[leon]

just wondering what is the best anamorphic screen out there at the moment ?
im looking for something around 10ft across i have a DA-LITE screen motorized 8 ft wide (which i will sell soon) it has been boxed for the last 6 years and im hoping to go anamorphic on my loft conversion i guess my top budget would be around £2000 it needs to be a static screen it would be paired with the Sony VPL-VW80 lcd projector
many thanks

[KelvinS1965]

A number of forum members have Carada screens, some of them 2.35:1 format, which is what I guess you mean by an 'anamorphic screen'. I don't think they run to as much as £2k, so that would leave you more budget for other essentials. You have the option to use the Sony's zoom to fill a 2.35:1 screen when watching a matching film, or you can zoom back for 16:9 formats (leaving very black bars on the sides). This is the method I use, though my AE3000 actually has a three settings memory for the zoom, focus and position to make this easier.

If this zooming method isn't your cup of tea, then you'll need to get an anamorphic lens to use with your PJ. I don't know if the VPL-VW80 has the required internal scaling to vertically stretch 2.35:1 formats, which is necessary when using a separate lens. You'd need to find out from the owners manual or ask in the owners thread here or over on AVSForums.

One final comment is that the VPL-VW80 isn't an LCD projector it is LCOS, or rather it is Sony's take on it called SXRD (IIRC), similar to JVC's DILA technology.

Hope that helps.

[Neil Davidson]

Are you looking for acoustically transparent or solid?

Are you looking for flat or curved?

Do you want motorised masks or not (a moot point as not achievable at your current budget)

These answers can indicate which options are worth considering.

[leon]

Looking for a solid screen

Flat screen

Mask as in the outer black boarders?

I like the look of the one on the av video section explaining anamorphic..

I could go transparent but until the plans are back from approval I’m not sure if I am building the centre and side speaker behind a wall if that makes sense the room is 30ft x 30ft so I have space to make it just how I want but until the 8x2 timbers are in I won’t get a feel for the shape of the room

also not sure how the bypoll speakers will react in a closed inviroment ..

The picture added is the type of thing I want to build.

thx kelvin for the info that helped alot

[nobby]

hi

i'm going 2.35, and have ordered a screen from Beamax. Beamax do the A Frame series in this format as a custom build. tbh not that more expensive even though its custom - more to the fact its this format which makes it custom as the standard screen is 16x9 ... well within your budget and u'll free up some cash for something else. screen gain will be 1.2 as that is the material they do on custom screens. check out their website A Frame series.

my mate has one and swears by it (16x9 though); also its been recommended by an excellent ISF calibrator for my needs ... so worth a punt ... i'm going JVC HD350 route btw

looked at carada, was about to buy ... exceptional guys to speak too, will discuss your needs no problems at all and delivery time is excellent... in the end though got sorted within UK with a Beamax ... just remember you will be VAT and excise duties on value and postage with additional charges to RM when purchasing from Carada, but still should be well in budget for their Criterion Series screen

hope this helps

Originally Posted by leon

Looking for a solid screen

Flat screen

Mask as in the outer black boarders?

I like the look of the one on the av video section explaining anamorphic..

I could go transparent but until the plans are back from approval I’m not sure if I am building the centre and side speaker behind a wall if that makes sense the room is 30ft x 30ft so I have space to make it just how I want but until the 8x2 timbers are in I won’t get a feel for the shape of the room

also not sure how the bypoll speakers will react in a closed inviroment ..

