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Posts tagged Home theater projection screens
How one element can ruin your projection screen’s performance
01 year ago
How ambient light effects a projection screen
A lot of projection screen manufacturers give you data about their projection screens: gain, viewing angle, surface type and aspect ratio. This can trick you into focusing on these elements first. But despite their best intentions to give you relevant info, your first task is not related to the projection screen.
What you need to do before you buy a projection screen
The first task you have is to learn about ambient light. Ambient light is all the light that doesn’t come from your projector. This includes sunlight from outside, but also light from lamps in your room. There’s also secondary ambient light, which is the light that’s reflected by white walls and shiny objects, like mirrors and metal or glass surfaces.
In a home theater environment, any light that’s not coming from your projector is unwanted. And that’s because a front projection screen can not “see” which light comes from the projector and which light comes from another source. The result: The screen will reflect everything that reaches it. And that’s not what you want, because the ambient light will wash out the light coming from your projector.
As the effect of ambient light outweighs all the other characteristics of a projection screen, such as the gain value and the surface type, you need to control the ambient light first. Then you can start refining your home theater by selecting a screen.
Projection screen ambient light control
Now that you know what ambient light is, I’ll show you some ways to control it. Not everything will be suitable for your budget or the design of your room, but it’ll give you a great blueprint. I’ll discuss the different methods by ambient light category: sunlight, interior lights and reflected light.
1. Sunlight
The sun is incredibly powerful, so it’s the source that can have the biggest influence on your projection screen image. Especially when you watch a movie during daytime (like the weekend) or in Summer (when the days are longer), the sun is likely going to interfere with your projection screen setup.
The best ways to keep the sun out are roller shutters, which completely darken the room. They also add benefits like security and insulation to your home. But, they are not cheap. Another good option are black-out blinds. These are roller blinds that come with a special fabric that doesn’t let the sun through. They are available in manual and electric versions, so they can suit different budgets. Make sure they come with guiding rails on the sides to avoid like leakage. A third option is a heavy curtain. Regular curtains are often too thin to keep the sun out on a bright day, so you need thick fabric. Check a sample with a torch to ensure they’re as opaque as you need them to be.
2. Interior lights
It’s hard to move in a room when there are no lights, so you need to have them. There’s always a point in the movie where you want to get a drink or a snack. You don’t want to have to stumble through your room to get it. Your interior lights should be placed as far away from the screen as possible. This will minimize the potential interference with the projection, while at the same time keeping the room well-lit when needed.
Lights that can be controlled (dimmable) are preferred, as these give you the option to control light levels that match the use of the room. Control systems allow you to pre-set these, so you can get the room in home theater mode at the press of a button.
3. Reflected light
To limit the amount of reflected light, white walls and shiny surfaces are best avoided. If that’s not practical, then you might want to think about creating a home theater with a feature wall. A feature wall gives your room a natural focal point and reduces reflected ambient light at the same time. This allows you to have the best of both worlds: a great-looking room during day-time and a well-performing home cinema when needed.
Conclusion
Before you dive into the specs of the projection screen you want to buy, make sure you have the ambient light under control. Keep in mind that ambient light can come from the outside, light sources from within your room and from reflective surfaces.
Once you have reached the limit of your control over the ambient light in your room, you will not only have created the best possible environment for your room. You’ll also have a much better understanding of what you will need from your projection screen.
If you have questions about your particular situation, let me know in the comments and you will get personal advice.
More on home theater projection screen setup.
How to build a projector screen
01 year ago
The “DIY” Projector screen
With rising prices of manufactured projector screens, it’s a wonder why so many home theater enthusiasts want to learn how to build their own over shelling out five $500-$1000 for one… On that note, I would like to present you with one way to build a nice home theater screen of your own…
If you’re on a budget and have already shelled out $1,500 or so for your projector, a/v receiver and audio/video cables etc, you’re probably not looking forward to throwing down another $300 to $1,000 for a decent screen that works with your projector’s native aspect ratio. However, there is always the alternative… A paint on screen or perhaps a white sheet?
