Da-lite Video Spectra 1.5 ?

[rschultz]

Hi,

We are considering a new screen for our new facility. Our main video guy is leaning toward the Video Spectra 1.5 because of the high gain. He also says it will do better with the ambient lighting in the room. My only concern is the angle is only 35 degrees from center. We are mounting this in the corner at 45 degrees, so people on the edge of the seating area may be outside that 35 degrees.
Does anyone have experience with this type of screen?

Other info: 50' x 50' room, ceiling 14', projector front ceiling mounted. We are looking for a screen that can be raised and lowered remotely.

Thanks.
Ryan

Hi gain screen angles can be harsh. They mean what they say. :--) Can you post a pic of your auditorium?

Just a side-note: For those considering hi-gain screens, remember that the viewing angle is up and down as well as side to side. I remember doing some training for a really big church right after their system was installed. The hi-gain screen looked great from the floor, but terrible from the balcony. Yikes!

[tomtv]

totally agree.

the bit you make up in gain will bring less overall satisfaction if the overall group does not get as good of view because of of the screen type. imo the better viewing angle is still the best option as those on the sides and back usually need the screens more than those in the middle and closer.

i am sure both will work in that size room though.

[rschultz]

Tim,

Thanks for the reply. We did a test with our current screen/projector a few weeks ago... see photo on blog. That's me on the scaffolding From this test we concluded that both our projector and our screen was sufficient. But we want a roll down type screen so we'll get a new one.

So what are some suggestions for screen type... given our situation? Because of the low ceiling, a 4:3 seems appropriate. I think we were thinking 10' wide.

Ryan

[cmchamp]

Ryan, shot you an email. You'll get it after I get home actually.

One thing to keep in mind is that any screen reflects ANY light that hits it -- and a hi-gain screen amplifies it (it's not really by .5 more like 1/3). Make sure that your ceiling lights are directional. Florescents flood everywhere. Keep as much light as possible off of the screen and darken the area of where the screen is as much as you can. It's pretty much your call as to if you should go with the hi-gain. You need to recreate the lighting situation for when you'll be using it and walk around the room. Your eyeballs should let you know. If not, borrow someone else's eyeballs.

As for size, I would go ahead and go 16:9. There are a lot of benefits. Here's a really old article I wrote: http://www.churchmedia.net/projectio...o-w-i-d-e.html. Just do it!!

[rschultz]

Tim,

I read your GO W I D E post... interesting. We are somewhat width limited... so the plan is 10' wide. Since it will be electric, we don't have to roll it down all the way. We think it will be all the way down during sing, but possibly pull it up a bit during the sermon... we're not sure yet. But the 4:3 format would give us more depth than a 16:9 format given the same width.
Thanks for the suggestion.

Ryan

Your call. Oh -- get a "tab-tensioned" screen. It will help keep the screen nice and flat when you roll it up and down.

[rschultz]

Looks like Elite screens are significantly cheaper than da-lite for the same size/gain. Any thoughts on why? Elite also has a standard 80º angle from center... whereas da-lite screens vary between 35-60º.

In GENERAL, Elite screens are sort of an off-brand. Da-lite and Draper are two of the bigger ones (and Stewart). I've only owned one Elite screen. I could see the quality difference mainly in the mechanics, which will be really important if you are going to raise and lower the screen a lot.