FP/Screen Selection Help

[igotcabada]

Well, its about that time, our new granite countertops & glass tile backsplash are set to go in within the next two weeks. So what this means is that I get to get something for myself .. I'm pretty sure I've decided to go with a new FP/Screen combo..

I've perused the other threads, and I'm leaning towards the Panasonic AE3000 for my projector, and for the screen I am next to clueless.. I know there are alot of similar threads out there, but I'm greedy and want some help catered to me

I think screen is going to be in the 100" to 120" range and needs to be an electric one to come down in front of the tv.

I assume I will need an HDMI switcher as well for the FP/TV..

Budget = $3,000

All constructive input/comments are welcome!

[Beta Man]

I'm assuming $3k isn't for just the screen!!!!

For $500 or so (which you'd have left for the screen) You'll be looking at limited options. Especially at that size.

Do you want it mounted on the ceiling, or recessed IN the ceiling?

[igotcabada]

$3k total for both. Could go up a bit more if necessary...

Screen would have to be ceiling mounted, recessed isn't a budget friendly option as the floor joists run perpendicular to the screen.

[Blu2theBone]

I've been slowly upgrading my entire home theater over the past few years. I finally moved to a front projection system and love it. I'm hoping to have some pictures posted soon.

I went with a 120" Grandview tab-tension motorized screen. Being from Canada, there weren't a lot of good options (aside from $2500+ Da-Lite/Stewarts). Seeing as this is my first FP setup, I don't have much to compare to, but I must say I am thoroughly impressed with the Grandview. I would buy another in a heartbeat and highly recommend these screens to anyone.

I bought this one, but I don't see it on the US website. This one is almost the same, but you'll need to purchase the remote control unit if you want it.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Blu2theBone

I've been slowly upgrading my entire home theater over the past few years. I finally moved to a front projection system and love it. I'm hoping to have some pictures posted soon.

I went with a 120" Grandview tab-tension motorized screen. Being from Canada, there weren't a lot of good options (aside from $2500+ Da-Lite/Stewarts). Seeing as this is my first FP setup, I don't have much to compare to, but I must say I am thoroughly impressed with the Grandview. I would buy another in a heartbeat and highly recommend these screens to anyone.

I bought this one, but I don't see it on the US website. This one is almost the same, but you'll need to purchase the remote control unit if you want it.

Getting into FP was the best thing I've ever done!

Also, I "Believe" the universal remotes many people here seem to use (I don't use one) will control those screens too. So it may be an expense that you don't need.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by igotcabada

$3k total for both. Could go up a bit more if necessary...

Screen would have to be ceiling mounted, recessed isn't a budget friendly option as the floor joists run perpendicular to the screen.

I didn't look past Amazon (since it was easiest to use for searching purposes)

But for your size/needs.... here are some options to look into..... You may want to check out screens with and without tension tabs to decide what would work best for you.

The first two, should give you a good idea of the price comparison of an Electric drop-down vs. a manual pull-down

http://www.amazon.com/121-16-9-Cinet...9580241&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.com/Elite-Screens-...9580241&sr=8-6

This looks like a good budget minded Electric.... It would require a lot of light control though.
http://www.amazon.com/Elite-Screens-...580241&sr=8-10

[Blu2theBone]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Getting into FP was the best thing I've ever done!

Also, I "Believe" the universal remotes many people here seem to use (I don't use one) will control those screens too. So it may be an expense that you don't need.

The remote that came with my screen was terrible. Once I got my Harmony 880 programmed it worked flawlessly. I don't think the second screen I posted comes with an IR receiver built in, which is why I said they may have to purchase the accessory.

I did look at Elite screens but I couldn't find very many available in Canada. Some of the things I've read about build quality on other forums had me a tad worried as well. Can't really go wrong with the screens you posted at their respective prices though. So many more options for Americans.

[igotcabada]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I didn't look past Amazon (since it was easiest to use for searching purposes)

But for your size/needs.... here are some options to look into..... You may want to check out screens with and without tension tabs to decide what would work best for you.

What are the benefits of having tension tabs? Would there be any reason not to get a screen with them?

[igotcabada]

man its tough searching for screens... the manufacturer websites are pretty useless, and the dealer websites have awful sorting options, if any

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by igotcabada

What are the benefits of having tension tabs? Would there be any reason not to get a screen with them?

It prevents the screen from having "Wave" to it.... I guess if you take care of the screen and not abuse it, and don't have air-vents blowing on it during viewing..... it would be fine to not have them.... then again, I haven't seen an "older" screen that is retractable that didn't have them, so I guess from being rolled/unrolled they could have issues over time... but I don't know.

Originally Posted by igotcabada

man its tough searching for screens... the manufacturer websites are pretty useless, and the dealer websites have awful sorting options, if any

THus Why I used Amazon

[drago3451]

I got my screen through Projector People. I think I paid $850 for a 120" Elite Cinetension 2. They have other options as well and their customer service is pretty good.

Did a quick search, check out the third package down. They can also customize from there if you give them a call.

http://www.projectorpeople.com/proje...asp?tab=Bundle

Also I got this to run both the projector and TV at the same time or on their own. Works great.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

[igotcabada]

thanks beta & drago

Originally Posted by drago3451

I got my screen through Projector People. I think I paid $850 for a 120" Elite Cinetension 2. They have other options as well and their customer service is pretty good.

This seems like a perfect screen for me, I'll have to see what kind of bundle they can work up for me with that included. Have you had any issues with it?

[igotcabada]

Alright, I think I've decided on the Elite CineTension2 motorized 1.78 screen and the Panasonic AE3000.

I have a couple questions.