Shoestring budget projector screen
Many home theater authorities will tell you that you can’t build a projector screen that will perform as well as a professional or production built screen, but common sense will tell you that it completely depends on the materials used, your mechanical abilities to pull it off. The bottom line is if you have more time than money, a “Do-It-yourself” projector screen will probably be your best bet. Again, No offense, but if you don’t have the mechanical skills mentioned above, you’ll probably be better off just buying a production screen otherwise you may end up with something you’re not happy with. But that totally depends on how particular you are..?
On that note, I thought I’d show you how I built my projector screen… It was quite easy to build and the end result was very gratifying. The screen materials were very inexpensive, right around $87, but you should budget $100 to $150 depending on pricing differences between suppliers. I started construction about 10am and was finished roughly by 3pm the same day. So you can count on it taking at least 4 maybe 5 hours to complete depending on how fast you work.
Again, if you’re concerned about your abilities on how to build a projector screen, you’d be better off putting the $100 bucks towards a name band production screen and be done with it over trying to learn how to build a projector screen. Think of it as buying a piece of mind?
Unfortunately as I said above, my screen is already built, but I’ll do my best to explain and show you how it was assembled via pictures below. Before we start, be sure to click on the pictures, they show examples of the construction. They will make the details a little clearer to understand, and also pay attention to the arrows found on the left and or the right over the images because there are more pictures than what you see. Think of it as a manual slide-show… 
build projector screen
Basically, this is a fabric over a two section wood frame (inner and outer frames – inner meaning the screen frame and outer meaning the border frame) home theater screen. It’s held together by “straight”, “L”, “T” brackets and screws. The border (outer frame) is wrapped in black velveteen fabric (no seems or glue – keeping it simple), the screen (inner frame) fits snugly inside of the border (outer frame).
Click on the pictures to see assembly details:
It’s time to start rounding up the materials for your screen. First, you will need to pick up to 1 x 4 Pinewood for the frame you can get at your local Home depot, Lowe’s or any home improvement (lumber) store. You’ll want though wood to be as smooth and straight as possible in order to get a good flat finish. Any rough spots will show up even after they’re covered up. And while you’re there, you should pick up your “L” and straight brackets and some 3/4″ screws as well.
Next, go to your local fabric store and pick up your border covering. I suggest velveteen fabric as it stretches and it is easy to work with. Now, for the screen fabric you’ll need to visit eBay otherwise you’ll wind up paying quite a bit of money for your screen fabric.
Total Cost of Materials:
Velveteen & screen fabric–$43.00
Wood for frame–$26.00
Brackets and screws–$11.00TOTAL: $83.00
Tools you will need to complete your project:
- An Electric jig-saw
- A staple gun with 1/2″ inch staples
- A pair of fabric scissors
- A carpenter square
- A drill with a Philips head screwdriver tip. this will make the job much easier…
- And last but not least, a can of Campbell’s soup
Steps to building your fixed home theater screen:
build projector screen
Step 1:
At this point, you should know what size of screen you’re going to build. You should know precisely the width and the height and if not, you’ll need to know these dimensions before you go any further. Otherwise, you will wind up with the screen that doesn’t match the native aspect ratio of the projector.
Start by cutting the top and bottom sections to the width of your border(not screen). Be sure to include the width of the board X2 over the size of the viewable screen. For instance, if your screen is 100 inches wide, the frame will be 108 inches wide to the outside due to the width of the frame widths which is about 4 inches. Please see pictures.
Cut the left and right sides to length remembering to subtract the width of the top and bottom frames. Take your can of Campbell’s soup and place it on the corners of the top and bottom sections and draw an outline of the edge of the can on all four corners. Using the jigsaw, carefully cut away the corners up to the lines. Something I forgot to mention, you’ll need some 120 grit sandpaper… You’ll need to sand the rounded corners in order to smooth them down after you’ve made your cuts. Using the carpenter square, make sure the structure is square then lineup the top and bottom and the two sides. Take your 4 L brackets and screw the outer frame together. Do not put the fabric on until after you have assembled the inner frame.
build a projector screen
Step 2:
With the border(outer frame) assembled, measure and cut the top and bottom sections of the screen (inner frame). Place the top and bottom “screen” sections inside the border then measure and cut the left, right and center sections. Do not make the screen fit too tight otherwise you will not be able to slip the screen inside the border without damaging it.
again, use the L. brackets to screw the left, right, top and bottom sections together and using two straight or “T” brackets for the center. I used four pennies to lift the center section off center to keep it from showing the edges while using your home theater. Please see pictures.
