White vs. Gray ALR Projector Screen Comparison: Elite Screens Aeon CineGrey 3D Review

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[@joentell]

Buy the Elite Screens Aeon CineGrey 3D Screen: amzn.to/3gRjkuH Buy Aurum Cables: amzn.to/2QKGaJM Get Your Tickets to The Hi-Fi Summit 2020 Q4 October 22-26: thehifisummit.com/tickets/ BenQ HT3550 Projector: bit.ly/BenQHT3550

[@Zoranurai13]

Dude this came as a godsend. I’ve literally been waiting for a decent review for this against a white screen but nowhere to be found. Thanks!

[@joentell]

Oh wow. Glad it came at the right time! It made a difference with my previous projector, but I just got a new BenQ TK850 (3000 lumens compared to 2000 on the BenQ HT3550) and the combination of that and this Elite Screens ALR screen is perfect. I've only seen a brighter projected image with the 2500 lumen VAVA UST Projector and specialized ALR screen by Vividstorm.) But that was with the projector very close to the screen which introduces its own problems. I am very content with this setup right now.

[@Zoranurai13]

Joe N Tell just a quick question though as the video did show it a little. Did you notice the drop in brightness a lot when viewing in the dark compared to the white screen? Or did the gray material make it look a lot more contrasty

[@TheChefComic]

@@Zoranurai13 Hey man did you ever find out what screen did you end up going with?

[@Zoranurai13]

@@TheChefComic well this one has been out of stock here for a while so.. not upgraded yet

[@TheChefComic]

@@Zoranurai13 okay so you are still using a white screen?

[@---GOD---]

Lights off = white screen Lights on = grey screen So it really just depends on how dark your room is..

[@mkgriff1492]

Not necessarily true. Grey is the way to go. Also I could have mixed you paint for $50 and have gotten the same results as that $$$ screen.

[@Lenny-zn8hn]

not true. black level will be better on grey in a dark room.

[@GeorgeLista]

Have a Halo + and a grey painted wall… don’t imagine a screen can convince me it’s worth spending hundreds for inside the home.

[@kepharolang1984]

@@GeorgeLista Which paint did you use?

[@GeorgeLista]

@@kepharolang1984 normal house paint… nothing special at all.

[@nowdog]

Very nice review. I think they took your advice because my screen didn't come with the gromets. Instead it used metal rods to stiffen the screen and attach the springs to.

[@18000rpm]

Backlight is actually pretty useful in helping your eyes adjust between bright and dark scenes. Without a backlight when the scene goes from bright to dark your pupils have to constantly dilate to adjust.

[@joentell]

I like that shock! Like when you step outside after watching a movie! 😮

[@mustardman2035]

@@joentell not so good for eyes tho in long run ;p

[@karmazynowy_7]

@@mustardman2035 any medical research on this or just common sense?

[@roboteen]

@Szymon Kucharski my optometrist said something along those lines so I'm going to fall on the line of medical research. Basically the dramatic change in lighting puts extra stress/strain on your eyes.

[@CanditoTrainingHQ]

@@roboteen Your optomostrist has no data behind this. He's just making it up. The nits on a display are dramatically lower than the nit values in real life. For a TV screen to even come close to approaching true HDR, it'd need to have 10,000 nits brightness for example. And outside sunlight is far far brighter than that. The dynamic range from a projector, even with absolutely no backlight, is nowhere near the contrast in day to day life. It's all definable by nit values, not just random guessing and old age advice.

[@Tonyfix]

Got one of these and was shocked to see the decrease of color brightness, especially white color. Will stick to my white screen. I watch in my basement where the light is under total control

[@joentell]

Yup, if you have light control, you don't want an ALR screen

[@ontourxp]

@@joentell I have a white screen from vevor. 120 inches but I am sat 2.5 metres away which is pretty close. It hurts my eyes so I was wondering if a grey screen would be better for eyes or am I going lose out on picture quality. I dont mind watching it pitch black in my room..although the ceiling is white.

