Projector Screen Reviews

Da-Lite Tensioned Cosmopolitan Electrol Projection Screen Review

While it may be hard for some enthusiasts to get excited about a projection screen, the fact is that they can play a huge part in making (or breaking) your viewing experience. The Da-Lite Tensioned Cosmopolitan Electrol screen was quiet, wrinkle and blemish free, and frankly a breeze to set up. With the number of options at your fingers and Da-Lite's ability to provide custom screens in short order, they are a company that we have no problems recommending.

Elite Screens Raptor Module First Look

Elite's Raptor Module is an elegant, free-standing projection screen for custom furniture installations when wall or ceiling screen placement is not practical. The unit is fully contained and ready to be integrated with custom media furniture. Elite's screens have always been of the highest quality so that's not an issue. Not to mention that there is the cool-factor of having a screen pop up out of nowhere. If you are looking for that classic, jaw-dropping, "where the heck did that come from" reaction, the Raptor is for you. The Raptor Modules may offer a discount over the finished cabinet Raptor series but you'll still be forking out well over $3000. That's a chunk of change for a screen but hey, this is not exactly a "price is an object" solution.

Elite Screens Starbright7 First Look

You may not want a 7.0 gain screen in your home theater, but you would in your church or store floor. Elite Screens has put a lot of technology in the Starbright7 screens without charging an arm and a leg. Of course, if you need the gargantuan 206" monster, you're probably thinking sub $5000 is a pretty good price. For a comparison that the general consumer can better identify with, the 76" 16:9 screen is only commanding $819. That seems very reasonable for a fixed screen with a multi-layered matrix for increasing brightness and contrast in rooms with high levels of ambient light and a surface coating to maintain color balance and fight "hot-spotting" artifacts.

Da-Lite Multi Format Imager Masking System Preview

Da-Lite introduced a new addition to its comprehensive line of home theater projection screen options with the launch of the Multi Format Imager masking system. The new design is a response to the home theater market demand for screens that can display optional format choices while maintaining a constant height, Da-Lite's new Multi Format Imager allows for sizes up to 16' wide and can support 4:3, 16:9, and the popular 1.85:1 aspect ratios among others.

Stewart Filmscreen Intros Couture Collection

Stewart Filmscreen announced a new designer fixed screen product line, the Couture Collection. The company has forged a partnership with Swarovski Elements, a company that is known for manufacturing loose cut crystals. Together they have created a signature product in the new Couture Collection. The first screen introduced within the Couture Collection will feature an elegant, sculpted fixed frame design accented with these loose cut crystals by Swarovski Elements. The Couture Collection is designed with the discriminating consumer in mind.

Visual Apex VApex Fixed Frame Screens First Look

Visual Apex has released a new line of fixed screens that are easily assembled at home and are quite affordable. Sporting a CinemaWhite high gain fabric (1.1 gain, 80 degree viewing angle), the VApex (get it, Visual Apex = VApex) screens come in 92, 100, 106, 120, and 135 inches diagonal for $329, $339, $349, $399, and $499 respectively. It's hard to imagine that you could DIY a screen for less than the cost of the VApex screen. Assembly looks to be a snap, the materials all look to be very high quality, and you can go from box to watching a movie in less than an hour (it seems). If you've had your eye on a projector to bring your home theater to the next level, the Visual Apex VApex screens should be in the back of your mind.

Screen Innovations Reference Motorized G3 Screen First Look

The new Screen Innovations Reference G3 screens are precision-cut on computerized fabric tables, are tab tensioned, and are due out in May. We like that they've made the pricing, whatever it is, the same for all the different mounting types and it seems like they've got a good number of options available. Out of the box, you've got a lot of control options and they have a ton of screen materials available. Being able to customize the screen type is also a plus for those with non-standard throw distances. If you are on the market for a screen, the Screen Innovations Reference Motorized G3 Screens are definitely worth putting into your comparison matrix.

Vutec SilverStar 3D-P Curved Projection Screen Preview

It's obvious that 3D technology is making a big splash in home theater - although not as fast as some manufacturers would like. This is likely due to the dearth of content available on Blu-ray and television. One thing is for certain, however, technology and manufacturers are not to blame - at least not with respect to their willingness to release products equipped to handle the new formats. Vutec introduced its newest 2D/3D-compatible product with the passive Silverstar 3D-P projection screen. This is a beautiful 2.35:1 curved screen engineered and developed specifically for HD, 2D and 3D content. The screen is a high-contrast model with ultra high gain and, more impressively, a curved wide viewing surface up to 181" diagonal (measured in 2:35:1 aspect ratio).

