The official SeymourAV center stage screen thread! - Page 15

A slightly odd question: how much does the XD material WEIGH? Is it like a cotton sheet? A vinyl shower curtain? Heavy curtain? I'm thinking about the frame for it.

(According to the forum rules, the DIY section is for non-commercial material, so I hope this is the right place for the question.)

Hey i have a sheet of the center stage XD 24" x 24" and it weighs 177 grams and the normal center stage same size weighs 193 grams

I'll have to measure that. Of course some single-digit percentage will blow straight through the holes, but its overall opacity is also related to the thread thickness, thread opacity, and weave.

Most all unsupported vinyl screens have a back image as they are not opaque, but I don't remember putting the meter behind the fabric in a while. Other than testing to make sure the material's opacity is sufficient from in front of the screen, such as blocking reflections from flat panels with the black backing layer (good), or blocking light sources behind the screen such as incompletely closed windows (bad).

Cheers,
Chris

I think Coolzone got it quantitatively. Qualitatively, it's more like a heavier weight shower curtain. Typically the weight of the material isn't that important compared to the amount of tension folks apply, or the the weight and sag of whatever you're making the frame from. Unless you're shipping it to Russia; then it's a very big deal.

I think limited DIY questions are ok here, as what folks find in their experiments often has applicability to our finished product. And, AVSers are detail addicts, so while I try to limit the DIY content here, I think folks have found the content worthwhile.

Cheers,
Chris

[Major brain spasm while computing metric and imperial units....] So let's say that we have a 96 inch x 48 inch piece of XD (yes, 2:1 but it makes the maths much easier) - that would be 8 pieces of 24x24, so about 1.6kg or 3.5 pounds - in case anyone is interested.

I'm not an engineer, but certainly the tension would seem to be a much bigger factor, as Chris says.

Screen project complete. The following is a point form summary:

- Puchased AT screen material from Seymour for a 92" diag.
- FedEx messed up the initial order
- Chris sent replacement the same day once notified of the damaged product
- Recieved screen in great shape
- Pricing very reasonable
- For the frame structure, ordered extruded aluminum kit from Frame World
- Ordered a custom Frame World kit confirmed with CAD drawing
- Gave exact interior frame measurements at 45' X 80"
- Combined two extrusion
- First extrusion was a square 1.5" X 1.5"
- Second extrusion was a 45 degree angle 1.5" x 1.5"
- Square extrusion used as the outer frame
- Angled extrusion used as the inner frame providing for a bevel
- Outer frame and inner frame joined to provide for a 3.0" x 1.5" profile
- Extrusions come with smooth sides and rear was slotted
- Kit came with hardware and predrilled holes for assembly
- After assembly, wrapped outer profile with velvet using spray glue
- Left back of frame uncovered
- Frame was 100% square and strong as heck
- Ordered kit with T Clips to fit in slots in the back of frame
- Fastened screen material using T Clips and rubber mallet
- T Clip run the full lengths of the frame
- Used Hangman picture frame to hang

The screen material $300, custom frame kit $500, velvet $88, spray glue $12 (all in canadian dollars)...screen, picture and sound...priceless.

Pics, we need pics.

Sorry, no pictures. The finished product looks a performs like it should...a high end screen. I can elect to change the screen material at any time as technology increases. The reason I did not take pictures is that a. I was not planning on sharing the build and b. It was so simple to put together, even I could do it. The only PITA was gluing the velvet. BTW, Sony VW60, Pioneer Elite AR 7.1 and BRay and Paradigms all around. Do it...aluminum frame is great...same as others costing $$$ more.

i used the center stage material with a JVC hd350 and screen is 52x122 and is perfect and can't see any weave even @ about 2ft. and hardly any tilt i could'nt be happier

Could you describe the T Clips? I can't seem to find them in the Frame World catalogues.

They are actually call T-Slot Covers found on page 197... Used the EX 61 and EX7 extrusions.

Sweet, Nice find.
Did you have the corners cut at 45 degrees?
Any center supports?
You just made my screen choice very easy.
Thanks for posting the info.

We would still like to see images of the finished product if possible, including the backside.

I previously thought about making a frame out of the extruded alum but I since I wanted a curved screen it kind of made it impratical at the time. I then came across some posting or a site that showed curved piece with more angle than one would have wanted, but it goes to show the possibilities.

I had the inside EX 7 mitred at 45 degrees...I tried to have the outside also mitred, but for strength purposes, frame world would not do it. I will try to attach the PDF CAD drawing. If I take a picture of the front, it you will see a 92" dia screen with a 3" black velvet frame...the back is again pretty straight forward...all you will see is the screen material with the T- slots running along the whole perimeter. Chris' material fit just right...no cuting required. I will try to take some pictures if I can convince my wife to help me take down the frame.

Was it easy to fit the screen material and the T-slot covers into the T-slots on the extrusions? Sorry, I don't have a sample of the material, so I don't know how thick it is.

Are you using the new XD or the Centre Stage?

Unfortunately I'm not in the USA, and I can get similar, but not exactly the same size, extrusions - hence the questions.

Here is the CAD for the frame order. I had a couple of revision. 1. took off the end caps and 2. removed the mounting hardware and utilized a hangman picture hanger.