The picture added is the type of thing I want to build.

thx kelvin for the info that helped alot

[KelvinS1965]

Originally Posted by nobby

......screen gain will be 1.2 as that is the material they do on custom screens. check out their website A Frame series.

my mate has one and swears by it (16x9 though); also its been recommended by an excellent ISF calibrator for my needs ... so worth a punt ... i'm going JVC HD350 route btw

I had a custom made 2.35:1 tab tensioned screen from Beamax and it is 1.5 gain, though I have no way to prove it and I'm not convienced it is anywhere near as bright as my old 1.8 gain Greywolf II screen. If you can get the 1.5 gain version it might allow you to close down the iris a little on the HD350 and get more contrast for a given screen brightness. You might not know, but it is possible to change the three iris presets if you go into the service menu, so you can get the 15 increments of the HD750, but only access three at a time. This and the recent purchase of a Lumagen HDQ (to help mitigate the colours) has tempted me into looking at a HD350 myself and I'm having a home demo next week of the HD350 and HD750 for comparison to my AE3000.

[nobby]

hi

thanks for the info, however my order has been made and is processing ... not too paniced re gain as i have a dedicated room and with the walls painted a dark colour as well as ceiling and blackout materials used, i think the screen will be OK.

As stated took advice from a well known ISF calibrator and he hopefully will be putting the final touches on everything when i get all installed

screen etc yet to be delivered, looking at an est completion date of late march early april ... let you know how it goes with my new kit and screen

Originally Posted by KelvinS1965

I had a custom made 2.35:1 tab tensioned screen from Beamax and it is 1.5 gain, though I have no way to prove it and I'm not convienced it is anywhere near as bright as my old 1.8 gain Greywolf II screen. If you can get the 1.5 gain version it might allow you to close down the iris a little on the HD350 and get more contrast for a given screen brightness. You might not know, but it is possible to change the three iris presets if you go into the service menu, so you can get the 15 increments of the HD750, but only access three at a time. This and the recent purchase of a Lumagen HDQ (to help mitigate the colours) has tempted me into looking at a HD350 myself and I'm having a home demo next week of the HD350 and HD750 for comparison to my AE3000.

[leon]

ahh so it looks like everyone out there using 2.35:1 format uses beamax

[FrazerT]

For your consideration, prismasonic do a 125" fixed curved screen suitable for anamorphic images:

PRISMASONIC - Anamorphic lenses for home theater projectors

[nobby]

hi

i was looking at Carada and the Prismsonic solutions. the latter was going to cause me some issues re seating in my room, viewing would become an issue for seating on either side of the screen. in the end i went with the advice of my ISF calibrator which was beamax... and the beamax does represent sensible pricing levels on par with those of carada etc. total up the cost of designing your prism screen and shipping ... it is big money too.

my screen is due within the next week, so obviously will provide pics and give an overview of quality once i get moving with the setting up of my new visual components

Originally Posted by leon

ahh so it looks like everyone out there using 2.35:1 format uses beamax

[rigman]

Originally Posted by leon

ahh so it looks like everyone out there using 2.35:1 format uses beamax

No I have gone 118" wide carada in brilliant white 1.4 gain.

And I have gone with the Prismasonic 5000R. I got a deal that was too good to resist.

[nobby]

went with Anssi's special price stock too, opted for the manual version of the 5000, arrived yesterday and very pleased with build etc.

thought about remote version but i over 6ft and can reach up so not bothered

have you installed your lens yet?

whats your thoughts on the anamorphic setup?

worthwhile purchase you think?

Originally Posted by rigman

No I have gone 118" wide carada in brilliant white 1.4 gain.

And I have gone with the Prismasonic 5000R. I got a deal that was too good to resist.

[rigman]

Originally Posted by nobby

went with Anssi's special price stock too, opted for the manual version of the 5000, arrived yesterday and very pleased with build etc.

thought about remote version but i over 6ft and can reach up so not bothered

have you installed your lens yet?

whats your thoughts on the anamorphic setup?

worthwhile purchase you think?

I have not actually received it yet and when I do it will not be set up for a few weeks as I am currently having an extension built

Then there will be quite a bit of internal work to do once that is done. I am thinking late April finish due to work commitments as well.

Be interested in your experience of setting it up and impressions of the performance.