Screen Innovations Black Diamond Zero Edge Screen Preview

The Black Diamond Zero Edge Screen takes Screen Innovations' Black Diamond technology (which allows you to watch HD images in full ambient lighting) and alters the form factor for a whole new, contemporary look. The Zero Edge has only a quarter-inch (1/4") bezel around the circumference of the Black Diamond surface. A typical screen has anywhere from 2" to 4" of felt or border. The thing is, if you have an installation where you can dial in the mounting position just right, you really don't need much bezel to compensate for any potential keystoning or misalignment. This screen really produces the look of a super thin-bezel television that is just floating off the wall. Seeing it live at CEDIA, it's hard to not think it's rear projection or simply a DLP television embedded in a hidden drywall alcove.

Seymour-Screen Excellence Masking Panels for Fixed Frame Screens Preview

We're very curious to see how this new masking system from Seymour-Screen Excellence works. We're sure the non-acoustically transparent option is perfect, it's the acoustically transparent ones that we'd like to see in action. While $450 might seem like a chunk of change, in comparison with every other masking system on the market, it is a huge steal. If we were on the market for a fixed-frame front projection screen, we know we'd look closely at what sort of system Seymour-Screen Excellence could put together that included the masking panels. For the price of other masking systems alone, you could probably get a full screen and the Seymour-Screen Excellence masking system.

VApex 120" Tensioned Electric Projector Screen Review

We've long taken the stance that the biggest screen you can get for your hard-earned money is a front projection system. Where it gets dicey is when you factor in the cost of a decent quality screen. If you want a tab-tensioned model on top of that, you're looking at even more and the cost benefits become less and less obvious. Visual Apex' new VApex screens (Visual Apex = VApex, get it?) are moving towards eliminating everything we know about what a projector screen should cost. The VApex line comes in three lines: Fixed Frame, Standard Electric, and Tensioned Electric. For this review we checked out the Tensioned Electric in their largest size: 120" diagonal. To say we were "stunned" by what we got for the money would be an understatement.

VApex 100" Electric Projector Screen Review

It's hard to get excited about an electric projector screen... until you find one that's priced ridiculously low and includes features that should have it costing twice as much as it does. Then you begin to wonder if you've stumbled onto something... something big. Visual Apex' new VApex screens are something big. They are specially-branded "in-house" screens that the company is now offering to its customers. After all, shouldn't a company that has provided excellent customer service and sales support for years know exactly what makes a good projector screen? We figured they did but wanted to install one and go through the process to see if the quality of workmanship and attention to detail lived up to our expectations. Read on and you'll see that this screen might just change the way you think about build quality, ease-of-installation, attention to detail and optional accessories.

Elite Screens CineTension2 106" Electric Projector Screen Review

Elite Screens has produced an almost innumerable variety of screens. In that way they have something for nearly any application you can imagine. But what's really amazing is that they typically price their products at a considerably higher value than some of the other major custom-installer-centric manufacturers. The CineTension2 Series is one of their more user-friendly models, appealing to both the professional user and the enthusiast. It's, as the name implies, a tab tensioned screen. That is to say that it has a tensioning system that pulls rigidly along the loops that come out from the sides of the 2" black surround material of the screen. This keeps the screen from curling up along the edges as well as from waving in the middle and makes for an extremely flat (and thus more enjoyable) viewing experience. When you're wanting to lose yourself in the movie experience, and a motorized solution is required, tab-tensioned screens are where it's at.

Screen Innovations Black Diamond Zero Edge G2 Preview

Is the Screen Innovations Black Diamond Zero Edge G2 projection screen cheap? At a base price of $3099, many would say "No". But comparing to the price of a flat panel of the same size, Screen Innovations says that their screen is actual cheaper per inch. We're not sure if that includes the projector but we're willing to bet it is true. The problem with front projection systems has traditionally been ambient light. With the Black Diamond Zero Edge G2 screen's ability to enhance the projector's contrast by over 900% while rejecting ambient light, this may be a thing of the past. With the look and feel of a flat panel TV, the Black Diamond Zero Edge G2 screen will leave your friends wondering how you got such a huge TV without mortgaging your home.

