[honcho]

I'm looking at getting a GrayHawk for a bright LCD projector (1500 to 2000 lumens, haven't picked the projector yet). My HT/living room won't let me have great light control (ok, it's my wife and budget).


Can I get the benefits of the GrayHawk using a neutral density filter over the projector lens and a 1.3 gain screen? I know that I could have a problem with ambient light that the GrayHawk would be better at solving. But some day, I might be able to take care of the ambient light issue.


Thanks.

Honcho

 

[KFung]

No, I'm afraid an ND filter will not give you the benefits of a Greyhawk. All it really does is cut your brightness, which you don't really need to do (after all you're paying for those lumens!). The Greyhawk also cuts your screen brightness a bit, but it has other benefits. Even in a light controlled room without ambient light, the Greyhawk will still give you more than an ND filter. The Greyscreen increases your dynamic contrast ratio because it absorbs some of the light reflected back from your room (unless you have black walls, ceiling) and the optical coating rejects light reflected from the ceiling and floor. This also serves to increase your colour saturation because you don't have as much light from the room to wash out bright colours.


Regards,


Kam Fung

 

[honcho]

Thanks Kam. What you said makes lots of sense.


As a related question, I'm slightly concerned that the GrayHawk will make whites look dull (I hate gray teeth http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/biggrin.gif ). Does this happen? Is it quite noticeable?


Honcho

 

[KFung]

Honcho,


Actually the screen won't appear grey unless you have a "white" reference next to it (e.g. a piece of paper). Our brains are kind of tricky, if you see something that your brain thinks should be "white" it appears white to you. It makes sense if you consider that paper looks white under all different levels of light. It's all relative!


Regards,


Kam Fung

 

[REW]

Most people will be happy as Kam points out.I can only speak for myself after direct A/B comparisons.Dont compare-its revealing.Once you know its there (AAK!)
http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif A far greater factor is the "limp" look of low gain screens.

"The Shadow(KODAK)knows!"
http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif


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

Ron

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