Help me choose a projection screen

hochpt21

I currently have a motorized drop-down 100" FAVI screen. Long story short it got damaged and it's time for a new one.

I think I want to go up to a 120". 16x9 format.

I have found basically the same one I have in a pull-down format for around $200. My main concern, however, is at that size (120") it seems the screens are more prone to wrinkles or edge-bend. I was thinking possibly a fixed-frame screen would be better?

Budget is $250 max and preferably under $200. I know that limits my options quite a bit, but I would like to get everyone's input.

Fixed, pull-down, drop down does not matter to me. I think I want a low-ish gain similar to what I have (I think currently 1:1)

Current projector is a BenQ HD w1070

Anyways, let me know what you all think!!

Thanks,
Paul

pitdogg2

Have you thought about painted? No edge wrinkles. I have a friend who used a paint and it looks darn good.

hochpt21

pitdogg2 wrote: »

Have you thought about painted? No edge wrinkles. I have a friend who used a paint and it looks darn good.

I hadn't thought about that, but where I have my screen it is partially covering a blacked out window, so that wouldn't work.

pitdogg2

It was a thought

hochpt21

pitdogg2 wrote: »

It was a thought

And probably a much cheaper thought at that

PSOVLSK

http://www.carlofet.com/build-your-own-projector-screen

I built my own with pretty good results several years ago. Mine wasn't nearly as nice as the one I linked, but as I said, it worked well.

It should be noted that if I can build one, anybody can. I'm not what anyone would describe as handy. Handsy, maybe, but not handy.

hochpt21

PSOVLSK wrote: »

http://www.carlofet.com/build-your-own-projector-screen

I built my own with pretty good results several years ago. Mine wasn't nearly as nice as the one I linked, but as I said, it worked well.

It should be noted that if I can build one, anybody can. I'm not what anyone would describe as handy. Handsy, maybe, but not handy.

Thank you, sir. I'll check it out.

scubalab

Paul,

I have the 92" version of this screen and have absolutely no complaints. It is very well made, easy to assemble and install, and looks like it should have cost a lot more. Only downside is it's at the limit of your budget...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CYLOTPK/ref=twister_dp_update?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

When I was looking it was between Elite Screens and Silver Ticket. They both were darn near identical when I bought, and the price was almost exactly the same. IIRC, the reason I went for Elite Screens was because Silver Ticket were back ordered. So, here's another option that will be closer to the $200 'wish' budget:

https://www.amazon.com/Elite-Screens-StarFrame-120-inch-Projector/dp/B01B53Q8M4/ref=sr_1_12?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1506456638&sr=1-12&keywords=120+fixed+frame+16:9

I can't vouch for the Elite Screens version though, but reviews are very favorable for both.

-Al

hochpt21

@scubalab I looked at a few options on Amazon. Also looked at the DIY that @PSOVLSK recommended. Looked at the DIY quite a bit. Thank you both for the input.

I love DIY projects and they are very rewarding, but right now with work and life, I ultimately decided to go with a kit route. Since I don't NEED a drop down screen, I feel like the quality vs value was with the wrap around tension kit, so I clicked BUY on the Elite 120" Fixed Frame.

Very much looking forward to the extra 20 inches.

PSOVLSK

Too lazy to look at the model I had, but I was very pleased with the Elite screen that replaced my DIY. I suspect you will be happy with your purchase. Congrats!

Dennis Gardner

I built a 92x69 4:3 for my first pj around 15 years ago and still use the original blackout cloth on my 16:9 87x50 basically a 100 inch diagonal that I might have $50 total in the 2x4 frame hung permanently on my theater room wall. It is a 1:1 gain factor and serves me well. Here is a vendor that a 120 inch screen could easily be done without seams.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Carls-Blackout-Cloth-DIY-Projector-Screen-Raw-Material-Fabric-66x110-inch-Ma-/202045249357?epid=710128596&hash=item2f0ad5d74d:g:AJYAAOSwK31ZrDXf

hochpt21

Truly sorry I forgot to update this thread...

Ended up with a 120" fixed frame screen from Elite.

Couldn't be happier!

hochpt21