Carada Screens

[Starmartyr]

Question... why is there not an official Carada screen thread on here??

Maybe it's been left to AVS forum.. in fact it does seem that the projector screens area here at BR forum is pretty sparse.. but really, for a forum dedicated to Blu-ray movies, screens are pretty important!!

Carada is a tremendous value and it was there that I immediately planned to get my screen upon deciding I wanted to go front projection. I did keep an open mind though, and as I always do, I read and researched for months - all while using my primer painted screen to decide on size, seating position, etc. In the end I still ended up going with Carada. It seems to me that the bang for buck with these screens is nearly unbeatable.

So I just ordered my Carada and will soon become a proud owner. There are lots of others on here that either own this brand already, or at least would like to discuss them I'm sure.

Anyone else care to comment or encourage this idea?

[MrFattBill]

Carada screens are nice. Did you investigate a Jamestown screen by chance?

Bill

[Starmartyr]

Originally Posted by MrFattBill

Carada screens are nice. Did you investigate a Jamestown screen by chance?

Bill

Hey Bill,

I did take a look at them actually, and I think it was mainly due to you using one and mentioning them here and there. They seem quite nice. I guess there just isn't a lot of opinions about them out there it seems, and therefore not a real diversity of questions about them or examples where they are being used.

Unfortunately I found the website wasn't terribly convincing.. I do judge a bit based on that. The problem is there just isn't an awful lot of details, pictures or diagrams on the site. There was mention of a few features such as their use of an inner and outer frame that seems pretty innovative, but again no measurements, pics or info to check it out. I try to do most of my figuring on this stuff without having to call a place if possible. Especially if I have to call more than once, or make a list of questions, I feel I really shouldn't need to do that anymore. I often don't have the time to do that anyway, considering it has to be during business hours. One thing I also found curious is that there was no mention of scope screens at all. I guess that just means that they would have to custom build them, but still no mention is a little strange when it is so popular to go scope.

One other thing was no mention of is their stance on shipping to Canada. Of course a lot of places don’t mention this. Therefore I really do appreciate it when a company mentions that right on their site. I figure Canadians should be given nearly equal consideration, considering we are on the same continent after all! NAFTA helps a bit too - no duty on products made in the US sure works in our favour. That’s just my little rant. But the main reason I mention it is since Carada is having a ‘free shipping summer’ in the states, they automatically discount the shipping to Canada right on the site. They subtract the amount the shipping would be for that size screen shipped within the U.S., which brought the shipping to less than $100 which is great for a large item like that, shipped right to my door.

Really just a lot of things like that added up in Carada's favor overall.

I also recently looked at SMX, being that I had looked at them awhile back when I was considering an AT screen. I went through their site and was fairly impressed by the technology and features they employ. However, I had heard some mixed reviews of the company via various forums, although I'm not sure how current those opinions are/were. It still threw me a bit. Also I recall they were a fair bit more expensive than I budgeted for anyway, and I believe most people consider them mainly for their AT screens since they excel in that area.

I really see the most mentions and comparisons between Carada and brands like Da-Lite, Stewart, etc. which is pretty impressive considering the huge gap in price between those. Especially for those of us in Canada who would typically have to find the big names at dealers who sell for much, much more than they go for even in the states. I figure if Carada can pretty much hold their own against those names, at their price point, that's a big plus.

I do feel they could do better with their CCW though. I wish it was thicker like the BW; and actually having it be as close to 1.0 gain as possible would be nice. Then instead of having two fairly similar material types, they could really just have one good unity gain material that is nice and thick. Then they could have one or two higher gain screens above that, and then a high contrast screen. I think most people would also agree they could stand to go a bit lighter on their grey material.

Anyway those are some of my thoughts. Not trying to be too critical of other brands, I'm no fan-boy and I did thoroughly research and consider many other brands to be fair. Sorry for the post being so long!!

I do hope to see some more posts here soon!

[victorvondoom88]

I fully endorse Carada screens. I'm a very proud owner of A criterion series screen. I bought it around Thanksgiving last year (2010) and have loved every minute of it.
I found Carada to be first rate in customer service. Answered every email/question I threw at them but most importantly I got my screen exactly when they said I would get it. Actually I think I got it a day early. This was extremely important to me because I was on vacation over the holidays and was trying to coordinate my upgrades so I received all the items while I was off.
One of the best parts is the big ol' "Made in the USA" on the box. You don't see that a lot in this hobby.

