The big screen
In previous posts we examined what we need to set up a PC-based home theater (or cinema, HTPC). Now we need a screen, on which we will project the HT part of the HTPC, and the sound system.
With respect to the screen, there are two different main choices or routes.
- The first choice is a large size 4K TV, ideally more than 85 inches. The selected TV must support HDR and Dolby vision. It must also have at least 4 HDMI ports of which at least two must be 2.1, one for the PC and the other one for the PS5.
- The second option is a 4k home projector that supports HDR and Dolby vision and has HDMI 2.1.
TV or projector
Both systems have their pros and cons. Thus, I suggest that if money is not an issue the setting up of a system that incorporates both a TV and a projector.
The TV is much better for watching news, movies or playing games during daytime.
The projector on the other hand, which projects on larger screen sizes (e.g., mine is 160 inches), offers a pure cinematic experience for watching movies and playing games but it usually requires a dedicated dark room. The quality of projected material during the day is low (washed out images) and turning any room dark during daytime is rather depressing.
There is a plethora of large TVs to choose from. Their prices range from less than 1000 euros/USD to many thousands. A search on the internet can help you make the right choice. I have used LGs, Samsung and Sony. In terms of image quality, I was satisfied with all of them.
However, Sony TVs that use android suffer from various issues (e.g., the sound is often lost, and the system needs to restart).
There is also a plethora of projectors out there and the internet again can help you select the appropriate one.
My personal preference is the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB or the EH TW9400. They are among the best projectors money can buy.
The Epson EH TW9400 has all the required characteristics: e.g., 4k, HDR, vertical and horizontal lens shift, motorized zoom.
Keep in mind that a clean installation requires that the:
- projector is mounted on the ceiling at a distance required to satisfy the desired screen size, and
- power and HDMI cables should be hidden.
Projector screen or wall
Projectors will project either on a special screen or on the wall itself. The wall can be painted using a special paint. HTPC systems using only a projector can project on the wall. In this case, I don’t think that it is worth spending money on a motorized screen, which can be very expensive, sometimes more than a TV.
I have always projected on the wall, which is painted using an ice white color with a thick black frame around it. The image quality is excellent. I don’t think that the eye can see the difference in quality of an image projected on the wall and on a screen.
A motorized screen is generally required for HTPC systems that use both a TV and a projector. In this case the screen lowers from the ceiling just in front of the wall-mounted TV.
HTPC score card
Peace-of-mind 5
Immersive experience 5
Installation 4.5
Cost 3.5
Average 4.5
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