[rigman]

Just noticed your equipment list

Will the 5000M fit on a Barco 808

[nobby]

ohh right ... well mine took over a week and a bit to ship, but all is ok and everything looks cushty

quite a sizeable piece of equipment i must say

i will of course keep you posted on how things go with the new setup i will be working on ... current pj etc will be taken down at some point towards the end of this week ... anticipating all work done end of march early april

Originally Posted by rigman

I have not actually received it yet and when I do it will not be set up for a few weeks as I am currently having an extension built

Then there will be quite a bit of internal work to do once that is done. I am thinking late April finish due to work commitments as well.

Be interested in your experience of setting it up and impressions of the performance.

[nobby]

be an interesting combo indeed!

no i have opted for a jvc hd350 to replace the mighty barco

Originally Posted by rigman

Just noticed your equipment list

Will the 5000M fit on a Barco 808

[Graham N]

I have spent the last three evenings getting ready for my prismasonic 5000R. I made my own lens mount (£6 of alloy precut). My PJ is in the hallway firing through a hole in the wall to my lounge.

I had to move the PJ back five inches, and because of this and the wider screen I have also had to widen the hole. The sides of the hole were previously painted black but the new angular hole looks much nicer as I have lined it with black felt fablon?

To complete the job I have made a new box to fill in the gap between the PJ and wall. This also hides the lens. As promised I will send some pictures to Darren (rigman) soon. All I need to do now is get a new screen and after projecting the picture through the lens I have decided on 2.5m scope (2.0m 16:9 at present). Viewing distance just over 3.0m

Graham

[nobby]

please do let us know about the performance of the sonic lens and what your overall impressions are of it

Originally Posted by Graham N

I have spent the last three evenings getting ready for my prismasonic 5000R. I made my own lens mount (£6 of alloy precut). My PJ is in the hallway firing through a hole in the wall to my lounge.

I had to move the PJ back five inches, and because of this and the wider screen I have also had to widen the hole. The sides of the hole were previously painted black but the new angular hole looks much nicer as I have lined it with black felt fablon?

To complete the job I have made a new box to fill in the gap between the PJ and wall. This also hides the lens. As promised I will send some pictures to Darren (rigman) soon. All I need to do now is get a new screen and after projecting the picture through the lens I have decided on 2.5m scope (2.0m 16:9 at present). Viewing distance just over 3.0m

Graham

[Graham N]

Originally Posted by nobby

please do let us know about the performance of the sonic lens and what your overall impressions are of it

Really happy so far. I can't test it to its full potential yet because I only have my original 2.m wide screen. I have watched a couple of films last night with it in stretch mode to determine which screen size will be best.

I am not one of the best people in the world on doing comparisons, audio or visual (unless there is a huge difference) but I can't see any differences without the lens in place compared to the lens fitted in pass mode.

As long as I am happy with it in place (and I am) I don't see much point in fitting and removing it a couple of times to see if there is a difference.

With the PJ and the lens in stretch mode I am extremely happy with the quality of picture at the increased size.

Cheers,

Graham

[nobby]

wee update from me ...

trusty barco 808d taken down this week
projecta screen taken down
av equipment un-installed
room replastered ready for redecorating
redecorating commencing tomorrow
arrival of new 2.35 screen from Beamax due mon or tues of this wk
installation of screen and new pj with prismasonic HD-5000M lens ceiling mounted this week
all av equip re-installed this week (again)
calibration by ISF pro due to commence 25 March of radaince vp and new pj

don't know how i am going to contain myself

of course pictures of new set up will be provided when i get a chance

[nobby]

hi folks

update as promised

well we got the A Velvet fixed frame custom built by BEAMAX assembled and attached to the wall today and i have to say, EXTREMELY happy with the quality of the materials and the ease of setting up

very impressive screen and presents excellent value for money in terms of the quality provideed ... so really chuffed about this.