[Starmartyr]

Originally Posted by victorvondoom88

I fully endorse Carada screens. I'm a very proud owner of A criterion series screen. I bought it around Thanksgiving last year (2010) and have loved every minute of it.
I found Carada to be first rate in customer service. Answered every email/question I threw at them but most importantly I got my screen exactly when they said I would get it. Actually I think I got it a day early. This was extremely important to me because I was on vacation over the holidays and was trying to coordinate my upgrades so I received all the items while I was off.
One of the best parts is the big ol' "Made in the USA" on the box. You don't see that a lot in this hobby.

Nice, thanks for the response. I see you went as big as possible for yours! Would love to see more pics of your front stage. The screen shots look amazing.

I also appreciate that they are made in USA. Partly because of the exemption from duties, but mostly because you know you're supporting a company that makes their product in-house, with care, and they are able to replace something on short notice without ordering out for it and being told 6 weeks or more. They seem to care about their quality there and it really comes through.

That is important to get your screen when you need to as well; I know I need to take time off work to receive mine. At least I can schedule the appointment with Fed Ex for that - Carada explained it all in a really straightforward email that was sent right when it shipped. Oh, and it shipped about 1 business day after I ordered. They are FAST!

[victorvondoom88]

Originally Posted by Starmartyr

Nice, thanks for the response. I see you went as big as possible for yours! Would love to see more pics of your front stage. The screen shots look amazing.

I also appreciate that they are made in USA. Partly because of the exemption from duties, but mostly because you know you're supporting a company that makes their product in-house, with care, and they are able to replace something on short notice without ordering out for it and being told 6 weeks or more. They seem to care about their quality there and it really comes through.

That is important to get your screen when you need to as well; I know I need to take time off work to receive mine. At least I can schedule the appointment with Fed Ex for that - Carada explained it all in a really straightforward email that was sent right when it shipped. Oh, and it shipped about 1 business day after I ordered. They are FAST!

Believe it or not those clowns left my $900.00 screen sitting on the front porch! I was just happy it was still there when I got home.
I only have a few inches on either side before the side walls. I almost couldn't turn it in the room after I assembled it LOL. Love watching scope movies. I will never go back to a dedicated 16:9 screen or to anything under 100" Ever!!
I will post more pics of my setup after I do some much needed cleaning. My house is a wreck right now. Ht is still fully operational. In fact that may be the problem . I'd get more done if I weren't watching movies. There is a shot of the front of the room with my old center channel and old fronts.
Thanks for the compliment on the screen shots. I'm still messing with my camera to get the best shots, new to the SLR world. None of them due the actual picture justice.
Did you get the criterion series or the precision series? I wish I could afford the masquerade CIH that would be awesome. Hope you post up some pics of when you get yours.

[Starmartyr]

Originally Posted by victorvondoom88

Believe it or not those clowns left my $900.00 screen sitting on the front porch! I was just happy it was still there when I got home.
I only have a few inches on either side before the side walls. I almost couldn't turn it in the room after I assembled it LOL. Love watching scope movies. I will never go back to a dedicated 16:9 screen or to anything under 100" Ever!!
I will post more pics of my setup after I do some much needed cleaning. My house is a wreck right now. Ht is still fully operational. In fact that may be the problem . I'd get more done if I weren't watching movies. There is a shot of the front of the room with my old center channel and old fronts.
Thanks for the compliment on the screen shots. I'm still messing with my camera to get the best shots, new to the SLR world. None of them due the actual picture justice.
Did you get the criterion series or the precision series? I wish I could afford the masquerade CIH that would be awesome. Hope you post up some pics of when you get yours.

Oh definitely will post pics! I'm so excited I don't want to watch any major movies until I get the screen! It's only a week away so nbd. I can't believe they left it at your door like that! As far as I know, items with a value over a certain amount require a signature per policy.. but that may be mainly for int'l shipments. Still weird. Well hopefully that's a sign you live in a good neighbourhood!

Well get pics up when you can, love to see these in action.

[roar]

When doing my dads theatre I landed on Carada for him and we've both been impressed with it. I'm in Canada too and the packaging was great, no complaints at all, i think they make a really well made screen. We went with a 93" criterion brilliant white 16:9 screen.

When I did my own theatre I went the DIY route and went AT with the sheerweave product. I am also very happy with my screen and when I redo my theatre I will be going AT again for sure, when width is your limiting factor I prefer to go at and maximize screen size, rather than having to go smaller to fit the speakers in on the side.

[STARSCREAM]

I used to have the Carada 118" brilliant white criterion screen. Loved it. Also, they have the best customer service. They promptly email you back the same day most of the time and if there are ever any problems you don't have to worry about it as they will take care of you. Cannot highly recommend Carada enough.

[househead]

Good screen & great customer service. Make sure you have help to put it together -those snaps can be a bugger!

