[Fotojoh]

Hi all, this is my first post. You folks seem to be the experts on everything to do with screens. I've searched and read a lot, but hope someone here can help me with the following:
I'm just finishing a new home with a dedicated home theater. The light is very well controlled and I plan to use a JVC DLA-RS1X projector. The throw will be about 20-21'. I plan to have a 120" diagonal, fixed screen. I don't mind spending a bit for a dedicated, commercial screen and image quality is important to me. I've narrowed my selection to: Carada 118" Critereon with either the Classic Cinema White or Brilliant White material @ $851.94; or, Stewart Luxus Screenwall SN123H with the StudioTec 130 material @ nearly $3000.00.

Everything I've read indicates the Stewart Screens to be the best/industry standard, but I'm not sure I can bring myself to spend $2000 more for the reputation. Is there anyone out there who has actually compared these two products in person or has experience with either of these and can give me some input? Lastly, I want this installed within 3 weeks (4 max). THanks in advance. jj

 

[mechman]

Stewart didn't reply to my request for screen materials to review. But Carada did - here's the link. The Brilliant White was very nice in my opinion! :T

 

[Fotojoh]

Mech, thanks for the link. I read a different posting on this site that suggested a grey screen ought not to be compared side by side to a white screen; that the calibration of the projector and the viewing conditions have to be optimized to the sceen type in order to avoid an apples to oranges comparison. Any experiences out there with Stewart? Is it worth the price? jj

 

[mechman]

Any experiences out there with Stewart? Is it worth the price? jj

Nope. As I said, they ignored my request for samples... as have some others. :dunno:

As for the gray and white, look at them separately and see which one fits your surroundings better and gives you the picture you're looking for. You can do a quick brightness/contrast adjustment for each using the THX optimizer or a calibration DVD. :T

mech

 

[Fotojoh]

Thanks for the info. I've bought the Carada Criterion 118" Brilliant White. I'll post some pictures once it's all finished. Joe

 

[Blaser]

Hi Joe,

I have been using the Carada BW for a while and I am very happy . They are business orented and have an excellent customer service.
A review of the JVC RS1 would be very welcome :T

 

[pfp]

Like you everything I've read indicates Stuart are the gold standard. I just couldn't bring myself to spend that much on the screen so I want with the Carada 136" BW 2.35.

 

[kipg]

I own a Stewart and my brother owns a Carada.....my brother has more money than me and I can't tell a differance.:rofl:

 

[spartanstew]

Have had my Carada BW 126" screen for about 6 years and have zero regrets.

 

[Floridapoolboy]

I recently upgraded to a 120" Carada BW 2.35:1 screen, very nice! I now have a 96" Carada CCW Precision 16:9 screen that I'll let go for peanuts, SW Florida, pickup only. PM if interested!

 

[mechman]

I recently upgraded to a 120" Carada BW 2.35:1 screen, very nice! I now have a 96" Carada CCW Precision 16:9 screen that I'll let go for peanuts, SW Florida, pickup only. PM if interested!

You may want to throw something up in the classifieds as well. :T

 

[Floridapoolboy]

You may want to throw something up in the classifieds as well. :T

Thanks, done!

 

[yelis300]

i've never compared the 2 side by side but i have a carada bw 130" and i think its the bees knees. i could not justify the price for a stuart. and ill second that carada's customer service is excellent. several weeks after my purchase, they emailed and called me to make sure everything was satisfactory with the screen and to me they appeared genuinly concerned about my satisfaction.

 

[mechman]

i've never compared the 2 side by side but i have a carada bw 130" and i think its the bees knees. i could not justify the price for a stuart. and ill second that carada's customer service is excellent. several weeks after my purchase, they emailed and called me to make sure everything was satisfactory with the screen and to me they appeared genuinly concerned about my satisfaction.

Thanks for offering your input. It is appreciated! :T And that's good to know that Carada has a great support system.

 

[Drakul]

I'm thinking about pairing a Carada Brilliant White with a JVC X30 at about 14' throw distance in a bat cave.
I'm not sure on screen size yet but probably 118" if I go 16:9 or a bit more if I go 2.35:1.

Does that sound like a good combo at that distance for some occasional 3D (mostly 2D movie-gaming though)?

 

[mechman]

I'm thinking about pairing a Carada Brilliant White with a JVC X30 at about 14' throw distance in a bat cave.
I'm not sure on screen size yet but probably 118" if I go 16:9 or a bit more if I go 2.35:1.

Does that sound like a good combo at that distance for some occasional 3D (mostly 2D movie-gaming though)?

The numbers look good using PJCentral's calculator. :huh:

 

[HTip]

I have no experience with Carada, but I had the chance to upgrade my Beamax A-velvet 100" with a Stewart fixed screen with Studiotek 130G3. The Stewart is much better (understatement). Color is more even (tested with a plain color image from DVE), gain is the same on the whole screen and sharpness is outstanding. It was a ex-demo and at a very reasonable price. If I had to pay the full price I probably still would have my Beamax