Step 3:
With the frame completely assembled. It is time to cover your outer border. Lay the velveteen fabric out on the floor and then lay the frame face-down on it. Using your staple gun, put one staple in the center of each side, slightly stretching the fabric. Continuing to center the staples as you move around the frame parameter. Do not attempt to staple one whole side at a time because it may cause the fabric to wrinkle. Do the corners last.
Now it’s time to do the inside… Cut through the center of the fabric and then cut a 1/2″ wide strip towards each corner being careful not to cut too close. Otherwise, you’ll see the cut on the outside after you assemble your screen. Please see pictures.
Stapling the inside is a little different than the outside. You can do one side at a time starting in the middle and working your way towards the corners. When stapling the corners, be careful not to pull too hard as you may end up tearing the strip off leaving a hole in the corner. Please see pictures for detailed visual description.
Step 4:
Covering the screen takes a little more care as the screen material tears easy and also could be damaged by the floor, while stapling. First thing you’ll want to do is lay down a blanket and then lay the screen material face down on top of it. Put one staple in the center of each side and work your way towards the corners half ‘ing the distance between the corners and the adjacent stable. Once you reach the corners, you must fold over the corners as you would like wrapping a gift. Once you have stapled all the way around, take a razor blade and trim the excess material from the screen and border.
Step 5:
Now it’s time to assemble the border and screen into one piece. Lay the border down, face-up on your blanket. Take your screen and center it over the border and gently push the screen into the border frame paying close attention not to rip the corners.
Step 6:
You’re almost done… Get yourself some some help and flip the screen over face down on the blanket and secure the two sections together using the straight brackets on all four sides . One straight bracket per side is enough, but feel free to add more. Once you have this done, you’re new “Do it yourself” (DIY) home theater screen is complete!
…And you thought you couldn’t build a projector screen?
More information on home made screens & projector screen paint, go to: Building projector screens
Fixed projection screens
41 year ago
Fixed Projection Screens:
If you’re planning on using a fixed home theater screen, you will need to be prepared to spend at least $250 -$600 for a decent fixed projection screens
Fixed Frame Projection Screen, 16:9 Aspect Ratio – 165in. (Cine White)
fixed home theater screens can get more expensive that motorized home theater screens… Generally, their construction is designed for a specific application therefore technically more goes into the construction of a fixed screen over the motorized home theater screens. If you have a dedicated room for your home theater, I highly recommend installing a fixed screen over a motorized screen.
Hand-made fixed projection screens
Home theater’s can get very expensive and if you are on a shoestring budget, you may want to consider looking at building your screen. I did and it cost me about $75 for all the Screen Materials. You can buy all the materials from your local hardware and fabric store. If done currently, a hand made home theater screen can easily look and perform as well as any production screen on the market. It all depends on the quality of your workmanship (pride) put into it and of course, the screen materials used create it.
Many people look at this as a daunting task and immediately shy away because generally they have more money than time. If this is you and you have a custom install, I recommend using this free service to find a local reputable contractor that can create and install your home theater screen for you.
Production fixed projection screens
There are many companies producing fixed projection screens and if you choose to just go out and buy one. In some cases you could spend as much on just a screen as one would pay for a high end television! Obviously home theater projection systems can get expensive, but the benefits are much greater now that high definition 1080p home theater projectors are being produced.
.One thing to think about, if you are going buy a manufactured home theater screen, you may want to look at either a “pull down or motorized projection screen. these types of screens can also get a little pricey, but you can find some great deals out there, you just have to do a little research in the right places.
