Screen for Epson 8500ub

[vsidhu]

So I finally said goodbye to my obese friend (Sony rear projection) and went with a front projector (Epson 8500ub).

Now I need to decide on a screen. The projector has a good contrast ratio and 1600 lumens. The room will be used for both movies in the dark and tv/gaming in varying room light intensity. The room is painted yellow (see gallery) and has very narrow seating. The screen size will be 85-100" From my research I should pick a screen with neutral gain and light gray colour. This will definitely be a diy project b/c of $$ My choices for material are:

Da-Lite Da-Mat (Gain:1.0, white)
Da-Lite High Contrast Cinema Vision (Gain: 1.1, Light Gray w/ Pearlescence)
Da-Lite Cinema Vision (Gain: 1.3, Fleshy Off-White w/ Pearlescence)
Da-Lite High Contrast Da-Mat (Gain: 0.8, Gray)

I don't know if the gray will be too dark or the white will be useless when the lights are on. What do you guys think?

[tbizzle]

Nice choice on the projector! When I get one someday, this model and the Panny 4000 are my top 2.

tilallr1 bought an Elunevision screen that caught my eye, especially because of the great price! Here's the site where he bought his. Gates70 has one as well

I'm interested in hearing kind of screen recommendations people have

[vsidhu]

Originally Posted by tbizzle

Nice choice on the projector! When I get one someday, this model and the Panny 4000 are my top 2.

tilallr1 bought an Elunevision screen that caught my eye, especially because of the great price! Here's the site where he bought his. Gates70 has one as well

I'm interested in hearing kind of screen recommendations people have

Those prices are very tempting, especially the 92" http://www.eastporters.com/usa/cart....category_id=76

I could even save on shipping by picking up my order myself from Dundas, On.

[Trogdor2010]

Your room is a yellow color, so I would recommend a grey screen (or light grey screen assuming if it's a darker yellow) to reject ambient light from the walls and improve blacks of the projector, especially helpful with projectors with low contrast. Grey screens however have a disadvantage of dimming the projector's brightness since it rejects ambient light. You should never consider a grey screen or a higher gain screen if you have a room that is painted black or a very dark unless if the projector has low contrast. The room has alot of effect to the projector's performance just as the screen and the projector itself does to it.

If your room is light controlled (let's assume) (No windows or windows completely blocked, walls painted black or dark), and the fact that the Epson 8500UB has excellent contrast, you should just go for a fully uniform white screen (1.0 gain). White screens are the best for gaining the closest 6500k grayscale tracking. I'll assume if no one has a problem painting the room black, and you do, go for a white screen and don't look back

I would like it that you would provide the room dimensions to get a better idea of what size of screen would you put. You might actually could achieve a bigger image .

I'm more of the guy that rather have bigger screen than a brighter screen, but the Epson is more than enought bright to light up a really big screen, along with a very wide zoom (can be put in most rooms). The actual brightness measurements in a mode close to 6500k (depending on the zoom) is actually close to 250 (Farthest from lens; fine for a 100 inch) to 600 (Closest zoom; can work with 150 inch and plenty bright at 120 inch) lumens (depending on zoom, which affects brightness) . The dynamic mode lives up to Epson's 1600 ANSI lumens (and I read reports of decent color performance), but I recommend you to not to use it unless light control is non existent or have a colossal screen (some have tried 300 inch screens with this mode).

If you have any questions, let me know

[vsidhu]

Originally Posted by Trogdor2010

Your room is a yellow color, so I would recommend a grey screen (or light grey screen assuming if it's a darker yellow) to reject ambient light from the walls and improve blacks of the projector, especially helpful with projectors with low contrast. Grey screens however have a disadvantage of dimming the projector's brightness since it rejects ambient light. You should never consider a grey screen or a higher gain screen if you have a room that is painted black or a very dark unless if the projector has low contrast. The room has alot of effect to the projector's performance just as the screen and the projector itself does to it.

If your room is light controlled (let's assume) (No windows or windows completely blocked, walls painted black or dark), and the fact that the Epson 8500UB has excellent contrast, you should just go for a fully uniform white screen (1.0 gain). White screens are the best for gaining the closest 6500k grayscale tracking. I'll assume if no one has a problem painting the room black, and you do, go for a white screen and don't look back

I would like it that you would provide the room dimensions to get a better idea of what size of screen would you put. You might actually could achieve a bigger image .

