With the rising popularity of the use of projectors and fixed projector screens in home theaters, the market for both of these items has become fairly competitive.
If you are setting up a home theater and you are planning on using a projector and screen, there are a few options worth considering beforehand.
First of all, regarding the projector, it is possible to find very good refurbished projectors that come complete with guarantee, for an exceptionally good price online, and quite possible at your local home theater accessory shop as well. If cost is an issue for you, you will be happy to hear that you can buy a refurbished projector and screen for less than you would pay for a large LCD screen. The quality is comparable these days, and the only drawback really is that you need a totally dark room for viewing when you use a projector and screen.
The next choice you will be faced with is whether to buy a fixed projector screen or an electric projector screen. There are pros and cons to both. Again if price is an issue and you can place the screen in a room that does not get a lot of traffic but is used primarily as a home theater for viewing, then you may find the fixed screen is the way to go.
Some of the more popular brands of fixed projector screens include the Elize ezFrame screens, the Da-Lite Cinema Contour screens and the Maxstar Premier series. Elite and Draper projector screens are also fairly common and popular. Each brand has its strengths and weaknesses, and basically with each type of screen you get what you pay for. If you are willing to pay more, you will generally get a screen with more options and better visibility.
The one exception to that is the Da-Lite Contour series. This screen has all of the options of the more expensive screens, yet it is one of the more reasonably priced. Screen size ranges from 60 to 220 inches and they have both video and HDTV format screens. They have perforated screens, which allow you to place speakers behind the screens. If decor is a problem, they also have a variety of different framing possibilities including a wood grained type frame that would fit in well with most home furniture.
When looking for a fixed screen projector, remember to compare features as well as prices, before making your final purchase.
