Quote:
Originally Posted by takeuptime /t/1528551/diy-screen-upgade-time#post_24639194
Thanks MM. I have a couple questions for you while I still have you on the hook.
Are you able to quantify the improved brightness resulting from increasing the gain of a screen. Let's say my BOC is currently 0.85 gain as you mentioned and the new FlexiWhite screen will be 1.1 gain. Can I assume the image on my new screen will be 30% brighter due to the 30% increase in gain?
Yes ....within a +/- of 10% of the stated value, and dependent upon other varied conditions and circumstances. It will be a very noticeable difference.
Quote:
How does the stretch and tension on a frame of the FlexiWhite compare to BOC? In general, assuming my frame is currently sturdy enough for BOC, will I need to add additional support for the FlexiWhite? I currently have a rectangle frame with two additional vertical supports. Can i get away with one?
The Flexi-White requires less than 1/2 the tension of either BOC or ProWhite
Quote:
From researching the FlexiWhite and ProWhite materials on Carl's website, the only practical difference I could find was the firmer nature of the ProWhite vs. the stretchability of the FlexiWhite. My thought with the ProWhite, assuming it offers the same gain as the FlexiWhite, was the firmness of the material would allow me to substantially simplify my frame. I thought I might be able to get away with screwing a 1x4 to my screen wall representing each the top and bottom of the screen. Then using something like industrial Velcro, I could attach the top and bottom of the screen to those 1x4's. As the ProWhite does not require tension, the Velcro and 1x4's would act as a simple "frame" to keep the screen straight using just a little bit of tension.
The ProWhite "DOES" require tension, or it will sag and / or bow in-out. It also has a more noticeable texture. If it has or develops a crease or pull line when mounted, it is extremely hard to correct.
I over-viewed every material Carl has to offer...in person at his Warehouse, with Carl at my side, and it was patently obvious to me (...as well as him...) that the FlexiWhite was the best material for constructing a DIY Screen he has...and doubly so because it can accept a sprayed coating with excellent results.
Sure, cost differences dictate that he sells a LOT of BOC, and the other materials he offers get chosen by people under one pretext or another. But I quickly constructed 2 - full sized 100" separate - full sized 100" FW screens that day, right on his tables, and painted one with SF v2 -3.0, then compared the screen with the raw FlexiWhite with the SF Coated example, and as expected, the difference was jaw dropping. Virtually no loss in brightness but a substantial increase in Black levels and ambient light view-ability.
After experiencing the gross difference between building a BOC screen and one with FlexiWhite, ever since I have not hesitated to recommend FW to anyone. I do state that by itself, all it amounts to is being a easy to use, 1.1 gain white material devoid of texture. It won't / can't do squat to help improve Blacks or the dynamics of a projected image. That must be wholly dependent upon the PJ's performance, and not mitigated by adverse room conditions.
But hey....I was there looking for a viable substitute for BOC, something easier to work with and lighter. I found it, and the difference in price was to me inconsequential.
Since then I have used it to make screens up to and over 200" diagonal that I could easily pick up. (see below) Well,easily enough to make a difference.
Don't even consider the prospect of hoisting a 200" BOC screen built on a sturdy enough frame, by yourself.