2.35:1 or 16:9
 

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

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:

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:

Most documentaries and concerts are in 16:9 format.

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:

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.

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.