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Very good educational video. Many people fail to comprehend how important the right screen choice is for a proper projection presentation.

[@HunGerMovies]

a white wall does almost the same, and it costs 1-2k USD less...

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

@@HunGerMovies okay 🤣😭

[@HunGerMovies]

@@keepingupwiththejones2933 why crying, I have this set up in my living room, just perfect colors and level of contrast, it cost me 10 cents.

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

@@HunGerMovies I am glad you enjoy your setup. Different things for different people. You enjoy projecting onto a white wall. Nothing wrong with that. It isn't for me.

[@HunGerMovies]

@@keepingupwiththejones2933 I understand, but is there any 1-2k worth pro for the screens? I mean if you have like endless money, it is a different story, of course I would also buy everything just for fun, but I really do not see the benefit of a screen. I have screen too, the only reason it had better quality, because it had smaller image than the image I could project on the wall. Some screen might have like 1.1 or 1.2 gain, ok, or slightly better contrast, which means usually slighlty darker image, or the surface is a bit more even, but I can barely see any difference when comparing the images, so I am really curious. I even saw comparisons saying that the image was better on the wall, because it was brighter.

[@dylan-nguyen]

Fyi the springs and grommets system produces a much higher quality screen. Especially for 4K you need a tight, flat screen. Using Velcro or other simple fasteners won’t make a good image for 4K maybe decent enough for 1080p Also I assume they don’t assemble the grommets at the factory to save you money. +$200 or diy for 2 hrs, most people would probably diy otherwise they’d be looking at super expensive SI screens imo

[@everythingaquariums7050]

I wish I had those rubber discs in mine, my screen ripped because it used just spring holes. It may be a pain, but if you ever need to move and have to put it together again you will definitely rip one or two of the spring holes. I'd go through the pain knowing the screen is got those plastic discs. I'd rather have them then not. Even though it probably took a extra 45 min

[@MPjustaman]

Fyi, they have changed the install process. The Cine Grey 3D is an awesome screen with great contrast and color reproduction.

[@MrGlancaster09]

I had the same silver ticket white screen except it is 150inch. Even in a blacked out room I struggle with the contrast when watching dark movies like Batman or suicide squad thanks for this review

[@natorious76]

What type/brand of projector/lumens?

[@drj7328]

I just bought this screen in the 110". Ty Joe

[@brouztube8]

Indeed a great review Joe. Really appreciated.

[@OG_predatorproductionz]

So which elite screen would I need for a low lit living room with a vava 4k projector?

[@LifeofBliss]

That ALR looked soooo much better in your space. Nice captures of comparing the 2!

[@joentell]

Thanks man. My next is video is with my new projector with 1.5X lumens. Game. Changer.

[@johnrobbo916]

interesting video i use the same projector but shooting at a plain white wall and in the dark its fantastic during day little washed out.. unsure weather i should go for one of these screens

[@tdrabik77]

Thanks for sharing this. I have a BIG picture window to the side of my 150-inch screen and I will be getting the same projector so I think this will be the screen for me. I have learned that we marry the screen and date the projector so it will be twice as much money but worth it in the end.

[@joentell]

If you have a lot of ambient light, this BenQ TK850 is the way to go!

[@tdrabik77]

@@joentell Oh really? It looks like the same specs just brighter but the same price. So this is what you are using with your setup?

[@pete6705]

I just ordered this. After I placed my order I was reading that if you have a dark room you should get a white screen, and I'm mostly going to be using my screen in a dark room. But it sounds like it will still work fine in the dark

[@joentell]

It works in a dark room too. Helps improve black levels.

[@pete6705]

@@joentell Thanks, that makes me feel better about my purchase

[@josebonet1557]

So for a dark room would be better the white screen, does white has deeper colors?

