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Topic: Need expert opinion on size, distance, flushed install
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Joined: Dec 4, 2014
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Hello,

I am totally new to projection screens so I am looking for some advice and idea.

Facts
* Wall size 170" wide 8 feet tall
* unfinished basement so I want to seamlessly look
* 2 viewing rows at 11 feet and at 15 feet


Questions
1. what screen brands you recommend, I heard good things about Elite Spectrum Tension
2. what size (would 125 be too big for first row at 11 feet ?)
3. do I need extra things for a ceiling seamless(flush mount) I want to install it 7-10 inches off the wall so I can install something mount some paintings on the wall.
4. How difficult to install ? Any hints, links, videos you can point me too ?
5. What projector(I am thinking Epson 3020 series)
6. Can I install the center speaker behind the projector screen ?


If I think of something else I will add on.

Thank you much!
[Edited by theQ on Dec 8, 2014 at 3:27 PM]
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Joined: Mar 28, 2005
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About the only thing you should have heard about that Elite screen is how cheap it is. Quality may be decent, but it's a long ways from a mid-level tab-tensioned electric screen, and it is not acoustically transparent.

I'm not sure what your room is like, or what you intend it to be like. The rule should be that most people should strive for a fixed frame screen. It's the least expensive solution, and almost always yields the highest quality results for the longest period of time.

If you want an acoustically transparent, motorized screen, I would recommend Seymour AV as a good option.

You will also want to look at your seating distances. Typically I believe that 6' is the minimum distance between rows of seating to allow for a walking path while seats are reclined. So, you will want to carefully measure your desired seating.

A 133" screen would be what I would recommend based upon an average seating distance of about 13' or so.

I think you are getting ahead of yourself, and possible way ahead of your budget on what you are trying to achieve. These screens aren't designed for in-ceiling, so you would need to build a soffit if you want to hide them. They are a long way from 'seamless' within a room, but if this room is designed primarily as a theater, then why go seamless? If it is not a theater, then you have to consider how much of a quality hit you intend to take if you also don't plan to properly paint the room as a theater.

I recommend that everyone try to go fixed frame in any room they are in. Not only is it the least expensive solution, but it remains the highest quality and most durable solution for the long term.
AV Integrated - Theater, whole house audio, and technology consultation during the build and installation process in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
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Joined: Dec 4, 2014
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Thank you much for the input AV_Integrated!

About seating. The first row is regular seating the second is actually a bar behind "real" seating area. So I am fine there.

You think at 13 feet a 133 screen should accommodate both 11 feet row and 15 feet row.

So I will get a fix screen, what brand I've seen Elite's the look nice but I don't have the experience to compare them.
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Joined: Mar 28, 2005
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The Elite SableFrame is a very solid entry level screen. Their white screen provides a fairly neutral color balance, and works well with all projectors in any reasonable room.

The price is excellent and the build quality is certainly acceptable. I use them regularly. They are not my favorite screen, that distinction sits with Carada (fixed frame) or SeymourAV (acoustically transparent).

But, for the money, I haven't seen anything built better, and certainly their material is of decent quality.
AV Integrated - Theater, whole house audio, and technology consultation during the build and installation process in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
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You tempt me with the AT feature of the SeymourAV

1. What is the best place to buy ? Amazon sells 120" for 900+
2. Do I need to paint black behind the screen ?
3. Can I have Left, Right, Center behind the screen ?
4. Can I see the speakers thru the material ?
5. Can you confirm the 135 would be ok for an average viewing distance of 13 feet ?

Thanks you much!
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