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Confused about new Stewart screen

241 Views 9 Replies 4 Participants Last post by DMan, Aug 13, 2001

greenhut

Discussion Starter · Aug 10, 2001

I had been projecting my Electrohome 8500 (8" CRT) on a painted white wall. Our dedicated theater room is ready for the screen. I splurged. I know many hear recommend the 1.3, but I took the advice of the vendor using Stewart's software, and got the Videomatte 200 (1.8 gain). The size is 54x96, and since all my speakers will be behind the screen, I got Miscroperf.

Here's the problem. I can see almost no difference between the wall and the expensive screen I just bought. I'm a reasonably critical viewer. I'm sure I had unrealistic expectations about the screen improving my image somehow, but I definitely expected an increase in brightness. I put the screen up against the wall so that the viewing area was divided approximately in half horizontally. Top half of the image is wall, bottom half is screen. I also put a dark sheet behind the screen to eliminate any possible reflections due to Microperf.

I can see absolutely no difference in the brightness of the 1.8 gain Videomatte microperf screen and the white painted wall.

The screen is clearly marked as being Videomatte 200, but how can I tell for sure? Shouldn't I see a significant difference?

Thanks,

jeff

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DMan

· #2 · Aug 10, 2001

You will see a bigger difference once your projector is ceiling mounted as the reflected light from the higher gain screen will be reflected back downwards toward the viewer.

Besides, it's tough to put your speakers behind a sheetrock painted wall. http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/wink.gif

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DMan
The Academy Home Theater

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Cain

· #3 · Aug 10, 2001

...Besides, it's tough to put your speakers behind a sheetrock painted wall..."

Actually it is easy, but they sound muffled, and difficult to localize.. http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/wink.gif

-- Cain

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greenhut

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 10, 2001

If my eyes are at projector lens height, shouldn't I see the full "reflection"? Is the screen somehow made to handle the angle of the incoming light specially, or is it just like a mirror?

Maybe I could just drill a bunch of little holes in the sheetrock. But then what to do with double drywall...

jeff

[This message has been edited by greenhut (edited 08-10-2001).]

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DMan

· #5 · Aug 10, 2001

Jeff,

Since most folks ceiling mount their projectors, the reflective nature of screens reflects the light back towards the eyes of the sitting viewer. Here's an illustration...

http://personal.atl.bellsouth.net/at...ectorthrow.jpg
The Red line indicates the optimum viewing angle

For those who floor mount projectors "should" use a retro-reflective screen that reflects the light back towards the projector and viewers.

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DMan
The Academy Home Theater

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greenhut

Discussion Starter · #6 · Aug 10, 2001

In my case, the projector is not on the floor, but on a stand about 3-4 feet off the ground. My eyes are at about the same height.

In your diagram the reflection angle is equal to that of the incoming light form the projector when using a perpendicular from the screen. This is jsut how a mirror would work.

So in my case, with lens and eyes at same height, why wouldn't I have the same effect?

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REW

· #7 · Aug 13, 2001

Jeff,

Lucky you didnt go 1.3 gain(the politically correct industry standard)or the white wall would have crushed it fot brightness.

Camp A extolls the results from expensive screens(usually perf).Camp B can see little difference between these and cheap DIY types.

Can you really fool most of the people most of the time?
http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hint-most people havent made a controlled comparison in their lives!

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Ron

"Your priorities will be different-its the weighting that counts!"

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DMan

· #8 · Aug 13, 2001

I concur that the 1.3 gain and Microperf combined would have been a bad idea due to the light loss. Makes perfect sense to use a little higher gain material when it's a perforated screen.

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DMan
The Academy Home Theater

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greenhut

Discussion Starter · #9 · Aug 13, 2001

Darren,

I think you original answer about angle was correct. Although my eyes were close to the height of the CRT, the lenses actually angle upwards. So to get at the reflection point, I would need to be standing.

jeff

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DMan

· #10 · Aug 13, 2001

Jeff,

Yup, you got it! http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif

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DMan
The Academy Home Theater

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