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5K views 39 replies 10 participants last post by  mechman 
#1 ·
I have read so many threads on this and other forums in search for the optimum screen choice for my dedicated HT, that my head is ready to explode. :wits-end: I'm currently using a white cotton bed sheet and I am very happy with the blacks, whites, color and contrast. If it wasn't for the fact that I can see the weave of the sheet on white scenes, I would simply frame out the sheet and hang it. I have listed the details of my HT setup and would appreciate any input. I prefer a fixed screen and I am open to any solutions.


Room Dimensions: 11.6' wide X 23' deep with 7.6 ceilings
Wall Color: Black (Eggshell)
Ceiling Color: Dark Gray (Eggshell)
Carpet Color: Dark Gray/Silver
Projector: HC5000BL ceiling mounted 15' from screen
Seating: 13' from screen
Current screen size on sheet 110"
Total Light Control - but like ceiling cans on a low dim when watching movies. (closest cans are 10' from screen)
Primary use: Blu-Ray movies and HD TV (including hockey)

Thanks in advance,

Joe D
 
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#2 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

Also I forgot to add, that during my exhaustive search I remember seeing a thread that contained posts from a member who made screens using a matte white screen material with something like a 1:3 gain and was selling them at a good price, the frame even had tension adjustments. If anyone knows who I am talking about please let me know.

Thanks again,

Joe D
 
#3 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

Joe,

Well if using a cotton sheet gives you the blacks, etc. that you like, take a look at Wilsonart Designer White Laminate. TritonMan has an excellent writeup on mounting here.

If your thinking of something else, let us know! ;)
 
#4 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

I had a feeling my first replies we be from either you or Bassett, thanks for the quick response.

I read the thread you are referring to and my immediate thought was, what do you use as a substrate for the laminate to provide for a 110" diagonal screen, when most material is going to be 4X8.

Joe D
 
#5 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

Joe,

Laminates are 5 feet wide and anywhere from 8 to 12 feet long. More than enough for a 110" screen.

While Keith used a backer board, it's not needed. Just a sturdy frame. :bigsmile:

:dancebanana:
 
#6 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

phat03,

I know what you mean about reading so much that you're confused. As the saying goes "been there, done that". :bigsmile:

First of all, there is no single "optimum screen", there are only better screens for any given situation; and ultimately, it comes down to viewer preference.

If you are happy with a white screen, cool. Go with what works for you.

This next question is for the entire forum. Wouldn't BOC work well in this case?
 
#8 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

phat03,

I know what you mean about reading so much that you're confused. As the saying goes "been there, done that". :bigsmile:

First of all, there is no single "optimum screen", there are only better screens for any given situation; and ultimately, it comes down to viewer preference.

If you are happy with a white screen, cool. Go with what works for you.

This next question is for the entire forum. Wouldn't BOC work well in this case?
OK like my headache isn't bad enough:dumbcrazy: what's BOC

Joe D
 
#12 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

Harp,

Thanks for the input, I'm gonna go with the Wilson DW, but I am also making curtains for the french doors in my HT and will now look into BOC to use as a backer for the curtains.

Thanks again,

Joe D
Good choice. :T DW (that's it's short handle :)) has a large following.

Glad to be of some help, that's what these forums are all about. :bigsmile:
 
#14 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

Just picked up a 5X12 sheet of DW OTD for $97.71 from my local paneling center. Stood it up IFO the white cotton sheet I had been using, put in the BD version of Live Free or Die Hard and............Holy ****, I don't think I'm ever gonna leave my HT, well maybe to go to the head..LOL I can't belive the quality of the picture.....unbelievable. Thanks for the suggestions, now it's time to build my frame.


Joe D
 
#15 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

Just picked up a 5X12 sheet of DW OTD for $97.71 from my local paneling center. Stood it up IFO the white cotton sheet I had been using, put in the BD version of Live Free or Die Hard and............Holy ****, I don't think I'm ever gonna leave my HT, well maybe to go to the head..LOL I can't belive the quality of the picture.....unbelievable. Thanks for the suggestions, now it's time to build my frame.


Joe D
We'd like pictures when you're done! :bigsmile:
 
#19 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

Mech,

Here are the pics of the process and finished screen, sorry if the screens shots aren't that great, new at taking screen shots.

Finished Frame


Corner Joint


Side Joint


Poles set up on laminate waiting for frame


Finished Frame with Flash Shot


Screenshot Lights ON


Screenshot Lights OFF


Overall shot from behind first row seating area with lights ON


Hope these come out, first time posting pics on HTS.

Joe D
 
#21 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

Nice HT Joe! And nice screenies, wouldn't guess it was your first time. :)

I'm just curious, why did you convert them to GIF format?
Harp,

Thanks and the photos are converted to gifs when I optimize them for the web in Photoshop prior to uploading to Photobucket. I quess I could just leave them in JPG format and push them over that way. Maybe the quality might be a little better.

Joe D
 
#23 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

Thanks for the round of applause, Mech.

