How much difference does a quality screen make?

[Astrakan]

Okay, so today I finally put in my order for a Panasonic PT-AE2000U projector.

I also bought a very budget screen for it (a manual 120" Elite) which I figure is only a temporary measure until I get a fixed frame higher quality screen.

The question is, is it worth the extra money? I paid $100 for that Elite screen, and higher-end stuff like Vutec screens go for $1000. While I can swing that extra money, I won't if there's only a marginal difference.

I realize maybe I should wait until I see the projector and Elite screen in action before even thinking about this, but I'm all fired up from having finally buckled down and ordered the thing, so I can't help but thinking about it now.

KM

[Wirehed]

I has a do it yourself screen for ages, and then I upgraded to a Carada Criterion and I couldn't be happier, it was a HUGE difference.

So it's probably worth the money.

[ganthc]

My friend back in Austin has a projector setup, and I noticed that the blacks were better when he used a proper screen. I think it can make a noticeable difference, depending on what you had and what you upgraded to.

[Iguana Man]

Originally Posted by Astrakan

Okay, so today I finally put in my order for a Panasonic PT-AE200U projector.

I hate you.

The question is, is it worth the extra money? I paid $100 for that Elite screen, and higher-end stuff like Vutec screens go for $1000. While I can swing that extra money, I won't if there's only a marginal difference. KM

I'll sort of buck the trend here. This pj from what I understand (and as an owner of the 720p sibling PT AX100U) is a killer pj. I think you will be blown away by the image on that 100 dollar screen for now. Keep this screen and watch movies on it while 'comfortably' sitting back doing research on which kinds of screens (gray, high contrast, low/high gain) mate best. I'm sure many people will offer up what suits your needs based on your lighting situation in your room over on AVS. Once you feel comfy with the better screen and how it WILL make a difference, buy it.

You have now doubled your pleasure and this is my point! You then will feel like your whole video experience is BRAND new AGAIN! Weeee!

Hey, that's just me so take it as you will. You bastard.

[plissken99]

This is a good question, thus one for the ages. I have the JVC RS1 with a 147in high power screen.

I first saw the RS1 set up on a 96in Firehawk(grey). While I do love my set up, that was pristine. The image was maybe a bit sharper thanks to the smaller size, but moreover the black level was just perfect(mine is damn near perfect, but lacks that perfect perfect that set up had lol). I've considered in the future dropping down to a 120in Firehawk screen. Or possibly the Stewart Studiotek in that size(but I'd need to see that 1st). One things for sure, I like the hi power way better than old Dalite 1.3 white screen.

So yes, screen does make a difference.

[Astrakan]

Thanks for the input so far. Iggy's thinking is pretty much in line with my own. I'll probably end up getting a new screen at some point, but I also have no doubt I'll be sufficiently impressed with my cheapo screen for now.

The point about renewing/extending the "wow" factor is a good one too.

KM

[esc]

Originally Posted by Astrakan

Thanks for the input so far. Iggy's thinking is pretty much in line with my own. I'll probably end up getting a new screen at some point, but I also have no doubt I'll be sufficiently impressed with my cheapo screen for now.

The point about renewing/extending the "wow" factor is a good one too.

KM

I'll send you a PM with the company I use all the time. Screens are around $600 and just awesome.

[Astrakan]

Okie dokie. I've got the projector and the screen all set up. Hooked up my sound system too that's been living in boxes for the past 17 monts since my move.

Watched The Brave One downloaded from Xbox Live last night. Even with the factory defaults on the projector and my budget screen it looked really nice.

Next up is playing around with the configuration options on the projector. Oh, and getting the HT room set up, right now there's boxes and wires everywhere.

Oh, and the wife played some Live arcade games last night too. Let me tell you, Zuma in 1080p and at 120" in 5.1 surround sound is something else.

KM

[Iguana Man]

How about some pics! I promise not to comment on the boxes.