[reality intrudes]

I wish to purchase a screen for home theater use with my old LCD projector- a Proxima DP5100 (specs for it from Proxima's web site below). I hope to find a deal on a used screen from a fellow AVSer who is upgrading.

Given the projector's brightness (or dimness?) what should I look for regarding gain, color, matte, glass beaded, or whatever the critical concerns should be.


All suggestions welcomed,

Kurt


Proxima Desktop Projector 5100

LCD Panels 3 polysilicon active-matrix TFT (Thin-Film Transistor)

Resolution 640 x 480 pixels

Number of Colors 16.7 million colors

Response Time 30 - 50 milliseconds (typical)

Contrast Ratio 200:1 (typical)

Brightness 300 ANSI lumens

VGA, VESA 640 x 480 @ 72 Hz

Projection Distance 3’ (1 m) to infinity (limited only by ambient light)

Screen Image Size 35†(88.9 cm) to unlimited diagonal

Lens F3.0–3.8 (46.5–74.4 mm), 1:1.6 power zoom, power focus

Keystone Correction Normal at +8.8 o projection angle

Video Compatibility NTSC, PAL

 

[ssj2]

I just upgraded from an LCD projector with the same brightness and contrast specs as yours. I used a Da-Lite Model B with the high power screen material. There are a lot of believers in this screen out there for a number of reasons, including its gain (2.8) washability, lack of hotspotting and that slight waves in the screen material do not manifest themselves in image problems.


At a minimum you'll want between 15-20 ft. lamberts of light reflecting off the screen. The formula for this is (Projector Output / Sq. Footage of screen) x Screen gain = Foot lamberts. The Projector measurement must be in ANSI Lumens.


For example;

Your projector is rated at 300 ANSI lumens and a 100" screen is (80" X 60") 33.33sq. ft.


(300/33.33) X 1.3 = 11.70

(300/33.33) X 2.8 = 25.20


I'm considering getting a larger screen, a Da-Lite Model B high power screen with a 16 X 9 aspect ratio, so my 100" diagonal 4 X 3 screen will be available. Let me know if you're interested. There's a lot of good info on this forum regarding screen materials. I'd continue to look in this forum for additional information.

 

[leckian]

I have an Dalite HiPower-this screen was used for 6 months and is in excellent condition. This is my personal screen and I used it with my NEC 6pg. The view area measures 48" x 74.5". This is Fast Fold and snaps onto supplied Aluminum frame. Very neat looking on the wall. Allows you to make the most from a lower powered projector and renders a highly saturated, detailed image. Images look super sharp with this screen. I can sell it for $325.00 shipped.




[This message has been edited by leckian (edited 04-21-2001).]