K

krisclifton

Audiophyte
This is my first post. I saw on ebay the other day custom fixed frame screens for sale. Any size you want up to 120 inches. They are basically wood framed with velvet wrap around the frame much like other fixed frame screens. I dont know much about what kind of material he uses for the screens though. Turns out he lives around hour from my house. I emailed him and he said I was more than welcome to see the work firsthand in his shop and his personal 120 inch screen in his home. Looks like he has nothing to hide. Bottom line is that I can get a 120 inch screen assembled for $200. I can obviously pick it up from him and assemble myself or let him assemble and try and figure out a way to get a 9ft long screen home. He said no shipping or assembly charges would apply. My question is, if I go look at his products, what should I be looking for as far as quality and craftmanship? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
BMXTRIX

BMXTRIX

Audioholic Warlord
You really just want to see if it's a quality product. One of the biggest advantages to commercially available fixed frame screens is that the screen itself isn't actually 'fixed'. If there is frame damage, you can get a new framing member. Or if the screen is damaged (more likely) then you can get new screen material.

In this case, you lose that flexibility, but gain what may be a well made screen at a very reasonable price.

I have made one screen myself for a client. Very similar to what you are describing. It was a bit over $100 for the wood, blackout cloth, velvet, and hanging hardware that was necessary to put it together, then it took me many hours to get it all right.

Some of the big factors: On a wood frame, it must be braced along the diagonals to prevent it from getting out of square and it must be braced in the middle (top to bottom) to prevent the screen from sagging (pulling the wood together).

At $200 it is in the 'throwaway' price range. It will likely perform better and last longer than a $200 manual screen that retracts into the case because it won't likely get waves in the fabric. But, it may have other issues as listed above, and it may not be the best screen surface material out there - most likely it is just a blackout cloth material that is available from most fabric stores.

You want to check the quality of the cloth in use to make sure it is nice and thick - and an even consistency.

If it is blackout cloth, it will be about a 1.0 screen gain - fairly neutral - and should be a strong white color.

Would I recommend it?

If you have $200 and you can't get into the Carada screens at this time, then YES - it may be one of the best options available to you and a good deal.
 
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