Will An ALR Screen IMPROVE Your Home Theater Experience? // REVIEW Premium Home Theater Screen 120"

Do you really need an ALR screen? Check out my REVIEW of the Premium Screen 120" Boreal ALR Projector Screen for your Home Theater!
This screen really surprised me how great it works in moderate ambient light situations - where I was able to watch movies and TV shows in my home theater during the day!
🔴 PREMIUM SCREEN:- 🔴 🔴 DISCOUNT CODE - BUILDMONTAGE23🔴 🔴
🔴 BOREAL ALR 120" - For Standard Throw Projector - bza6.short.gy/Boreal120
🔴 BOREAL ALR 120" - For UST - bza6.short.gy/Boreal120UST
🔴 BUY XGIMI HORIZON ULTRA PROJECTOR - bza6.short.gy/xgimi
#hometheater #hometheatertour #tech
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00:00 Intro
01:30 Screen Build
02:38 Understanding ALR Screen Purpose
03:47 My Setup and ALR Screen
05:19 Lighting Condition Testing
08:38 Pros and Cons
--affiliate links can generate some revenue to the channel
This video is a home theater related video review on home cinema projector screens, this isn't for clr or ust projectors but its for normal standard throw or long throw home theater projectors in a dedicated home theater room. 4K dolby vision compatible with high resolution displays.

[@BuildMontage]

🔴 DISCOUNT CODE BUILDMONTAG23 10% OFF - bza6.short.gy/Boreal120

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Can get link to work.

[@KING_DRANZER]

Man. To be honest even though majority won't see the point in it. ALR screens are actually worth even in fully light controlled room. Specially for High-end projectors. As thanks to their crazy light output even on a low gain grey screen they got enough light output to give us a bright picture. But the major benefit we get is in the Contrast department. It actually additional depth to the picture as well. And with all that the viewing experience is taken to a new level which no White screen can ever achieve even with the Absolute best Projector. On a budget where we get not so high output projector yes absolutely White screen be better as the overall brightness matters. Buy beyond a certain point Grey ALR screens seems to be the way to go. Sadly there is only one Grey ALR acoustically transparent "woven" screen available in the market and that is Severtson TAT-4K. I wish we had more options to choose from, I wish other brands work on it as well. Specially with projectors getting bright generation by generation it is time that we start seeing grey high contrast ALR ATW screens more.

[@BuildMontage]

Agh! Fixed it! @@BobbyDazzler888

[@BuildMontage]

I agree. This is why I was showing the demos in all lighting conditions and while its an ALR screen, I felt i looked best in completely light controlled room. @@KING_DRANZER

[@BuildMontage]

@@KING_DRANZER it helps dlp projectors with removing the grey tinge to the black bars.

[@user-dh2oc4pv2t]

I have had both a regular white 1.0 and an 0.8 gain ALR screen and the ALR screen is a game-changer. My image went from washed out or muted blacks to perfect black levels at night, honestly, it's like watching a 150 inch tv, just insane image quality. It's also now perfectly watchable during the day. Anyone who has a powerful enough projector and a room with ambient light will see a huge increase in image quality. Just get a decent quality screen that has been tested.

[@BuildMontage]

When people switch, they really see the difference for sure!

[@adrianbarac3063]

Good to hear. Pasting my question above to confirm as I'm still learninig... How would this compare to a straight white screen with a Benq HT4000i, projecting 140" from 3.5 meters in a D-A-R-K room (almost zero ambient light)? The objective is simply to retain the Benq's brightness and peak-white level - but obtain a deeper, more JVC-like black level (occasional 3D use). Thanks again:)

[@javybeaz3236]

I bought a gray projector screen at Temu. It did make my viewsonic projector much better picture, blacks, contrast better. Better with lights on window lights. It doesn't fade like the white screen. I through away my white screen

[@user-qj4um2wj6i]

good to see a non sponsored video a real take on a screen thankyou. from Melbourne.