I'm more of the guy that rather have bigger screen than a brighter screen, but the Epson is more than enought bright to light up a really big screen, along with a very wide zoom (can be put in most rooms). The actual brightness measurements in a mode close to 6500k (depending on the zoom) is actually close to 250 (Farthest from lens; fine for a 100 inch) to 600 (Closest zoom; can work with 150 inch and plenty bright at 120 inch) lumens (depending on zoom, which affects brightness) . The dynamic mode lives up to Epson's 1600 ANSI lumens (and I read reports of decent color performance), but I recommend you to not to use it unless light control is non existent or have a colossal screen (some have tried 300 inch screens with this mode).

If you have any questions, let me know

There is one window in the room, but it has blinds and very dark curtains that nearly blocks all light coming in, so any light in the room is light I create. The room itself is very small, with the primary viewing seat being 9.5-10 feet from the screen. Using some calculators for THX/SMPTE recommendations, a screen from 82"-92" would be best.

So, a white screen is out for sure. I am currently looking at the 84"/92" EluneVision elara Hi Def Cinema Grey (Gain 1.1). It is not a dark grey and the price for me is 279.99 flat (for 92"). However, I've read a few posts on other forums and some reviews where people received the same screen and noticed it is textured (noticeable during bright scenes). Does anyone here know of this issue with these screens? Overall the reviews for the screen are good for build quality, ease of setup, service, etc.

[vsidhu]

I am almost set on 92" EluneVision Elara HiDef Cinema Grey from eastporters (Thank you tbizzle for the heads up on the sale). The negative reviews about texture were written along time ago (four years) and the recent (1-2 years) reviews are very good. The sale ends the 31st so I'll order on Sunday or something with a ceiling mount.

Q: Is 92" too big for 9-10 feet for movies/cable/gaming? The sales rep says it is optimal for the distance.

[Trogdor2010]

Originally Posted by vsidhu

I am almost set on 92" EluneVision Elara HiDef Cinema Grey from eastporters (Thank you tbizzle for the heads up on the sale). The negative reviews about texture were written along time ago (four years) and the recent (1-2 years) reviews are very good. The sale ends the 31st so I'll order on Sunday or something with a ceiling mount.

Q: Is 92" too big for 9-10 feet for movies/cable/gaming? The sales rep says it is optimal for the distance.

That distance is considered optimal for that size, which looks like a good choice. You might get a pretty bright image if you have the projector close, but that does make it worth experimenting with ambient light and environment. I hope you'll be impressed with it .

[vsidhu]

I've ordered the 92" Elunevision. Thanks for the input, I'll post a few pics in the gallery in a couple of weeks when I have everything up and running.

[vsidhu]

I just finished getting the screen up (Elunevision hi-def grey 1.1). I think it is excellent for the price and was pretty easy setting up. The only strike against the screen is the sparkling spots in very bright scenes. They're not present or are barely noticeable if I am near eye-level with the middle of the screen, so I might just get higher furniture feet for the sofa.

[Jeeper]

I"m building a new home with home theater. Any and all information is greatly appreciated. I've decided to go with Epson 8500 UB. It will be dark walls, dark carpet, controlled lighting, no windows. Room dimensions are 17' Wide, 21 Feet long, and floor to ceiling of about 20 feet. Throw distance for the projector will be 20 feet. Viewing distance will be 15 - 17 feet, with secondary viewing from Second Floor balcony. I would like information on what type of screen, what size of screen, etc. I'm hoping to do a screen size of 15' X 8.5'. Any suggestions?

[vsidhu]

Originally Posted by Jeeper

I"m building a new home with home theater. Any and all information is greatly appreciated. I've decided to go with Epson 8500 UB. It will be dark walls, dark carpet, controlled lighting, no windows. Room dimensions are 17' Wide, 21 Feet long, and floor to ceiling of about 20 feet. Throw distance for the projector will be 20 feet. Viewing distance will be 15 - 17 feet, with secondary viewing from Second Floor balcony. I would like information on what type of screen, what size of screen, etc. I'm hoping to do a screen size of 15' X 8.5'. Any suggestions?

http://carltonbale.com/home-theater/...ter-calculator

Use that spreadsheet for desired screen size. I have light walls. I am still very happy with a matte white screen with a 1.0 gain for my 8700ub (colour is fantastic). Since your throw is so long you might get some loss in brightness, so maybe 1.0 is not for you. Again use the spreadsheet fL specs for your projector and setup. Getting screen samples is always a good way to tell which screen is right for you.