Working on setting up a basement family room, and now that I've learned about the Black Diamond and Slate screens, I think it makes sense for me to go with 1 single, fixed screen (vs. additional LCD for daytime viewing). I see great reviews and excitement on the Black Diamond, but for the most part, the reviews on the Slate make it sound like a cheaper version that blocks less light. My question is, is there a situation/application in which the Slate would actually outperform/look better than the Black Diamond or is the Black Diamond always better (but more costly)?
I guess it depends on your viewing habits for whether a Slate would perform better.
I just wanted to say make sure you also check out the Elite Prime Vision DarkStar 1.4. It has less sparkles and a wider viewing cone. Microlite Screens will have some screens at InfoComm in a couple weeks that claim high gain, an extreme wide viewing angle and minimal sparkles. It's like the perfect combo for media/family rooms if it holds up to its claims and could be a serious game changer for projector screens.
You might contact Screen Innovations and get a sample of each screen material too !! It never hurts to see the materials in person, if there is no full sized screen available to view. Also, check the home theater meets section on the forum - might be a screen to see in your area !
Less ambient light rejection also means less compromise hence Slate performs better than Black Diamond in a light controlled environment. Slate has almost zero sparkle and hotspotting, and better viewing angle.
The trade off is less gain than the 1.4 of the BD. So as ambient light is increased, the BD screen becomes the better choice. As ambient light is decreased, the Slate becomes the better choice as long as the projector has enough lumens in reserve to light up the size screen that is wanted, once the lamp dims.
In a dedicated theater room the slate outperforms the black diamond. I've done more than one comparison at my local dealer recently. BD is for living rooms with open windows, 0 light control & white walls. Get a slate & some light control
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