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Create Digital Motion reader Seej writes:
I do a lot of projection installations, in unique locations, usually with about zero setup time. When I looked into buying a professional 10′x7′ “fast-fold” screen, I was blown away by how much they cost. Instead, I decided to design my own, using easy to find materials.
The Challenge:
1. Fast to set-up
2. Fits in a cab
3. Front or rear projection
4. Affordable
Seej also has a page with advice for making your own projector mount to go with the screen.
That’s waaay too much. Go to a fabric store and look for the curtain backing. It might be textured but that doesn’t affect the picture; plus it’s closer to $10 than $110. There’s plenty of info available with a web search.
That’s not bad for the material. Curtain backing or a blank wall isn’t bad if you can’t afford a real screen, but you should spend the money if you have it. The material is actually specially designed for projection, it has glass microspheres embedded a precise amount into a coating in order to provide the desired amount of retroreflection at the desired angles. This will return more of the projected light to the audience while reducing the effect of ambient light from side sources. A projected image on a real screen material looks waaaaay better than an old sheet, especially in situations where you might not be able to dim the lights.
Here’s an affordable alternative
http://www.djsupply.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DJScreenSpandexScreen
The big advantage is you can stretch it to mount virtually anywhere and it’s front or rear projection.
Great DIY you posted here. Definitely an alternative to those expensive fold ups.
The whole projection screen material subject goes pretty deep
http://projectorpeople.com/screens/surfaces.asp
– and rightfully so. I’m a bit of a quality freak when it comes to video and tell you from experience it makes a big difference (tip: neutral grey will mitigate picture wash-out in semi-lit rooms)
That being said, there’s no reason to buy the pricey stuff if you’re looking for a quick-n-dirty portable solution.
Why don’t you try getting a nicer wallpaper to suit that.
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