as you can.

so to check:
same size + closer = bigger size + same distance

correct?

Yes and no. The viewing angle might be the same, but the immersion is not exactly. After all, if I put a cell phone 3 inches from my eyes, it's not the same experience, as greatly exaggerated as that is. I once ran into this post, which I thought was rather interesting.

But, ok, the sizes are going to be close enough, that I would just position for best acoustics, and perhaps go from there. If the acoustics are a moot point between the different spots, then yeah, I vote bigger!

http://www.da-lite.com/products/pricing_pdfs/39.pdf

I'm using this.

http://www.da-lite.com/products/product.php?cID=9&pID=231

The extra coupled hundred dollars is worth it for the C model over the B for the better roller mechanism, but when it comes down to it, I forget how limited the B can be in size anyways (not very big IIRC). I added CSR for a bit which is supposed to help in rolling the screen up and down. If you never will roll it, you don't need it. I also custom ordered the mechanism in black for about $50 more. The image is fantastic, phenomenal, but having the projector closer to the axis of the eyes is imperative. Doesn't have to sit on your head, but closer is key. I'm talking about High Power.

 

[Sherardp]

If the Op is in dedicated room then I highly recommend the Carada screen in BW material. I would also suggest the Criterion over the Precision to prevent any light spill. I have the Carada paired with a JVC RS10 and the PQ is excellent. Carada will ship to PI also as they have shipped to me in Japan.

If you're looking for AT dropdown screen then I suggest

http://www.screenexcellence.com/ as they have and are getting pretty solid reviews.

For cheap but quality non AT electric screens then take a look at www.htdepot.com and opt for the focupix screens. All of these vendors should ship to you in the PI. Worth a look.

 

[mike c]

Mike, I wish I could, but there's more to it. I'll help you as much as I can with my very limited knowledge base about these things, but I encourage you to be patient. I would say this even if you lived in the US, but the fact that you live so far makes me feel even stronger about that.

Ok, let's see. The BW offers higher gain, but an angular reflective with higher gain may suffer more hotspotting, or less uniformity. But, since Carada seems to have such a good rep, methinks that the downside is not bad. OTOH, are you able to play with projector height? You most likely will get this bit of extra gain when more on-axis, and that paying for the cost and any possible hotspotting would not be worth it if at quite the offaxis angle. I am sort of pulling this out of my butt, or synthesizing among the bits I've learned, but it's something to look into.

So, I guess if you think you don't really care at all for extra brightness, then go with the standard screen. I encourage you to listen to rmk's advice and get as many samples as you can.



Yes and no. The viewing angle might be the same, but the immersion is not exactly. After all, if I put a cell phone 3 inches from my eyes, it's not the same experience, as greatly exaggerated as that is. I once ran into this post, which I thought was rather interesting.

But, ok, the sizes are going to be close enough, that I would just position for best acoustics, and perhaps go from there. If the acoustics are a moot point between the different spots, then yeah, I vote bigger!



I'm using this.

http://www.da-lite.com/products/product.php?cID=9&pID=231

The extra coupled hundred dollars is worth it for the C model over the B for the better roller mechanism, but when it comes down to it, I forget how limited the B can be in size anyways (not very big IIRC). I added CSR for a bit which is supposed to help in rolling the screen up and down. If you never will roll it, you don't need it. I also custom ordered the mechanism in black for about $50 more. The image is fantastic, phenomenal, but having the projector closer to the axis of the eyes is imperative. Doesn't have to sit on your head, but closer is key. I'm talking about High Power.

If the Op is in dedicated room then I highly recommend the Carada screen in BW material. I would also suggest the Criterion over the Precision to prevent any light spill. I have the Carada paired with a JVC RS10 and the PQ is excellent. Carada will ship to PI also as they have shipped to me in Japan.

If you're looking for AT dropdown screen then I suggest

http://www.screenexcellence.com/ as they have and are getting pretty solid reviews.