[victorvondoom88]

Originally Posted by househead

Good screen & great customer service. Make sure you have help to put it together -those snaps can be a bugger!

Yeah they can be! My fingers were pretty sore when I got done but it was worth it.

[Starmartyr]

Originally Posted by STARSCREAM

I used to have the Carada 118" brilliant white criterion screen. Loved it. Also, they have the best customer service. They promptly email you back the same day most of the time and if there are ever any problems you don't have to worry about it as they will take care of you. Cannot highly recommend Carada enough.

Nice. Mind if I ask what you have now? Did you downsize and go away from projection or just to another brand? Also, was yours scope?

[Starmartyr]

Well my screen arrived today! I worked from home today so I could receive it.

But.. the box was in terribly rough shape from someone's crappy handling at Fed-Ex..

The driver suggested I note on the waybill 'pending inspection' so I did, and then called Rex from Carada to let him know. The first I've spoken to him, and he was extremely helpful, which is all I've ever heard about him.

He said to just open it up and check for any actual damage instead of sending it back right there. So I did, and unfortunately there were a lot of areas on the black hole trim that are worn, and in places worn right through to the frame!

So it sounds like it'll be going back.

Rex was very helpful and figures it can be claimed from Fed-Ex, so we're going to try that. I'm taking pictures of it to send to Rex to help with getting Fed-Ex to foot the shipping.

Jeez, what a pain. I seem to always run into trouble with shipping. And normally fed-ex is pretty good in my experience, and in Carada's experience too of course.. Definitely not cool, Fed Ex.

Well, time to pack it all up and see what happens.

[victorvondoom88]

Originally Posted by Starmartyr

Well my screen arrived today! I worked from home today so I could receive it.

But.. the box was in terribly rough shape from someone's crappy handling at Fed-Ex..

The driver suggested I note on the waybill 'pending inspection' so I did, and then called Rex from Carada to let him know. The first I've spoken to him, and he was extremely helpful, which is all I've ever heard about him.

He said to just open it up and check for any actual damage instead of sending it back right there. So I did, and unfortunately there were a lot of areas on the black hole trim that are worn, and in places worn right through to the frame!

So it sounds like it'll be going back.

Rex was very helpful and figures it can be claimed from Fed-Ex, so we're going to try that. I'm taking pictures of it to send to Rex to help with getting Fed-Ex to foot the shipping.

Jeez, what a pain. I seem to always run into trouble with shipping. And normally fed-ex is pretty good in my experience, and in Carada's experience too of course.. Definitely not cool, Fed Ex.

Well, time to pack it all up and see what happens.

Man I'm sorry to hear that. Rex is a great guy really helped me out. Hopefully you'll be all sorted out shortly.

[househead]

Aw man that stinks. I'm sure you'll be taken care of and the extra wait will just make it that much sweeter when you get the next one.

[michaeljoo]

Well, Starmartyr, sorry to hear about your FedEx problems on your new screen. Hopefully you'll get your new replacement quickly with no problems. (And I can't believe they just left yours on the front porch, victorvondoom88!)

In any case, I just want to say thanks for starting this thread as I am just starting the process of looking for screens and projectors for a home theater I am starting to plan out. I'm sure I'll be posting lots of questions in the future, but I'm glad you started this thread as I was definitely looking into Carada screens as they seem to represent a good value (high quality but not expensive as other brands like Stewart).

One question I did have, does Carada (or other brands) have something like the current summer free shipping promo every so often (summer, holidays, etc...) or is something like that relatively rare?

I don't think my home theater will be ready for a bit, but if this type of promo is relatively rare I may try to speed up my decision making process on the screen to take advantage of the free shipping promo and just purchase the screen before my HT room is ready.

Also, I want to get a good quality screen and Carada seems to fit the bill. Is there a huge difference between Carada and say a comparable Stewart screen?

Thanks.

[victorvondoom88]

Originally Posted by michaeljoo

Well, Starmartyr, sorry to hear about your FedEx problems on your new screen. Hopefully you'll get your new replacement quickly with no problems. (And I can't believe they just left yours on the front porch, victorvondoom88!)

In any case, I just want to say thanks for starting this thread as I am just starting the process of looking for screens and projectors for a home theater I am starting to plan out. I'm sure I'll be posting lots of questions in the future, but I'm glad you started this thread as I was definitely looking into Carada screens as they seem to represent a good value (high quality but not expensive as other brands like Stewart).

One question I did have, does Carada (or other brands) have something like the current summer free shipping promo every so often (summer, holidays, etc...) or is something like that relatively rare?

I don't think my home theater will be ready for a bit, but if this type of promo is relatively rare I may try to speed up my decision making process on the screen to take advantage of the free shipping promo and just purchase the screen before my HT room is ready.

