Hello,

This is probably a stupid question, but I have a question in regards to pulldowns and fixed screens.

I'm assuming that all things being equal that a fixed screen is better than a pulldown correct?

My question is how much better is a fixed screen over a pulldown? Same size, same location, same screen material.

The reason I ask is because I would like to setup a front projector in my basement and am thinking about two locations. One only works with a pulldown so I just wanted to know how much (if any) quality I would be passing up if I went that way instead of a fixed screen.

Thanks!

I honestly can't imagine why a fixed screen would be better, if the screen material was the same.

I have a pulldown greywolf ii and I don't see any waves at all. I can't fathom how a fixed screen would be any different.

They will vary in prices though. Fixed may be significanly more expensive to ship and impossible to fit through some doorways, down stairs, etc. Frames for fixed screens may be more expensive or less expensive than housing for manual pulldowns. Electric screens are probably more expensive in that regard.

But picture quality is probably a non-issue.

Agree with above. The fixed-frame presents a 'cleaner', more finished look in the room compared to a pulldown, but this is purely esthetic. More importantly, a fixed-frame will have no wrinkles, while pulldowns can (depending on the screen material, etc.).

First off, depending on what screen material you are considering, it may not even be available in a pull down model. Many of the higher-end or premium screen materials are only available on a fixed frame unit, or at best, a tab tensioned power screen, which can be quite expensive.

As far as shipping, I may be wrong, but was under the impression that many fixed screens are shipped in unassembled, so there's no premium, in fact, quite possible less cost to ship. In many cases, a heavy pull down model would cost considerably more to ship.

*If* I had the setup to allow for a fixed screen, it would be a no-brainer for me....more choices, no waves, clean tight look. But, my screen is over a front window, so pull downs are all I can deal with. I'm in the process of testing some samples for a tab tensioned white screen tonight.....we shall see how it looks........

CHIA

Thanks for the responses guys.

I'm looking at the Screen Research ClearPix2 screen. I require a pull down due to the Plasma location. They only offer these screens in electric pull down or fixed. I was told one is no better than the other. It also cost over $5 grand. Obviously a fixed is a great way to go. If you have a dedicated fully light controlled HT room. But most mere mortals have to use there house to live in and don't have this. (myself) But in shopping around at hi-end screens I have yet to come across one that only comes in fixed.

It's strange to me that the fixed screen models are so much more expensive than the pulldowns. E.g., with Dalite, it seems to be about a factor of 2 between the Cinema Contour (fixed frame) and the Model C pulldown. It would seem to me that the case and roll mechanism for the pulldown would be more expensive to make than the frame for a fixed frame. ???

I agree. I am considering the Wilson Art laminate that is is being discussed in the DIY forum but it is still $90 for the 5x8 sheet and you still have to frame it. I have seen Model B screens as cheap as $130. I am hoping the laminate is a lot better.

I also find the fixed screen prices to be insane. Maybe that Screen Goo stuff is the way to go.

I went pulldown because my screen is blocking a window. No regrets at all with the pulldown and surely couldn't see paying a premium for a fixed screen.

I've heard of many folks buying a pulldown, ripping the screen material out and building their own frames.