Projector Screens - novice needs help

http://www.projectorcentral.com/
http://www.carada.com/

The first link has screen buyer guide and the second link will show you how many different size screens are out there but is still not a full picture because there are also many other types and shapes. I would also use the search feature at the avsforum.

Dave

thanks everybody for all links, help, it is confusing though, some expensive screens have gain 1.3 even more expensive 0.9 (it would seemed that gain should increase with the price), so it is a lot to be learn...

The best home theater screen size for you will vary WILDLY (perhaps by a factor of 2) based on personal taste, source material, aspect ratio, your sensitivity to source artifacts, what projector you use, and how you feel about it's artifacts.

You really need to buy your video projector, live with it for a while, and see what works for you.

With CRT projection I sit 11' from an 87x49" screen for most sources and move up to 9' for nice scope transfers. I'd need either a much smaller screen or longer seating distance with the last LCD projector I demoed.

Once you have the projector you can start worrying about screens. Stewart makes very nice screens, and if you're looking at nice shadow-boxed, wide, velour coated frame the price premium may not be interesting ($210 for my screen compared to the same specs from Dalite). Carada is much less expensive. A white painted piece of MDO, wood frame, and velvet to soak up overspill is almost free.