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Product Review
Elite F80NWH Pull Up Portable Projection Screen - ezCinema Series
By Clint DeBoer - last modified August 09, 2007
I have recently completed a
review of the Home Entertainment
projector. This product
integrates a DVD player and
stereo speakers into a projector
and makes for the type of entertainment
system that can be
pulled out and assembled, at will,
in a living room setting. The
perfect screen to complement
such a system would be durable,
portable and equally easy to pull
out and set up. Elite Screens
ez-Cinema systems match that
description perfectly. What makes this such a compelling product, in the complementary ease-of-use and low price
point. With a retail price of just $249 for an 80-inch screen, it is not uncommon to find street pricing under $200.
Build Quality
The ez-Cinema system is a very stable screen in terms of the mechanical elements that make up the mechanisms. The
case is part of the system - which I like since you can't misplace it and it doesn't take up additional space (unless you
count the depth, which requires the lid to be opened.) The top bar which lifts and secures the weight of the screen is
ingenious. Instead of simply anchoring the lift tab to the top of a ridged bar, the ez-Cinema utilizes a sort of anti-tilt bar
that distributes the load across the ends of the screen. This seemed to help the screen rise and sink evenly without allowing
it to twist and become uneven over time.
Looking at the Matte White screen material itself, it seems durable - and indeed you can wash the surface with a damp
cloth, though for most dirt and dust a soft duster will work wonders. The gain is 1.1 and it has a viewing angle of 100
degrees (50 degrees to either side of center, which is wide enough for just about any practical use. The black 1.25-inch
fixed masking around the screen looked to be made well and I noticed no tears or inconsistencies on the front of the
screen. The rear looked like some glue had dried in a more randomized manner, but it didn't appear to be anything
other than cosmetic - in an area where it would never be seen except by nosey reviewers.
The case is durable but lightweight. I didn't feel 100% secure in the twin buckle clasps that adorned the front of the case,
locking it closed. A double latch would have been more confidence-inspiring, though the case never once popped open of
its own accord. It is possible that larger screens utilize this type
of locking mechanism as the online video shows a different style
of buckling clasp. When the case is opened the extending height
adjustment pole was found locked securely in place behind the
screen. The system really does look solid, with parts that aren't
likely to wear out or break over a typical lifespan. I especially
liked the ability, however slight to tilt the screen one notch
position to manually keystone it to fit the projector angle in the
event that you have a slightly off-axis alignment.
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