Retractable projector screen

[eSDee]

Folks, I'm in escrow for my first house :) It's not a sure thing that I'll get the house, as it needs to pass VA inspection first, so I'm not counting my chickens yet. But I have been thinking about what I'd do in the house should it become mine. I've always wanted to have a projector to use in a home theatre, and in this house the space is right to do so. The living room in not huge, so the screen doesn't need to be that big, but maybe like 60 - 72 inches. I was thinking about mounting it slightly in front of where my 42 inch HDTV is mounted, being able to drop the screen when I use the projector. I have an electrician who I will be using in the house so I can have him put some power in the roof if I want to have it powered. I'm not sure if that would be overkill though. Basically I would like to get some input on what people have done, and also where I should buy my equipment. I'm sure I can pick up a great deal on a projector on Got|Apex (http://www.gotapex.com) ;) but I'm not sure about the screen? What do you guys think? Should I have it powered or not? Is it possible to have too big of a screen?

Thanks!

[ray]

60-72" screen is pretty solid. I haven't kept up with projectors and screens in years, but I do have this advice to give. Anytime you're working with projectors just make sure you have the ability to blackout the outside light (sunlight, street lights, etc). If that requires you to get blackout curtains for your windows, then do it.

[eSDee]

That's good to know Rey thanks. If I get this house, I'm going to be replacing all the blinds including those in that room. I'll make sure to get something that shuts tight.

[attgig]

so, you're going to have a lcd/plasma on the wall, AND a screen for a projector?

why not just get a top notch projector and use that as your main source for everything? move the lcd/plasma into the bedroom?

then you can get a permanent screen on the wall, or just use reflective paint on the wall.

regular pulldown screens would look ugly in the living room, and having an installed motorized screen would be a lot nicer but a lot costlier (500+ if I remember correctly).

instead, you can paint the wall and dress it up with curtains to make it look like a movie theater.
or you can even make a screen at home for about 50 bucks.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-Theater-Projector-Screen-on-a-Budget/