[BryanR]

I'm looking at either the 104" or 116" wide 16:9 screens with the high contrast fabric. There is over a $400 difference in pricing between the permwall and da-snap with the same fabric/size. I understand that both screens have snap fasteners. The screen attaches to the back of the frame on the da-snap. The screen snaps to the front of the frame on the permwall with the snaps showing. The permwall also has a black border made into the fabric that covers the front of the frame.


Here are my questions:

1) Are the snaps on the permwall black?

2) Is the $400 more worth it for the da-snap?

3) Are there any permwall users out there that wish they had spent the extra money and got the da-snap? Are there any permwall users that are happy with the screen?

4) Is the permwall just to ugly or not suitable for home theater?

5) Why is there such a large difference in pricing between the two?

6) Off topic but, what is the proper cleaning technique for the high contrast fabric? Is it cleanable?


I've also considered purchasing the permwall and building a nice picture frame around it covered in black velvet and installing rope lights on the back side.


Thanks,

Bryan

 

[Blake Brubaker - Da-Lite]

Bryan,


I will try to answer the few questions you have regarding the differences between the Permwall and the Da-Snap.


Questions:

1) Are the snaps on the Permwall black?


Yes, indeed they are. The way a Perm-Wall is made is by taking one inch anodized aluminum tubing and placing snap studs on it at a set pattern. Then a fabric is made that consist of the screen material with a 2" black binding on all four sides. We then place black snaps within the binding that are spaced accordingly for the frame. The way the screen is installed is by mounting the frame directly to the wall with the appropriate fasteners and then snapping the surface on the front of the frame. It is just that simple.


2) Is the $400 more worth it for the Da-Snap?


Instead of me answering this for you, I would prefer that you make your own judgment. Since I explained how the Perm-Wall is made above, now let me explain how we make the Da-Snap. We start with a 1-1/2" aluminum frame that is either powder coated with a black matte finish or flocked with a velvety type of finish. Then the snap studs are added to the back of the frame. We then make a screen surface with a very small one inch binding and place the snaps to match the frame. During the installation the fabric is then snapped to the back of the frame and it provides the border. The Da-Snap is a much more finished looking unit and has better aesthetics since you cannot see the snaps and the frame is black instead of anodized aluminum.


3) Are there any PermWall users out there that wish they had spent the extra money and got the Da-Snap? Are there any PermWall users that are happy with the screen?


I will leave that one to be answered by other members. I don't think it appropriate for me to answer. I would obviously be biased.


4) Is the PermWall just too ugly or not suitable for Home Theater?


I will give my opinion on this one. The PermWall was originally designed for applications other than Home Theater. Those applications include Night Clubs, Bars, Sports Arenas etc. However, if some one is looking for a cost effective fixed wall screen, the PermWall is the ticket. Especially if a person plans on hiding the frame and the border with some other type of framing.


5) Why is there such a large difference in pricing between the two?


The biggest reason is the finish on the frame. Powder coating and flocking are more expensive than anodizing. Also, there is half as much more aluminum with the Da-Snap and we all know what is happening to the price of aluminum.


6)Off topic but, what is the proper cleaning technique for the high contrast fabric? Is it cleanable?


If you are referring to our High Contrast Da-Mat fabric, yes it is washable. In order to clean it a person should first try a solution of a mild detergent and water. The detergent should be something like Lux or Ivory. For stubborn marks where the soap and water do not take care of it then break out the heavy artillery. Denatured alcohol can be used as long as you use it lightly and then any residue is washed off fairly quickly. If a person has to resort to the last option it is suggested that they clean the material in sections rather than the whole thing at once. This way you can work quickly.


I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please let me know.


Thank you,


------------------

Blake


[This message has been edited by Blake Brubaker - Da-Lite (edited 05-25-2001).]


[This message has been edited by Blake Brubaker - Da-Lite (edited 05-25-2001).]

 

[Tom Bley]

I went with the permwall. It looks just fine and I could not justify the extra cash for the Da-snap. My theater pictures are here www15.brinkster.com/tbley1


Tom Bley