AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › Screens › The official Elite screen thread.
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

The official Elite screen thread. - Page 8

post #211 of 1511
2/18/07 at 11:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by presenter View Post

Greetings, I thought I would weigh in, since as some have mentioned, I liked the gray in my review. Generally grey screens take some getting used to. And if you have a projector that's not particularly bright - such as the Z5, yes you will likely not run it in best mode, to get the lumens.

But more to the point, I believe some of the confusion comes from "which screen is which". To my best understanding, the Cinetension and the fixed wall - the ezFrame (I reviewed the EZ frame), have a newer, and definitely much lighter gray surface. In addition, it really isn't very "High Contrast". It is a combination that I really like.

It's no match for my Firehawk, and lighter gray to boot, but I found using it pleasing with all but dim projectors, and not even bad there. I suspect that those of you saying its pretty dark, have the older versions (without the 1), or have a pull down? I reviewed the ezFrame back in August and the surface was pretty new I believe. I don't know what they were putting into the VMAX or other motorized, but I'm pretty sure the pulldowns did not have it.

Hope that helps a little... I wouldn't bet the farm that I got everything straight here, but I'm pretty sure those not happy with their grays, do not have the fabric that is on the ezFrame I reviewed (R100H1, if I recall correctly).

Biggest problem is that picking screens is more subjective than the projectors, and tougher to choose.

-art

I see you are reviewing the Sony Pearl (VW50). I just bought one and I am trying to find a 106" screen for it. Do one of these Elite screens go well with it or should I go for a more expensive screen like a Dalite? Your best recommendation for the sony?
thanks,
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #212 of 1511
2/18/07 at 9:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by stopdog View Post

Can anyone tell me if the Elite Cinetension can be ordered in 2:35 configuration? According to the website, only the fixed frame is available in 2:35.


There's a link on Elite's website that you can ask your question and they will respond to it. I've asked them a couple of questions, and they usually respond same day (during business hours).
Reply
Reply
post #213 of 1511
2/18/07 at 10:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by djhamilton View Post

I see you are reviewing the Sony Pearl (VW50). I just bought one and I am trying to find a 106" screen for it. Do one of these Elite screens go well with it or should I go for a more expensive screen like a Dalite? Your best recommendation for the sony?
thanks,

This won't help your budget, but the Sony looks great on the Firehawk, I have watched a fair amount of content on it these past few days. Supposedly the Firehawk SST is better still, if you use the Sony's zoom in middle to wide angle.

The black levels on the Sony are damn good, though, so even a white surface should be pretty good. Tomorrow the VW50 moves into my testing room where I will start using it with the Carada brilliant white. I suspect I will be very satisfied there too. I have the Elite gray stashed away, don't know if I will pull it out for the Pearl. -art
Reply
Reply
post #214 of 1511
2/19/07 at 12:16pm
you should put the elite screen up it would be interesting to hear your results with that projector. at the moment i am on the fence, i know i want to get the mit 100u pro but i am not sure if i should go for the elite cinetension grey or matt white. i called the pp and they recommended the grey, but so many on these boards were not happy with the grey, i would like to know if all the problems were corrected with newer material, did anyone get the newer version of the cinetension yet? is it better? i am coming from an infocus 4805/dalite highpower screen and was pretty happy with it. but i caught the upgrade bug!!!! thoughts and reccomentdations appreciated...
Reply
Reply
post #215 of 1511
2/19/07 at 7:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mistere View Post

The replacement screen arrived today. Unfortunately, it too is 50x87. It will also go back to TD and I'm going to talk directly with Elite again. A few other comments may be of interest.

The screens are quite different (aside from both being the wrong size). The first screen (manufactured April 06) exudes quality. The case is substantial (92mm octagonal) the mounts are sturdy, the finish (matte powdercoat?) is nice (although it has some minor blems), the screen material is quite heavy and exhibits no waves or edge curl. The controls and remote aren't high end but they don't look totally cheap. The connector is at the right side of the screen. The vertical adjustment allen screws are discretely hidden.