For cheap but quality non AT electric screens then take a look at www.htdepot.com and opt for the focupix screens. All of these vendors should ship to you in the PI. Worth a look.

how much did that screen set you back? i have ABSOLUTELY no idea what is what in the screen world ... you could tell me Polk Subs is way better than SVS subs and i wouldn't know better.

which is better da-lite or carada criterion BW? (for the life of me, i don't see fixed frame pricing on the da-lite site)

would going with a 110" screen be a no-no for a 114" eyeball to screen distance?

 

[jostenmeat]

how much did that screen set you back?

Less than 1k, shipped, with CSR added, AND custom ordering the roller casing in black. Now, it doesn't sound cheap, but realize my screen is over 75 sq ft. For a screen that you're looking at, I'm guessing around $300, maybe less, but that's as a manual. When doing fixed, it's the frame that is the most expensive part.

For some quotes, you can call Projector People, or AVS store: Jason Turk at 585-671-2968, or Craig Peer toll free at 877-823-4452 ext 108, or
Direct line at 585-671-2937.

i have ABSOLUTELY no idea what is what in the screen world ... you could tell me Polk Subs is way better than SVS subs and i wouldn't know better.

I'd look at the companies that BMX outlined, however, I have heard some unflattering reviews of Elite screens. Stewart stuff is tops, but it's also $$$$. I think you should start a thread in the Screen subforum at AVS. There are some helpful, knowledegable folks there.

which is better da-lite or carada criterion BW? (for the life of me, i don't see fixed frame pricing on the da-lite site)

Dalite can be ordered pretty much however you want. They can custom build anything, AFAIK, and you won't pay out of the butt for it. Otherwise, Dalite has MANY products, whereas Carada has two different screen materials. They are both known for a quality product, with good value.

However, more research is needed with Dalite, because the number of products. If you're buying a current product, you're good, but if you buy a used screen, a lot more research is needed. They've even changed a formula for the optical coating on a current model just earlier this year, I believe.

would going with a 110" screen be a no-no for a 114" eyeball to screen distance?

That is very immersive at 45.6 deg. I like 42 for my front row. mperfct has an even greater viewing angle than the numbers you threw out, HOWEVER, he has a wider aspect ratio screen.

To hit the "THX rec" of 36 degrees, you'd get an 85". However, due to other issues I've brought up before, I really wonder how pertinent 36 degrees is to today's theaters.

Having seen Up and Terminator this year, 1/3 away from first was significantly more immersive than my own front row, and about 3/4 from the second movie was about identical to my front row (42 deg). Both movies were watched with digital theaters (DLP), as I demand that if I'm paying $10. The regular theaters look horrible, normally.

 

[mike c]

still no: "you should buy this over that"

yeah, i'm not seeing fixed screens on da-lite's page.

i think i'd like to limit it to between da-lite and carada. i already know carada's 100+" criterion is less than 1k shipped within the US.

 

[BMXTRIX]

The Carada frame is better than almost all other manufacturers for a fraction of the cost. Likewise, the material itself is similar, or better than the equivalents from DaLite and Draper.

The big three: Draper, DaLite, Stewart. You already know that Stewart is $$$$ and then some, so it narrows it down to Draper & DaLite which are both very good.

But, what are they good for? Everything really - but they don't offer you quality and value for more standard fare projection screens such as fixed frame. That's where a company like Carada really shines. They don't do 400 screens. They do fixed frame screens, and they do them right.

If your space calls for one of the materials available from Carada, then that's the way I always recommend that people go. I've seen Carada, DaLite, Draper, and Stewart, and there is suprisingly little difference between them, and suprisingly LARGE price difference between them.

Go inexpensive - don't go cheap.

 

[lsiberian]

how much did that screen set you back? i have ABSOLUTELY no idea what is what in the screen world ... you could tell me Polk Subs is way better than SVS subs and i wouldn't know better.

which is better da-lite or carada criterion BW? (for the life of me, i don't see fixed frame pricing on the da-lite site)

would going with a 110" screen be a no-no for a 114" eyeball to screen distance?

Another option is to build your own screen. Fixed frame are very easy to make. Blackout cloth is used for a lot of nice projects too.