would that be a 14' wide 16:9 aspect screen- or would you consider a 14' wide 'scope ratio screen (which would make 16:9 content about 11' wide? In other words, a constant height / variable width set up?
If you went with something like that you could use a high gain screen (like a Dalite High Power or a Silverstar) and couple that with an anamorphic lens.
Your biggest problem with that size screen is going to be brightness. The high gain screen and the lens used for the widest content will definitely help in both those areas. The Dalite High Power is a relatively inexpensive screen, but the Silverstar is big bucks- and the anamorphic lens will run into the thousands of $ as well.
The RS20 is a great pj. The one supposed downside to the JVCs is that they have been reported to drop lumens at a greater than average rate as they age. This may be a YMMV situation. All bulbs dim as they age. Using an anamorphic lens will help with squeezing out more precious lumens at the widest size. At the standard size of 11' you should be fine (especially with a higher gain screen).
With the high gain screen you may even be able to get by without needing the anamorphic lens- if you are prepared to switch out for a newer bulb more early and more often (maybe every 500-1000 hours rather than 1500-2000 hours).
in short, there are several ways you can achieve a good image at 14' wide, if you have the bucks to spend, or are willing to be flexible with some limitations.
You should also be aware that there is a new JVC pj on the horizon that is should be brighter than any of the current line-up. We'll know more in a few weeks after CEDIA. That would be several thousand more than the RS20, but might be a better fit for you in that situation.
I would definitely recommend going with a constant height set up. It's what I use (with an RS2 -- though at only 9' wide at the widest aspect) and there are several good advantages
- 2.35 widescreen movies (usually epics) create a bigger impact in comparison to the typical 16:9 fare (usually TV shows and romantic comedies/dramas )
- at even 11' wide, you are well within a recommended 1.5 viewing angle (assuming your first row is at 12-14').
Resolution wise, 14' should be ok for a 1080p projector at 14' (a 1:1 viewing angle) and probably even at 12', though that is starting to cut it close. That's another reason I would reserve that size for selected content. Your main problem is balancing brightness (probably your first priority) while still maintaining good black levels for image punch. Higher gain screens will negatively impact the latter. If you went with a neutral gain screen, you would retain the best of both, but you wouldn't have it very long because the image would seem dimmer far sooner. But then again, a neutral gain screen can be a simple DIY project made for under $100, and all the money you save on the screen can be put towards more frequent bulb purchases.
I would also recommend that strategy because once you have the pj in place with an inexpensive neutral screen, you can decide what fits your needs better after living with the set-up for a while in a practical situation. Maybe you will decide you want the higher gain screen after all- in which case you are only out $100.
You'll have a much better handle on everything after living with it for a while.
Edited by Paul_Scott - 8/14/2009 at 11:30 pm GMT