The second screen (manufactured June 06) seems CHEAP. The case is smaller in diameter (75mm ocagonal) and clearly lesser quality. (I think it may actually sag a bit.) The mounts are flimsy. The finish is an ugly, shiny textured finish with several rather large dull patches. The screen material is less substantial, is curled at the edges and already exhibits a bit of a V (undoubtedly from the above mentioned sag). The remotes and wall control aren't as nice. The vertical adjustment screws are readily visible (as is a small set of instructions imprinted on the case). The connector is at the left side of the screen. Even the Elite logo is of crappier quality. This screen requires 59 seconds to retract whereas the first one took 37. It also does not seem to operate as smoothly.

In many ways I'm happy this screen is not of the correct size. I don't think I'd ever be willing to live with it having seen the first one.

This is FRUSTRATING. If Elite can't assure me that they will personally inspect a screen and guarantee it is in fact 49x87 and that it will be one of the quality screens rather than the POS I received today, I'm finished with them. :-(

Mistere,
i just recieved my cinetension 120" matte white screen. mine was manufactured May 2006 and has the connector also on the left side of the screen. the 2 supplied remotes are black plastic with 3 buttons. the Elite logo is silver with black letters on the front right of the screen box. the finish is black and fairly consitent.
can you offer some advice as to whether or not i recieved the better quality screen?
i'm worried that mine comes from the same batch as your second screen...
Reply
Reply
post #216 of 1511
2/20/07 at 6:36am
drcarr,

I've not seen a Cinetension screen. The picture in the brochure suggests that a different case is used with ths model. That said, aside from the track mounting system, the Cinetension screen case looks much like the first (i.e., better) model I received. I've come to believe there are at least three different versions of the VMAX. I have no idea if there are multiple Cinetensions.
Reply
Reply
post #217 of 1511
2/20/07 at 7:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by stopdog View Post

Can anyone tell me if the Elite Cinetension can be ordered in 2:35 configuration? According to the website, only the fixed frame is available in 2:35.

Thanks stickyman. They did get back to me. 2.35:1 Cinetension is not available at this time.
Reply
Reply
post #218 of 1511
2/23/07 at 9:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by drcarr View Post

Mistere,
i just recieved my cinetension 120" matte white screen. mine was manufactured May 2006 and has the connector also on the left side of the screen. the 2 supplied remotes are black plastic with 3 buttons. the Elite logo is silver with black letters on the front right of the screen box. the finish is black and fairly consitent.
can you offer some advice as to whether or not i recieved the better quality screen?
i'm worried that mine comes from the same batch as your second screen...


drcarr, have you had a chance to put your screen up? any comments on the projected image? i received my screen samples (matte white and high contrast gray) and i've stared at these for a few days now (they're pretty small pieces... about 1/5th of a sheet of letter sized paper)... both are quite similar, the gray does provide better blacks.. although it's hard in general to tell the difference since the samples are so small... but it does make the colours look quite dull... i'm wondering if it's possible to calibrate the colors so they don't look dull... or if it's something that you have to live with if you go with gray....
Reply
Reply
post #219 of 1511
2/25/07 at 4:13pm
I'm actively finishing basement and will be buying both projector and screen in the next 4 weeks. My choices are based on best value and availability in Canada.

So at the moment I'm planning on a Panasonic PT-AX100U projector and an Elite EZ-Frame R106H high contrast gray screen from TgrDirect Canada.

Does anyone have any comments/opinions on this screen with this projector (good or bad)? Anyone have a similar setup they are happy with?
Reply
Reply
post #220 of 1511
2/25/07 at 4:46pm
i recieved my elite cinetension 120" matte white screen last week. it arrived packaged very well. double boxed and well protected. the casing looked of moderate quality with no visible blemishes or defects. there was one small end cap loose on the screen which needed tightening. no big deal.

