Projector Screen
Home Theater – Your Personal Silver Screen
Home Theater Projector Screens and Surfaces
The recent increased popularity of home video projectors and the large, clear images they can produce has led many new arrivals to the Home Theater realm to choose a video projector as their display device of choice. Video projector images look best when projected onto a properly matched screen surface. Although some anxious new owners may prematurely start by aiming their new projector on a white wall – they soon will want to get a projection screen for best results. Video projection screens come in many varieties – from the simple Do-It-Yourself (DIY) homemade screen to the most elaborate, manufactured remote control electric models and those various models in between. Video projector screens also come in a variety of surface finishes and reflectivity ratios. All of these factors should be considered when selecting a screen for your Home Theater.
Screen Surface Types
Home Theater projector screens come in a multitude of surface finishes. The variety of surface finish you will need depends upon your projector model. Screen surfaces vary from matte white, slightly silver or grey-ish, to reflective glass beaded models. Glass beaded models increase the effective brightness of your projector’s image similar to the way a highway sign reflects car headlights. Lower lumen-level (lumens=light output) projectors such as CRT models benefit most from higher reflectivity (or gain) of a screen’s surface. Higher gain surfaces increase the perceived brightness of the projected image. Conversely – a brighter projector looks best with a matte white or even a silver/gray surface. That is because the glass beads on higher gain screens have a tendency to “splatter” the brighter light waves produced by a high lumen output projector. A silver/gray surface will also enhance the perceived contrast level of LCD projectors which do not have the best contrast/black levels. So first you must decide the type and lumen output of the projector you are purchasing and that will help determine the surface type of the video projector screen you will need.
Model Types
Projection screens come in three basic styles – manual pull-down, electric and fixed varieties. Manual pull-down models are operated much like a window shade. Electric models have a motorized mechanism that does the work for you and fixed screens are motionless and stay right where you place them. Fixed screens also provide the flattest of all screen surfaces. Pull-down and electric screens can be susceptible to a slight waves on their surface. Although not obtrusive if properly cared for, some may prefer the absolute flat surface of a fixed screen model. The drawback to fixed screens is that you must live with them in place whereas retractable models can be deployed for viewing and afterwards be hidden from sight until next use.
Aspect Ratio
There is another very important factor to consider when shopping for a screen – that of the screen’s aspect ratio. The aspect ratio of a projection screen refers to the shape of the available screen surface. Screens come in two basic aspect ratios — 4×3 which is your normal television aspect ratio and 16×9 which is the normal widescreen or HDTV aspect ratio. The aspect ratio of your screen is an important decision to make prior to its purchase. That’s because of the fact that once you buy it there’s no way to change the aspect ratio – other than by masking portions of the screen. You can mask the surface with material or curtains if you want to get creative and that can temporarily change the aspect ratio of your fixed screen.
You will, of course, save a lot of time and trouble by thoroughly researching your screen choice prior to its purchase. Whatever your application and needs — rest assured there is a projection screen surface and model available to fit your particular situation. For further and more detailed information on video projector screen applications for home theaters please refer to the section on projector screens which can be accessed from the navigation bar at
About the Author
Phil Taylor is a 27 year veteran in the Audio Video field and hosts Home Theater Systems Advice which offers sound advice on selecting home theater system components and also includes room design and installation information.