[@sanjeevsaxena3524]

Hi Guys Nice review of the product.I wanted your view on my Optoma UHZ50 .I have white ceiling and Magnolia walls,mostly watch in the Night.Optoma says 3000 lumens which is not true.Should I go for Cinegrey 3D with 1.2 gain Or Vividstorm 0.8 Gain Alr Obsidian black screen.Your help will be greatly appreciated.Thanks

[@nicholaswilliamsart]

Happy to see you growing man 😌

[@joentell]

Thanks. Just evolving in different ways

[@topperdude2007]

Nice review. 👍How would this screen perform with the VAVA Ultra short throw projector as well? I have seen your review of the VAVA with the Vividstorm screen and unfortunately that Vividstorm would not work in our room layout and we would need a screen that can be mounted on the wall. Our room is rectangular roughly 30' x 15' with the screen on the shorter side and a basement walkout door as well as 4'x4' window (both with blackout curtains). The amount of light getting into the room could be similar to shown in this video but can be controlled during daytime with the blackout curtains if needed. Would appreciate any thoughts of using this screen (or any other wall mounted screen) for use with VAVA projector. Thank you!

[@joentell]

I'm not sure, but the Vava also looked decent on my matte white screen. It just didn't reject ambient light. ALR screens for UST projectors are special because it is meant to accept light from that extreme angle.

[@topperdude2007]

@@joentell Thank you for your response. Someone else suggested looking into ordering the one of the Elite Screen sample packs ( amzn.com/B01E9LMJCC ). Scrolling through that page, I noticed this from Elite Screens: "CineGrey3D: 1.2 Gain. Angular-reflective material with ambient light rejecting technology. ISF Certified, 90 Degree viewing angle, polarized for Passive 3D, 4K Ultra HD & Active 3D Ready. *NOT COMPATIBLE with Ultra/Short Throw Projectors " . Would you happen to know if the CineGrey3D is a different material than the Aeon Cinegrey3D that you reviewed here? Thank you.

[@helbevega]

Should i just get the silver ticket grey material or this 3d material? Honestly

[@joentell]

I've never tried the Silver Ticket grey so I can't say

[@drj7328]

FYI those cables are not currently available on Amazon

[@MrEye4get]

Great content! Crazy camera angles and shaking.

[@mez2452]

Would it work well it a laser projector?

[@rafalogrodnik3855]

I was wondering which screen would be better white or grey for basement with no windows and no light while movie is on. Can anyone help me. Thank you

[@SafwanAlavi]

I would like to know that too.

[@ImDead1nside]

What did you go with? I turned one of my garages into a theater room no windows & black ceilings aswell

[@nando1679]

I just bought the projector nebula is this screen good for it?

[@2010HarleyDynaFXD]

So I should be fine with a white screen with a Musou black theater room.

[@hisxbr150]

Decent review. IMO paired with that screen the projector of choice was incorrect. Should've gone with the tk800 it 850 if you do have dedicated theater. As I don't either. My main question is what light stick/work light is that? Also great video and I agree my silverticket is much easier to assemble vs my old elite screen.

[@timperry8961]

Result would be even better with an UST projector, right?

[@joentell]

UST requires a specific type of screen called a CLR ceiling light rejection screen. This type reflects light best at the opposite angle it came in at. For a UST, it would show the brightest viewed from the ceiling which wouldn't be optimal.

[@ahmedal7925]

Thanks for this amazing channel ..just question I have dedicated home theater I have projector with 4k 2700 lumens do you recommend gray or white screens

[@joentell]

White screen if you can completely black out the room.

[@noumanjamshaidali4078]

Sir I have lg hu80ka projector and I have come gray elite screen and it’s 100 inches and the gain is 1.0 when I put the projector on screen its really dim I mean the brightness the sharpness is really good contrast but the brightness is really dim (low) but when I projector it on my white ceiling the it’s really bright so I’m confused what screen should I get what to do please help me sir???

