Hi i have a nice OHP and LCD setup But i need a screen what can i buy to make one can i buy somthing at home depot like a big sheet of plastic or some kind of sheet to make my screen. if anyone can help please do. thanks
Run a search on Blackout Cloth
Run a search on this forum for "blackout cloth", that should turn up a lot of ideas for you. Also, Uvodee has put forth a lot of information on his screen and also some about a booklet he has found online about building a home theatre. (Check the "Three Dog Theatre now open" thread I think) I'm currently using blackout cloth and I'm very pleased with it so far. What is blackout cloth? It's a white heavy material with a sort of rubberized texture and its used when making draperies to block out the sun. I would imagine any large fabric store would carry it. I found mine locally at a sewing/fabric store for $5.99 a yard (54 inches wide). You might also search the net for blackout cloth screens, there is one site out there that a guy put out the explains how to stretch and make a good screen with nice black edging. And as always, this is not the only method, but I think its a good, cost effective one.
Run a search on this forum for "blackout cloth", that should turn up a lot of ideas for you. Also, Uvodee has put forth a lot of information on his screen and also some about a booklet he has found online about building a home theatre. (Check the "Three Dog Theatre now open" thread I think) I'm currently using blackout cloth and I'm very pleased with it so far. What is blackout cloth? It's a white heavy material with a sort of rubberized texture and its used when making draperies to block out the sun. I would imagine any large fabric store would carry it. I found mine locally at a sewing/fabric store for $5.99 a yard (54 inches wide). You might also search the net for blackout cloth screens, there is one site out there that a guy put out the explains how to stretch and make a good screen with nice black edging. And as always, this is not the only method, but I think its a good, cost effective one.
Smoke Eater is correct, blackout cloth is a great choice. You can also get a product made by Parkland Plastic called Plastex that gets lots of positive reviews.
Since you are using an LCD and OHP, may I suggest that you experiment with some light gray color on your screen. You can use pieces of drywall or anything rigid to experiment with various shades. The reason is LCD doesn't produce good black and the light gray enhances it. When using my LCD panel, I had a screen painted directly on the wall. I used Glidden Universal Gray purchased at Home Depot. I had washable semi gloss and I think it worked well. With your setup, you'll probably have a hotspot from the OHP and maybe some screen door. My OHP was 7300 lumens and very bright and I had a small hotspot in the center of the screen. So, maybe you should try combinations of flat and semi gloss paint. Finally, if you go with a sheet or blackout cloth, you can paint those (carefully). I now have a CRT PJ and I'm making a screen from blackout cloth painted with Gesso (CRTs work better w/white screens). There is a great product out there called Screen Goo that is made for both CRT and LCD screens. It's only drawback is price $100/quart.
Since you are using an LCD and OHP, may I suggest that you experiment with some light gray color on your screen. You can use pieces of drywall or anything rigid to experiment with various shades. The reason is LCD doesn't produce good black and the light gray enhances it. When using my LCD panel, I had a screen painted directly on the wall. I used Glidden Universal Gray purchased at Home Depot. I had washable semi gloss and I think it worked well. With your setup, you'll probably have a hotspot from the OHP and maybe some screen door. My OHP was 7300 lumens and very bright and I had a small hotspot in the center of the screen. So, maybe you should try combinations of flat and semi gloss paint. Finally, if you go with a sheet or blackout cloth, you can paint those (carefully). I now have a CRT PJ and I'm making a screen from blackout cloth painted with Gesso (CRTs work better w/white screens). There is a great product out there called Screen Goo that is made for both CRT and LCD screens. It's only drawback is price $100/quart.
Jhovis said:
Jhovis,
I see you got your CRT Working, looks good! You might check out this page:How to CRT! THis guy is starting to document how to restore an old CRT projector. If I might ask, how much did you get the CRT for and where? I have been playing around with the DIY stuff for a while, but with the production of DLP, I am thinking that now is a really good time to pick up a cheap used CRT. Only problem is the size, and since I live in an apartment, I don't have a good place to put it right now.
TBoy
Yes,with the DLPs coming out and getting cheaper, you can get a good buy on a small CRT. The 8" and 9" models are still VERY expensive. Many still sell for $20k.
