FAVI HD-100 16:9/100-Inch Electric Projector Screen Sale Price: $199.00
	Amazon's highest rated & reviewed projection screen in 2011. The 100" motorized projector screen by FAVI includes two remote controls, built-in L bracket for easy ceiling or wall mounting, 1.3 gain, 16:9 aspect ratio and matte white material.

	FAVI HD-150 16:9/150-Inch Electric Projector Screen Sale Price: $509.00
	FAVI's 150-inch electric projector screen allows for a truly amazing home theater experience. Our electric screen series incorporates smooth coiling technology moving your screen up and down evenly every time...

	FAVI 16:9/120-Inch Electric Projector Screen (HD-120) Sale Price: $257.00
	Extremely quiet electric motor with up, down and stop buttons. Also includes adjustable top and bottom auto stop limiters.

	FAVI 4:3/120-Inch Electric Projector Screen P-120 Sale Price: $197.00
	Extremely quiet electric motor with up, down and stop buttons. Also includes adjustable top and bottom auto stop limiters.

	Elite Screens ELECTRIC84V Electric Projection Screen (84-Inch, 4:3 AR) Sale Price: Too low to display
	Elite Spectrum Series Multi Purpose Elictric/Motorized Screen. It is ideal for use with today's high contrast ratio projectors. It comes standard with an Infrared (IR) remote and other simple control options are availabe: such as RF remote, and low voltage 3-way wall box...

	FAVI HD-200 16:9/200-Inch Electric Projector Screen Sale Price: $1,099.00
	FAVI's 200-inch electric projector screen allows for a truly amazing home theater experience. Our electric screen series incorporates smooth coiling technology moving your screen up and down evenly every time...

	Motorized Electric Auto Projector Projection Screen 100" 16:9 4:3 Display HD Sale Price: $79.95
	You are viewing a listing on a professional grade 80" X 60" Electric Projection Screen with Radio Control. Durable matte white surface is the premier choice when ambient light is controllable. It diffuses projected light uniformly, and you will find a perfect visual enjoyment with optimal image and color reproduction...

	Elite Screens ELECTRIC120V Electric Projection Screen (120-Inch 4:3 AR) Sale Price: Too low to display
	Elite Spectrum Series Multi Purpose Elictric/Motorized Screen. It is ideal for use with today's high contrast ratio projectors. It comes standard with an Infrared (IR) remote and other simple control options are availabe: such as RF remote, and low voltage 3-way wall box...

	Pyle Home PRJSE168 80-Inch Motorized Projector Screen Widescreen Format (16:9) Sale Price: $70.31
	This 16:9 projector screen from Pyle is perfect for watching movies, playing epic video games, and hooking up to your computer. It’s so easy to operate, with a control for easy lowering and raising of the screen...

	Elite Screens Spectrum Series, Max White 1.1 Gain, 100" Diagonal, 16:9 Aspect Ratio Sale Price: $166.10
	Elite Spectrum Series Multi Purpose Elictric/Motorized Screen. It is ideal for use with today's high contrast ratio projectors. It comes standard with an Infrared (IR) remote and other simple control options are availabe: such as RF remote, and low voltage 3-way wall box...

Few things are more exciting and rewarding than building something that really works. Most kids love the challenge of building their own electronic devices, whether it's a simple robot or a bedroom alarm to keep out little siblings.

Various electronic kits are available, and the potential benefits go beyond the finished product. For a start, it's a hands-on opportunity to become familiar with some terminology. By high school, science classes often include an introduction to electronics concepts, including circuit diagrams, resistors, and diodes. Kids who build electronics learn about basic physics, electricity, and how electronic devices work.

These are pretty challenging abstract concepts, which can be brought to life by using electronic kits to connect the right parts. For instance, rather than looking at a computer and seeing only a box with a screen, electronics enthusiasts can get their hands on real parts to help them see and better understand the inner workings and infinite expansion possibilities.

Electronic kits contain multiple parts, diagrams, and instructions. To be successful and create a working device, kids need to follow instructions systematically. Starting with electronic kits for beginners, there are multiple levels of difficulty to explore. Kids learn how to read instructions carefully and how to interpret schematic diagrams, developing both spatial and logical skills.

Building electronics requires persistence and patience. Starting with simpler kits allows these skills to be learned gradually. Snap-together versions are more gratifying for beginners, who are getting accustomed to the parts and language. Later, more difficult assemblies become interesting.

