Curved or not? High End or not?

Originally Posted by BobL

Is the screen going to be acoustically transparent? If so Stewart is the only choice of the three you mentioned for that purpose. Screen Excellence 4K material would be another to consider if it is AT. Da-lite and Elite just aren't in the same league for this.

2.35 curved vs. 2.35 masked is a tough choice. I'd go 2.35 curved because I am a movie buff but if I watched a lot of TV or 16:9 sources the masking might be preferred.

2.35 is beneficial because it reflects more light towards the audience for angular reflective screens. Stewart would be my first choice because of their engineering. If you tell them the projector, lens, throw distance, and seating they will calculate what the best curve will be for your set up. They don't just use a standard curve, it is custom and costs more.

Da-lite would be a close second and will do custom as well, Elite is a distant third. I wouldn't consider Elite but between Da-lite and Stewart it would partly depend on the screen material you choose for your viewing conditions. Between the Da-lite progressive fabrics and the studiotech fabrics it is a tough choice. The studiotech 100 being best but you really need the true bat cave to appreciate it. Between the Studiotech 130 and Da-lite progressive that is a tougher choice. The other fabrics like the active 170, 5D, HP, HCHP, etc. the conditions will determine which is best.

Good screens make a difference in picture quality but make sure you get the right screen for your viewing conditions and preferences. With a good screen you will see more detail as the lesser screens distort the pixels more. You also get better screen uniformity with better screens. The difference between the center and the sides will be more evenly illuminated. If you view them side by side it is noticeable. It is tougher to tell with small screen samples.

Originally Posted by BobL

You'll make a much bigger compromise in audio without an AT screen. The compromise with video is barely noticeable if at all depending on your seating distances and screen sizes. If you change your mind look at the one I suggested, I think you'll find it nicer than the SMX. It also has the removeable panels for masking.

Which Da-lite? Most of their masking is black. It is just not as black as the velour covering the main frame, its a slightly different material.

Originally Posted by BobL

SMX is smaller because it is a woven material. Stewart's microperf is a vinyl based screen which they put holes in. Apples/ oranges comparison and each has their advantages. Acoustically they are both good but the wovens tend to be a little better. The microperfs are better because there is a variety of screen materials available to match your viewing conditions. So you pick the material you need and get it microperfed.

Placement of speakers needs to be considered as well. Microperf works better if the speakers are 8" or more behind the screen. Woven screens the speakers can be placed closer to the screen. Yes the angle to the holes in a microperf can help acoustically but this is a minor thing and can be fixed with EQ.

How close you sit is also important because the texture of many weaves and the holes in the microperf might be visible at 9'. If you are sitting 9' away and need to place the speakers close to the back of the screen I'd look at Screen Excellence enlightor 4K. Get a sample of the AT screens (they are free) you are considering and you'll see the difference and why I suggest that screen for your situation.

If you decide to go with a non-AT screen I'd place all your speakers above your screen angled toward the listening area. This will give you the best coverage for both rows. The second row needs direct line of sight to the speakers for good sound, placing the most important center below the screen will block that direct sound to the second row. If your speakers are placed more than 12" apart vertically you will hear the difference easily between your center and left/right speakers. You want a seemless soundstage across the front speakers.

Originally Posted by AV Science Sales 5

The weave on the Enlightor 4K is very fine. If somebody did not tell you the screen was an AT screen, you would think it was just a solid white unity gain screen. I love mine. If we can help you, give us a call.

Originally Posted by BobL

SMX is smaller because it is a woven material. Stewart's microperf is a vinyl based screen which they put holes in. Apples/ oranges comparison and each has their advantages. Acoustically they are both good but the wovens tend to be a little better. The microperfs are better because there is a variety of screen materials available to match your viewing conditions. So you pick the material you need and get it microperfed.

Placement of speakers needs to be considered as well. Microperf works better if the speakers are 8" or more behind the screen. Woven screens the speakers can be placed closer to the screen. Yes the angle to the holes in a microperf can help acoustically but this is a minor thing and can be fixed with EQ.

How close you sit is also important because the texture of many weaves and the holes in the microperf might be visible at 9'. If you are sitting 9' away and need to place the speakers close to the back of the screen I'd look at Screen Excellence enlightor 4K. Get a sample of the AT screens (they are free) you are considering and you'll see the difference and why I suggest that screen for your situation.

If you decide to go with a non-AT screen I'd place all your speakers above your screen angled toward the listening area. This will give you the best coverage for both rows. The second row needs direct line of sight to the speakers for good sound, placing the most important center below the screen will block that direct sound to the second row. If your speakers are placed more than 12" apart vertically you will hear the difference easily between your center and left/right speakers. You want a seemless soundstage across the front speakers.