Harp,

I uploaded a couple of more screenshots, which I saved in JPG format, definitely better quality than the GIFs.

Here they are:

Lights ON


Lights OFF


Overall from behind front seating area Lights ON


Thanks for all your help guys, I'm very happy with the final product.

Joe D
 
#27 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

Very nice. Do you have a ballpark figure on what it cost to put this together? I'm debating on a DIY screen like this or simply painting one on the wall.
Dingrr: Sorry for the delayed response, was out of town, total screen cost was about $140 the bulk of which was the 5X12 sheet of laminate, which was $97.71.

Thanks Cyn..... I'm very pleased with final product.:yay:

Joe D
 
#33 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

Hey "phat03,

Great looking screen !
How did you mount it to the wall (sorry if I overlooked that info)?
Are you going to add masking for different movie AR's (aspect rations) ?
I have to build my screen & frame, thanks for sharing your build.

Thanks,

John :bigsmile:
 
#34 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

Hey "phat03,

Great looking screen !
How did you mount it to the wall (sorry if I overlooked that info)?
Are you going to add masking for different movie AR's (aspect rations) ?
I have to build my screen & frame, thanks for sharing your build.

Thanks,

John :bigsmile:
John,

I used a french cleat mounted to the screen frame, to hang my screen, here is a link to a thread explaining what a french cleat is if you do not know.

http://www.hometheatershack.com/for...-screen-thread-data-detailed-information.html

Yes, I am currently fabricating removable masking, I am using 1/4 ply covered in black velvet with magnets attached to the back of the mask and back of screen, the mask magnets are covered by a piece of felt to protect screen. This method allows the masking to be easily attached and removed.

Joe D
 
#35 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

dingrr, you asked this question a few months ago so you probably have already set up your DIY screen. But I used 10ft by 5ft DW, just screwed it into a wall, and nailed rolled-up black velvet around it for a cheap frame. Total cost: $88 for DW and $35 for black velvet. Total time: 1 hour. I will probably eventually create a better frame, though.
 
#36 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

Funny this thread just popped up again.

I happened to come back from Vegas with some green in my pocket, so I threw it at a Mitsu HC5500. It should be here on Monday according to the tracking number. I ordered my WilsonArt Designer White 5X10 yesterday for $109 (sadly the best price I could find, and the shop is only 1 mile away, so it all works out).

I'm still day dreaming about how I'm going to frame it as I fully intend to make it floating so I can back-light it with rope lights, and use removable black velvet boarders so I can just velcro up 3" borders for 16:9 or drop in some taller boarders for 2.40:1.

At least, that's my plan. Still working out the details.
 
#37 · (Edited)
Re: Screen Choice????????

Funny this thread just popped up again.

<snip>

I'm still day dreaming about how I'm going to frame it as I fully intend to make it floating so I can back-light it with rope lights, and use removable black velvet boarders so I can just velcro up 3" borders for 16:9 or drop in some taller boarders for 2.40:1.

At least, that's my plan. Still working out the details.
I put mine on a 2x4 frame. I made the frame about 4in smaller than the laminate. This allowed for the back lighting while still sitting close to the wall (2"). It also allowed me to do a quick and cheap boarder. I used some Velcro straps ($7 for 20ft (I think)) and off the shelf push clips (and hot glue).
Having the frame smaller does create the problem that it is more difficult to work with after-construction because you can't simply set the screen on its edge on the floor.

For mounting, I just mounted two 2ft 2x4s to the wall and placed the screen on it.

I also made the mistake of gluing the laminate to two 2x4 cross members (As well as the outter frame). This created 2 ripples/indentions that is visible on very light/white images. I recalled, after the fact, that it was noted that you should not glue to the cross members (I assume for this reason). My end results was poor and I effectively wasted a sheet of D350-60. I am not deciding if I want to get a second and just glue it to the first, or scrap it and start over.

-Matt
 
#38 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

*very* helpfull information! I totally would have glued the laminate to the frame!

So what is the correct method for mounting the laminiate to the frame if you can glue the whole length? Glue it only in spots?

I have so many ideas on how to put this together, I'm just not sure what's the best...and your wrinkle certainly adds a wrinkle to my ideas! LOL
 
#39 ·
Re: Screen Choice????????

*very* helpfull information! I totally would have glued the laminate to the frame!

So what is the correct method for mounting the laminiate to the frame if you can glue the whole length? Glue it only in spots?

I have so many ideas on how to put this together, I'm just not sure what's the best...and your wrinkle certainly adds a wrinkle to my ideas! LOL
I think the proper plan would have been to only glue on the outer rim, not the cross members. I had two cross members. It was the two center beams that got me into trouble. I can't see any distortion at the edges. My plan on the replacement is to only glue the edges or corners. My concern however is that if it is not glued or secured in the middle, will the bass from the sub cause 'waves'? And if it is not nice and tight, it might not come out even.

I am still debating what to do.

-Matt
 
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