[simpits-tech] Re: Projector Screen

[Joseph Fagner]

Thanks for the info Jim.  You just saved me a ton of time researching.

One thing about the software scaling, any idea what kind of CPU time this
uses?  Do you run it on the machine generating the image?  One thing I've
learned from my years of building my own computer systems is "If you can
afford it, never do with software what can be done with hardware".  There
are usually performance issues involved with the software route.

Once again, Thanks
Jay

-----Original Message-----
From: simpits-tech-bounces at simpits.org
[mailto:simpits-tech-bounces at simpits.org] On Behalf Of Jim K.
Sent: Sunday, October 19, 2003 3:06 PM
To: simpits-tech at simpits.org
Subject: [simpits-tech] Re: Projector Screen


> >>>>>>>>>.Message: 4
>Thanks for the info Jim.  This is just the stuff I'm going to need in a
>couple of months when I start building my screen.  The plastic stuff sounds
>like just what I need.
>Jay>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>



Jay,
Yea believe me I did TONS of research, testing and reading when I first set 
up my Home Theater (HT) projector.  :-)))

All of the 1 gain screens from all of the various screen mfgs have 
virtually the exact same picture quality.   As I mentioned I have samples 
of them all, along with a wide variety of other gain screens, all of which 
I tested and compared.   You don't really start seeing image quality 
differences until you get into the higher screens gains.  The higher the 
gain the more the screen reflects light (i.e. a brighter image) but there 
are trade-offs when you use a higher gain screen.

You can get the same picture quality as a 1 gain screen off white walls, 
black-out fabric and especially from that Parkland Plastic material.   It 
comes in flat sheets and is easy to use.   Thats what I used for my first 
screen.   I used a diag picture size of 72" and made a flat black wood 
frame for it to use as a masking.   It looked great and for a total cost of 
about $50 for the "screen", wood and paint.  It was a GREAT option.   Many 
of the HT guys use this plastic as its a pretty cheap way to get a good 
looking screen.

The only problem with using any type of fabric for a screen is that you 
need to stretch it so there are no wrinkles in the fabric itself.   The 
Parkland plastic is a rigid flat sheet so no support material is 
needed.   :-)))

Like I mentioned you'll also want to look into some sort of video scaler so 
you don't see the scan lines of a projector.   There are some really 
expensive options for HD quality video.   Thats OK for watching DVDs and HD 
content but not really needed for our application.   Check out a really 
inexpensive scaler from Viewsonic, VB50.   It was made for scaling a 
computer monitor and does an OK job when compared to what it costs.   I've 
seen it sell for about $80.   Obviously this thing comes no where close to 
an expensive scaler, but it does work.   Computer software will do an even 
better job and can compete with the high end scalers.   All of  these 
things are discussed in depth on that AVS forum.

Take it easy
Jim




         

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Thanks!