Electronics does not have to be a solitary pursuit. Some children's kits, such as the Elenco Snap Circuits Jr 100, include interactive games to be played with friends. While most beginners start with electronic kits, there are endless possibilities for more advanced enthusiasts. In fact, there are clubs and online hobby groups. As projects get more complicated, kids can move on to more advanced electronic kits. Elenco Snap Circuits Jr 100 is a great place for beginners, but after mastering it, kids can advance to Elenco Snap Circuits 300 and Elenco Snap Circuits 500. There are also other brands available, such as Thames and Kosmos.

Have a science fair coming up? Electronic projects are an interesting way to explore physical concepts. Not only can a budding scientist build his or her own electronic device, but then there are many possible experiments that can be done with instruments like photo-electric cells, electromagnets, and generators.

Even beginners can make a wide variety of devices using Elenco Snap Circuits Jr 100, from radios and doorbells to a flying saucer. With so many options and parts, kids can experiment to build their own creations. Then there are electronic kits available that are specifically designed with one purpose in mind, such as making robotic vehicles, hydroponic gardens, race cars, weather observation centers, motorized dinosaurs, and digital recording instruments.

Most beginner electronic kits are solder-free, so they are straightforward and accessible for children. With practice and advancing skills, older kids can learn how to solder. Once this is mastered, there are many intriguing projects to make. Light dimmer switches, LED displays, combination code locks, and digital clocks make nice additions to any room. So next time you're looking for an interesting and educational activity, think about an electronic kit.

Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Elenco Snap Circuits Jr 100. Click here to download our free electronic kits guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

What is the first step in installing a home theater?

What is the first step in installing a home theater? I plan on including:

Based on just your list, assuming you've already wired, the order doesn't make a lot of different. Here's a couple things to consider first, that aren't on your list:

Since you have a dedicated room to work with, you have some considerations before fixing your final design. The difference between a good theater and an amazing theater is 50% room and 50% equipment.

Decisions to make:

1. Sound proofing. If the room is big enough you can build a room within your room by staggering new studwalls, floor and ceiling and placing special material between the walls. Floors are suspended much like motor mounts in a car.

2. Splaying the side walls. If you build an inner-room you should make the side walls unparallel. A 20 foot deep room should be two feet wider at the back as a minimum.

3. Breaking up the ceiling. Whether you build an inner room or not, you should change the shape of the ceiling from flat to? I like to build a lattice framework that looks like the swells of a wave from below, and then have it drywalled, but there are endless possibilities here. My curved ceiling hangs from the actual ceiling and doesn't extend to the walls in any direction. This allows for stunning lighting designs.

4. Raised seating. If you are planning rows, you will want to pick your seat now so the proper wires can be installed for hardwire control from Crestron, AMX, etc... Best choice is to have your eyes even with the center of the screen vertically and horizontally. If you're married, you might want to split the difference and share the best seating position.

5. Before any construction begins, equipment should be chosen so the correct wiring cna be installed in the walls. I would not use 16/2 or 16/4 in a dedicated theater. That's surround family room wire. I would recommend 12 or 14 gauge non oxydizing high strand count speaker wire.

6. The most important components in any system are the speakers, the display and the remote control. Those are the items that we interface with and hence will show the best return for dollar spent. The rack full of boxes is far more forgiving than mediocre interface devices!

7. Projectors and screens are available now that will adjust to the full width of a 2.35:1 motion picture and the films can be displayed at 24 fps, just like at the theater. This is a substantial improvement over standard 16:9 fixed with 30 fps limitation. Several companies are making projectors like this now. I like Runco, Vidicron and JVC with anamorphic lenses.

8. Speakers can be hidden behind a faux front wall, even if you don't build an inner room. Side and rear speakers can be hidden in architectural detail walls. Picking speakers is far more complex than I can write about here.

9. Controlling a theater can be a nightmare or a breeze. It all depends on the control system and the programmer. Today, I would choose between Crestron, AMX or LifeWare. There are less costly, lower performance options such as RTI, Pronto, Nevo which work pretty well.

10. Separate processors and amplifiers are great but I've had good luck with high end receivers from Yamaha, Marantz and PioneerElite also, and they cost less money. Depending on the rest of your theater, you might even be able to use Marantz's lower end line, Denon.

11. Cables don't have to be the very best, but don't buy the bargain basement stuff either. I use Ethereal for lower cost installations and Tributaries in nicer rooms.

12. Regardless of the theater you design, hire a professional for room accoustics, sound calibration and display calibration to SMPTE standards. An ISF certified tech is adequate for display, HAA certifed tech is okay and afforable for accoustics and a THX level 2 tech will be qualified to calibrate the audio. NOTE: Room accoustics costs the most, and is the most valuable!

Hope this is some help. Good luck and have fun with your project!

