16x9 or 4x3 Screen (1 Viewer)

[Gurudristi]

The native aspect ration of my projector(LG RDJT30) is 4:3, but I see a lot of DVD's. I intend to watch very little TV thru the proj.
I am planning to get a fixed screen ( around 6.5 to 7 feet in width) installed in my HT. Wondering whether I should go for the widescreen aspect ratio of 2.35, or Letter box of 1.85 or simply stick to 4:3.
Advise from guys who have already gone thru this process would be appreciated.

 

[John S]

Got a ton of 4:3 media? If so go with it.

Otherwise, just as with HDTV, 1.78:1 will be the best compromise.

Not to sure how yet, but I have so much of each, that when I go projo, I will make provisions to run the projector either way for sure.

 

[Gurudristi]

Thanks John,
Do you have a fixed screen or a roll down one?
Since, I plan to have a fixed screen, I was wondering to install a screen of about 7 feet x 4 feet, which is very close to aspect ratio of 1.78 which you suggest. My HT room is about 12 x 16feet( 9 feet high) I am planning to have it masked with Black border and have dark colours on the wall behind. I plan a DIY with the screen. Any suggestions.......

 

[John S]

DIY screen?? easiest is to paint it on.


I currently do not have FP, but I do HT on the side and have done plenty of installations on them.

Paint on screen seems as good as any mid line screen, high end screens only give a small improvement over mid line screens in my experiences.

Should be great for you really....

I should digress a little.. I count 1.33:1 and non-anamorphic both as 4:3 material. I have just a ton of that stuff as I have a 900 title LD library. So it keeps tilting me back to native 4:3 display.

 

[Bryce_H]

I have a fixed Da-lite 16x9 (7x4 feet) and love it. I even watch normal tv on it and it doesn't bother me. Your going to have black bars one way or the other and I would rather have my movies fill the screeen.

 

[Demetrius]

I agree with Brice, 16X9 is going to make sense when watching movies. The 4X3 will work on a 16X9 screen and the picture is still big (usuable).

 

[Neil Joseph]

Edited title for you.

16x9 if you watch more widescreen for sure plus hdef sources will be more suited to that.

 

[Dustin B]

I personally went with a 2:1 screen. Then setup some adjustable masking which allowed me to maintain the same screen area usage for both 2.35:1 and 1.85:1 movies. Works great.

http://dustin.bunnyhug.net/current.php#Masking

 

[Gurudristi]

Dustin,
I enjoyed going thru your page,especially the DIY screen. Finally, are you using the grey painted one or the standard one you made. I plan to make a grey painted( probably do some testing myself) with enamel Aluminium( matte finish) on formica surface(7x4).
gurudristi

 

[Gurudristi]

So Guys, finally shall I call it a 'go ahead' for 1.78 aspect ratio with the fixed projection screen, or I think I will wait for some more view during the week end for other aspect ratios such 1.33, 1.85 or 2.2 or 2.35??

 

[Dustin B]

With all my experimentation I decided the plain white (no extra treatments what so ever) black out fabric gave me the best picture.