[@BuildMontage]

I know it can seem like "sponsored" videos mean that you can't tell the truth, but you certainly can, it comes down to the agreement you have. Making content is a LOT of work... in fact it can be more work than my full time job, so working for free when you have expenses keeping the channel going (editors, subscription to software etc) can be a challenge. But yes, this isn't a sponsored video - most of mine are not sponsored but even if they were, it wouldn't change how I did reviews. My own opinion is contingenton whether I do a video or not.

[@KimmoJaskari]

ALR screens don't just handle ambient light better, they produce way less spill light. The aiming of the light towards the viewer means - obviously - way less of it is wasted lighting up your walls. This is why going with a white screen is a big mistake for most people, they only perform in pitch black rooms and by that I mean pitch black matte walls in a dedicated theater. Even there, it's a toss-up, honestly. The darkest black you can ever get is literally the color of the screen and if the screen is bright white, that's your black. A lower gain screen that's gray, especially if you have ALR, just gets you better contrast. There can be some artifacts, like shimmering or hotspots with some screens but still. For UST projectors, of course, a CLR screen is mandatory, only a fool or a cheapskate would project those on white or a wall.

[@BuildMontage]

💯

[@TheArtOfJerry]

Great information, you clear our doubt 🎉🎉

[@adamsmith4953]

Great video thank you! I was looking at these screens for our build too, wasn't sure if it was going to be worth the money or not!

[@marieobradovic1002]

Great detailed video!! My son purchased your recommended screen. Unfortunately it had some lines running through and the company have given us a lot of grief with their return process. Faulty item, we need to return to Switzerland - postage upwards of $300. They also sent a replacement screen that we didn't want, now we have a faulty screen, another screen and hefty return postage for 2 screens. Not bad!! My son spent over $1000!

[@BuildMontage]

Sorry to hear that. If the screen is faulty, why are you expected to pay for the return? Feel free to email me [e-mail] - I have no affiliation in terms of commissions or financial benefit from doing this review, it was not sponsored. I personally use it and love it in my setup.

[@kingtspoon]

Great video Tony! Thanks for sharing. I'm noticing the trend with ALR screens being used even in dedicated HT rooms. I find the greatest advantage is how ALR screens improve the black levels when using less expensive projectors such as the Epson LS12000. I have a friend who is running his Epson LS12000 projector with an ALR screen and if I didn't know his setup, I'd honestly assume it was a more expensive JVC or Sony.

[@BuildMontage]

Yes this is my next idea for my main room to improve the contrast.

[@joecorona2818]

ALR screen shave been around for standard front projectors for about a decade, ISF certified screens going back 9 or so years ( Elite ISF for instance had excellent color fidelity & a wide off axis viewing area, ) Other major manufacturers also made screens at the time and still do. ( Draper, Da-Lite, Stewart et.al. ) I worked for Sony, Sim2 and Vivitek at the time we used them all the time in our showroom and out and about for demos.

[@BuildMontage]

Yes, definitely, but it's no where near as common to find a non UST screen as it is to find an ALR screen advertised for standard throw on the budget end which this one is definitely placed.

[@triplerinse]

Great video. looks good.

[@gary4593]

I enjoy watching the video clip it seems it did the job. I watch movies on TV and i looking forward the tour up stairs theater room.

[@BuildMontage]

Thanks Gary!

[@ejazpk123]

Hello sir what bracket you used for hanging projector please

[@Ninefingers1986]

Thanks for the video and explanation. I think I'm aiming for something similar to this room rather than your dedicated cinema room. Which is crazy. Mind telling me what speakers/ setup you have for this room. Cheers

[@BuildMontage]

Sure I have two videos on the build of this room if you check on my channel page you will find them easily :) If not let me know and I'll link them to you.

[@Ninefingers1986]

Great cheers mate. Will check them out

[@user-uk8fy9ve8b]

Another way of making it super clear and crisp, some people start using Nvidia Shield which upscales to 4k in realtime.. Good for contents like 720p/1080p convert to 4k.. Maybe a good additional choice for any other projector brands which does not really produce 4k projection.. So by having the Shield, it is much better experience.. But only downside is that it is still expensive even though made in 2019 lol..

[@BuildMontage]

Yes the shield needs an update!

