Increased perceived black level for my FP setup!

[Lowpro]

For some time now I've only had the area above and below my 16:9 screen masked as I have a 4:3 projector which I keep in 16:9 mode. This has helped a great deal with light spill and perceived black level. I finally got around to covering the entire wall my screen is on and all i can say is WOW! Now it's like my screen is surrounded by a black hole. It's just hanging there surrounded by this empty void. I could hardly sleep last night I was so pumped up! I wanted to stay up all night and watch whatever. The perceived black level is so much better. I knew it would improve things, but can't get over how dramatic an improvement it was. I could kick myself for waiting so long to do this. Just thought I'd share. :-)

[wifeB8]

What masking method are you using? I would be interested in finding out if you have tried different methods. Currently I’m projecting onto a homemade screen without any masking. Any information would be appreciated.

[Lowpro]

I use a 82" HDTV format screen which I am just hanging up on the wall like a picture. The frame is wrapped with black velvet and gives me an initial 2" wide border. I had enough black velvet left over when I was making my frame to cover the section of wall below my screen all the way to the floor, but that's it. I finally decided to spend the $15 and buy a section of black felt large enough to cover the entire wall.

As far as additional masking goes ...
I have yet to try masking for aspect ratios like 1.85:1 and 2.35:1 which are within my 16:9 frame though I've been thinking about it. The masking systems commercially available are just way too expensive for me right now and if I did make that kind of investment I would want to get a screen as well. For now I think my current setup will do. If I ever get around to picking up a digital camera I'll take some pics. Would be cool to have some before and after shots. Oh well. :-P

[LeeS]

My Da-Lite screen has a black felt border also.

I painted the wall behind my screen and the side walls a deep burgandy red, non reflective. When the lights are dimmed down the red becomes 'black' with no reflections.

The ceiling in that half the room is painted a dark blue/gray non reflective. When the lights are down its like a black hole in there.

Really works well at keeping the reflected light to a minimum. When the walls and ceiling were white the reflected light would literally light the room up.

I thought of using curtains like the theaters do for masking the screen when a 4:3 image is up. Another project for down the road sometime.

Lee

[Lowpro]

"I painted the wall behind my screen and the side walls a deep burgandy red, non reflective. When the lights are dimmed down the red becomes 'black' with no reflections."

That is the same color I have picked out to do my room in! Will go nicely with the current color scheme I have in there. The rest of the walls in my room right now, including the ceiling are white as you were talking about. This projector just lights up the entire room with these white walls and ceiling. The wall my screen is on is now pitch black after adding the black felt and remains pitch black even with ample amounts of ambient lighting. I've been very pleased to say the least. Painting the other walls like you have done will really take things up another notch for me. Will be painting this weekend hopefully. For now I think the ceiling will remain white. :-)