[GbrNole]

see bill's thread regarding the projector calculator pro.

you have to keep in mind that your projector is capable of putting out MUCH more light than is reflected in those calculations and conversely it will put out less light in it's best mode.

since you do some daytime viewing then you are a good candidate for a gray screen and the fact that the epson 400's ability to project deep black is a bit limited then it just reinforces that.

the question is which gray you should go with?

you mentioned the other forum and there happens to be some nice screen shots there that a user did on an easy flex solution (with poly top coat) as introduced by tiddler.

those screen shots look very good but his screen is also a fair bit smaller than yours will be.

as opposed to easy flex you could always go with one of the one can solutions like true value winter mist (light gray) winter mountain (darker gray) sherwin williams gray screen (similar darkness to winter mountain but with a sheen so no poly would be needed) or wilsonart fashion gray laminate (the darekest of the grays mentioned here) with poly top coat.

personally i'd be inclined to go with one of the darker grays to compensate for deep blacks and for the longest time i was sure i would end up with an epson 400 and that was going to be the direction i was heading.

your standard mode is best for daytime viewing on the 400 since it bangs out a true almost 1000 lumens and then movie 2 for night time.

ps. the person at the other forum used an easy flex 06 paint mix which is somewhere between winter mist and winter mountain in color - might even be your best bet?

oh and last but not least check out bill's neutral gray thread where he shows screen shots using sherwin williams gray screen paint since your projector is about equal in light output to his when yours is in best mode but absolutely kicks in standard mode (double the light output) bear in mind that you will be using a bigger screen though so that is relative.