[@enricosv-logtagebuchaustra7615]

Thanks mate really good and informative video!

[@shivanksarin6199]

Within elife screens for controlled bone theatre environment, should I go for cinegrey or cinewhite?

[@joentell]

You will get a brighter image if you go white, but you have to have no ambient light. Even light reflecting off-white walls can affect the image. I'm a fan of ALR just because it gives deeper blacks and there's always a bit of ambient light in most rooms. Dedicated theaters with painted walls are suitable for white screens.

[@rickcurry6346]

Joe I am looking at the same projector as you BenQ 3550. My screen will be 120". I was looking at specs for install for the screen Elite Screen Cinegray3d like you are reviewing. It says in their literature that you need a minimum lens throw distance 1.5 x image width. When i go to the calculator on Projector Central that distance is off the chart and I assume it would be the same for you. For your 110" screen that throw distance would be 12", the max the calculator shows is 11'9".

[@joentell]

There must be something off in that calculation or something you've entered. My projector is 10ft away. I just measured it with a laser distance meter. Maybe it's because you're going based on what Elite Screens is saying the distance should be for optimal viewing, but it looks great the way I have setup now. Give them a call.

[@rickcurry6346]

@@joentell got this from Elite the other day. Thank you for contacting Elite Screens. The 1.5x lens throw ratio has been modified per our most recent material update. For standard throw projectors, make sure to simply follow this. Since this is an angular-reflective material the projected image will reflect at the mirror-opposite angle. 1. Adjust the screen height 2. Adjust projector height and zoom in/out until you fill your screen. If your projector does not have zoom in/out then just go back as much as possible and go to step three. Table top projects in an upward level. Ceiling mounted projects in a downward level 3. adjust item 1 & 2, to meet projection in/out angle to sweet spot (viewer’s eye level)

[@joentell]

Thanks for posting for others in case they have the same question. If it isn't clear to others, the angle the light comes in, is the angle it comes out the brightest.

[@junboo8730]

Thanks for all your videos.

[@joentell]

You're welcome!

[@rubens2391]

Hiciste alguna comparación de las pantallas blanca y gris con habitación oscura? Usaste un proyector de lámpara o láser o un proyector láser de tiro corto?

[@mauriciob8260]

he doesn't speak Spanish bro

[@astuteness]

Great Review Joe. This makes daytime viewing better , but however are you sacrificing your night time viewing.

[@joentell]

Thank you and yes, you're correct

[@astuteness]

Any way to counteract that. I was thinking of buying a JVC NX5 @@joentell

[@joentell]

I think the NX5 is made for light controlled rooms. The only way to counteract this is to have an extremely bright projector, with great black levels, and accurate colors. I'm not sure if we're there yet. OLED's are better in that respect. But if you want a large screen, you will probably want to figure out if your priority is being able to watch with ambient light, or if you can light control your room for ultimate picture quality.

[@astuteness]

Between JVC Nx3Z vs AU810PB is there anything one does that the other does not. @@joentell

[@joentell]

Sorry, I'm not very helpful at this moment. I haven't had hands-on time with either. I would ask Phil Jones at projectorreviews.com. Let him know I sent you.

[@ashwinshanker6086]

Your views - laminate sheet as a projector screen? (light Grey)

[@HasanKhanDMD]

thank you for the best video on this subject

[@CanalDojogames]

Is it compatible with dlp projector? Amazing video,thanks for all the tips

[@RagnarCrumpets]

The projector that he was using in the video the Ht3550 from Benq is a Dlp projector…. Also I’m fairly sure all projection screens are compatible with all projector types.

[@Tips4TripsAV]

Great video! Question: my room is filled with white walls, so during nighttime my JVC image suffers BADLY. Would this screen give me better contrast at night? Cannot control room lights or paint the walls. Thank you!!!!