DIY Projector Screen – How to build projection screen
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120″ FAVI Manual Pull Down 4:3 Projector Projection Screen New, PD-P-120 $157.97 |
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QUARTET PROJECTOR SCREEN W/ BOONE TRI-POD STAND BLANK SCREEN SIMPLE PULL OPERATI $56.95 |
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120″ New FAVI Manual Tripod Portable Projector Projection Screen, TRI-P-120 $117.00 |
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NEW 84×84 Manual Projector Projection Pull Down Screen 120″ 1:1 4:3 16:9 display $69.75 |
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90° Rotatable Bedside Projector LED Clock Alarm Clock with 3.1″ Screen HSD128A B $14.20 |
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NEW 4:3 Motorized Electric Auto Projector Projection Screen 100″ 16:9 Display HD $89.95 |
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NEW 4:3 Motorized Electric Auto Projector Projection Screen 100″ 16:9 Display HD $87.95 |
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50 STYLE PROJECTOR SCREEN $40.00 |
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Manual/Electric/Tripod Projector Projection Screen Pull Down/Motorized/Portable $79.90 |
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NEW 84×84 Manual Projector Projection Pull Down Screen 120″ 1:1 4:3 16:9 display $49.95 |
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Projection Screen Manual 84 X 84 Projector Pull Down Screen Home Office New $64.95 |
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TDC STEREO PROJECTOR OR VIEW 3-D slide projector with screen $75.00 |
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120″ HD Electric Black Motorized 16:9 Projection Movie Projector Screen W/Remote $199.98 |
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54″ X 72″ movie PROJECTOR projection SCREEN MATERIAL 100% POSITIVE F.B. $29.99 |
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92″ 16:9 R/C Electric Projector Screen Matte White New $114.39 |
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Universal Video Projector Ceiling Mount for HD Mini 3D 1080P Projector & Screen $29.95 |
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110″16:9 WHITE CASE ELECTRIC MOTORIZED PROJECTOR SCREEN $249.99 |
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4:3 Manual Pull Down Projector Projection Screen 72″ Self-locking Theatre Room $59.95 |
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LED Projector & 80″ Screen Bundle. Projector + Projection Screen Package $199.00 |
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90° Rotatable Bedside Projector LED Clock Alarm Clock with 3.1″ Screen HSD128A B $14.06 |
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NEW 84×84 Manual Projector Projection Pull Down Screen 120″ 1:1 4:3 16:9 display $69.75 |
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Format 16:9 80″ Electric Motorized Projector Screen New $148.68 |
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Portable PROJECTOR GREY SCREEN FLOOR PULL UP Format 80″16:9 w/CARRYING CASE $158.68 |
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82″ 16:9 Portable Manual Tripod Projector Projection Screen 69×40″ Matte White $84.95 |
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NEW 4:3 Motorized Electric Auto Projector Projection Screen 100″ 16:9 Display HD $104.95 |
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NEW 4:3 Motorized Electric Auto Projector Projection Screen 100″ 16:9 Display HD $103.95 |
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NEW 4:3 Motorized Electric Auto Projector Projection Screen 100″ 16:9 Display HD $87.95 |
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Open Air Cinema ELITE Outdoor Projector Screen 40×22.5 $15,999.00 |
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Open Air Cinema PRO Outdoor Projector Screen 9×5 Feet $2,395.00 |
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Open Air Cinema ELITE Outdoor Projector Screen 25×14 ft $8,895.00 |
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Open Air Cinema ELITE Outdoor Projector Screen 30×17 ft $10,995.00 |
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Open Air Cinema PRO Outdoor Projector Screen 12×7 Feet $3,395.00 |
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Open Air Cinema ELITE Outdoor Projector Screen 20×11 ft $5,999.00 |
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100″ 4:3 Electric Projector Projection Screen 80X60 RC Automatic Remote Control $89.95 |
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100″D Tripod Portable Projector Projection 16:9 Screen 87×49 Foldable Stand 1.3 $99.95 |
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Brand New HDTV Format 16:9 100″ Fixed Projector Screen $229.00 |
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120″ Diagonal Manual Projector Projection Screen 84X84″ Pull Down Matte White $54.95 |
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Maxstar 72″x72″ Electric Motorized Projector Screen New $127.68 |
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2 Cans Projector / Projection Screen Paint – 3D High Def – Self Leveling $71.00 |
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Brand New 70″x70″ Pull Down Manual Projector Screen $76.68 |
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60″ Inch 4:3 Portable Pull Up Floor Screen Projector Projection w Aluminium Case $124.95 |
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Elitech 80″ Floor Pull Up Projector Screen (4:3), Aluminum Carry Case $135.95 |
