[gg_gg]

Anyone has any suggestion on whether or not to get a tensioned screen?
Are non-tensioned screens likely to ripple?

[KelvinS1965]

Just got one and spent the afternoon trying to get it to fit where my previous non tensioned screen was (inside an MDF pelmet) and failed miserably. Be aware that tab tensioned screens are wider than the viewable width due to the tensioning part (approx 4" each end if mine is typical). I hadn't allowed for this (no dimensions on the website in my defence and for some reason I thought the tensioning bit went at 90 degrees to the screen backwards).

They can't be adjusted for height, so you have to accept the drop as it comes or have it made to order (like mine). If they make it even slightly too long (like mine ) then you're stuffed (like me ) with a screen that won't fit in the space you've got for it. Looks like I'm going to have to either rip down the existing pelmet and completely rebuild it and find a way to gain 1" or so height so that the bottom doesn't hit my equipment cabinet (that can't easily be moved).

So in short, yes they are less likely to wrinkle unlike non tensioned which will eventually wrinkle to some degree, but make sure you treble check your measurements and be aware of the extra width beyond the viewable plus border width and try not to have furniture that will restrict the drop.

[Richard Harnwell]

Originally Posted by KelvinS1965

Just got one and spent the afternoon trying to get it to fit where my previous non tensioned screen was (inside an MDF pelmet) and failed miserably. Be aware that tab tensioned screens are wider than the viewable width due to the tensioning part (approx 4" each end if mine is typical). I hadn't allowed for this (no dimensions on the website in my defence and for some reason I thought the tensioning bit went at 90 degrees to the screen backwards).

They can't be adjusted for height, so you have to accept the drop as it comes or have it made to order (like mine). If they make it even slightly too long (like mine ) then you're stuffed (like me ) with a screen that won't fit in the space you've got for it. Looks like I'm going to have to either rip down the existing pelmet and completely rebuild it and find a way to gain 1" or so height so that the bottom doesn't hit my equipment cabinet (that can't easily be moved).

So in short, yes they are less likely to wrinkle unlike non tensioned which will eventually wrinkle to some degree, but make sure you treble check your measurements and be aware of the extra width beyond the viewable plus border width and try not to have furniture that will restrict the drop.

My first Da-Lite tab tensioned screen had definate ripples from where it had been rolled up. Da-Lite were very good and replaced it. My second one is much better, but when I left it rolled up between viewings, I noticed it wasn't quite as flat when it was open.... I now just leave it down almost all the time, so it rather defeats the point of having an electric screen at all!

When I replace it I'm going to save myself some money and get a fixed frame one!

[KelvinS1965]

Originally Posted by Richard Harnwell

.... I now just leave it down almost all the time, so it rather defeats the point of having an electric screen at all!

When I replace it I'm going to save myself some money and get a fixed frame one!

Slight problem with that, my screen drops down in front of the TV and a window, so it has to be electric. As I was replacing my old screen anyway due to wanting a 2.35:1 screen, I figured I'd find the extra for a tab tensioned. I hope it will last longer and give a nice flat surface to make the most out of my new AE3000 projector and the (doubtless) many projectors that will follow it.

I've been unable to ceiling mount it tonight as the fittings were designed by someone with a penchant for torture: Me and my missus have been unable to 'slot' the screen into place onto the brackets already fixed to the ceiling. I've only managed to lower it by us both holding the screen in place and my son operating the buttons; that's when I discovered the screen has been made about 2" too long and it then rests on my equipment cabinet and the screen goes lose. Raising it slightly and it looks really flat (from a side view too) so I'm hopefull it will be good once we manage to install it. Looks like I'll have to move my equipment rack (oak cupboard thingy) somehow but there's not much space to play with. Non of this really has much to do with tensioned or not I guess, but given the mood I was in when I saw the original post I was thinking more 'not' than 'yes'.

[gg_gg]

So Richard, are you saying that your tensioned screen had ripple / wave also??

[Richard Harnwell]

Originally Posted by gg_gg

So Richard, are you saying that your tensioned screen had ripple / wave also??

My first one had pretty bad ripples and Da-Lite replaced it. The current one is much better, but when I used to keep it rolled up, I started noticing some waves when it was down. After leaving it down for a few days these gradually came out, so it just gets left down now!

[JamesBaby]

HI

I personally would not bother with tab tensioned. I went through this exercise when I bought my current screen. It's true you can end up with ripples depending on the situation. I recall that with Draper for example you could adjust the tensioning system, but this was not sufficient and did not inspire confidence.

If you have the money, or can wait to save up a little longer I would whole heartedly recommend one of the non tensioned screens like the Vutec Vu-Flex Pro. It is perfectly flat edge to edge, and height adjustable. Once you've got it, you have it for life. The screen is the very important. All the high tech gear in the world can be let down it the final stage of actually viewing the bloomin picture.

I went with the Vutec as the reviews and comments on the web indicated that they don't ripple, but are at a better price point than the Stewart screens.