Can anyone recommend a type of projection screen for movie viewing?Tripod?Ceiling mount?

Question

I want to get this for a friend because he has been using a white wall to project his movies on.I want to get him a projection screen but not sure on which type.Should i get a tripod mounted one or one that bolts to the ceiling and pulls down?Portability would be nice but is the tripod cumbersome or bulky?Is the ceiling mounted type just as portable with less bulk? Any opinions please!

Answer 1

Screens are a fairly complex subject. There are many different types more or less suited to various uses.

You can get tripod mounted and retractable wall screens, but also fixed wall screens, and various types of motorized screens. They come with different types of finishes (to reflect light differently) and a wide range of sizes and shapes (aspect ratios -- width to height ratio). Home theater screens cost anywhere from ~$150 to $thousands.

Ideally, the screen needs to be matched to the type of projector and size of room. The gain, colour, aspect ratio, size, masking, mounting system all need to be considered.

If you really want to help your friend I'd suggest giving him a "gift certificate" and then go to a store that handles projectors and screens to consult on the right model.

An alternative would be to paint a screen on the wall (if that is acceptable). You can mix your own paint from normal commercial paints or buy special DIY screen paint from Goo Systems. I've included links re both of these options.

Finally, you can make a screen fairly cheaply (~$100) using a wood frame onto which you stretch "blackout cloth" (White curtain liner). A black surround can be added to frame the actual screen and act as a mask. The first link will have ideas on this, or see the third link for a picture.

The last 2 links are to pictures of HT screens I built ... the first was a BO cloth screen and the second a painted screen.  Each worked well and cost less than $100 to do.

I hope this helps.