[@lordzee2947]

I love your reviews. You are the best. I do have a question. You have reviewed so many projectors and if I may ask you why did u stick with the horizon ultra? Is the picture of the horizon ultra better than nexigo Aurora pro? Thanks

[@BuildMontage]

I think it is - not a sponsored video either for the Xgimi. It just looks so good. I know other reviewers had issues with the contrast but after the updates and calibration it’s just so good. Using a sensor to get the greyscale corrected made all the difference. Watch the demo near the end of bullet train. It’s so colourful and cinematic. I am about to review the Benq x3100i and I can say now it has an awesome image but I still rate the xgimi - the Benq is more for gaming though to be fair.

[@Dem4enkoff]

@@BuildMontage I have horizon ultra but haven’t bought an alr screen yet, while projecta matte white is hanging and at night I’m delighted. Tell me, which gray calibration sensor are you talking about?

[@KASmonkeys]

Always love your videos THANK YOU! - but you haven't informed about direction of ambient light vs projection types. A room is always controllable where the screen tech and projection type is fixed. 😄

[@BuildMontage]

I was showing how destructive light from the side can be and how controlling the light in the room is the most important thing regardless of the screen.

[@adrianbarac3063]

Thank you, and good to see an AUSSIE HT channel!!! Still learning... How would this compare to a straight white screen with a Benq HT4000i projecting 140" from 3.5 meters in a D-A-R-K room (almost zero light)? The objective is simply to retain the Benq's brightness and peak-white level - but obtain a deeper, more JVC-like black level (occasional 3D use). Thanks again:)

[@BuildMontage]

Yes I think it would be ok but 140” will struggle for light output with that model so contrast may still be an issue. That screen is brilliant though. Helps a lot with contrast.

[@adrianbarac3063]

​@@BuildMontageRight, but the question is - Would the ARL produce a deeper black while retaining the peak white, vs a straight white screen?

[@BuildMontage]

Its a great question but there is no honest way for me to answer as its a subjective result. For my screen and projector combo it does extremely well. The purpose is to block ambient light while retaining the peak brightness which I think it does extraordinarily well.@@adrianbarac3063

[@hanshenrik9870]

How did you find hot spotting from that screen? And di you see any sparkles?

[@BuildMontage]

Great question - no hot spotting and no sparkle. The projector I'm using is decently bright, and hybrid LED and Laser so that could be why. The image is very 3 dimensional and vivid.

[@phamwoaw]

great video, though I do think that the screen technology is great and no doubts creates a better picture. my belief is its best to consider those cost and if some of that cost of the screen is better put into a projector that output higher ansi lumen. the best way to combat ambiant light is with more light and the benefits of a screen.

[@BuildMontage]

The XGIMI has decent output. A higher lumens output projector will not magically make a white screen show dark areas. The purpose of an ALR screen is to block ambient light from being reflected back to your eyes. A higher lumens out put projector can actually have the opposite effect in this situation and make the picture worse for movies with dark scenes. I agree it will work fine for movies like Mario Bros, but John Wick 4 - that will not work sadly.

[@bespincustompropsbombarta8300]

Even if that was a TV that light from the windows would wash-out or cause reflection so, that screen is doing great

[@BuildMontage]

This is very true - but I wasn't going to hide the fact that an ALR screen isn't a magic bullet for black levels. You still need to control the light the best you can.

[@user-zl9qk1sg2f]

Nice

[@petecap4382]

Hello this might sound dumb but remote control curtain rod with home theater curtains that are acoustical treatment. Would solve u problem.

[@BuildMontage]

Not dumb at all… I am all over acoustics, the issue is visually the wife doesn’t want me to change the look of the room too much. My main room has custom acoustic motorised curtains and panels behind them as well - the issue is compromising :)

[@pehas]

Doesn’t look like the shorten links are working.

[@BuildMontage]

Fixed it

[@user-dl1ed1bg6r]

Good stuff all facts and you are really funny naturally not over doing the jokes

[@BuildMontage]

Thanks :)

[@paulj9406]

Just got a 120 inch ALR screen love the contrast and Pq quality especially with the lights on . My only disappointment is I can see a hotspot in the middle of the screen almost like the reflection of the ust lens light . Do all alr have this problem or is this a quality issue ? Thanks for the great review

[@BuildMontage]

I don't believe so - CLR screens are the best option for UST projectors - this specific screen is for longer throw projectors and no hot spotting. It's an amazing screen!