100" Diagonal 4:3 Electric Projector Projection Screen 80x60" Motorized 1.1 Gain Sale Price: $88.49

Features: Dual wall and ceiling installation design 4:3 screen format and diagonal 100" offers 80" x 60" viewing area High contrast 1.1 gain screen optimizes picture quality Matte white viewing surface diffuses projected light uniformly 4-side black masking borders increase picture focus & contrast Black-backed screen material eliminates light penetration Prewired power cord with integrated switch to regulate drop/rise settings Radio frequency remote control for distant control Motor allows silent operation with extended operational longevity Screen surface could wipe with mild soap or water Lightweight steel white case for easy installation Case with heavy-duty roller and reliable spring inside Ideal for home theater movies, classroom training, conference room presentations, public display, etc...

	FAVI HD-150 16:9/150-Inch Electric Projector Screen Sale Price: $509.00
	FAVI's 150-inch electric projector screen allows for a truly amazing home theater experience. Our electric screen series incorporates smooth coiling technology moving your screen up and down evenly every time...

	FAVI HD-100 16:9/100-Inch Electric Projector Screen Sale Price: $199.00
	Amazon's highest rated & reviewed projection screen in 2011. The 100" motorized projector screen by FAVI includes two remote controls, built-in L bracket for easy ceiling or wall mounting, 1.3 gain, 16:9 aspect ratio and matte white material.

	Elitech 92" Electric Motorized Projector Projection Screen with Remote 16:9 HDTV Format High Contrast Grey Sale Price: $169.95
	This is a brand new Elitech premium electric screen for people who love to watch movies, sports and playing video games. It is the flagship of Elitech premium quality electric screen specially designed for home theater usage...

	Elite Screens ELECTRIC84V Electric Projection Screen (84-Inch, 4:3 AR) Sale Price: Too low to display
	Elite Spectrum Series Multi Purpose Elictric/Motorized Screen. It is ideal for use with today's high contrast ratio projectors. It comes standard with an Infrared (IR) remote and other simple control options are availabe: such as RF remote, and low voltage 3-way wall box...

	Elite Screens ELECTRIC125H Electric Projection Screen (125-Inch 16:9 AR) Sale Price: Too low to display
	Elite Spectrum Series Multi Purpose Elictric/Motorized Screen. It is ideal for use with today's high contrast ratio projectors. It comes standard with an Infrared (IR) remote and other simple control options are availabe: such as RF remote, and low voltage 3-way wall box...

	120" Black Motorized Projection Screen 16:9 with Remote Control Sale Price: $249.98
	Brand New 120" 16:9 HDTV Projection ScreenIdeal Projection screen for home theater movies, office presentations, or classroom teaching. Perfect for all Projectors especially HD. 120" diagonal gives you a large 104" x 58" viewing area...

	Da-Lite Cosmopolitan Electrol projection screen (motorized) ( 40814 ) Sale Price: $829.95
	Ideal for applications where a recessed installation is not desired or feasible. Patented in-the-roller motor mounting system for quiet operation. Handsome white enamel case blends with any decor.

	Elite Screens Spectrum Electric Budget Projection Screen, 16:9 Aspect Ratio-84in. (Max White) Sale Price: Too low to display
	Elite Spectrum Series Multi Purpose Elictric/Motorized Screen. It is ideal for use with today's high contrast ratio projectors. It comes standard with an Infrared (IR) remote and other simple control options are availabe: such as RF remote, and low voltage 3-way wall box...

	Elite Screens Spectrum Series, Max White 1.1 Gain, 100" Diagonal, 16:9 Aspect Ratio Sale Price: $166.10
	Elite Spectrum Series Multi Purpose Elictric/Motorized Screen. It is ideal for use with today's high contrast ratio projectors. It comes standard with an Infrared (IR) remote and other simple control options are availabe: such as RF remote, and low voltage 3-way wall box...

Cheap Rear Projection Screen?

Does anyone know what type of material would be best for a rear projection screen? The manufactured screens are very expensive and I'm looking for an alternative. Also, I only need the material. I already have a standard motorized projection screen. I want to remove the housing, cut the old screen off and attach the new rear projection material. Any ideas? Thanks.
By the way, this is for a projector, not a rear projection TV. I want to project an image from behind the screen where the projector will be hidden. I thought it was self-explanatory, but I guess I was wrong.

For the record. Rear projection tvs have a controlled amount of radiation. When you open up the tv, you will be exposed to potentially dangerous levels of radiation. Not to mention what ever screen you put up probably will not block the harmful UV radiation to your skin and eyes. They put the specific type of screen there for a reason.