i supported the screen about 4 feet off the ground and deployed the screen just to make sure the motor worked and to see what the screen material looked like. it looked great! ...and then i noticed a small 1.5" cut in the middle of the screen about 1 foot up from the center. major bummer. i called elite and filled out an RMA. still waiting to hear back from them on how it will be handled. the guy on the phone said it will be replaced with a new one. another problem i had was that the screen is supposed to measure 59x105". it actually measured 60x103". not good. i told this to the elite guy and he said to write on the RMA to do a QC on the screen before it's sent out. i'll keep you posted when i recieve the new screen.

fyi, i deployed the defective screen last night and watched a SD DVD documentary on various scenic places around the world. it was my first time seeing an image ont he elite screen. one word on the screen/pj combo... breathtaking!!! color, contrast, and black level was unbelievable. i watched it on Cinema 1 mode. we were blown away on the 120" screen.
Reply
Reply
post #221 of 1511
2/26/07 at 4:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by drcarr View Post

fyi, i deployed the defective screen last night and watched a SD DVD documentary on various scenic places around the world. it was my first time seeing an image ont he elite screen. one word on the screen/pj combo... breathtaking!!! color, contrast, and black level was unbelievable. i watched it on Cinema 1 mode. we were blown away on the 120" screen.

I believe you have a Panasonic PT-AX100U pj..... so.... I assume your vote is for a matte white rather than gray screen? I'd be interested in futher comments as you get more viewing time with hd source. How detailed are the blacks?

Approx how far are you throwing the image? How many lumens in your test with Cinema 1? Thanks!
Reply
Reply
post #222 of 1511
2/26/07 at 8:19am
just ordered the 92" high contrast gray cinetension on the advice of jason at avs for my setup (however he has warned me that the colors won't look as punchy)... I have tan walls, white ceiling, side walls will be about 5-6 inches from the screen... based on my observations of the screen samples, the matte white looked washed out when compared to the gray everytime the scenes went bright, i assume due to the light reflections off the walls and ceiling... although in other scenes the white looked more vibrant than the gray... although the whites looked a bit gray on the hcg... i'm hoping that i can increase the brightness levels to compensate a bit....so i'm going to take my chances with the gray... i hope it works out.
Reply
Reply
post #223 of 1511
2/26/07 at 9:04pm
sticky,
look forward to hearing how you like it!

i heard back from elite and they are going to replace the cut "defective" screen with a brand new one. frances at elite said that i will recieve the newer model TE120HW2 screen. this is the 120" matte white cinetension.

has anyone seen this newer version of the screen? any comments on it? how does it differ from the previous version (TE120HW1)?

drcarr
Reply
Reply
post #224 of 1511
2/27/07 at 6:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by drcarr View Post

sticky,
look forward to hearing how you like it!

i heard back from elite and they are going to replace the cut "defective" screen with a brand new one. frances at elite said that i will recieve the newer model TE120HW2 screen. this is the 120" matte white cinetension.

has anyone seen this newer version of the screen? any comments on it? how does it differ from the previous version (TE120HW1)?

drcarr


hi drcarr, good to hear that you're getting a replacement, seems like elite customer service is pretty good... now if only they can get the product right the first time around.... anyway, are they asking that you send the defective one back? do you have to pay shipping charges?
Reply
Reply
post #225 of 1511
2/27/07 at 7:48am
yea, i don't think the QC is that good. the customer service seems to be great tho. they are covering shipping charges to send back the defective screen and the replacement. i can't seem to find any info on the newest version of the screen ~HW2.
Reply
Reply
post #226 of 1511
2/27/07 at 8:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by drcarr View Post

yea, i don't think the QC is that good. the customer service seems to be great tho. they are covering shipping charges to send back the defective screen and the replacement. i can't seem to find any info on the newest version of the screen ~HW2.

drcarr, i checked with jason at avs, apparently i'll be getting the model 2 as well. he mentioned the model 2 has a 12 volt trigger included and apparently better designed, not sure what that means, but i guess you can let us know since you have a model 1 to compare it to.
Reply
Reply
post #227 of 1511
2/27/07 at 9:10am
i'm all for better design. i'll let you know how it compares to hw1 when the new one arrives.
please forgive the ignorance...
what is a 12 volt trigger?
Reply
Reply
post #228 of 1511
2/27/07 at 9:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by drcarr View Post

i'm all for better design. i'll let you know how it compares to hw1 when the new one arrives.
please forgive the ignorance...
what is a 12 volt trigger?

