To Tab tension or not to tab tension?

[fauzigarib]

... that is the question!

Getting myself (finally!) a Dalite 106" screen... High contrast cinema vision electric.

JUst the price difference between the tab tensioned and non tab tensioned is over 1500 bucks.

Is there such a huge difference?

Any opinions are HIGHLY appreciated.

Regards,

Fauzi

[ThomasW]

I think it depends on your choice of projectors.

When I used a LCD projector it didn't matter if the screen was perfectly flat. With the front projector CRT I use now, having a tab tensioned screen is the only way to go.

[fauzigarib]

What about electric screens?

Thomas,

Thanks for the info... LCD is what I'm gonna be using.. the Panasonic AE900... However, my reason for asking is that people say non-tab-tensioned ELECTRIC screens have much shorter life with respect to waves and the like...

Any ideas on that?

Thanks,

Fauzi

[Azeke]

I also have the Panny AE900, I use a fixed screen. Electric screens are cool, but could possible wrinkle due to rolling up and down. However, they provide value if you need to perhaps mask different aspect ratios, hide the screen from view, etc.

After considerable research I have decided on the Carada BW Criterion 110 inch series-1.78 to 1, when the budget allows. Just my pennies worth. Hope this helps.

Peace and blessings,

Azeke

[ThomasW]

I've had 3 'pulldown' screens since 1989. All are still in fine shape. The first I gave to a friend when I went to a 16X9 format (hi-power) for LCD. The 16x9 is still in the house. It was replaced in the HT by a tab tensioned Stewart (I bought used) when I went back to a CRT projector.

On both my standard pull down screens, I attached Velcro to the sides of pull down bar. I manually tensioned the screen against the wall when it was pulled down.

If a fixed screen is a option it's by far the best way to go. Otherwise a tab tensioned is best if the budget allows.

The only way I could afford the Stewart is because it was used, and bundled in a package 'deal' with the projector. But I must say it is a fine screen.

[fauzigarib]

WAF Factor

Hey guys,

Thanks for the responses. A fixed screen is my first option also.. Unfortunately, the room in question is our Living room, and since entertaining guests is its main purpose, the woman of the house will just not stand for a fixed screen.

Thomas, the velcro idea sounds good. I may just use it... However, I'm still trying to get the price of the Tab Tensioned screen a little more attractive. Not only does it apparently extend the life of the screen, it looks way cool.

So lets see... Thanks a lot for your help.

Regards,

Fauzi

[Uncle Eric]

... that is the question!

Getting myself (finally!) a Dalite 106" screen... High contrast cinema vision electric.

JUst the price difference between the tab tensioned and non tab tensioned is over 1500 bucks.

Is there such a huge difference?

Any opinions are HIGHLY appreciated.

Regards,

Fauzi

Projection is projection. Doesn't matter which technology. Digital projection is often sharper than analogue devices such as CRT, which basically means it's even more important with DP devices such as LCD/DLP/SXRD etc to project onto as flat a surface as possible.

Whatever you use, unless you have a completely flat screen area, some parts of the image will be in perfect focus and some will not.

If you are going down the draper route I would definately recommend their tab tensioned option.

Screen material technology has come on in leaps and bounds over the last few years. Electric screens are now being produced with materials that offer flat surfaces without the need for tab tensioning. You might want to do some research.

Fixed screens (ironically the cheapest screens in any manufacturers range) will almost always offer the best results in this department.