Experiences with Epson EH-TW3200

[LaFleur]

Has anyone used this projector or recomend alternatives to look for? We think it is time to convert some of our property into a media room and feel a projector would be the way to go. So I am looking for feedback on this projector or alternatives. Also with projectors what is the best idea for the backdrop? The wall is extremely smooth and painted brilliant matt white or would we be better with some sort of screen? If so what make?

The wall to project on is approximately 3m wide.

[swiftpete]

You'd be better off going to avforums and posting in the projector section. There is also a tw3200 owners thread there. I started with white walls and the results were awesome compared to a tv, but it looks 10000 times better now the room is treated with dark fabric as otherwise you get light reflection on the ceiling etc. However, the wow factor from a big screen is large anyway, even with a standard room.

[LaFleur]

So a plain matte white wall would work for the projected wall and then perhaps use matte black or satin curtains on the side walls?

I shall go and look for this avforums site and take a look, thanks!

[OldSkoolRS]

When you first get a projector you'll be in awe of the picture due to it's size...then after the honeymoon period you'll want to improve the picture. You can get a good picture in a white room, but this involves a very expensive screen (more money than the Epson) and they still have side effects such as sparkling, hotspotting and texture. If you use a white wall or get a white screen, then having some dark surfaces near to the screen will make a big difference to the image quality.

I currently have a temporary setup with a couple of 1" dowel poles that I put some thin black sheeting over when viewing a film: This shields the ceiling and side walls from reflections and I actually measured a three fold increase in ANSI contrast compared to the 'bare room'. The difference is like turning up the brightness control on your TV by 5 or 10 clicks with the bare room, making blacks look grey. I can't watch it like that now...My next project (after getting my RS back on the road incase Ian's reading this ) is to fit some electric blinds around my room that drop into place when I want to watch a film, like a James Bond style lair. Until I do this I feel it isn't worth upgrading my current JVC projector as I won't see the benefit due to the room.

[LaFleur]

Thanks! As the room is a media room I am not aversed to doing it right! We already have total blackout capability but gloss black/white tiled floors and a matte white ceiling.

[swiftpete]

http://www.avforums.com/forums/projectors/907414-m...


Its a long thread but there's some good info in there and some great pics of what can be achieved. This is the thread that inspired project blackout in my cinema room and it's a far better room for it.

[OldSkoolRS]

Yeah, great thread there...but look out for the nutter with the 'bat tent'

[LaFleur]

LOL! I have had a read and as expected velvet seems a good covering for the peripheral. I have just bought a large tin of matte deep black paint it will make the room dark but will then use material to finish off the viewing area. The room is around 200ft away from the house and in a very dark area so light is easy to control.I can mount overhead, is this the best way or is it possible to get portable stands?

[007 VXR]

LaFleur said:

Thanks! As the room is a media room I am not aversed to doing it right! We already have total blackout capability but gloss black/white tiled floors and a matte white ceiling.

Not total black out with white ceiling
and avoid anything gloss
Also get a good quality screen

[LaFleur]

007 VXR said:

Not total black out with white ceiling
and avoid anything gloss
Also get a good quality screen

Thank you 007, I have bought matt deep black paint to color the walls and ceiling, the floor is unfortunately gloss but I do not believe will pose a problem or if it does a nice decorative rug will cover the area in front of the seats.

Having looked into setting up the projector it appears close to centre of height is best but the Epson has tilt shift. If I want to avoid a ceiling mount what is the best type of stand to use? The cinema room is approximately 7 metres long and if I dont mount on the roof I would like to be able to move the projector when not in use. Perhaps someone produces a stand that can accomodate the blueray player too? My fear is if the projector is behind the seats will it produce a dead space restricting screen size?

[007 VXR]

LaFleur said:

Thank you 007, I have bought matt deep black paint to color the walls and ceiling, the floor is unfortunately gloss but I do not believe will pose a problem or if it does a nice decorative rug will cover the area in front of the seats.

Having looked into setting up the projector it appears close to centre of height is best but the Epson has tilt shift. If I want to avoid a ceiling mount what is the best type of stand to use? The cinema room is approximately 7 metres long and if I dont mount on the roof I would like to be able to move the projector when not in use. Perhaps someone produces a stand that can accomodate the blueray player too? My fear is if the projector is behind the seats will it produce a dead space restricting screen size?

You could put a rug on the floor infront of the screen this will help
Ceiling would be best IMHO