I installed a standard Elite Screens 106" pull-down screen on an outside wall, under a weather-protected 24" overhang on our back patio for $169 from the mothership. If you have such a location, this can be a good alternative, and it’s a ton more convenient than this item. When not in use, it’s safely tucked away and hardly noticeable above the sliding glass doors.
Remember that projectors are extremely sensitive to outside light, and you won’t get a useable picture during daylight hours unless you shade the area. We find that it works pretty well with a good projector (Viewsonic Pro8200 with 1080P and 2000 lumens) as soon as the sun is behind the trees. Until night really sets in, you will definitely notice the partially washed out display.
To the people that said “this is a free country,” or “mind your own business,” or “props to those who want to entertain their family in this free country,” etc, etc…
I agree with these comments 100%. Let me clarify the point I was trying to make.
Most people go camping during the summer time. During the summer, it gets dark around 830pm’ish. The one experience I was talking about, the campsite has a 10pm curfew (ie no loud noises, etc…). The group of campers turned the movie on at 930pm and ended around 1115. And they proceeded to play a 2nd movie, which did not end until around close to 1am. All the while, they were blasting their ‘boombox’ for the movie audio. Yes it was loud. At this point, it is no longer ‘minding my own business’ because now it is affecting me/others. Yes, they pissed off a lot of campers around them.
I understand it is a free country, but the campsite had rules. With these rules in place, is it still a camper’s right to disregard the rules? Even if there were no rules, one should know how to self-govern themselves.
To the person that said that I should go camping where it is more isolated. I do that on occasion where I have time to go backpacking. Fortunately, that movie experience has only happened once, and I have not gone back to that campsite nor will I ever.
Oh well, I guess we can agree to disagree. Thankfully most campers are actually pleasant to be around.
[QUOTE=schep999, post:48, topic:386094]
One thing you could try is to install a dark tarp over top of the screen (think Boy Scout, ropes, knots, etc ;-), even in sun, if you give it enough shade and cover over the projected light, it should significantly improve the image even in sun. (just a theory though) Good Luck!
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Campfires and lanterns need to be shaded off the screen too. But your idea of a big rain fly over the screen is a good one.
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I can tell you from actual experience this doesn’t work very well. All reflected light is a problem - from all surfaces in all directions depending on where the sun is.
This is patently untrue. You can get a decent-quality Elite Screens 120 inch manual pull down screen in the sub-$170 range, and don’t underestimate the utility of being able to put away a white screen that is otherwise susceptible to dust, fingerprints, and other mischief.
Bear in mind that any screen has to be tensioned.
If cost is really what you’re after, I understand that plain white Tyvek (not the hardware store variety with the big printing on it) makes a fine screen material.
Or if you’ve got an indoor wall you’re willing to dedicate to being a screen, simply paint it with “projection screen paint”.
[QUOTE=narquespamley, post:70, topic:386094]
This is patently untrue. You can get a decent-quality Elite Screens 120 inch manual pull down screen in the sub-$170 range, and don’t underestimate the utility of being able to put away a white screen that is otherwise susceptible to dust, fingerprints, and other mischief.
Bear in mind that any screen has to be tensioned.
If cost is really what you’re after, I understand that plain white Tyvek (not the hardware store variety with the big printing on it) makes a fine screen material.
Or if you’ve got an indoor wall you’re willing to dedicate to being a screen, simply paint it with “projection screen paint”.
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OK, so 5 years ago when I built my last screen this was the way to go lol.
Most campgrounds have curfews as long as your not watching movies at 2am who cares. People need to mind there own business. I highly doubt people using this outdoors are going to have 1000 watt sound systems with subs while using this Probably be less noisy than the typical drunk people hanging out around a camp fire.
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THANK YOU! I plan on using it at the campground. What a great thing to sit by the fire roasting dogs and smores and watch a movie as well. Not planning on disturbing the neighbors with dolby surround but they are welcome to come watch. By the way I camp in a 5th wheel with slide outs.
[QUOTE=sscouten, post:15, topic:386094]
Anyone seen anything on how dark it has to be to view a picture on this thing? The picture on the sales page seems to be somewhat light and the description talks about it blocking out light - but my previous experience with projectors and screens are that you need it to be almost pitch black outside.
thoughts?
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1500 to 2000 lumens should provide a good bright image…
[QUOTE=curta9, post:38, topic:386094]
Some folks go to campgrounds to party, some to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Some are smart enough and considerate enough to behave in a manner that is compatible with both. Some revel in ignorance and selfishness.
I’m reminded of a campground neighbor that set up a generator with a long cord, so it wouldn’t bother them. They put it next to our tent.
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That’s when you pee in the gas tank and dump some dirt in it. Tends to stop making noise shortly after that.
[QUOTE=mtnhrdgr2, post:14, topic:386094]
For the people that buy this or already own one, PLEASE DO NOT use this while camping, especially if there are other campers near you.
I went to a campsite last summer and there was a group of campers that were watching movies with their screen. It is NOT ok. As a matter of fact, it is RUDE to do this. No, other campers do NOT think you are cool. Actually, other campers think you are a d-bag!
Most people go camping to get away from the city. If u want to watch movies and blast your radio/stereo while camping, just stay at home.
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I got one just in time for my trip to Yosemite! YES!!!
I’ve had this on my wish list for a couple of years so I finally bit. Just hope North Texas doesn’t get another epidemic of West Nile Virus this summer which will keep everyone locked in at night. Everything’s bigger in Texas, especially our mosquitoes.
Probably be less noisy than the typical drunk people hanging out around a camp fire.