 

09-0326-A square smooth-series frame Model (1).pdf 199.369140625k . file

I took a chance when I ordered the kit. The distributor here in Edmonton, Alberta Canada never encountered this type of application, but ensured it would work. The placement and fitting of the screen material was very straight forward. Start at the height side and ensure that the material is square. then pick a length rail and secure the corner. I cut the T-Slots in 1 - 3 foot length to facilitate the stretching and tightening of the material. To attach the matial, angle inthe T-Slot at one end with the material between T-Slot and extrusion slot. Use a rubber mallet and hammer in the T- Slot while keeping the T-Slot angled. Work and gently hammer every inch or two. The screen material is as tight as a drum. I used the Centre Stage material. If the I want to cange the material it will be very easy and painless as the T-Slots can be reused. I would suggest ording a couple of more lengths of the T-Slots as I cracked some understanding have to properly hammer them in. Contact Frame World as their distribution and dealer network is very vast. IMO , there is not a better DIY solution. The wood version on Chis' web site appeared great, but I wanted the frame to be constructed out of the same material as the high end screens without out a lot of pain. This solution provides for that. Everything can pre-cut to the exact measurements in three boxes...pick them up at the local dealer. All it took was unpacking the packages and assembly with your own allen key. Takes about 1.5 hours. Should take less, but burn time admiring the set up and gloating...very slick solutuion. Agian only PITA is spray gluing the velvet. If I were to do it agian I would take the assembled frame with out the screen material to uphostery shop, it would not take them lone to do it.

Silver,
this needs to be in a thread of it's own in the "DIY screen forum".
This is a great method and I have mine being drawn as we speak.

Scott

Sorry for hijacking the threat, but the primary reason for the post was to give high praise to SeymourAV and Chris in connection with the product and service...I someone would like to move the frame specific post to DYI...you are more than welcome...

Silver,
I wasn't talking about hijacking, it's just such a good idea more people need to know about it.

scott

Silver, did you attach the screen material to the front face of the extrusions or did you first fold it round? Here's a diagram of what I mean:


Was it A or B? I'd prefer to be able to do A, but I don't know if it would be smooth/taut enough. B seems like it would be smoother because the screen is tensioned over the straight line of the extrusion corner.

I have been bouncing this around in my head too... trying to minimize the size of the flat frame (my screen is recessed) so I was thinking of wrapping the screen material over the frame instead of behind. This poses 2 potential problems. The first only applies if you will actually project onto the portion with the frame behind. The question is how will this impact the image with the frame filling the holes. The second issue is a problem of execution in the corners. There are a few writeups about how to manage corners on black velvet, but I've not seen anything on best practices for the screen material wrapping around a corner. Perhaps there is some process used for art canvas that would work.

I made a mistake on my original posting, I used the EX-65 rather than the EX-61. As for how I attached the screen material, I elected to utilize C. none of the above. OK it was A but the screen material is behind the the frame when the projector image is as reflected above. I coverered the frame with black velvet to abosord any image reflection or bleeding. Furthermore, I joined the 45 degree EX-61 to the EX-65 as an inner frame to provide for a 45 degree angle into the screen surface. Looks very impressive with a 3.0" profile. One could elect to "wrap" the material for recessed appilcations. I would spray the extrusion with flat black. The outer corner may cause a problem, but with enough research it could be solved. You may end up with small 45 degree fold, but I think you are on the right track with the art canvas.

Silver,
How did you join the two frame pieces together? ie, the inner angle piece to the outside square piece?

Thanks,
scott

Scott, Frame World supplied the hardware and drilled all counter sunk holes for $5.00 a hole. It was included in the $500 price for the kit. Fit perfectly square.

I finished my centerstage XD screen about a week ago. There's several pictures and a description in my build thread as well as a couple of screenshots. I've still got to finish the front wall with black fabric.

Here's a shot of the screen after it was done and hung on the wall:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post16300955

Well, I've now got the screen installed but my wiring and control solution is a no-go so far.

I've posted a more detailed explanation in the home automation thread linked above. I don't think I understand the wires coming out of the 4-wire motor. Chris (or anyone) have any suggestions for me?

In this post some figures were given comparing reflectivity and light opacity of Seymour AV Swiss Velvet and its black backing (BB) (as well as other materials).

Anyone have a picture of how the two look next to each other? I might place my LR speakers adjacent to the screen, rather than behind. If I hide them behind the Seymour AV BB, would the difference between the screen border and the BB be very noticeable or jarring?

Hi everyone,

Thanks all contributors for the information in this thread which really helped me to make a decision. I have bought some XD Center Stage material from Chris (thanks again Chris for all your help) to replace the Carada BW material I had, and am extremely pleased with the result.

I have posted a mini-review here http://www.avforums.com/forums/home-...ml#post9423126. My room (and screen) are very small by US standards, but there may be some useful information, and also a few pictures of the process. Feel free to ask questions here or there.

Hey Chris,

I sent you a message via your website. A couple of last questions before I order.

1. If you order a satin white case can you get a black batten?
2. If I order the 115" 2.37 screen, can I get an 8" left and right border instead of the standard 2"?
3. Are you using the XD material in your electric screens yet? The website says it is beta consult factory.

Thanks
Patrick