Seymour AV Fixed Frame AT Screen with AT Masking Panels Review

When looking for a home theater screen, the general audioholic makes sure their precious sound quality is not diminished. Of course, there is a trade-off to be made if you are also a videoholic! Or is there? Incredible sound AND video can be had with the Center Stage Fixed Frame Acoustically Transparent (AT) Screen from Seymour AV. Gone are the days of ugly micro perf vinyl with its comb filtered sound, Swiss cheese look and image moiré. Seymour AV has broken the mold and introduced an affordable product that defies common logic and allows one or many speakers behind the beautiful display without affecting audio perception.

Visual Apex ProjectoScreen120 Outdoor Projector Screen Review

Lately we’ve been hosting Audioholics presentations for our staff or local events. We needed a durable and portable projector screen and turned to Visual Apex for a solution. They suggested their Projectoscreen120. The Projectoscreen120 from Visual Apex is relatively easy to setup and offers excellent build quality and performance; all while being quite affordable. Next time you host an outdoor kids party and want some entertainment, why not spice things up with a monster sized projector screen, an outdoor sound system and a good movie or music concert? Heck you can even throw on some embarrassing and obscure vintage family pictures for all to see blown up on a big screen.

Elite Screens Quickstand Portable Projector Screen Review

Superbowl parties have changed the way I entertain. Well, really, my job as a home theater reviewer changed the way I throw Superbowl parties. Or maybe I just like big screens and rowdy outdoor gatherings. In either case, this year saw the debut of the Elite Screens QuickStand Portable Screen. With this screen came the standard CineWhite screen material as well as the Wraith rear projection screen material we had spec'd to use for this year's game. I expected big screen entertainment. I expected ease of setup. I expected a product that was durable and which could handle many years of use in various venues and indoor/outdoor viewing opportunities. So, did I get what I expected?

Stewart Filmscreen Transformer Three Roller System Preview

Stewart Filmscreens has just put your every argument about having a front projection system to bed. Sorry, you no longer have a leg to stand on. Don't believe us? Take a look at the new Transformer offering from Stewart. The Transformer is a three roller system. The rear roller will drop a black out screen. The middle roller drops the screen. The front roller will drop side masking for resizing your screen for your content. Don't understand? The problem is the cost. Since this is a custom solution that is tailored for every room, they couldn't even give us an estimated cost.

Stewart Filmscreen FireHawk G4 Projector Screen Review

The Achilles heel to two-piece front projection systems has always been light. Any light, at any angle, will wash out the picture. The solution to this problem is a projector screen specifically made to reject ambient light while maintaining deep blacks and rich colors. That’s exactly what the Stewart Filmscreen FireHawk G4 is made to do, and they have implemented a number of changes so the G4 does it better than the G3. Changes include a lower gain, completely opaque material, and increased off-axis viewing. Read on for our full review.

How to Install a Home Theater Projector and Screen from Start to Finish

If you’ve never installed a projector or screen before, the process can be quite confusing. The general idea is simple, and you probably already have a good idea of where you want each piece to go, but the specifics are unclear. Which is mounted first, the screen or the projector? How far back should the projector be from the screen? How high should the screen be? How do you fine tune the projector’s position to fill the entire screen? This guide answers all of those questions, and hopefully any others you have about how to mount a projector and screen as well.

Projector Screen Shootout: Stewart, Da-Lite & Carada Compared

For many of us who have fallen victim to the world of home theater technology, there comes a point when we graduate to the "big screen". For me, this happened when I stumbled across a DLA-DS1 JVC video projector that needed a new power supply. It was one of those "bargain basement" deals I just couldn't pass up. I mean, we're talking a serious upgrade from a 1997 52-inch 4:3 Sony RPTV that didn't even have RGB inputs.

Carada Projector Screen Review

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.

Da-Lite Acoustical Imager Projector Screen Review

For those of you with a smaller budget and design concerns from the other half, a new product recently introduced by Da-Lite may make your dream of having a cinema-sized screen in your home a reality. Da-Lite Screen has partnered with JBL Audio and recently introduced the Da-Lite Acoustical Imager Screen. This is a fixed wall mount screen that incorporates the front left, center, and right speakers directly into the frame of the screen. The screen also comes complete from the manufacturer with a 10 inch, 150 watt powered subwoofer and two small satellite speakers to be used as the surrounds.