If you decide that you will go with the fixed home theater screen, be sure to research your available options. You may even be able to pick up a second hand screen by searching online… For instance eBay. Often, you’ll fine amazing deals on used and new home theater screens and other home theater equipment as well.
My first Home theater projection equipment consist of everything except the projector, screen materials(screen fabric purchased from eBay) and cabinet were purchased from eBay. You see, you can find some amazing deals when it comes to buying second hand equipment, you just have to know where to look.
Here are the most popular home theater screen aspect radios to consider. Generally speaking the the wider you want to go, the more you’re going to pay for a projector that can handle the width. Just keep that in mind when you’re choosing your screen native aspect ratio.
On that note, here are the most common screens that are being used many home theater enthusiasts from all around.
Most Popular Home fixed projection screens
More information on building fixed projection screens.
Motorized Home Theater Screens
5Motorized home theater screens & equipment
Motorized home theater screens are not as simple to setup as it may seem. Just like other home theater components, there are many factors that you must consider before choosing one from many motorized home theater screens.
Before you choose your screen, you must first decide over the best room taking ambient light into consideration. More on ambient light and motorized home theater screens here.
For example, if you’re dedicated to purchasing your home theater system, a fixed home theater screen would be the ultimate choice. When you decide where to install your motorized screen, you will need to provide electrical power, control wiring and any other electrical upgrades to enhance your home theater experience.
Anywhere your home theater system is installed, most motorized home theater screens if installed correctly will not interfere with the harmony of your room. Depending on which electric screen you buy, there may be extensive sheet-rock and electrical work done to complete the project. Many motorized home theater screens do require the former, and if this sounds like too much fun, you might consider hiring out? Here is a free service that you can use to find a reputable contractor in you area.
One thing to consider when mounting your motorized home theater screen, you will want to pick an interior wall to mount your screen. This will make installation much easier because of the access to the top of the walls through the attic. Exterior walls tend to have less access because of the roof line resting on top of them.
Also you will need to know how much electrical current to screen the motor draws when considering a motorized home theater screen. You will need to check the breaker load on the particular electrical supply line you plan to use. Most electrical breakers or 20 amp, so if the breaker you plan to use is at capacity you will need to install another power line and a new breaker. I would highly recommend seeking professional help because this can be very dangerous if you do not know what you’re doing. You can find a reputable electrician in you area here. And you may consider installing a higher load breaker. Otherwise, you don’t want to turn on your motorized home theater screen and come to find that it only makes it half way down before it overloads and pops the circuit breaker. That could be a very unfortunate event with front of family and friends.
Other types of motorized home theater screens
If your home theater is in your back yard, you’ll want to look into one of these… Its a slightly unconventional motorized home theater screen and although this a inflatable home theater screen, we call it motorized because it uses an electric air pump to inflate/deflate it. As you can imagine, these inflatable home theater screens work very well in this type environment.
Motorized home theater screens & their characteristics
Motorized home theater screens are quite a bit different form a fixed home theater screen. Be sure that you choose one that will best match your projector output range and if it has the top blackout section for wide screen viewing. Study the output performance characteristics of your projector. For instance, if your planning on hanging a 2.35:1 aspect ratio motorized home theater screen, your projector will need to be capable with this 2.35:1 aspect ratio otherwise your picture will be short width-wise and tall height-wise.
One thing you you should keep in mine is that in general, the greater the screen aspect ratio, the more expensive the projector will be. If you’re on a budget, I would suggest sticking to 16:9 aspect ratio motorized home theater screens. You’ll get the best image quality at an affordable price in that range. So pick and choose your home theater projector and screen wisely because these are the most important aspects of creating a quality home theater experience.
On that note, I am working on a fixed & motorized home theater screens calculator that will remove all the guesswork. You’ll simply have to input the projectors output range, room size, etc. and it will tell you the maximum size and aspect ratio you can run with the amount of cash you want to spend. Perfect for planning a new home theater installation…
More on Motorized home theater screens here.
HTPC
3Ever wonder how you could record your favorite shows even when not at home for free? Or how about free TV altogether? An HTPC can do that for you and much more!
