[Christopher Calder]

Has anyone tried taking a small sample of GrayHawk screen material to a paint store and having them exactly match the shade of gray in paint? If it works 90% as well and costs 90% less, it might be a good deal.


Also, has anyone tried the new Stewart rigid high end rear projection screens? Are they the same or better than the DNP screen materials? Are they selling DNP screens under their own name?


Christopher

 

[Bulldogger]

Doug why don't you contact Da-lite and get a sample of their hi-contrast da-mat and see if you like it. It is .80 gain and works well in my opinion.

 

[Bulldogger]

The first samples sent out were too dark, about the color of number 2 pencil lead on paper. This is not the material used in the current screen. The current samples should be about the color gray of an elephants skin. I have to locate the phone number of a dealer who carries both screens and has recieved samples of both. He was to supposed to provide me with his conclusions. He was very impressed with the grayhawk and sells it and not too happy with the first screen that da-mat produced. He says it was indeed too dark. The material that I discribe to him that da-lite sent me is a lot different from the early samples he has. When I locate his number, I will e-mail it too you. He should be able to tell you of his side by side comparison. Kelliot also is very familiar with both materials. You may want to e-mail him. He has seen the current samples.

 

[KFung]

Christopher,


Matching Stewart's GrayHawk would take more than just a colour match at the paint store. They also put an optical coating on the screen (much like that on a 1.3 gain screen) that is supposed to increase your contrast ratio by 20%. You can't simulate that with just plain paint. Keep in mind that a grey painted screen is really only correcting for too bright an image on your screen, it will cut your peak light output just as much as your black level. That's not to say it doesn't improve the image, it does cut down on the light reflecting around your room that will affect your black level. I don't know if it will work 90% as well, but it may be fine if you can't/won't pay Stewart's permium prices. You should also look into KBK's custom paints


BTW, I don't think the Blackhawk is a DNP screen...although I can't speak for Stewart.


Good Luck,


Kam Fung

 

[KFung]

Doug,


Have you considered a fixed screen of some kind? Maybe Stewart can retrofit a Greyhawk onto a Da-Lite electric screen? Give them a call, or maybe Don Stewart will come by.


I wouldn't say a DIY wouldn't be worth it if you are stuck, but it won't give you results as good as a Greyhawk might. If the black level bothers you, a grey screen will help, just make sure you have enough brightness to support the lower gain.


Good luck,


Kam Fung

 

[Bulldogger]

The high contrast only come in tensioned models. You will get better blacks. That much was very clear with the sample I used to view a Sony projector.


[This message has been edited by Bulldogger (edited 03-20-2001).]

 

[midi-guy]

I also inquired about this because I have a similar situation.

I have a recessed motorized screen that I got mainly because it was the only one that the housing could fit inside my cramped ceiling space.

It is a SharpVision unit that's roughly 3"x4"x70".


I tried to see if I could order the Greyhawk screen material as a replacement while keeping my motorized housing, but was told that Stewart does not sell their screens or fabric so that it could be mounted in anything other than a Stewart frame or mount.


Bummer!


Andrew.



[This message has been edited by midi-guy (edited 03-20-2001).]

 

[Don Stewart]

Interesting discussion here.


Thanks Kam for posting accurate info. You are very versed in screens.


One of the most important elements in building a quality electric roller screen is the use of a large diameter screen roller tube. If you try to save space by using a small diameter roller tube, the screen fabric must then be rolled up tightly to conform with the smaller circumference of the roller tube. The end result is that the screen fabric may have a tendency to have wrinkles, laddering lines and poor lay flat characteristics. Most screen manufactures, Dalite, Draper, Stewart, etc offer 3 inch diameter and larger roller tubes. I highly recommend that you consider one of these units as it will give you a lot more long term enjoyment.


Regards,

Don


[This message has been edited by Don Stewart (edited 03-21-2001).]