2.35:1 or 16:9

[howiebrou]

I am in a quandry. 16:9 appears to give the best of both worlds for now but I am guessing more and more movies will be made in 2.35:1 ratios in the future. I don't really want to change the screen again and I don't want to fork out for one with multiple drops.

The Panasonic AX 3000E 1080P projector I am eyeing will allow you to switch from one to the other with the press of a button so my question is which screen format should I buy today???:scratch2:

Thanks

howie

[Masterlu]

I am going with 16:9 if that helps you any. I have found with all the changes underway, this should serve me well into the future.

[howiebrou]

I am going with 16:9 if that helps you any. I have found with all the changes underway, this should serve me well into the future.

Thanks Ivan,

I am still a little unsure as to what format suits what. From my understanding, 16:9 is the standard DVD and HD TV format and 2.35:1 is the newer Blu-ray formats, although there are still movies being made in 16:9?

What would I lose if I went with a 2.35:1 screen? Presumably with 16:9 material I would have large black bars on the left and right if i am to avoid the image overlapping the top and bottom of a 2.35:1 screen?

Reversed, 16:9 format screen with 2.35:1 material would end up with large black bars on the top and bottom?

:scratch2:

[Masterlu]

Howie, quite a few BR's are 16:9

Your projector and or scaler would come into play regarding your other question, re: black bars & where.

For me 16:9 is universal & can display everything I can throw at it, ie: 1.85:1, 2.35:1 even 4x3.

It would be nice if there was a universal standard, however I don't think we'll see one in our lifetime. :no:

[TommyC]

Most documentaries and concerts are in 16:9 format.

[howiebrou]

Well, I went into my HT guy today, tried both formats and settled for 16:9. The 16:9 and 4:3 stuff was just too small on a 2.35:1 screen.

I ordered a 100" Kikuichi Acoustically Transparent motorised screen and a Sony VW-10 SXRCD HD projector. :banana:

[Masterlu]

Well, I went into my HT guy today, tried both formats and settled for 16:9. The 16:9 and 4:3 stuff was just too small on a 2.35:1 screen.

I ordered a 100" Kikuichi Acoustically Transparent motorised screen and a Sony VW-10 SXRCD HD projector. :banana:

Good for you Howie, Congrat's! :banana:

[TommyC]

Congrats is right!
Are you using the projector to watch TV too?

[howiebrou]

Congrats is right!
Are you using the projector to watch TV too?

I can. But to be honest I watch most tv in bed. The HT will primarily be for music with the occassional movie.

[TommyC]

I can. But to be honest I watch most tv in bed. The HT will primarily be for music with the occassional movie.

I see. I recently started to research a display device to replace my old rear projection TV. I was looking into a projector, but I'm concerned about bulb replacement every 2000 hours. Our family use the TV ~6 hours everyday (news, drama, movie), at this rate, I would need to change the bulb every year, that seems a bit costly.

[Masterlu]

Get a good CRT, no bulbs to replace! ;)

[howiebrou]

I see. I recently started to research a display device to replace my old rear projection TV. I was looking into a projector, but I'm concerned about bulb replacement every 2000 hours. Our family use the TV ~6 hours everyday (news, drama, movie), at this rate, I would need to change the bulb every year, that seems a bit costly.

I can see that. I use the Projector about 2 hours a week so it should last 20 years!

[1KW]

I see. I recently started to research a display device to replace my old rear projection TV. I was looking into a projector, but I'm concerned about bulb replacement every 2000 hours. Our family use the TV ~6 hours everyday (news, drama, movie), at this rate, I would need to change the bulb every year, that seems a bit costly.

Bulbs are not that expensive about $200-300 every few years ie less than 50 cents a day . I have had my projector 4 years and I am on my first replacement bulb. My kids use the projector 2-4 hours a day. When you replace the bulb the picture quality is that of a new projector .

[TommyC]

Thanks for the advice :yes: I don't want to hijack Howie's thread. I'll use the PM system instead.

[Masterlu]

Bulbs are not that expensive about $200-300 every few years ie less than 50 cents a day . I have had my projector 4 years and I am on my first replacement bulb. My kids use the projector 2-4 hours a day. When you replace the bulb the picture quality is that of a new projector .

Don't forget the proper ISF video calibration $350-$600 :yes:

[howiebrou]

Thanks for the advice :yes: I don't want to hijack Howie's thread. I'll use the PM system instead.

No sweat. Hijack away. I, more than anyone else, need to learn more about projectors et al......

[TommyC]

No sweat. Hijack away. I, more than anyone else, need to learn more about projectors et al......

OK :thumbsup:

Is your projector located in a light controlled room?
This is another problem in my living room. It has quite a few big windows. I can close the blind in the morning, but would prefer not to because the family likes the sun.

So I'm faced with two of projector's worst enemy: bulb life (I don't think a CRT projector would work well because it it humongous and it's not cheap) and ambient light. :sigh:

[TommyC]

Don't forget the proper ISF video calibration $350-$600 :yes:

Is there a link to locate a trained ISF person in Canada? How would I know if the guy is good or not? I heard some ISF technicians don't really know what they are doing.

[Masterlu]

Is there a link to locate a trained ISF person in Canada? How would I know if the guy is good or not? I heard some ISF technicians don't really know what they are doing.

You are correct, there are very few that truly know their craft. I only know of two in the USA that I would allow to touch my Projectors.

If you would like to speak to my video tech, Roger; PM me. He travels the World setting up & calibrating projectors. All things considered, his prices are reasonable and his skills are extraordinary.

[Masterlu]

OK :thumbsup:

Is your projector located in a light controlled room?
This is another problem in my living room. It has quite a few big windows. I can close the blind in the morning, but would prefer not to because the family likes the sun.

So I'm faced with two of projector's worst enemy: bulb life (I don't think a CRT projector would work well because it it humongous and it's not cheap) and ambient light. :sigh:

You can overcome ambient light by getting a higher gain screen, regardless of projector design. Again, proper calibration is key!

[TommyC]

Thank you Ivan. I'm still learning. There are some great information over at AVS forum.

[howiebrou]

OK :thumbsup:

Is your projector located in a light controlled room?
This is another problem in my living room. It has quite a few big windows. I can close the blind in the morning, but would prefer not to because the family likes the sun.

So I'm faced with two of projector's worst enemy: bulb life (I don't think a CRT projector would work well because it it humongous and it's not cheap) and ambient light. :sigh:

It is enclosed on 3 sides. It used to be open on four! :sigh: Personally I like to watch TV with some light but of course the picture is more spectacular with no lights.

I am contemplating whether to put some shutters / wooden venetian blinds / curtains on the remaining side but I normally don't watch TV in the day so it might be no problem.:scratch2:

I am wary of screens with too much gain since the viewing angle is affected somewhat I think.

[1KW]

If you are likely to use the projector during the day use shutters or something to block the light from directly hitting the screen. I think plantation style shutters will look nice in your media room. I have some in a bay window in my kitchen they are easy to open and close.