Advice on a screen for a home movie projector?

[yoda313]

Right now I'm using a white bedsheet. It works just fine though I'd like something that is rigid without any bunched up areas that distract from the picture.

Technically my eiko lc 330 is a 4:3 projector I believe so I wouldn't need a special super expensive 16:9 screen.

Can I get one for $50 or less? Is it worth trying ebay for a screen or is that too problematic?

I've been tempted to try to get a window screen to use but I'm not sure if I could get one wide enough to be worth it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Though keep in mind my suggested price range. I'm not looking to get a $1000 auto-retractable wall mounted screen. Just something portable that can be stored away easily.

Thanks.

[Bodyslide]

72.00
http://www.pagecomputers.com/store/Product_accessoriesx.asp?catalog%5Fname=Projectors&...ct%5Fid=330870

42.00
http://www.pagecomputers.com/store/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=Projectors&category%5Fna...ct%5Fid=802126

[jimmalenko]

How's about ironing the sheet ?


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[redwudz]

I was going to recommend a screen till I saw your price limit. Mine was about $350US for a 5 X 8 ft. but it works great.

Make sure you get one with a fairly smooth surface. Many of the old 8MM film type screens had a surface like a piece of coarse sandpaper and didn't work well with a video projector.

[gll99]

I still haven't bought a projector yet. A number of questions and issues are yet to be answered or resolved.

I also looked at screens and noticed that much of what is offered in the <$200 canadian range is not much more than a vinyl material similar to a white window roller blind.

I plan to either order a large 97" w by 66" h blind from the catalogue for about $50 which would give a pretty large 4:3 or 16:9 unframed. Or I could use an existing spare blind I have which measures 55" w x 72" h. If I turn it sideaways it would be just about right for a 16x9 display. After experimenting with sizes, I could add a black felt frame to remove some reflected light.

The dullness of the sheet (as in non reflective) probably makes the image appear less bright that it could be on a more shiny surface although you probably have no trouble with hot spots with a sheet.

[Marty2003]

Has anyone else tried Screen Goo? It's a special paint that you paint on your wall which supposedly has similar properties to a real screen. I installed it in a friends house and I would say it works and looks great, but I'm no videophile, so I have nothing to compare it too. It's a little costly, but it looks very professional.

[yoda313]

Thanks everyone. Interesting link bodyslide.

@ jimmalenko - Well the problem is keeping it hanging straight off of the cabinet Im using.

I'll keep looking and see what might be ideal.