Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page
This web page summarizes the results from my Stereo Projection Screen testings that took place in two different times:
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In November 2002 I borrowed the new wide (8 feet) Da-Lite screen with "Silver Matte" finish. A quick testing during our club meeting showed that this screen was not as bright as the older Da-Lite screen (using the "Wonderlite" material) and was showing worse "ghosting". This observation lead me to an investigation whose results are summarized here: 1st Investigation - Screens Not Available New
The main conclusion was that the new Da-Lite screen was 1 f-stop dimmer than the older material and (even worse in my opinion) showed two f-stops less extinction, leading to noticeable "ghosting". None of the screens tested in the first investigation were available for sale new.
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Soon after I published the results, I was contacted by a Da-Lite representative who told me that the new Da-Lite material has been improved, and offered to send a sample of the new "improved" material. In the meanwhile, other suppliers of current materials offered samples. This led to the 2nd investigation in April 2003. The results of this investigation are summarized here: 2nd Investigation - Screen Materials Available New
They say that a picture is worth 1000 words. In the pictures below I show six screen samples taped over the Da-Lite Wonderlite Material (standard to be met) and over the Marginal Da-Lite (limit of what is acceptable) for direct visual comparison of all materials. For more pictures and 1:1 comparison, see the full report.
| Comparison with Da-Lite Wonderlite (in the background) | ||
| Brightness (bright is better) | Extinction (dark is better) | |
| Center |  |
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| Off-center (26°) |
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| Comparison with Marginal Da-Lite (in the background) | ||
| Brightness (bright is better) | Extinction (dark is better) | |
| Center |  |
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| Off-center (26°) |
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The results are summarized in the following Table:
| No | Subjective Rating |
Screen | Comments |
| 6 | B | Da-Lite Wonderlite |
Excellent Brightness and Extinction on and off center. Not in production - used for comparison purposes (standard to match) |
| 7 | D | Marginal Da-Lite | Marginal Brightness & Extinction - not produced currently but used for comparison purposes (limit of what is acceptable) |
| 9 | C | New Da-Lite | Good On Center brightness & Extinction - brightness drops off center |
| 10 | B | Reel 3-D | Good Extinction on and off center. Better off-center brightness |
| 11 | C | Studio 3D | A bit less brightness and extinction overall |
| 12 | B+ | Trivision | Better brightness & good extinction |
| 13 | C | Hurley Silver Glo | Bright but less extinction on and off center |
| 14 | D | Hurley Silver Lenticular | Less brightness & extinction, similar to Marginal Da-Lite |
| 15 | A | Stewart Silver 3D | Better brightness and best extinction from all screens |
Disclaimer
I have carried out and reported this testing to the best of my abilities. I am not receiving any compensation or benefits from any of these screen manufacturers and have absolutely no reason to favor one screen vs. another. The results shown here are based on testing a small sample or one screen. Variations from batch to batch are possible. I am not responsible for purchasing decisions based on the data presented here. I have an interest in stereo projection for my personal enjoyment. I will be happy to discuss stereo projection issues via email.
List of Stereo Screen Manufacturers or Retailers:
- Da-Lite Screen Company, Inc: www.dalite.com
- Reel 3-D Enterprises, Inc: www.reel3d.com
- Studio 3D: www.studio3d.com
- Trivision 3D Relief: www.trivision3d.com
- Hurley Screen Corporation: www.hurleyscreen.com
- Stewart Filmscreen Corporation: www.stewartfilm.com
Special Thanks To:
Wendy Long of Da-Lite, David Starkman and Susan Pinsky of Reel 3-D, Ron Labbe of Studio 3D, Jean-marc Henault of Trivision, and Grant Campos who supplied the Hurley and Stewart samples. Also, many thanks to John Hart for his gentle support and encouragement to complete the testing and the many contributors of the photo-3d email list for their comments and helpful feedback.
George Themelis
April 2003