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Seeking screen advice

298 views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  Mike Garrett 
#1 · (Edited)
So, I've been lurking here for a LONG time. I finally took advantage of the Projector People Sale of the Sony VPL-HW40ES and have now turned my focus to which screen to get for my application. Here is my situation:


  • Projector is mounted 14' from where screen will be. I cant mount it closer due to a ceiling fan that i have to clear. The projector is ceiling mounted.
  • Seating is 15' from where screen will be.
  • This is in a non-theater room that is semi-light controlled and opens to the kitchen. I have plantation shutters that do a good job of blocking light but there is still some bleed through. I also have 2 dim-able lights within ceiling fans. The way this room and adjoining rooms are set up, it can get decently dark in the afternoon and very dark in the evening.
  • I am OK with a little wash out due to ambient light. I am not OCD about needing pitch black but i want to be able to see the picture if i have a little sun shining through. I was thinking a screen with around 1.0 or 1.1 gain?
  • White ceiling, evergreen colored walls (for now. will be light gray at some point), and beige carpet.
  • I would like for the screen to be between 115" and 120" [16:9 diag]. 120" would be preferred but don't really want to go bigger due to close seating distance.
  • I want it to be a fixed screen.
  • This is my primary source for entertainment. 60% HDTV + 25% Movies + 15% sports (except for football season. I spend all day rotting in front of the TV during football season)
  • Max budget is around $1500. While I am not looking to spend top dollar for a screen, i am also not looking for a walmart special.

If you require any additional information to help with your feedback, let me know and i can add it. Given this information, what screen would you suggest?

I was looking at the Stewart Neve screen but they only produce it in 110" (too small) and 123" (too big).

any assistance you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
 
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#2 ·
The Carada 118" Criterion looks like a strong candidate right now. Based on reviews it looks like a good mix of quality and value. Also the size is exactly what i am looking for.

Is there anything much better than this screen between the $800-$1500 price range?

Also, given then information provided above, would a 1.0 gain screen (CCW) be sufficient? or would i be better off going with a 1.4 gain screen (BW)?

Per the projection calculator, 1.0 gain = 18fL and 1.4 gain = 25fL:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sony-VPL-HW40ES-projection-calculator-pro.htm?add=8174
 
#3 ·
I think the 123 inch Stewart Cima Neve would be a terrific screen for you to get. In fact, at 15 feet, I think you should go bigger if you can, but 123 inches should be fine at 15 feet.
I personally watch a 120 inch screen at 11 feet, and i love it. It's actually starting to feel a little small.
 
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