Screen Choice????????

**phat03** · **05-13-08, 07:40 PM**

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.

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

**phat03** · **05-13-08, 07:45 PM**

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

**mechman** · **05-13-08, 07:46 PM**

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!

**phat03** · **05-13-08, 08:01 PM**

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

**mechman** · **05-13-08, 08:16 PM**

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.

**Harpmaker** · **05-14-08, 12:47 PM**

phat03,

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

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?

**phat03** · **05-14-08, 02:01 PM**

see post reply below

**phat03** · **05-14-08, 02:03 PM**

Quote:

Harpmaker wrote:

phat03,

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

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

what's BOC

Joe D

**Harpmaker** · **05-14-08, 03:23 PM**

Quote:

phat03 wrote:

OK like my headache isn't bad enough

what's BOC

Joe D

Sorry Joe. You hang around these DIY screen forums long enough you get caught up in using the alphabet soup names for things.

BOC stands for Black Out Cloth. This is material that is designed to be sewn on the rear of fabric curtains to make them opaque to daylight. It is a whitish color and many people have used it as a DIY screen material. I believe that some have also had some success in painting their BOC screens when they have decided they wanted to move to a darker screen.

**DougMac** · **05-15-08, 09:03 AM**

Acoustically transparent screen material is another possibility. See:
http://www.hometheatershack.com/foru...ge-screen.html

also:
http://www.seymourav.com/screens.asp

You can get a free sample or for a small charge you can get a bigger sample.

Doug

**phat03** · **05-15-08, 03:11 PM**

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

**Harpmaker** · **05-15-08, 03:50 PM**

Quote:

phat03 wrote:

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.

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.

**wbassett** · **05-15-08, 09:50 PM**

Quote:

phat03 wrote:

OK like my headache isn't bad enough

what's BOC

Joe D

There is a sticky with a lot of common acronyms and some common DIY methods. It can be a bit confusing, but don't be afraid to ask any questions. We'll get you pointed in the right direction.

**phat03** · **05-22-08, 11:32 AM**

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 Crap, 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

**mechman** · **05-22-08, 11:44 AM**

Quote:

phat03 wrote:

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 Crap, 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!

**phat03** · **05-22-08, 12:21 PM**

Mech,

Oh, but of course!!
Just trying to decide which framing methode to use, right now leaning towards your frame you made. Still no warping issues with the 1X4 poplar?

Joe D

**mechman** · **05-22-08, 04:48 PM**

Quote:

phat03 wrote:

Still no warping issues with the 1X4 poplar?

Absolutely not!

**phat03** · **05-22-08, 11:01 PM**

Just finished hanging screen, took some pics of the process and a couple of screen shots, uploading pics in a couple a mins.

Joe D

**phat03** · **05-22-08, 11:49 PM**

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

**Harpmaker** · **05-23-08, 12:43 AM**

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?

**phat03** · **05-23-08, 09:47 AM**

Quote:

Harpmaker wrote:

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

**mechman** · **05-25-08, 01:28 AM**

**phat03** · **05-25-08, 03:39 PM**

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

**phat03** · **05-25-08, 03:42 PM**

P.S.

Please excuse the black plastic garbage bag curtains covering my French Doors,

I haven't picked up my drapiery material yet.

**dingrr** · **06-09-08, 07:57 AM**

Very nice. Do you have a ballpark figure on what it cost to put this together? I'm debating on a DIY screen

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