[@microbiologycory10]

Yes, ALR helps with white rooms at night…

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

Hey Joe Are you planning to do a video on the brand new Elac unifi uf52’s ? I saw one and the only review on KZbin so far, and they are all around better. Gonna have to seriously check those out for a new space in my pad! I’d love to heard what you think first. 👍👍👍

[@joentell]

Unboxing today at 4pm PST including their new center channel

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

Joe N Tell awesome!! I’ll be watching! Thx bro

[@elguaho]

Great review. Thanks!

[@AAA007New]

Can we paint light grey to our existing white screen ?

[@discostew9220]

Yes - check out crow1176 screen paint on KZbin

[@TheChefComic]

I am building a home theater in my garage and I am just debating between a white screen and a gray screen. From the videos and articles I have read it seems to be the gray screen is the new go-to because it has better contrast and better black levels. Even for DIY home theater is a gray screen still better?

[@PhotoJohn80]

if you are doing a dedicated home theater then please do yourself a favor and get a white screen. I would personally recommend StudioTek 130 IT IS AMAZING IF you have a dedicated room. Pair that with a JVC, Epson UB, or Sony that has excellent contrast and you will be amazed. I have seen samples from all the major players and nothing beats that material if it is a dedicated room. My second choice would be seymour screen Radiant White. Its a nice balance. Good luck. FYI most will give out free samples so do that as well.

[@TheChefComic]

@@PhotoJohn80 I have asked around and the general consensus I got is that a gray screen is better. That was shocking to me because I always thought movie theaters had White screens. I have also asked around when two different stores reached out to different stores and nobody is offering free samples.

[@PhotoJohn80]

@@TheChefComic hmm I know for a fact you can get samples from screen innovations, Stewart film screens, da-lite, and Seymour. Those are all considered higher end as far as price though. I can tell you if you get a projector that has superior contrast. AKA JVC like I have and it’s in a dark room your blacks will be just as black with a white screen as it is with a gray screen. This is if you have dark walls and ceilings, etc. I have alr samples from all those companies and the studiotek 130 is a baller if you have a dark room. If you call them direct they can either send them out themselves or get you in contact with a dealer. Hope this helps on any decision. I’ll say a gray screen does help if you have a projector that doesn’t have a high native contrast. I’m not sure what your price range is but say if you got something around the 1,000 dollar then yes a gray screen can enhance contrast but if you spend 5,000 plus on a high end Sony or JVC then it won’t help nearly as much and just be over all darker in a dark room. Sorry for going on here. Just trying to tell you what I personally went through. Anyways good luck to you and wish the best of luck on your new room

[@TheChefComic]

@@PhotoJohn80 Thank you man yeah I'm on a budget. I don't want to spend more than 400 okay maybe 500 Max. I know that's not a lot considering their higher-end models out there costing thousands of dollars. I got the BenQ tk850i. I am thinking of getting it 135 inch gray screen. From my viewing distance I could get a hundred and fifty inch screen but it's a hundred something dollars more and I just don't know if 15 in is worth $100 more.

[@PhotoJohn80]

@@TheChefComic you’re welcome. You could consider a DIY. You can get Seymour material and make the frame yourself. They have very nice stuff. Jon is a great guy. www.seymourscreenexcellence.com/company.php the website with email links. I talked to Jon and is super nice. Not sure what the price of material would be but it might be in your budget

[@toddroy9558]

What do you think of black screens?

[@pierrecastanets1974]

Nice efficient video. Keep it going!

[@VickThor84]

Nice vídeo Man! 👍

[@CookingWithLosPrimos]

Really nice and explanatory video!

[@in2green78]

Thanks for the very informative vid!

[@TheChefComic]

I thought your daily driver was the BenQ tk850.

[@joentell]

It is

[@TheChefComic]

@@joentell I am thinking of getting it I am just worried about its color accuracy. Do you have any tips on calibrating it or which mode to use it on? Thank you.

