Carada Projector Screen Review
Carada Criterion Projector Screen
Summary
- Product Name: Criterion Projector Screen
- Manufacturer: Carada
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: February 23, 2005 19:00
- MSRP: $ 690
- Specifications
-
Frame: 3.25" x 1.5" 6063 T-5 Aluminum Frame
Bracing: 14 gauge plate steel
Tensioning System: Manual via snap system with 3M adhesive-reinforced screen borders
Screen Material: Classic Cinema White (1.0), Brilliant White (1.4), High Contrast Grey (0.8)Over-spill Absorption: "Black Hole" velvet trim
Available Screen Ratios: 1.33:1, 1.78:1, 1.85:1, 2.05:1, 2.35:1
Outside Dimensions (as tested): 86.8" (W) x 51.7" (H)
Screen Dimensions (as tested): 80.2" (W) x 45.1" (H)
Pros
- Rock solid tension with no visible inconsistencies in surface material
- Steel corner bracing and well-constructed aluminum frame
- Able to attain a very even grayscale uniformity and color balance
Cons
- Bottom wall-bracket somewhat cumbersome for anchoring screen to wall
Introduction
The Carada Criterion projector screen offers a bargain alternative to the fixed screen wall systems offered by the name brand companies. The seamless Brilliant White screen material, with its 1.4 gain and thicker density, nearly mimics the performance of the popular Studiotek 130 screen, though further testing would be needed to see just how close it comes. I think that those looking to acquire the look of a professional installation on a budget would do well to consider Carada's new Criterion series screens - the pricing, performance and ease of use make it hard not to.
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Grump posts on April 26, 2007 01:00
I have the PT-AE900U (wish I new the PT-AE100U was coming out) and I haven't ordered a screen yet. So you think the brilliant white would be the best option for me?
Grump
Grump
BMXTRIX posts on April 25, 2007 21:53
Grump;265452
So you wouldn't recommend the high contrast grey? I thought that would be better to get deeper blacks. And these screens, I would have to put it together myself right, how easy is it to assemble?
Most people view front projection in a light controlled room, in those cases high contrast grey does nothing to help. If you have a new projector, then it is rarely necessary to go with grey screens. I have a grey screen with my fairly low contrast Panasonic PT-L300U and I have compared it to a white 1.1 gain screen - if I had my way (I don't) I would use a 1.4 gain screen instead of grey. I think brilliant white is appropriate for about 90% of installations... or more.
As for assembly, it takes about 2 hours to assemble and hang. Just go to the hardware store and pick up a stud finder and some EZ wall anchors.
I hung a 160" screen last Saturday and it took a little over 2 hours to do it myself. That's one big ol' screen I was hangin'!
Grump posts on April 25, 2007 17:39
So you wouldn't recommend the high contrast grey? I thought that would be better to get deeper blacks. And these screens, I would have to put it together myself right, how easy is it to assemble?
BMXTRIX posts on April 25, 2007 17:02
I have installed these and while I haven't used the classic white, I have used the brilliant white and have found it to be a fairly robust material and the build quality to be excellent. For the difference in price, I view the Criterion as a better choice overall - the frame is just a lot more stable and the beveled edge enhances the look of the screen as well as provides less chance for shadowing.
Bottom line, the difference in price between the Precision and Criterion screens is all about the frame cost and design change and the price difference is 'fair'. If it were a lot more expensive, then it wouldn't be cool and if it were much cheaper, then it would likely need to compromise build quality... or just be called one heck of a bargain.
As for the screens themselves: For the money, there is nothing out there that I would consider better for your money. You get a build quality that is similar to Stewart for a price that is far less than DaLite or Draper... That sounds EXACTLY like a great deal to me. There are do-it-yourself techniques that are very good as well, but I think my money would go towards a nice Criterion brilliant white screen most days of the week.
Bottom line, the difference in price between the Precision and Criterion screens is all about the frame cost and design change and the price difference is 'fair'. If it were a lot more expensive, then it wouldn't be cool and if it were much cheaper, then it would likely need to compromise build quality... or just be called one heck of a bargain.
As for the screens themselves: For the money, there is nothing out there that I would consider better for your money. You get a build quality that is similar to Stewart for a price that is far less than DaLite or Draper... That sounds EXACTLY like a great deal to me. There are do-it-yourself techniques that are very good as well, but I think my money would go towards a nice Criterion brilliant white screen most days of the week.
Grump posts on April 25, 2007 06:35
So would you say the Carada screens are still a good buy for the money? I have a Panasonic PT-AE900U I haven't opened until I get back to the states in June and I'm lookin to buy a 100 - 140 inch screen depending on how big my wall is.
Should I go with the Criterion or the Precision and should I get the classic cinema white, brilliant white, or the high contrast grey?
Please let me know.
Thanks,
Grump
Should I go with the Criterion or the Precision and should I get the classic cinema white, brilliant white, or the high contrast grey?
Please let me know.
Thanks,
Grump
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