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NEW 4:3 Motorized Electric Auto Projector Projection Screen 100″ 16:9 Display HD $102.95 |
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DA-LITE Projection Projector Wall Screen 60″x 60″ Matte $49.95 |
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84×84 MANUAL PROJECTOR PULL DOWN PROJECTION SCREEN 119 $102.95 |
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4:3 MOTORIZED ELECTRIC PROJECTOR PROJECTION SCREEN 100″ $152.98 |
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92″ Diagonal 16:9 Manual Projector Projection Screen Pull Down Self-Locking Home $97.95 |
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Format 96″x96″ D135″ Pull Down Manual Projector Screen $128.68 |
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AOSOM Tripod Portable Projector Projection Screen 60″X60″ 1:1 – Projector $39.00 |
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VINTAGE Da-Lite Challenger Projector Screen $19.99 |
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Vintage Knox 400 Movie Projector Projection Screen 40 X 40 Original Box $29.99 |
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Slow Retracting Manual Pull Down Projector Screen -1:1 Format 99″ Diagonal $109.24 |
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HUGE 205″ PROJECTOR SCREEN PROJECTION MATERIAL $176.39 |
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MaxStar Portable Projector Screen 4:3 Diagonal 100″ Floor PullUp w/Carrying Case $168.00 |
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Kodak Ektagraphic Model 260 Carousel Audio Visual Slide Projector Screen Viewer $139.99 |
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52″ x 109″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $20.00 |
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Elite Screens (A56-E25B) A5E-E25B Universal Projector Mount $58.99 |
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General Electric PJ5055C1 Talaria Large Screen Projector $379.00 |
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55″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $21.00 |
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56″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $21.50 |
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57″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $21.99 |
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72″ 16:9 Portable Manual Tripod Projector Projection Screen w/ Stand 63″x35″ $79.95 |
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58″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $22.00 |
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93″ PROFESSIONAL GRADE 16:9 HDTV PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL PROJECTION SCREEN $62.99 |
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59″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $22.50 |
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63″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $24.50 |
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66″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $30.00 |
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67″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $30.50 |
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68″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $40.00 |
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69″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $40.50 |
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70″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $50.00 |
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130″ EXTRA WIDE SCREEN 2.35:1 PROFESSIONAL PROJECTOR SCREEN PROJECTION MATERIAL $100.00 |
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hd movie screen material fabric projection projector home theater 1080p blu ray $38.75 |
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71″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $50.50 |
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Projection Screen Manual 84 X 84 Projector Pull Down Screen Home Office New $64.95 |
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Sears Movie Projection Projector Screen 49″ x 48″ $22.90 |
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80″ Inch 4:3 Portable Pull Up Floor Screen Projector Projection w Aluminium Case $134.95 |
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New 4:3 Projection Movie Game 80″ Theater Projector Vertical Screen Black $26.00 |
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NEW 4:3 Motorized Electric Auto Projector Projection Screen 100″ 16:9 Display HD $104.95 |
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BenQ PB6100 DLP HD WIDE SCREEN HOME THEATER / COMPUTER Projector Great Reviews $155.50 |
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Vintage Knox panorama projector screen 40×36 $7.99 |
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120″ Diagonal Manual Projector Projection Screen 84×84″ 1:1 4:3 16:9 HD Display $69.85 |
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hd movie screen material fabric projection projector home theater 1080p blu ray $38.75 |
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120″ HD Electric Black Motorized 16:9 Projection Movie Projector Screen W/Remote $199.98 |
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72″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $52.00 |
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Maxstar Screens 4:3 Format Diagonal 110″ Pull Down Manual Projector Screen $117.00 |
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73″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $52.50 |
