Who likes what and why?

Well, I am fairly new to all of this also. I will try to answer some of the questions.

1) It seems to be as cheap, or cheaper to buy the whole screen(frame and all), as opposed to just buying material.


2) I don't think you will find anyone to argue that Stewart is the best manufacturer, but their prices reflect this. I believe the (StudioTek 130?)is mentioned often.


3) I don't think you want to go to high on the gain, as hotspotting will occur. Do a search for an explanation. Depends partially on how the projector is mounted, floor or ceiling.


4) Once again, if you have the money go for a Stewart, you really can't go wrong. Otherwise Da-Lite makes some popular ones.


5) I myself use a homemade screen out of blackout fabric, it has more to do with money (I don't have any http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/frown.gif ), then anything. I believe they compete favorably with commercial screens. Although when we get a dedicated room built we will probably get a commercial one.


6) Search the board, spend a lot of time reading, and request some samples from manufactures to compare.

Sorry Tim... http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/wink.gif


I know you can get a Stewart Luxus Snapper fixed screen with the Studiotech 130 material for ~$1200-$1500. depending on the frame options. Stewart offers a standard 1.5" black metal frame, and also a deluxe 3.25" frame that bevels toward the screen surface, and you can have the optional Ve-Lux fabric attached to the frame as well. I highly recommend getting the Ve-lux option as it is a black "velvet-like" material that creates a razor sharp edge along the screen frame as well as boosting the overall apparent contrast ratio. Highly recommended!!


For the best online pricing for Stewart Screens you can request a price quote from [email protected] or [email protected] .




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DMan
The Academy Home Theater

The screens of choice on this board have been--if you want reasonable cost--and in my opinion:


1. For ceiling mount--Draper M1300 (1.3 gain for less hot spotting) or M2500 (2.5 gain for higher gain with some hot spotting and color shift). Some have expressed concerns with folds and ripples on the M2500, but everyone seems to be impressed with the image it creates. These screens require a permanent mount and are stretched onto the mount.


2. For floor mount--get a Dailite High Power (2+ gain). This is a very inexpensive vs. size ratio screen, but works best for floor mount only as it is retro-reflective (light is reflected directly back to the source as opposed to a reflective screen like the Draper's where light is relected at opposing angles like a mirror). The High Power works well as a simple pull down screen, too.


3: If you have a DLP, LCD projector then get the Stewart Grayhawk, which is less than 1 gain, but is a gray screen to enhance contrast and black levels which are lacking in these types of projectors vs. crt projectors.


There are variations for powered screens and perforated screens to let sound though, etc. if you want to get the very best--but it will cost you.


My 1.5 cents--what with the market going nuts and everything...


Bob