If you look around and know what to look for, you can get a Sony VPH1031Q for $350. I like the Sony 1031 series because they are small by CRT standards and weight under 100lbs. They measure around 24x20x10. For example, a Sony G90, which is top of the line weighs 250lbs. I know of a dealer who has a 1031 in Milwaukee for $900. That's not cheap, but they have a warranty. The current retail price for a 1031 is still $2400 (they were $8k when new), but I see them all the time on ebay for under $500 and as I said before, you can get lucky and find one for $350. Also, I like the 1031 because it is small and most importantly, it scans high enough to allow line doubling by HTPC or a line doubler. When shopping for a CRT, you must inspect the tubes for burn and make sure the lenses are not in horrible condition. Also, make sure it powers up and the tubes all fire. If you get a CRT, make or buy a good screen. The blackout cloth screens are great for CRTs. They are even better if you paint them with Gesso, Screen Goo or even Behr Ultra White flat paint.
Black will be black and not gray and the colors are deeper.
CRTs have to be converged and that is time consuming if you get a model without digital convergence. In other words, you have to mount it and leave don't move it or you'll have to go through the process again. Convergence is the process of focusing all three lenses...one at a time. Then, you have to adjust the blue and red lens so that they are perfectly aligned with the green. You also have to decide whether you want floor, table or ceiling mount. If you ceiling mount, you'll have to change the polarity and either build or buy a support that is sturdy enough to hold your projector. It is time consuming and I'm still learning all the little intricate adjustments. I think that convergence gradually shifts and readjustment will be needed. That's the beauty of LCD panels and LCD projectors...you can move them to a new location, plug them in, focus and play.
Biggest problem with the 7" and smaller CRTs is they need to be in a room that can be made dark anytime of day. My theater is in the basement which is actually what we call a "daylight basement" or terrace level, so it has windows. I have two windows at the opposite end of the theater and I can open the blinds and still see a nice picture. However, it is much better when they are closed. Also, if a CRT breaks...especially the smaller less expensive models, you are better off buying another and either using or selling the other for parts.
If you look around and know what to look for, you can get a Sony VPH1031Q for $350. I like the Sony 1031 series because they are small by CRT standards and weight under 100lbs. They measure around 24x20x10. For example, a Sony G90, which is top of the line weighs 250lbs. I know of a dealer who has a 1031 in Milwaukee for $900. That's not cheap, but they have a warranty. The current retail price for a 1031 is still $2400 (they were $8k when new), but I see them all the time on ebay for under $500 and as I said before, you can get lucky and find one for $350. Also, I like the 1031 because it is small and most importantly, it scans high enough to allow line doubling by HTPC or a line doubler. When shopping for a CRT, you must inspect the tubes for burn and make sure the lenses are not in horrible condition. Also, make sure it powers up and the tubes all fire. If you get a CRT, make or buy a good screen. The blackout cloth screens are great for CRTs. They are even better if you paint them with Gesso, Screen Goo or even Behr Ultra White flat paint.
Black will be black and not gray and the colors are deeper.
CRTs have to be converged and that is time consuming if you get a model without digital convergence. In other words, you have to mount it and leave don't move it or you'll have to go through the process again. Convergence is the process of focusing all three lenses...one at a time. Then, you have to adjust the blue and red lens so that they are perfectly aligned with the green. You also have to decide whether you want floor, table or ceiling mount. If you ceiling mount, you'll have to change the polarity and either build or buy a support that is sturdy enough to hold your projector. It is time consuming and I'm still learning all the little intricate adjustments. I think that convergence gradually shifts and readjustment will be needed. That's the beauty of LCD panels and LCD projectors...you can move them to a new location, plug them in, focus and play.
Biggest problem with the 7" and smaller CRTs is they need to be in a room that can be made dark anytime of day. My theater is in the basement which is actually what we call a "daylight basement" or terrace level, so it has windows. I have two windows at the opposite end of the theater and I can open the blinds and still see a nice picture. However, it is much better when they are closed. Also, if a CRT breaks...especially the smaller less expensive models, you are better off buying another and either using or selling the other for parts.
if I ever have a real place to put one, I would go for it, but since I don't, i am still playing with the DIY Route, or buying a used LCD
Tboy
Tboy
looking around
you're all right
i sold my last Ikea projector and have a bid for the ohp/panel/vgatheatre/homescreen $450.00
i was looking around on ebay and indeed many sony's are priced around $400, 500 and 600 , even less.....
i think i'll go that way pretty pretty soon like this or next week...
it is to enticing ... it looks like the price of these things is really coming down fast.. let's keep it that way!!!!
you're all right
i sold my last Ikea projector and have a bid for the ohp/panel/vgatheatre/homescreen $450.00
i was looking around on ebay and indeed many sony's are priced around $400, 500 and 600 , even less.....
i think i'll go that way pretty pretty soon like this or next week...
it is to enticing ... it looks like the price of these things is really coming down fast.. let's keep it that way!!!!
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