Also, I want to get a good quality screen and Carada seems to fit the bill. Is there a huge difference between Carada and say a comparable Stewart screen?

Thanks.

I've never noticed the free shipping before but don't let that sway you into a way too early purchase either. The shipping was 80.00 or so on my 120" screen. I'm all for saving money but if you have one of these sitting around in a box for a few months I would think you would risk damaging it. Especially if your doing construction accidents do happen after all.

[Starmartyr]

Originally Posted by michaeljoo

Well, Starmartyr, sorry to hear about your FedEx problems on your new screen. Hopefully you'll get your new replacement quickly with no problems. (And I can't believe they just left yours on the front porch, victorvondoom88!)

In any case, I just want to say thanks for starting this thread as I am just starting the process of looking for screens and projectors for a home theater I am starting to plan out. I'm sure I'll be posting lots of questions in the future, but I'm glad you started this thread as I was definitely looking into Carada screens as they seem to represent a good value (high quality but not expensive as other brands like Stewart).

One question I did have, does Carada (or other brands) have something like the current summer free shipping promo every so often (summer, holidays, etc...) or is something like that relatively rare?

I don't think my home theater will be ready for a bit, but if this type of promo is relatively rare I may try to speed up my decision making process on the screen to take advantage of the free shipping promo and just purchase the screen before my HT room is ready.

Also, I want to get a good quality screen and Carada seems to fit the bill. Is there a huge difference between Carada and say a comparable Stewart screen?

Thanks.

Thanks for the post, also thanks to Victorvondoom and househead for your comments. I should have the second screen here by Wednesday of next week. Haven't heard back about the return but I'm sure I will soon.

I hope this thread is useful for comments, comparisons etc. AVS has a good Carada thread, but it's been pretty quiet there lately. And we need it represented properly here too!

So my thoughts on your questions are this: Don't rush on the screen. And I can't really find an exception to that rule!

Best thing is to first find the best projector you can afford. Research the crap out of it of course, then do the same thing for the screen. But start by projecting on the wall and find out your screen size preferences and limitations. Get some samples of screen material and compare. Also make sure to decide on if you prefer 16:9 or scope, your projector flexibility may limit these options as well.

The shipping promo is nice, but don’t expect more that $70-$80 savings really. I got nearly the biggest screen they make and that was around the discount amount. So I wouldn’t jump into it too soon based on that.

The very fact that Carada so often came up in comparison with Stewart and still held its own, is a big part of why I really started to consider, and ultimately chose, Carada. For one thing, I couldn’t really justify paying much more for a screen. Even brands that are in a fairly similar same price & performance category in reviews, ex. Da-Lite, would have been too much more for me, mainly because they are strictly sold at brick and mortar stores. In my area that means ‘boutique’ audio stores – and the retail mark-up at those places drives the price up substantially. I did see a lot of cheaper, still decent quality stuff like Elite or Grandview mentioned as well, but Carada had so many more comparisons and user opinions for almost every scenario that it was much easier to compare. Overall there were just more pros than cons for Carada when compared to either lesser or higher priced screens. Best bang for buck is a great category to be in!

Of course there will be some obvious differences between a Stewart and a Carada - I suppose there should be with such a large price difference. But price itself can be a huge equalizer. For most people with a reasonable budget and who are not extremely critical viewers, Stewart may not be necessary. The extra performance you would get for a lot more money may well be lost on someone with a much less critical eye. Or people like me with color-blindness issues! But I do appreciate a great picture, especially at a great price. I can’t wait to get mine set up and get back with some opinions as well.

[kefrank]

I have a 92" Criterion screen in Brilliant White and I LOVE it. Customer service was top notch throughout my purchase experience, the workmanship on all the parts was obviously high, installation was a breeze, and the screen looks downright elegant on my wall. I considered some less expensive options, but I'm very glad I went with Carada, because it was well-worth the price.

[STARSCREAM]

Originally Posted by Starmartyr

Nice. Mind if I ask what you have now? Did you downsize and go away from projection or just to another brand? Also, was yours scope?

Sorry for the late response. I had to sell my projector and screen as I was losing my dedicated home theater room because we had another kid. No, mine wasn't scope, it was 16:9. I'm thinking about getting another projector and carada screen but have to figure out how I'd fit it all into the living room arrangement and all that. I'll tell you though, I have had different screen before and they were all terrible compared to the Carada. Quality build wise and Pq wise the Carada was far better than all the other ones I've tried. Sorry to hear about that bad shipping experience you had. No worries though as Carada will take care of you and you will love that screen when you get it.