[@paulj9406]

@@BuildMontage I’m sorry , my question was meant for the 100” Vava Ust ALR screen review …

[@jerryrobinson278]

Where can I get that movie catalog from?? How can I find and stream uhd/4k movies for a low price?👀🙄

[@BuildMontage]

I rip my videos and playback on my Zidoo media player.

[@robinsgeorge5246]

How you have managed the shadow around the screen?

[@BuildMontage]

I don't have a shadow as I mounted it dead center and low enough down and then use optical zoom to line it up.

[@245artist]

The picture looks amazing. How does it compare to Elite Screens and what projector are you using?

[@BuildMontage]

I showed the projector I used in the video :) XGIMI Horizon Ultra. And what "comparison" are you after specifically and which Elitescreen screen?

[@245artist]

@@BuildMontageThe Aeon CLR 100" screen that you had in a previous video. I'm planning on getting a screen for my 5040UB and this Boreal looks fantastic!

[@BuildMontage]

Long throw projector - get this one! Ultra Short Throw - get the AEON CLR or even try the Boreal UST one they have - links in the description. Its a no brainer for me - I'm keeping this screen in position for the forseeable future @@245artist

[@245artist]

@@BuildMontage Awesome, thank you! I'll be getting the Boreal :)

[@BuildMontage]

@@245artist if u do make sure u use the discount code! It’s not an affiliate link but it will save u some $$

[@FURognar]

If I dont have full light control (which I dont) I would be using a bright flat panel instead (which I do)

[@BuildMontage]

Yes thats the idea I was trying to get across in the video. If you don't want to compromise at all, get a TV. If you can control it for the most part and stop direct light hitting the screen, an ALR screen like this one can work quite well. Especially if you want a 120" or greater size.

[@wyattslocum1237]

Hello I have a question I have an elite screen that has blemishes on it. I was wondering the screen that you have when it came out the box besides the wrinkles did it have any blemishes when you turned on the projector to the screen?

[@BuildMontage]

No it’s perfect. 👌

[@wyattslocum1237]

Okay, I put up 3 elite screens,and they all had blemishes on them, the sad thing about that is you can’t see the blemishes until you set up your projector,and the light from the projector hits the screen, so that why I asked about the blemishes. It takes away from the viewing experience. Thanks for the response.

[@groovy174]

What screen would you recommend for a voplls smart projector

[@BuildMontage]

Im not sure what that projector is...

[@FletcherLeTet]

Hi Tony, great video! Do you know of any companies who make 150" ALR for long throw projectors that are also AT? I'm building a krix MX20 theatre based off your reviews and would love to pair it with an ALR screen. I've found reviews of the SI Slate AT, which looks incredible, but over 10x the price of the boreal :( so looking for alternatives! Cheers

[@BuildMontage]

Thanks :) MX-20 is a weapon of a speaker wall! SI Slate AT would be a great choice forsure. Do you need an ALR screen? Will you have ambient light? If not then you could opt for something like Elitescreens or other more affordable brands.

[@FletcherLeTet]

@@BuildMontage I'm building a dedicated home theatre, so will be able to watch in darkness, but I've been watching a lot of videos talking about the benefits of ALR even in dark settings. Elitescreens does have an Aeon Cinegrey 4D AT, which is also ALR - I've just heard you get what you pay for with these screens and it's hard to know whether it will be the right choice. Have you demo'd this screen before?