[@TheChefComic]

I don't have a theater room it was mainly going to be used in the living room and some backyard viewing at night.

[@mihaskopo7504]

Thank you for this helpful video

[@omegafire6253]

The comparison look exaggerated with a yellow tint placed over, why not just show both side to side.

[@kyleday5026]

hi i have optoma hd143x projector and my room has no ambient light coming in from outside i have covered that and i have white walls and ceiling and am currently using a white screen that is canvas material and when watching a movie with dark scenes the screen has a white glow to it and it ruins the colours but not that much in daytime scenes of the movies i watch and does not have the best blacks is it because my walls and ceiling is white or that i have a white screen and would it be better to get a grey screen or diy paint i am looking to get the best option available for under £50 if you can recommend any also can you tell me if this is a good screen material www.projector-screen-material.co.uk/products/maxiwhite

[@joentell]

I'm sorry, but I haven't tried that screen material you linked to

[@kyleday5026]

@@joentell ok what screen material can you recommend or diy paint for under £50 that can get good colour reproduction and contrast.

[@kyleday5026]

@@joentell do u think this will be good stagegearstore.co.uk/rosco-2110-screen-2-4m-wide-per-linear-metre-grey.html

[@michaelpierron605]

Good video but made me motion sick with the fast forwarding

[@joentell]

Sorry about that. That's the first time I've heard that from someone.

[@goobird1999]

$800 Aeon CineGrey 3D with my $100 projector

[@dancewithsasi8784]

gud information sir... thankq

[@Tonyfix]

Grey screens can't produce pure white... No wonder commercial theaters are using pure white screens

[@Denis6399]

Странно чувак собирал экран, обратная сторона была серая, стал вешать а там уже и рамка другая и полотно чёрное, чё за разводняк!

[@POTE0831]

Took me 3 hours

[@joentell]

Yours was from Elite Screens? To be fair, I was also trying to record the process, but it took a while.

[@POTE0831]

Joe N Tell yea I have the120in

[@darksorcerer1575]

Why wouldn't you test out the 3D performance??? Is it polarized??? How well does it work with passive 3D in terms of ghosting??? Come on man... Why do you think it has 3D in the name?

[@joentell]

3D is highly dependent on the projector and how dark your room is. I've tried it and it works. You sound annoyed that I didn't test it so you may want to look at other reviews. 3D is not a big deal to me.

[@eddietours3728]

4 hours damn

[@joentell]

Plus recording, but still. The other projector screen probably took me 45 minutes max.

[@eddietours3728]

@@joentell you are the hero we need

[@littledc100]

@Joe N Tell This is pretty disappointed. If you look at older video reviews, the screen used to come with the grommets installed and the hooks pre-installed in the frame pieces. The center grommets and hooks were also color coded to make it easier. I'm sure it was a cost cutting measure, but it still sucks.

[@keithslade1493]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@machulucorp92]

All that talk and u didn't even test it😩😩?? Waste of time

[@joentell]

What are you even talking about? Seriously? What do you mean you didn't test it?

[@machulucorp92]

@@joentell Like connect the screen the screen to projector, play a movie or something to show us the picture quality instead of just talking to sale. The thumbnail is click bait, it does not appear anywhere in the video timeline!!!!

[@joentell]

Did you even watch the video? Around the 4:40 mark, there's the split screen video. You should actually watch the video before complaining next time.

[@machulucorp92]

@@joentell I am so sorry. I feel so stupid. Sorry for wasting your time. And for that matter I just subscribed.

[@joentell]

I accept. Thank you for that! So many people don't admit to mistakes. It takes a lot to do that and I respect that! 🙏

[@Alice.59]

When you make a review of a screen of a projector, please don't show your face all the time, show footage of the screen with many movie, many different scene and light settings people don't care about seing your mouth move when you talk, people wants to see the screen

[@miamyguy]

Do not..I repeat..do not buy elite screens. If you see the name Elite Screens.. Run