viewing width is 2.9m ... slightly shocked at the loss of vertical viewing width but i guess you make up for that in the horizontal width

will get pics up as soon as possible, so you can see it

having a few diffs though in determing best position in terms of measurement to effectively mount the projector along with the prismasonic HD5000m lens ; so wondering if any of you could offer advice

so any advice on the below much appreciated ... BE REALLY GRATEFUL

my room and other details that you might need

Here are details

Viewable screen size - 2.9m
Gain of screen - 1.2
Room dimensions of my room size is 4.29m approx in LENGTH (taking into account the screen being mounted on the wall and being as close to curtains on window) and as stated the viewing width of my the screen (2.9m).

Could you provide me with your OPINION on where the pj should be mounted on the ceiling in terms of distance from the front of lens (prismasonic not the jvc lens) to screen?

Further details are the total length of the pj INCLUDING the lens fitment is 0.647 in length (end to end), so need to take this into consideration if the unit has to be installed towards the very back of the room

Hope this makes sense ... if needing further info please let me know and i will post up details if i can provide it

Prismasonic offer this calculator as guidance - so hopefully it can help you out based on info above - PRISMASONIC - Anamorphic lenses for home theater projectors


really appreciate some good answers re this

regards

Originally Posted by nobby

wee update from me ...

trusty barco 808d taken down this week
projecta screen taken down
av equipment un-installed
room replastered ready for redecorating
redecorating commencing tomorrow
arrival of new 2.35 screen from Beamax due mon or tues of this wk
installation of screen and new pj with prismasonic 1500m lens ceiling mounted this week
all av equip re-installed this week (again)
calibration by ISF pro due to commence 25 March of radaince vp and new pj

don't know how i am going to contain myself

of course pictures of new set up will be provided when i get a chance

[rigman]

I think you will need (as you suggest) to place the projector as far back as you can get it with that throw.

The further apart the better.

I have a 750 with the 5000R and I am planning to have a throw of around 17.5 feet to a 10 foot wide 2.35 screen in my new room.

[nobby]

hi mate

cheers for your advice ... yes after doing some digging after posting this message i began to realise that it needed mounting further back ... due to the flexibility of the lens system on the jvc we thought we would get away with putting it around where the old pj was situated ... but hopefully get sorted this evening and then i will get a few pics up. cheers

[Graham N]

Hi,

My HD750 is 3.75m from PJ lens to screen. My screen 2.5m wide has arrived today Will be fitting it tonight.

During simulations at this size I have found that I am well within the zoom range of the projector. I get no vignetting and some minor pincushion. (expected)

As suggested, you definitely need to get your PJ back as far as possible.

Cheers,

Graham

[nobby]

hi mate

yeah looks like it, annoying thing is due to a big space from the last joist to the back of the room there is no safe place to mount the pj bracket on. have to get a good thick piece of plywood cut to cover exisiting holes as well as be big enough to mounting the ceiling mount onto. bit agricultural looking but hopefully a lick of paint and some trimming around the wood peice will improve the look of things.

the anamorphic lens does need that bit more room to get the best from it. if i had purchased a standard 16x9 etc the jvc would be very flexible in terms of mounting.

but as the saying goes 'you learn the hard way' ... hopefully get this beasty up tonight and then spend time getting all the components sources put back in and wired up ... wee bit to go yet, will get pics up ASAP

cheers for the response

Originally Posted by Graham N

Hi,

My HD750 is 3.75m from PJ lens to screen. My screen 2.5m wide has arrived today Will be fitting it tonight.

During simulations at this size I have found that I am well within the zoom range of the projector. I get no vignetting and some minor pincushion. (expected)

As suggested, you definitely need to get your PJ back as far as possible.

Cheers,

Graham

[rigman]

Originally Posted by Graham N

Hi,

My HD750 is 3.75m from PJ lens to screen. My screen 2.5m wide has arrived today Will be fitting it tonight.