I know the Lens Memory feature is mainly used to mimic an anamorphic lens for 2.35 screens. Will i see any benefits of having it with my 1.78 screen? Anyone know if I will be able to program the screen to come down and make it essentially a 2.35 screen? Can I then use the Lens Memory to adjust the image to the new screen location for 2.35 movies?

[Swede]

Originally Posted by igotcabada

Alright, I think I've decided on the Elite CineTension2 motorized 1.78 screen and the Panasonic AE3000.

I have a couple questions.

I know the Lens Memory feature is mainly used to mimic an anamorphic lens for 2.35 screens. Will i see any benefits of having it with my 1.78 screen? Anyone know if I will be able to program the screen to come down and make it essentially a 2.35 screen? Can I then use the Lens Memory to adjust the image to the new screen location for 2.35 movies?

I don't want to put doubts in your mind about the AE3000, but are you aware that the AE4000 will probably arrive within the next 1-2 months? That said, the new model doesn't seem like it's going to be a huge step forward from the AE3000, but it may make the AE3000 drop further in price.

Also, if you do not need the lens memory feature (like I do) I would also consider the similar but according to some reviews better Epson 6500UB (or the upcoming 8500UB which looks even better), or the new Sony HW15.

Like I said, if you've already decided you like the AE3000 and don't want to wait etc, don't let me stop you from getting the AE3000, it's one of the best projectors in its class for sure

[igotcabada]

Originally Posted by Swede

I don't want to put doubts in your mind about the AE3000, but are you aware that the AE4000 will probably arrive within the next 1-2 months? That said, the new model doesn't seem like it's going to be a huge step forward from the AE3000, but it may make the AE3000 drop further in price.

Also, if you do not need the lens memory feature (like I do) I would also consider the similar but according to some reviews better Epson 6500UB (or the upcoming 8500UB which looks even better), or the new Sony HW15.

Like I said, if you've already decided you like the AE3000 and don't want to wait etc, don't let me stop you from getting the AE3000, it's one of the best projectors in its class for sure

The AE3000 is currently selling at $2299, not sure it will be much lower than that... maybe down to $2k when the AE4000 is released?

I don't know if i need the lens memory feature or not, just wondering if it will benefit me at all..

[syncguy]

Since you are in the renovation mode, you can test screen size and type with little effort. A painted white wall could be a very good temporary screen and it is an excellent test bench as well.

You could test various screen sizes and types. Whether you would like 16x9 screen or 2.35:1 super-wide (constant image height) screen.

You need two or three coats of flat white paint and some black material to cover the surrounding to set up a temporary screen. What do you think?

[drago3451]

Originally Posted by igotcabada

The AE3000 is currently selling at $2299, not sure it will be much lower than that... maybe down to $2k when the AE4000 is released?

I don't know if i need the lens memory feature or not, just wondering if it will benefit me at all..

I am not an expert when it comes to the 2.35:1 but I think you need to buy an anamorphic sled to go along with the projector to take advantage of this feature. I believe that the AE3000 is a good choice for this due to its lens memory. Am I wrong with needing the sled? I think they are pretty expensive.

[Swede]

Originally Posted by igotcabada

The AE3000 is currently selling at $2299, not sure it will be much lower than that... maybe down to $2k when the AE4000 is released?

I don't know if i need the lens memory feature or not, just wondering if it will benefit me at all..

Only time will tell, but it's pretty common for older models to get price drops, rebates, free lamps etc when the new ones come out...

No, I don't see what benefit you would have of the lens memory feature if you go with a 16:9 screen, unless of course you later decide to get a 2.35:1 screen

Originally Posted by drago3451

I am not an expert when it comes to the 2.35:1 but I think you need to buy an anamorphic sled to go along with the projector to take advantage of this feature. I believe that the AE3000 is a good choice for this due to its lens memory. Am I wrong with needing the sled? I think they are pretty expensive.

No, that's actually the great thing about the lens memory feature, that you don't need to buy one of those super expensive anamorphic lenses. The way it works is by saving memory settings for 16:9 and 2.35:1 modes you can then zoom the lens in & out to the respective modes by the push of a button, so not as elegant a solution as an anamorphic lens, but then that's why they call it a "poor man's anamorphic lens feature".

Unfortunately at the moment the Panasonic AE3000 is the only projector I know of with this feature.

[Oddiophile]

From Arts blog, the Panasonic AE4000 may not be coming to the US.


http://www.projectorreviews.com/blog...ectors-part-1/

Originally Posted by Projector Review.com

Panasonic Home Theater Projectors: This is probably the most interesting of the no shows. Certainly Panasonic had their usual huge booth, pushing Plasmas, LCDTV’s, video cameras, and just about anything else you can think of but home theater projectors.

More to the point, at the beginning of September, at the IFA show in the EU, Panasonic announced the PT-AE4000, as their new home theater projector flagship. So far, however, it looks like they aren’t planning to sell it in the US? If they were, CEDIA would have been where they announced, and showed it for the first time. I couldn’t learn anything more about the PT-AE4000 from Panasonic prior to the show, and not a peep about it, at the show. I also spoke with several large online Panasonic projector dealers, and none of them has been told the PT-AE4000 is coming to the US. Will Panasonic try to get by with the PT-AE3000 for another year?

In answer to that, I can tell you that they just dropped the MAP price to $2299, but that’s all the news I have for you. Most likely, though (a little speculation on my part), is that if they don’t bring in the PT-AE4000, the PT-AE3000 will have to go down to $1999 to remain competitive, sooner, or, more likely, later, since most of the new competition is still 6 to 10 weeks off.

[igotcabada]

Gonna have to hold off a little longer to see if it goes to $1999