Center Stage XD^™ Our new screen material is fully available for DIY screens!  We tripled the hole density to 1500+ holes per square inch, increased the gain to 1.2, and improved the acoustic transparency by +0.5dB from 2kHz-20kHz.  The finer weave allows you to sit closer to the screen with less visible texture.  When both video AND audio performance are considered, the new Center Stage XD is the best A.T. screen material available anywhere at any price.  Imagine comparing the screen you made for $300 and realizing it outperforms screens costing up to $5000.

The 63" XD is limited to the projector and screen types that don't need as much if any tilting. Its moiré resistance is improved, but is currently recommended for nice wide scope 2.35 screens, or if you're using Panasonic 1080p, JVC/Pioneer D-ILA, LCoS or SXRD type projectors that have a smooth image.  The 98" wide XD is recommended for 16:9 screens, or if you would like to have a tilted cut.  We do this as standard on our fixed frame kits, but can easily precision cut yours to size and up to 20 degree angle for a low price. 

Here is a (hopefully) helpful guide on building your own fixed frame screen.  It's not rocket surgery and nearly anyone can get a top-performing fixed frame screen for much, much less than currently available manufactured options.  DIYFixedFrame.pdf (Rev. 5/08, 848k)  If you are interested in a higher-end version, Bob Gallo offers this DIY guide using maple for the frame and the splining method.  DIYFixedFrameGallo.pdf (Rev 2/09, 398k)

Both sides of the Center Stage XD screen material are the same, however we inspect the inside of the roll to ensure that there are no blemishes.

Here is a recommended viewing angle calculator: Viewing Distance Calculator

Here is a recommended source for black velvet: Black Plush Triple Velvet

Retrofit into your current frame  In case you already have a metal frame that you're happy with and just want to upgrade it with the Center Stage XD screen material, check out this thread.

Curved screens  There is no acoustical or brightness benefit to building a curved screen with Center Stage screen material.  The only benefits are elimination of pincushion or bowtie distortion from your anamorphic lens and the general coolness of the screen look.  Here's a good build thread on a curved screen.  The only thing we'd add is that you don't need 50 clamps - you can just use the concave part from the MDF that you cut the convex from and a few clamps.  If you do have 50 clamps, you're a stud.  If you don't have any clamps, try cutting the curved frame sections from a couple 2x6s.

HTGamers.com Here is an up and coming DIY site for home theater fans and especially gamers.  They focus on high-resolution pictures, and common sense reviews on aspects that escape mainstream sites.  Go to HT Gamers and follow their adventures in gaming, HT, and DIY.

We believe about half of what you're hearing is the room itself, so best practice would dictate that half your audio budget go to acoustically treating your room.  While vertically aligning your front speakers on the same horizontal plane, spacing them from reflection points, and losing the coffee table are free, an investment in room absorption panels, Green Glue and other sound isolation products pays off generously.  Your exploding robots will sound better, and others nearby will no doubt appreciate hearing less sound leakage.  Go to Sound Isolation Store to buy Green Glue and other supplies.

¹Dolby and THX cinema speaker layouts