[DMan]

I just recently upgraded from a Draper to a Stewart screen, and I was thinking about how these screen manufacturers measure their screens. I just recently helped a friend install a Draper Cineperm screen that was ordered at a 1.78 (16:9) size of 96"x54". Since Draper measures to the outside of the screen's 2" black leather border, we decided to measure the actual inside image area. The measurements came out to the obvious 92"x50" measurement, but much to our surprise, this ended up giving a 1.85:1 ratio instead of 1.78:1.


This really isn't a big deal, and in fact may be preferrable to many on this forum as the 1.85 formatted DVDs should fit perfectly.


BTW, Stewart measures their screens by the actual image area, so if you purchase a 1.78 screen, you get a 1.78 screen.




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DMan
The Academy Home Theater

 

[smitty]

That's quite surprising about the Draper screen. Do they think when people buy a 32" TV, that measurement includes the cabinet? Geesh, I'm glad I ordered a Stewart screen!

 

[rickforrest]

Quote:

Originally posted by smitty: That's quite surprising about the Draper screen. Do they think when people buy a 32" TV, that measurement includes the cabinet? Geesh, I'm glad I ordered a Stewart screen!

You might be surprised to know that a tv (or monitor) of any given size is typically advertised as around 1 inch larger than the viewable size. Here in the U.S. anyway. So, a 36" tv will actually be roughly 35" viewable. 19" computer monitors are around 18" viewable +- .2 inch.


rick


p.s. thanks for the headsup, dman.

 

[Andrew Low]

When I ordered my 80x45 draper -- that was exactly what I got. An 80x45 viewable area -- borders are outside that area.


I was careful when ordering to make certain I asked that I got an 80x45 viewable area -- it may be that when a dealer orders the screen they need to specify the size of the finished screen, not just the viewable area.


When ordering a screen from any company, you should always pay attention to details.


Roo

 

[DMan]

Andrew,


I must say that you're the exception, and not the rule when it comes to ordering screens. Most people do not get to talk directly to Draper to insure that they get the proper screen size. Did you order a cineperm from Draper? The reason I ask is perhaps this has something to do with only the cineperm model.


I have put together three different sized Cineperm screens and they were all measured to the outside of the screen frame, not the actual image area. This is confirmed as well by looking on the backside of the leather border where the size of the screen is written.


BTW, Stewart always faxes an approval form with schematic drawings of the screen layout to be approved before ordering any of their screens. I must say that this ends all of the guesswork and costly mistakes as the retailer/customer must sign off and send back to Stewart before the screen is made. Nice!!!




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DMan
The Academy Home Theater

 

[Andrew Low]

Quote:

Originally posted by DMan: Most people do not get to talk directly to Draper to insure that they get the proper screen size. Did you order a cineperm from Draper? The reason I ask is perhaps this has something to do with only the cineperm model.

I did email Draper inquiring about screen samples, but when I ordered the screen I did so through a local Pro A/V shop (they do LCD projectors for businesses mostly). I was lucky enough to talk to someone at the local shop who knew something about screens and I made sure that he was clear on what I was asking him to order. I used a local supplier since I'm in Canada and didn't want to hassle with the customs stuff at the border. In retrospect I think I would have been better off going through AVScience.


Yes, I have a Cineperm. While I call it an 80x45, it may actually be measured by Draper as something "bigger" than that. I know the frame is 49inches high (measured it just last night).


I can't argue with the excellent customer service Stewart gives. One day I'll be upgrading and I know where I'll go.


BTW: Draper has terrible (ie: none) installation instructions. Is there any marking indicating which way to put your screen material on? I've been wondering lately if mine is on upside-down. The frame had a "top/bottom/side" markings on it. But the material (probably) would snap on either way. Did I mess up and miss something? -- I never saw anything on the back of the border. (but I can't say I looked)


Roo

 

[DMan]

Andrew,


Yes, I believe that Draper has made the snaps symmetrical so that the screen can be snapped on either way. As you said, the frame is clearly labeled, but the mounting is strictly up to the end user. That's a bit disappointing, especially when you see the wonderful mounting that Stewart supplies with their screens.




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DMan
The Academy Home Theater