I believe the 12 volt trigger is a jack that you can connect a cable to your projector (if it also has a 12 volt trigger jack) so that you can control the screen with the projector.... the sanyo plv-z5 doesn't have a 12 volt trigger... so it doesn't really affect my installation, not sure if the ax-100 has a 12 volt trigger... but in any case, nowadays most people have those fancy programmable remotes anyway so i don't really see a need for 12 volt trigger...

i'm hoping better design, means better design for the consumer.. and not cheaper to make for the manufacturer....
Reply
Reply
post #229 of 1511
2/27/07 at 9:05pm
I received the THIRD VMAX100 today--this one directly from Elite rather than Tiger Direct. They clearly checked this one out before shipping as some packing was reattached with masking tape. The good news is that the viewable part of the screen in 49x87--as it should be. The bad news is that the top mask is only 7" instead of the 18" spec. This screen thus can't be mounted from my ceiling and is totally worthless in my application. I'm totally disgusted and frustrated (on my birthday no less).

This model is apparently model E (as opposed to the models A and C which I received earlier). Manufacturing date is December 2006. The case looks like a smaller diameter version of the quality screen (model C) I described earlier. The case's finish is a nice matte and I note no sag at all (unlike with the model A). The controls look even better than those with the C. Like the A, the control cable attaches on the left. The up/down time is slower (like model A) but it is quiet/smooth. I'd be very happy with it if the top header was 18".

Elite CS (Frances) has been very responsive. I'll try to work wth them one more time. Clearly, Elite's Chinese supplier has VERY SERIOUS QC issues.
Reply
Reply
post #230 of 1511
2/28/07 at 6:59am
mistere, perhaps the top mask is adjustable, try giving elite a call to see how the adjustment can be made. from what others have said on some cinetension screens they had to drill a small hole and use a screw driver to adjust the height.
Reply
Reply
post #231 of 1511
2/28/07 at 8:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by stickyman View Post

mistere, perhaps the top mask is adjustable, try giving elite a call to see how the adjustment can be made. from what others have said on some cinetension screens they had to drill a small hole and use a screw driver to adjust the height.

stickyman,

Yes, I know how to adjust the top mask--and did so. There is simply not enough screen material on the roller to yield 18" of top mask--let alone leave a safe margin on the roller.
Reply
Reply
post #232 of 1511
3/2/07 at 7:21am
received my screen yesterday.... packaging was good. but i notice there's a couple of paint chips the casing... i can live with that.... one side of the screen also fell into the casing.... (there's velcro straps that keep the screen partly extended out of the casing...) i hope it didn't damage the actual screen.... the package doesn't seem to come with any wood screws... i see the concrete anchors and screws... and hollow wall anchors (i think that's what they are...).... but i don't think i will trust the hollow wall anchors on my ceiling.... i don't think the ceiling drywall can support 50 lbs?? i don't want the ceiling coming down.... i think i will have to go buy some lag bolts and mount this thing into the ceiling joists... i wonder what other cinetension owners have done...
Reply
Reply
post #233 of 1511
3/2/07 at 7:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mistere View Post

stickyman,

Yes, I know how to adjust the top mask--and did so. There is simply not enough screen material on the roller to yield 18" of top mask--let alone leave a safe margin on the roller.

hi mistere, i haven't checked the mask on my cinetension i hope it's more than 7".... the specs on these screens don't seem to match up to their website... the case length on a 92" high contrast gray cinetension is suppose to be 94".... i measured mine to be 96"... this may pose a problem for me... since i think i have about 99" of space... (i think because, it's slightly dependent on the location of the ceiling joist... and there's a fireplace in one corner... which is at a 45 degree angle... so it makes measuring exactly hard... since the screen will fall about 2 feet in front of the wall and straddling the fireplace...)... i'm crossing my fingers..
Reply
Reply
post #234 of 1511
3/2/07 at 9:24am
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&&#post8818130

Here is a less evasive way to adjust the drop on the Cinetension, no need to drill
Reply
Reply
post #235 of 1511
3/4/07 at 10:35pm
Can anyone who has the cinetension screen confirm the total black drop? Elite's website states that it's 16", but I've read elsewhere that it's 18".

