Elite Screens VMAX200XWV PLUS3, Product Manual

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Elite Screens: Projector Screen Texture, Surface Visibility, Screen Door Effect
As you can see in the image below, there is a definite coarse texture to this screen material. The tip of the ball point pen
gives you some scale.
Because of this texture I was concerned with whether it is visible at normal seating distances (no), and whether the texture
would create a type of Screen Dorr Effect pattern, when matched with today's typical projectors.
I only tested the screen with a 1080p projector. Once the surface behind the screen was made dark to eliminate reflec-
tions, I noted no pattern effect such as screen door, at normal seating distances - in this case about 8 feet back when
projecting about an 80" diagonal image. On the other hand, sometimes when looking for it, you can sort of see that the
screen is not perfectly smooth, that there is a sort of texture. This is not to hard to spot in my testing room (at 9-10 feet -
the very close side of normal viewing distance for a 100" screen), with no projected image, just overhead lighting (which
essentially cast tiny shadows since the weave is not perfectly flat). While watching movies normally, I suspect that this is a
non-issue for most, however some with a more perfectionist bent, will object.
That said, those with that "more perfectionist bent" are probably equally concerned about sound, and more reluctant to
consider an acoustic screen if there is any audio quality loss.
I still have this screen hanging, so, if I get in a 720p resolution projector before Elite wants the screen back, I'll try that out,
and update this review. (No promises.) Since the pixel structure is larger on a 720p projector, some of these issues may
come into play that are not issues when using a 1080p projector.
Summary, Pros, Cons
The Elite Screens Home 2 Series Acoustic screen, looks like a great deal. I mentioned previously, that the Suggested List
Price of the 100" 16:9 version is $1,609. I looked around for competition, and found the Da-Lite Cosmopolitan motorized,
with their Audio Vision surface (they also have a more expensive micro-perf surface). The less expensive of the two, is still
about $750 more, and you'll pay extra for a 12 volt trigger or wireless RF system (a couple hundred dollars plus), bringing
it close to $1,000 more. I didn't bother to check Stewart Filmscreen prices. I'm confident that their 100" CinemaPerf would
have a sticker price of at around $5,000, probably more.
It becomes obvious, that Elite is a low cost solution. Even the best of the acoustic screens are going to cost you some loss
of audio and video, but you can expect good results unless you really are audio focused. This makes for interesting
trade-offs. If you decide on an acoustic surface, you can consider that the a better screen may cost you close to the
difference in price between a good 720p resolution projector, and a better 1080p projector.
If, on the other hand, you have ample budget, and are buying a higher priced - $3,000 to $8,000 projector, I would think
you more likely to consider some of the more expensive screens.
One thing I haven't mentioned about this Elite screen, is that it is not tensioned. Most acoustic screens, or for that matter
most more expensive screens are tensioned to keep them flat after all that rolling up and down. The Elite surface itself, is
a fairly heave one, so I expect it will hold up pretty well, but I'd like to see a tensioned version as well for a few hundred
more.
* Elite Screens Comment: Elite Screens do have CineTension2 AcousticPro in different size available now.
For casual viewing I found little difference between the Elite, and the Carada with Brilliant White surface. The Carada was
definitely a bit brighter, and by virtue of that, appeared a little more dynamic, but the color was near identical with just a
slight shift on the Elite.
Bottom line:
There are two scenarios I see, as common. The first one includes those people who want a minimally visible
system when not in use, a major priority. No free standing speakers, no permanent fixed screen on the wall. Many of you
who fit this category, are just looking for a good solution to that, and aren't hyper-critical. I'd say, this Elite Screen would
likely make a good choice.
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Product Review
Elite Home2 Series AcousticPro™ Projector Screen Review