Screen Innovations Visage Projector Screen Review

Screen Innovations, a company headquartered in Austin, Texas has recently introduced a new revolutionary screen. It is called the Visage (formerly referred to as the ‘Mirage’) and it has the ability to overcome light-filled rooms even with moderately bright front projection systems. The new breakthrough screen uses a patented high contrast filter that covers 60% of the screen surface. This enables the projected image to be reflected by the screen while at the same time absorbing ambient incidental light from other angles produced by windows and room lighting.

Elite Screens F80NWH Portable Projector Screen Review

The perfect screen to complement a portable or dual-use projection system would be durable, portable and equally easy to pull out and set up. Elite Screens ez-Cinema systems match that description perfectly.

Carada Masquerade Masking System Review

Carada unveiled, for the first time, its new Masquerade automated masking system at the Audioholics 2007 State of the CE Union Event. To say that this is an industry-changing product (at least in terms of price to market) would be an understatement. Sold for the price of some competitors' fixed wall screen systems (just $2499 for a 110" diagonal) the Masquerade offers full horizontal masking up to 2.70:1, meaning that all of your widescreen movies can now be watched without those often annoying black bars.

Da-Lite Silent Motor

When you're trying to hold an important meeting, a loud motor could be just the thing to ruin it. Well, Da-Lite is now offering their Silent Motor standard on the Tensioned Advantage Electrol screen line. Now you can lower your screen from the ceiling without being interrupted by motor noise.

Stewart Filmscreen StarLift

Stewart Filmscreen Corporation showed off the StarLift, a motorized mechanism designed to raise and lower the StarGlas rear projection screen. StarGlas takes a thin image layer and sandwiches it between two pieces of glass.

Elite Screen's HOME2 Projection Screens

Elite Screens, Inc. showed off its award-winning HOME2 Home Theater Projection Screens at CES 2008. Elite Screen's HOME2 Series are easy-to-install non-tensioned electric retractable screens that create a sophisticated home theater experience with the touch of a button. HOME2 screens have aspect ratios for both commercial and residential markets. They have a wide viewing diffusion angle of 160 degrees allowing presentations to reach a large audience regardless of room proximity.

Focupix HDVio Electric Screen with RF Remote

We were more than skeptical when we first heard of the Focupix electric screens. Their retail price hovered around $799 for a 104-inch screen, however the typical street price was just $329.99. With a retail drop-off that steep we wondered how on earth anyone could pack enough equipment into the box to make this screen actually function. It turns out these electric screens must be easier to make than I thought. The overall quality and performance of the Focupix HDVio screen had us rethinking what an electric screen should truly cost the average consumer.

Seymour AV Center Stage Screens

Seymour AV was showing off their Center Stage projection screens at the Audioholics State of the CE Union event. Seymour AV is primarily interested in making sure you don't have to compromise with a horizontal center channel and instead can use a vertically oriented speaker (preferably identical to your mains). To do this they offer acoustically transparent screens.

Screen Excellence Performance Series "Budget" Screens

Screen Excellence launched a new value-oriented line. North American distributor, StJohn Group, announced the immediate availability of the fixed frame “Performance” Series in four sizes – 70”, 80”, 87” and 95” (width of viewing area). The Performance Series by Screen Excellence is designed from the ground up for today’s rapidly growing group of value-conscious digital home theater projectors. Retail pricing for the 16:9 (1.78) native aspect ratio projection screen begins at $1,630 for a 70” wide viewable area. Not the cheapest screens we've seen but definitely not the most expensive.

Da-Lite Fast-Fold Drapery Surround

Da-Lite Screen Company showed off an innovative addition to its Fast-Fold Drapery product offering. The Fast-Fold Drapery Surround is the perfect solution for concealing equipment areas, tables and workstations. Basically, it is a portable scrim that makes hiding your equipment a snap - even on the road!

SI TPM80 Performance Series Motorized Projector Screen Review

After the marathon installation of our projector lift (another story, for another day), we waited with anticipation as to what SI Screens had to offer. Prepped for a full night of demolition and construction, we were pleasantly surprised soon after the TPM80 electric drop down screen arrived. The mounting system that was included made the job extremely easy, and efficient; therefore it was no time at all before we were watching a very exciting PowerPoint presentation on our new electric screen.