Also with the case being 7" tall, is the top of the viewable part of the screen from the ceiling 7" plus the total black drop of 16" or 18"? Ideally, I'm looking for the viewable part of the screen to be about 25" from the ceiling as I'll be ceiling mounting the screen.

If I can get 25" with the black drop and the case height, then I'm set.

Thanks for your info.
Reply
Reply
post #236 of 1511
3/5/07 at 7:52am
here's an update on my cinetension. managed to put it up on friday, no damage to the screen. a plastic part (part of the endcap) had broken off of the bottom bar... but i managed to pop this back in place. the screen is not straight... it's about 3mm higher on the left side of the screen compard to the right side of the screen... but i couldn't be bothered to send this back because of this (it's quite hard to put this thing up due to the weight...). watched a few tv shows, and a movie on the screen.... definately better than projecting onto my tan coloured walls.... the screen is a bit dark,... and it mutes the colours a bit... but i haven't had time to calibrate the projector using DVE.... otherwise i'm pretty happy with the screen for the price i paid for it.
Reply
Reply
post #237 of 1511
3/5/07 at 7:42pm
sticky,
glad you got your cinetension up! how did you mount it? in the ceiling using the joist? i'm still waiting for my replacement screen from them. i'm planning on mounting mine in the ceiling somehow.

is the viewable area of the screen 3mm taller on one side, or does the material just drop 3mm lower on one side with the screen tilting off at an angle?
Reply
Reply
post #238 of 1511
3/6/07 at 7:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by drcarr View Post

sticky,
glad you got your cinetension up! how did you mount it? in the ceiling using the joist? i'm still waiting for my replacement screen from them. i'm planning on mounting mine in the ceiling somehow.

is the viewable area of the screen 3mm taller on one side, or does the material just drop 3mm lower on one side with the screen tilting off at an angle?

hi drcarr, i mounted on the ceiling, i bought 5/16" lag bolts 3" long and washers, the two sets of anchors provided will not work in my situation (one set were concrete anchors and the other set were hollow wall anchors... and I did not trust the drywall on my ceiling to support 50lbs). i pilot drilled 2 holes using 13/64" drill bit after i found the ceiling joist (i used a stud finder and a piece of paper... since my ceiling is the rough and bumpy white paint and not a smooth ceiling)... the lag bolts are working great.

the screen is basically tilted 3mm higher on the left side... and when the screen is rolled up i can see that the left side of the lower bar is further up into the case. when i watch 4:3 material i can tell the screen is not straight because the two black bars are slightly tilted relative to the black side masks... otherwise when i watch full screen 16:9 material, I don't really notice it (i do project an image slightly larger than the viewable area of the screen... sort of like in the theatres... so that the image disappears into the black mask)...

surprisingly, i received my screen on Thursday, I ordered it on Monday through Jason at AVS and it made it across the US from the west coast, through customs and into Canada in less than 4 days... elite uses DHL so the brokerage fees were very reasonable ($7 CAD) compared to UPS ($50+). overall i'm quite happy with the service level of elite. now if only they had better qc...
Reply
Reply
post #239 of 1511
3/6/07 at 9:30am
sticky,
did your screen measure the correct dimensions vertically and horizontally?
Reply
Reply
post #240 of 1511
3/6/07 at 9:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by drcarr View Post

sticky,
did your screen measure the correct dimensions vertically and horizontally?

drcarr, yes, the screen measures roughly 80x45, i say roughly because no one was around to help me hold the tape measure (but i'm certain that the screen is not off by an inch like some users have experienced...)
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Screens

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › Screens › The official Elite screen thread.