[@bryandurandable]

Please advise what other 3 projectors did you try that had sparkle. I'm experiencing the sparkle with my hisense c1(stewart high gain white screen) and I'm considering buying this to mitigate the problem. I contacted them and they said it would be speckle free but im nervous to order it and be disappointed

[@BuildMontage]

I didn't test that one. This screen works really well with my XGIMI Horizon Ultra. My comments were more related to my projector than the screen. I cant guarantee you wont see it on this screen, just that I didn't see it. Also dont see it with the BENQ x3100i

[@bryandurandable]

​@BuildMontage may I ask.... where was your projector mounted when testing. I have very minimal laser speckle when the projector is on a table top and plenty speckle when ceiling mounted

[@jarvisN10280]

If a movie in Dolby Atmos, then how to find whether it was in either object oriented or channel oriented.

[@BuildMontage]

It's only possible to know for sure with a Trinnov Altitude processor (which I do have in my main room) and you can see the objects moving around. Atmos is object based sound, but movies like Disney will usually bake the objects at static positions / channels (like ready player one).

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

I have found ALR screens to be full of sparkle, sadly there is no magic bullet. I own a screen innovation 1.2 slate screen ($3000) and it is in storage while a $300 white silver ticket screen is hanging in my basement. The key for a projector is light control. If you can’t control the like you should probably go with a Tv.

[@BuildMontage]

I thought so as well, however as you can see from the demos there wasn't any sparkle visible. Although the XGIMI is a hybrid LED and Laser so that could possibly be why.

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

@@BuildMontage probably just the screen difference. you might not just be sensitive to it. I had the xgimi for about a week (I sent it back) and it basically had the same sparkle I get on the Sony 5000es with the screen innovation slate 1.2 alr. I have some elite screen alr samples and they sparkle too.

[@BuildMontage]

@JamesWilliams-gf8gm no I can definitely see it. The xgimi didn’t sparkle for me where as 4 other projectors did. The material as well on this one it doesn’t sparkle at all.

[@bryandurandable]

​@@BuildMontagePlease advise what other 3 projectors did you try that had sparkle. I'm experiencing the sparkle with my hisense c1 and I'm considering buying this to mitigate the problem

[@LuckTR]

@JamesWilliams-gf8gm Your issue is with gain. You can only multiply light by adding a reflective property to the screen. Your slate is 20% brighter if certain prereqs are met but the price you might pay is hot-spotting, sparkle artifacts and narrow viewing angle. The tested screen here is in a gain category where screen texture is virtually invisible, color/brightness uniformity is maximized and viewing cone is as wide as 180°....but it'll cost you in terms of peak brightness.

[@CLKAMG]

my issue is the light reflected from the screen to the ceiling and side walls. Like if there is a meteorite bright scene, all the side walls and ceiling are all bright orange from the screen. Does ALR fixes that too?

[@BuildMontage]

I used a good mix of light and dark movie demos and you can see there is no issue. The ALR screen does reject soft ambient light, or in the least, minimise it. Works brilliantly - as I said, not sponsored video, but Im endorsing it and have it in my own setup because it's really good.

[@CLKAMG]

@@BuildMontage yeah I understand alr helps when watching with some lights still coming into the room. But does it help reducing the reflection from the screen to the ceiling and side walls in a total dark room ?

[@BuildMontage]

@CLKAMG not really but watch my demos and see if the walls and ceiling lights up. Those videos are not edited - straight from the camera

[@concernedcitizen2187]

Is it that much better then a nice painted screen wall tho?

[@BuildMontage]

A wall doesnt make a suitable screen due to the imperfections in the surface creating warps. A screen will generally be a much better option.

[@buriburizaem0n]

Is ALR ideal with long throw projector?

[@BuildMontage]

Did you watch the video? I show it with demos - works great!

[@buriburizaem0n]

@@BuildMontage sorry i thought u had ultra short throw. Nice..

[@BuildMontage]

I have reviewed and owned many UST projectors but this new build is long throw

[@gufiaito69able]

You are the first reviewer that says that this projector can get jvc black levels

[@BuildMontage]

Yes, most do not see what I see with the XGIMI. I have calibrated it properly with a sensor and combined with this screen the image is incredible. Video captures will not really give you the full idea of what I'm seeing but I have a JVC NP5 with insane black levels, and this one isn't quite that, but some movies it looks just as great!

[@gufiaito69able]

@@BuildMontage you links are broken by the way. I was between this projector and the Hisense C1

[@BuildMontage]

@@gufiaito69able links should be fixed now. Can u pls check?

