I plan on buying an InFocus SP4805 projector when the 'ol tax money comes in. I'm pretty new to the scene, and I'm wondering if anyone has screen recommendations. I'm considering this one:

http://www.chumbo.com/Info.aspx?id=243756

Any input would be much appreciated!

Hi there,

I use this one in my HT, and love it!






Product Name: Precision High Contrast Grey - 88 Inch Diagonal 1.78 to 1

Shoot Carada an e-mail and they will get right back with you. Ask David to send you a screen sample packet to compare with others and your pj. Make sure compare each sample on the wall separately instead all at once so your eyes won't be bias to the lighter screen materials. I went with the 88" High Contrast Grey, I love deep blacks! The screens are built very well and only take 15 min to put together, also come shipped with TLC. Oh and the customer service is outstanding!


Click HERE for more info.

Thanks for the info! Definitely some helpful information on their website.

My only problem is that because of my space, unfortunately I need a retractable screen.

Since you have not purchaced a 4805 yet, buy one from Costco. You get a free 76" 1:78-1 (16:9) wall mount, pulled down screen, and a 30ft S-Video cable (in the box) with the 4805. I bought my 4805 thru a dealer and did the mail in rebate thing with infocus, and they shipped the screen and cable out to me. The screen is a matt white color by Da-Lite screen company. It was free so i was like why not, i can afford free!

Excellent deal - I'll check it out!

Why not make your own?

Everything you could ever want to know, and more

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forum...?s=&forumid=23

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forum...s=&forumid=110

I'd recommend really looking over the DIY stuff. I got all the parts and just need to take and afternoon and build my own. Screen material was about $30.00 and hardware about $25.00. And I can custom fit it to the exact size I want.

edit: it really takes some time to look over all the stuff at the DIY site. But it is well worth while. Not only will you learn a ton about building a screen, it is a great education on light control, projector personalities, etc, etc. Even if you decide to not build your own, you will have a lot more knowledge to work with in picking one to purchase.

BTW, at the DIY thread threre are details on everything from simply painting your wall to very elaborate, motorized screens with masking and everything in between.

121" is to big for the 4805 unless it is 100% dark, which even then might be a little hard to accomplish.. You should stick to around 100"

I 2nd the above coment. 110" is the largest i have heard the 4805 will do nice, of course you will need some distance from the screen to avoid SD. Projector Central suggested going with 92" for the best PQ w/ the 4805.

Check into the Optoma H31. There is a big thread at the avs forum, and more and more are starting to buy it. I know some 4805 guys might get mad, but it is a new projector, and gives out a better picture. Because the actual calibrated contrast is a bit over 2000 compared to the 4805's 1600, you get darker blacks, and the color of the Optoma projectors are very juicy. Down the line the Optoma seems to be a small step up over the Infocus. Also, build quality is nice, while I felt the 4805 felt cheap, especially the focus ring.

I test side by side the Toshiba Mt200 and Infocus 4805, and felt the MT200 with a high quality DVD player was a bit better, but not worth the extra money. As more and more reviews came out about the Optoma though I had to give it a blind buy. I am VERY happy with it. I posted a review of it in that big thread at avs.

The only fear people had of this player was bulb life. Because the H30 had some bulb problems, everyone was saying "STAY AWAY" But this projector uses a different bulb, and the Optoma line as a whole does NOT have a bulb problem.

Also, if you have a cheap DVD player, lower quality DVD movies might look a bit better on the Infocus, but the processer on the Optoma is also fantastic.

You really should check it out. I bought mine from, www.ebuyer.com for 1030 bucks, and that was with shipping.

As for screen, I got a Draper M2500. Because the black level is so good, and this high gain screen has maybe the best black level of any high gain, my picture is fantastic.

Thanks for all the helpful information! Looks like I've got some serious research to do before I buy the screen.

I'm also seriously considering the Optoma PJ -- thanks for the recommendation.

You should try the guys that run avsforum. They always seem to be the cheapest place to buy this stuff and they are happy to give you professional advice.

When I got my X1 a couple years back I sent Jason an email asking for advice (and describing my setup) and he told me the best fit was the Dalite Hi Power. He was cheaper than anywhere else on the net as well.

There is so much conflicting advice out there it's unbelievable. I finally just figured I'd ask someone I knew was an expert and I've been happy with the results.

Good luck.

Thanks - when I finally get the $$$ to pull the trigger on this thing, I will do just that.