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74″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $54.00 |
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LCD DLP HD PROJECTION PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL106″ NEW $49.50 |
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VINTAGE CLEAN ORANGE WHITE VIEW-MASTER REAR SCREEN PROJECTOR GAF WORKS GREAT $24.99 |
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75″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $54.50 |
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76″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $55.00 |
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100 Diagonal 16:9 Electric Projector Projection Screen Remote 1.3 Gain 160 Angle $114.95 |
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77″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $55.50 |
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78″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $57.00 |
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79″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $57.50 |
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Kodak Carousel 5400 Slide Projector with Remote and View Screen $12.99 |
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80″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $58.00 |
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81″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $59.00 |
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82″ x 110″ PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL (BLOWOUT CLOTH SECONDS) $59.50 |
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Drapery Kit Size: for PL9-27R $101.99 4694 Size: for PL9-27R Dress-up and conceal equipment on carts. When ordering for a cart made by a manufacturer other than Da-Lite the dimensions of the cart must be specified…. |
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Drapery KIT,142 W X 48 H Skirt for PM10-49J and PM10-52JLT $134.99 4740 Size: for PM10-49J and PM10-52JLT Dress-up and conceal equipment on carts. When ordering for a cart made by a manufacturer other than Da-Lite the dimensions of the cart must be specified…. |
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Futuristic cine-phono-telegraph Photo Mugs A futuristic cine-phono-telegraph, which allows people to speak over the telephone and see each other on a screen at the same time. …. |
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Dynex Mini DVI to VGA Adapter for Apple Notebooks $3.98 This device is perfect for converting your apple notebooks to video projectors for presentations to teams and groups. It allows you to have the option of using a VGA monitor as a larger viewing area than the oringal lap top screen provides…. |
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Vanco 120614X Custom Two-Piece Bulk Cable Wall Plate (Single, White) $1.75 The Vanco Reversible signal cable wall plate provides a clean, attractive looking alternative to signal cable wall entrance/exit points for home theater projects, including flat panel TV installation. The reversible cable cover can either extend from the wall or extend into the wall for tight spaces such as behind the flat panel TV…. |
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Leviton 5280-W 15 Amp, 125 Volt, Decora Plus Duplex Surge Suppressor Receptacle, Straight Blade, Industrial Grade, Self Grounding, White $27.48 Designed for use in a variety of residential and commercial environments, the Leviton 5280 Decora Duplex Surge Suppressor Receptacle features a diagnostic LED that confirms power and surge protection. Attractive enough to complement any decor, and durable enough to withstand commercial applications, this receptacle provides point-of-use protection for up to 18,000 amps of surge current.5280 Decora… |
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2 Neodymium Hook Magnets – Each Holds up to 50 Pounds $12.99 Set of 2 hooks 1-3/8″ base diameter 1-3/4″ height Magnet Material: Neodymium (NdFeB) Hook Material: Zinc(Zn) Plated Steel Capacity per hook: 50 pounds * *Hooks were tested hannging upside down. Capacity is reduced by two thirds if mounted sideways. Use these versatile hooks to hold everything from plants to tools. Hook is removable and can be replaced with other threaded parts. The possible uses a… |
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Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics [Blu-ray] $18.95 Studio: Wea-des Moines Video Release Date: 03/25/2008… |
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Mitsubishi 3DC-1000 3D HDTV Starter Pack $399.00 3D Technology Checklist This product is 3D-related. To help you get a great 3D experience, use our checklist below to ensure that you have everything you need. If you have any questions or want to learn more about 3D, we invite you to visit 3D 101–our center for everything 3D. To get started with 3D, please ensure that you have: A Display The first–and most important–item you’ll need is… |
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Chaplin At Keystone: An International Collaboration of 34 Original Films $70.10 Signed by Mack Sennett in 1913, Charlie Chaplin made his screen debut for Sennett’s Keystone Studios the following year and developed his Little Tramp character there. This four-disc collection features 34 of Chaplin’s Keystone comedies from 1914, including “Making a Living” (his first film), “Kid Auto Races at Venice” (the Tramp’s first appearance), “Mabel’s Busy Day,” “The Masquerader,” “His Pre… |
