This research is premature, as I'm not in the market for a projector yet, but I'm leaning toward an acoustically transparent screen for when I do get one. I would like to match all three front speakers, and even if there's a small compromise in image quality, I think it would be worthwhile. Also, in my short basement, it would allow me to have a larger screen (assuming I can find one I like at the size I want). I'm curious if you think I'm on the right track. First off, do any of you HAVE an acoustically transparent screen? If not, have any of you seen them in use (not at the cinema, wiseacre, but in a home environment)? I'm also curious if you know what brands I should be looking at. Thanks for any insight you can provide!

The Screen Research ClearPix2 sounds compelling, but they have to be really spendy, right?

Yeah, ouch. Just read a review which stated a $3700/$4150 (without/with black backing material) price tag for a 96" screen. I can't see myself spending that much on just a screen, since I won't even want to spend that much on the projector.

I've heard of them. Does that count?

(psssst: I know this wasn't really helpful, but it was so sad to see you talking to yourself in this corner of the forum, so I'm making it look like we're talking to each other. I'm trying to help your social status here...play along!)

So....ummmm... what IS your budget, Charles?

I guess my budget will be whatever I can make myself wait to pay. I imagine anywhere over a grand for just the screen and I'll really have to be getting some nice benefits.

Hi CV,

I did quite a bit of research on this a while back, although I'll state out-front that I've never heard or seen (it may also affect video quality) a perforated screen installation.

The only independent tests I've come across were done by Bob Hodas, an acoustician, for Mix magazine back in April 2005 ( http://www.mixonline.com ) in an article called "The New Perforated Screens." Lots of interesting info, including a sidebar by video guru Joe Kane, who explains that a perf screen reflects 10% to 20% less light than a non-perforated one and may suffer a loss in image resolution. Kane also pointed out that at fixed distances, the pixel pattern of a fixed-pixel projector (LCD) may "beat" or cause video interference effects with the perforation pattern of the screen, something I wasn't aware of.

Much to think about. In Hodas's tests, the Screen Research ClearPix2 came out the best in what appear to be quite thorough tests of a number of brands.

Regards,
Alan

Thanks for your thoughts, Alan.

I see the ClearPix2 matte white has a gain of 0.95. I see that another weave-style made by SmX Cinema Solutions has a gain of 1.16, which they claim is the highest gain in a weaved screen. I don't know how much difference that makes, or what the difference in price is. Seymour AV looks like another interesting one, with DIY possibilities.

CV - the required gain is affected quite a bit by the output power of the projector you choose. For some really bright projectors, .95 would be fine, for others, it might be a bit dark.

Jason