During simulations at this size I have found that I am well within the zoom range of the projector. I get no vignetting and some minor pincushion. (expected)

As suggested, you definitely need to get your PJ back as far as possible.

Cheers,

Graham

Excellent news Graham. Dont forget the piccys

I had a trial assembly of my 750, 5000R and Prismasonic mount yesterday.
It was like being on the Krypton factor and it is still front heavy so it hangs down.

Hopefully when it is mounted to the ceiling I can tighten everything enough to keep it level.

My extension is around a week from being finished. Hopefully the plaster will be dried for about 3 weeks time when I will have some time off work to get started on the internal fitting out.

[Graham N]

Originally Posted by rigman

Excellent news Graham. Dont forget the piccys

I had a trial assembly of my 750, 5000R and Prismasonic mount yesterday.
It was like being on the Krypton factor and it is still front heavy so it hangs down.

Hopefully when it is mounted to the ceiling I can tighten everything enough to keep it level.

My extension is around a week from being finished. Hopefully the plaster will be dried for about 3 weeks time when I will have some time off work to get started on the internal fitting out.

Hi Darren,

Got the screen mounted last night. Very impressed with the new size.

I was concerned at first when I had a light streak and some shading issues. I watched a whole film worrying about it and then found I had my vertical blinds closed in the wrong direction causing some stray light to come through.

The discrete code for the stretch function works a treat on the Harmony One. I have used the up/down arrows (above the cursor) to set the stretch on/off, and have set it up on all activities using the PJ

Cheers,

Graham

PS The mounting bracket I made for the prismasonic worked a treat with minor adjustments easy to make in all directions. It has enabled me to get the lens within a mm or two of the PJ.

[nobby]

hi mate

after installing my pj last night, using the ceiling mount provided by Prismasonic and ensuring everthing is tight, there is a tendancy due to the weight of the lens mounted up front for the projector to feel a bit loose. i am having the same problem but every allen key is fastened as far as it goes

let me know if you get it tightened

Originally Posted by rigman

Excellent news Graham. Dont forget the piccys

I had a trial assembly of my 750, 5000R and Prismasonic mount yesterday.
It was like being on the Krypton factor and it is still front heavy so it hangs down.

Hopefully when it is mounted to the ceiling I can tighten everything enough to keep it level.

My extension is around a week from being finished. Hopefully the plaster will be dried for about 3 weeks time when I will have some time off work to get started on the internal fitting out.

[rigman]

Hi Nobby

Is yours front heavy so it droops down? I have placed the mount as far forward as possible but it is still not over the centre of gravity with the lens in place.

The only thing to do is tighten the swivel nut (bove the mount ring) so that it holds it. I did not want to damage the mount though so have asked Anssi at Prismasonic for guidance.

Will let you know what he says.

cheers
Darren

[nobby]

hi darren

yes front heavy and has a tendency to droop ... was toying with adding some form of weight and stick it to the back of the pj

we have all bolts tight ... and the action is still there

let me know if you have any joy with anssi

in terms of your setup mate as we are both using similiar projectors ... any issues with image at all?

i have got a pincushion effect - centre bow on image when i use wide mode, everything is fine in pass mode

some issues re focus on l.h.s and there is still some black border effect on the top and bottom but not much

had you any adjustment to do re the pin stops on the prisms etc?

any help much appreciated with the above issues, have no previous experience in any of this and really at a loss in what to do or where to go from here ... if i had some way of knowing what way to adjust the pin correction i may have a go, but the user guide has no inf re this

regards

Originally Posted by rigman

Hi Nobby

Is yours front heavy so it droops down? I have placed the mount as far forward as possible but it is still not over the centre of gravity with the lens in place.

The only thing to do is tighten the swivel nut (bove the mount ring) so that it holds it. I did not want to damage the mount though so have asked Anssi at Prismasonic for guidance.

Will let you know what he says.

cheers
Darren