For years, people have been trying to figure out how to connect their PC’s to their home theater systems. There is no doubt in my mind that you’ve heard of this concept of multimedia PC that have the ability to play and record videos, MP3s, movies etc. these types of media and the truth is, some PCs come preinstalled with the necessary hardware and software components needed for an HTPC application.
Most electronics/home theater enthusiasts have been waiting for is a logical way to bring the PC and home theater together and now it’s completely possible with an off-the-shelf computer purchased from a local electronics store.
In a nutshell, a HTPC connects your home theater system to your home network which is connected to the Internet and adapts the digital audio and video signals so they can be displayed on your home theater system. This is a where a service like “freeTV4me” comes in to play; we’ll get about that shortly.
Bringing Video and Music into Your Theater system
If you use digital cable, it’s easy to turn your PC into a full-fledged video recorder also known as a PRV. Although it’s a very neat idea, HTPC’s can be problematic. If you plan to use a windows machine, keep in mind that only Windows Vista and later operating systems with a cable-ready video card can support encrypted digital cable.
If you’re thinking of pushing satellite TV, you can forget about trying to bypass the box… you will have to use the external satellite receiver and connect it to the video inputs of the PC’s video card.
Setting up a PC is a lot of work if you plan only to use it as PRV, but you’ll find that a PC is worth incorporating for the simple fact that not only can it play DVDs and Blu-Ray discs, but also adapt Free digital TV (software required), music, photos, and access Internet-based video and in many cases, movies too. My point is that the PVR functionality is mainly useful if you’re going to use it to watch or record digital Internet TV or from a digital cable network.
The Home Theater PC can do it
If you plan to build your HTPC, high end PC components are the way to go. You can create a Home Theater PC that can pipe higher quality audio and video into your home theater system at a higher quality than that of most “above average” media components that can be incorporated into your home theater system. An HTPC can be that good.
Building an HTPC will take a fair amount of computer know-how, including knowledge of installing new hardware components
and software. Unfortunately I don’t have room to give you all the little details, but I’ll try to you the essential information you’ll need to build your own HTPC. If you don’t want to build your own, I suggest having a look at these off the self HTPC’s…
- Thermaltake DH 202 VJ80011N2Z Digital Home Series HTPC Case with Built-in Media LAB LCD and Remote Controller
- Wireless Mini Kybrd with built-in Trackball for Htpc By Ergoguys
- SilverStone GD02B-MT Aluminum/Steel Micro ATX Media Center/HTPC Case – Retail (Black)
those are just a couple to choose from… there are many others. But I would suggest doing a little research before you purchased an off-the-shelf HTPC. One thing to keep in mind, the system are proprietary to the manufacturer and generally do not allow you to install third-party software so you will probably not be able to install your desired software as you would on a custom-built HTPC.
Depending on what you plan to use your home theater PC for, it should be able to do at least these processes especially deliver digital content via the internet…
Digital audio and video: the Internet is a great place for getting free content. Why sit in front of your computer when you can enjoy at its full quality through your home theater system?
Get high quality progressive video output to your home theater screen: All PCs have a built-in video system that’s designed to display on a PC monitor which is inherently progressive scan, meaning very high quality video. By using an HTPC with the right hardware, you can bring this high quality content to the big screen.
Using a HDTV-capable video card, HTPCs can provide you with a cheap way to decode Internet content through your HDTV receiver and send it to your home theater display.
With a service like “live TV for me”, You get over 1000 channels worldwide including local channels for, news, sports, movies, etc. and all the above for a onetime fee of about 30 to 40 bucks. All you have to do is install their software on your HTPC and you have instant free television for life via the Internet.
As you can see there are some very strong benefits to having an HTPC. The possibility of getting over 1000 channels worldwide for free was enough for me.
On that note, whatever your favorite thing you like to do with your PC, whether it be listening to MP3s, live radio, watching YouTube video clips or watching movies an HTPC can bring it to your home theater screen.
look for my post on “building an HTPC for your home theater system”
