[aducrejr]

I am trying to figure out the best approach to upgrading my home theater set up. Currently I have 55” Hitachi Plasma mounted over the fireplace. I want to install a ceiling mounted electric screen in front of it. I am from the DYI school of thought. My last screen was fixed so I was able to play with a few options i.e painted wall then eventually going with a Parkland Plastics Poly-Wall. Going with this type of screen limits my flexibility in my opinion, but it is what it is. I am concerned with trying to match a reasonably priced screen $300-400, 100-110” if possible with either the Viewsonic 8100 or Panasonic AE4000 from mounted approximately 13’ from screen.


If I am limited to the quality of screens then I will be happy to narrow that down make a selection and then search for a suitable projector

Any input would greatly be appreciated

 

[j-bo]

 Screens

 

[aducrejr]



Quote:
Originally Posted by j-bo /forum/post/18140994

Screens

I had a feeling I was going to get this type of response


Thanks J-bo

 

[broadwayblue]

I'm not totally clear...why aren't you buying the projector first? You can set it up and play with the image size to find out what works best for you. Then you can order a screen once you have the proper size as well as one that best compliments your projector.

 

[aducrejr]



Quote:
Originally Posted by broadwayblue /forum/post/18144054


I'm not totally clear...why aren't you buying the projector first? You can set it up and play with the image size to find out what works best for you. Then you can order a screen once you have the proper size as well as one that best compliments your projector.

Yeah your right I was chasing my tail trying to figure out what I should do first. I plan on getting the projector first. It makes the most sense.

 

[BIGmouthinDC]

Cheap electric screens are available. One source is HTdepot.com, there are reviews of their products over on the screen forum.

 

[aducrejr]



Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGmouthinDC /forum/post/18144949


Cheap electric screens are available. One source is HTdepot.com, there are reviews of their products over on the screen forum.

I am there doing some research now. I am always open for suggestions

Thanks

 

[pheroy]

Well, some or maybe many people might agree with the idea that putting the screen first is not such a bad thing. Especially if you are going with a specific type of screen for your situation, the differences between screens are probably bigger than the differences in projectors. The analogy to me is speakers vs amps and source components, though there's a bit more difference than that. But the screen or speaker is what produces what you perceive. A speaker is also a transducer (converts electrical energy to mechanical) so it's a bigger element in that analogy, but the screen is still a primary component of the system. A good screen is something that you might keep longer than the projector. In my case, I invested in a manual pull-down Stewart Firehawk G3, and haven't regretted it. It's already on its 2nd projector.

 

[budwich]

looking at a blank screen is so cool ... as some posters stated, settle on a projector, get it and play with it... heck watch it in some form. When and if you are settled, get your screen and complete the journey.

 

[dooomi]

I bought a Elite Screen electric screen from htdepot and I'm very happy. And in some situations it may make sense to get the screen first. Since you have a TV on your screen wall you won't just be able to shoot up there to get a feel for it. You really do need something to shoot on to get it figured out.

 

[aducrejr]

doomi,


That was my initial sentiment on going with the screen first. I was also taking in to consideration on the affect of the offset once the projector is mounted in relation on to how the screen hangs once it lowered. I have narrowed my choices to the viewsonic pro8100 and panny ae4000, but my wife doesn’t like the idea of something the size an audio receiver hanging over her head. Which now throws the optoma hd20 in to the mix for me

 

[Meret]



Quote:
Originally Posted by aducrejr /forum/post/18146465


doomi,


That was my initial sentiment on going with the screen first. I was also taking in to consideration on the affect of the offset once the projector is mounted in relation on to how the screen hangs once it lowered. I have narrowed my choices to the viewsonic pro8100 and panny ae4000, but my wife doesn't like the idea of something the size an audio receiver hanging over her head. Which now throws the optoma hd20 in to the mix for me

Stylish hard-hats are pretty inexpensive these days. I'm sure you could find a color that brings out the color in your wife's eyes

Btw, $20-30 of BOC cloth pinned to the wall works fine to evaluate a final screen choice.