HD Screen vs wall

[Aztec Pilot]

I am finishing a theater in my home. I have read a few posts debating screen vs wall for use with a projector. I am leaning towards using the wall. I am having the drywaller make this wall "perfect".

Anyone have any experience with this? How should I paint the wall? Am I nuts for installing a screen, which I can do at anytime.

Thanks.

[CCarncross]

IIRC there is a special paint you want to use, its very bright white made just for such an application.

[BattleZone]

Most of the screens you should use for a projector have reflective threads in them to help increase contrast, which makes a big difference compared to a standard wall. But I'm sure there is some kind of a paint or other surface preperation that can be done to the wall to replicate this effect. The folks in the Projector section of AVSForum.com may be able to give you more info.

[Aztec Pilot]

Thanks. I did some googling. www.paintonscreen.com There are others.

[Aztec Pilot]

Well, I used "PaintonScreen". I am happy with the results. I had the drywaller make sure the wall was as close to perfect as he could get it. Took three coats to get uniform. I could see the silver (goo??) in the paint. It was not glitter or fiber. It was a gel like substance that would not fully blend in the paint. Barely noticable when it dried.

I fired up the projector for the first time this weekend. It really looks great. But I have no frame of reference:D. On a light scene, if you stand next to the screen, I can see the silver filaments in there. Not noticable from a viewing distance.

Over all it took a half gallon for the three coats. I bought a gallon for $199. Paid the drywaller an extra hundred for the work. So I have a $300 screen at 136" with extra paint for my buddy's basement. I won't make his as big though:lol:

FWIW, Jason

[Nick]

Thanks for the follow-up, Aztec -- good info.

At 136" (is that diagonal?), you are just eight inches short of 12'.
You, Sir, have an awesome projection screen!

Nicely done.

[Brandon428]

I would recommend a do it yourself screen. You can build them for relatively cheap and you'll get more out of your picture. BTW what projector are you using?

[Aztec Pilot]

Thanks for the follow-up, Aztec -- good info.

At 136" (is that diagonal?), you are just eight inches short of 12'.
You, Sir, have an awesome projection screen!

Nicely done.

Thanks alot. I have been working every night to finish my Man Cave!

It is 136" diagonal. I did not think the projector would fill it, but went a little bigger because well, tech always gets better.;)

[Aztec Pilot]

I would recommend a do it yourself screen. You can build them for relatively cheap and you'll get more out of your picture. BTW what projector are you using?

Thanks for the feedback. I figured I could always add a screen or build a screen down the road. The paint just seemed "dumb enough to work". And quite frankly, I can not imagine much better.

I bought a new Epson Home Cinema 6500UB. It fills the 136" with an HR23 from D*. Zooming in to say 110" no noticeable improvement.

[Brandon428]

That's a nice projector you have. What kind of sound system are you using?

[spartanstew]

Don't forget to add a border.

[Aztec Pilot]

That's a nice projector you have. What kind of sound system are you using?

As I have been blowing thru cash a t record pace, your welcome economy!! I had to get some minimal equipment. I got a good deal on ebay for a Onkyo HT-s6100 HTIB. It is well reviewed. It is the Onkyo TX-SR606 Receiver with some decent Onkyo speakers. I figure I could always swap out components down the road. But this package gives me a pretty capable receiver.

I am hooking up the speakers now, but the picture is amazing.

[Aztec Pilot]

Don't forget to add a border.

I have thought about it. Is there a purpose. to framing it in? I did a very time consuming job laying out the screen on the wall, and it transitions well. But I do have extra moulding I could use to make a border.

BTW, Why does a Texan have a Tigers Avatar???

[Brandon428]

The 606 is a decent receiver. I suggest Klipsch speakers on a budget and DefTech if you have the money. As for the border,there really is no major benefit it just makes things look more complete. I saw one guy online made a border that looked like a Sony Bravia Bezel and it looked sweet. Well,have fun with your new toys.

[spartanstew]

I have thought about it. Is there a purpose. to framing it in? I did a very time consuming job laying out the screen on the wall, and it transitions well. But I do have extra moulding I could use to make a border.


If the rest of your wall is painted black, then it doesn't serve as much of a benefit other than to look "complete". If the rest of your wall is not black, then a nice wide border will help with perceived contrast and will make your picture "pop" a bit more. Same with the ceiling and walls. A black ceiling will do wonders for your picture, as will dark walls (at least 4' out from the screen).


BTW, Why does a Texan have a Tigers Avatar???

What, I should go with the Rangers???