question to those who have built proj. screen (1 Viewer)

[Chet Wilson]

I am building my projector screen and am wondering about the "screen masking"...do most paint the edges in a non-reflective black or has anyone tried to use black felt. Any other ideas on non-reflective surfaces?

 

[Mathew Shelby]

I am interested in this as well. Shouldn't the masking system be able to change for different aspect ratio DVDs or are there different ways to account for that (like with a HTPC).

 

[Matthew Todd]

Hi Chet. I'm sure more people will chime in with other ideas, but here's what I did.

I just thumbtacked a thick sheet to the wall for my screen, and then to get good crisp edges, I used velvet. I got the velvet, cut it into 4 masks, and had my sister and wife surge the edges so they were clean and straight. I used velcro to put up the masks. I was able to mask a 1.85 screen or a 2.35 screen, which worked out really well.

Matt

 

[Chet Wilson]

Thanks all,

In answer to the question for handling different aspect ratios. I intend to build the frame to 16:9 and have 2 detachable panels I can hang either side of the frame to mask for 4:3.

 

[JakeMcM]

well I think what most do is make the screen a bit bigger than the viewing are so they can have a black border going around the entire screen (I have seen it simply painted, or felt, or some door frame material) Then they make the detachable masks for aspect ratios. I personally covered long sheets of foam board with felt. You could also use duvenyne tape (I think thats how its spelled) pretty much anything that won't reflect the light. I do think its important to have that small boarder going all the way around the screen in addition to the masking panels. In my case I plan on a 92" diagonal screen but I plan on making it slightly larger than that to accomadate the black border all the way around. From what I hear it makes quite a difference as opposed to no border. Good luck.

 

[Neil Joseph]

I have used a flat black paint on my MDF border which has worked well for me. A few others have used black velvet. As soon as I get the time, I will modify my screen with it because it is sure to mask better and be less reflective than flat black.

My screen is a 96" 16x9