[@gufiaito69able]

​@@BuildMontage They are working now

[@fishaman1980]

The link doesnt work for the screen

[@BuildMontage]

Fixed it!

[@Zebra66]

What are you talking about.... there were ALR screens for long and regular throw projectors long before the UST ones. Black Diamond, DNP Super Nova, Da-lite Parallax etc.

[@BuildMontage]

Sure, just my experience I haven't seen those ones.

[@MorganaRavenheart]

I wonder how this would pair with a 3500 lumen panasonic laser/led projector 🤔

[@BuildMontage]

Panasonic ? Which model is that?

[@TecumsehSherman36]

YEP....SOUNDS LIKE "TINY" ...IS THE ACCENT

[@BuildMontage]

What accent? You have an accent!! 😂

[@Ryeguy5]

Do yourself a favour and get rid of those blinds and put blackout blinds

[@BuildMontage]

I can't. That room has to stay as it is. I have a dedicated room as well - you can check it out on my channel, which is a completely dedicated room, with acoustic treatment and blockout curtains all round. But this room has to stay as it is - compromise with the wife had to be made :)

[@TorinTPG]

1st???

[@BuildMontage]

✊

[@Adeniyidairo]

This is the same guy who said the Chroma was a great projector. He lost all my trust because that projector was a disaster.

[@BuildMontage]

I shared my experiences with it as I saw it with a "pre production" unit which I disclosed at the beginning of my review video. I was never paid by VAVA to make reviews and I have no control over what VAVA did/do with their business - the review sample I had was perfectly fine. If you don't trust me, please don't watch my content but I have never been dishonest with any video I've ever made.

[@thomasbrereton5858]

An ALR screen literally will not achieve it's best results unless you have a UST projector. IDK how you expect great results with a ceiling mount. The 45 degree angle from the bottom vs 90 degree angle from the top cannot possibly perform unless the projector light is coming from the bottom of the screen, so your entire review is moot.

[@BuildMontage]

There are more than one type of ALR screen. This ALR screen doesn't rely on the method you are describing which make's your entire comment moot.

[@jocelyndeguise]

4:25 Tony: we CAN'T see how great it looks ! The picture looks like crap ! Sorry but, as long as you fail to understand that shooting a screen and showing it to us is a waste of time, shooting it is useless. On my 4K HDR computer screen, every shot of a projection screen looks the same: like crap. Same thing happens when you try to make us "hear how great it sounds". You do great reviews and I have enough faith in you. But look at your own videos and see for yourself: shooting a screen and recording Atmos on a DSLR or camcorder is USELESS ! Lol !

[@gufiaito69able]

Here is a tip, when you see a review of a screen or sound demo don't click it 😊

[@jocelyndeguise]

Keep the tip. But for the sake of argument: did that shot from Avatar made you go "Wow! That screen looks amazing! That image looks so deep, and the contrast is amazing!"?

[@BuildMontage]

I do my best to capture the image with my equipment the best I can. You're not wrong that you won't see what I see, but unless I do it, how else will people get a feel for what I'm describing. I spent a lot of time capturing different demos in different lighting conditions, and then synching them up to demonstrate what I am seeing and the rest is up to your imagination. I spent over $5K on new lenses this week, so when they come, hopefully they will be able to improve the image further. Sadly if I don't show anything and just have my head there, people may find it a little odd! I do reviews like this to try and help people.... I don't get paid to do them, and I do them in the best way I know how, so if you have a better way, I'm all ears! :)

[@jocelyndeguise]

@@BuildMontage Sorry to say: your lenses won't change a thing. We'll always be looking at your shots through KZbin. There is just no way to "transfer the experience" of seeing a projected image with your own eyes, even if you used IMAX film: the end result will always be us watching our screen, not yours.

[@BuildMontage]

@jocelyndeguise it is what it is. Lenses will absolutely help. It’s like saying that you shouldn’t watch a video at all because it’s not what you will see with your own eyes. If you have an issue with it then why watch my videos? My reviews are designed to be informative and give people the best representation with the limitations of a video camera.