Curved Screens vs. Flat Screens

[jmig]

Can anyone tell me the advantages of a curved screen with Sol7 over three flat screens with the two ends ones angled toward you say 30-45 degrees.

I see a lot written about curved screens but nowhere do I see anyone stating why they went that route.

Thanks,

[Melnato]

John,

I think just looking at these set-ups will answer your question.

http://nthusim.com/setups

Dont forget Sol7 is commercial and priced accordingly.
NThusim is the the new version of the Sol7 Home Beta,
which was released for us Home Enthusiasts.

Nat

[jmig]

Nat, I looked at those screen shots. I admit the panorama looks nice. However, I flew for over a year using three 19" LCDs and TH2GO. The emersion factor was very good. The brain quickly did away with the monitor frames in-between the screens.

With three projectors aimed at three different panels, I should be able to align the picture to be seamless. I noticed that real world military sims use multiple flat screen and not a curve screen.

My point is this. What advantage will I get for the $300 I pay for software on top of the curve screen that makes it a better value than three flat screens angled as stated above? I have yet to find anywhere an explanation to this question.

[Crescent]

I don't think for the money for the software and curved screen you are going to get anymore realism effect than going with the front flat and two angled screens. I plan on doing the flat and two angled screens and from what I've seen, it will be more than immersive. Just my thoughts.

[Sean Nixon]

There's some discussion about this in this thread, from post #15 onwards.

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/showthread.php/18653-Projection-Vs.-LCD

I took the curved option after seeing what was achieved by other folks here. If angled screens are as good as curved (and I'm not suggesting they're not), why aren't more people going that route?

[jmig]

Hi Sean, I am not suggesting curves screens aren't better. I am asking for more than subjective evidence why I should build a more complex screen and pay an additional $300 or so to use a curved screen. Is the experience worth the additional money? Or, is it just the latest "must have" add-on for MSFS?

[Sean Nixon]

Hi John

I'm not sure there is any significant difference between the two methods we are discussing here. That's why I posted the old thread link. Byorn suggests that the flat angled screen might be better and that a local museum has both setups and prefers the non-curved screen. I emailed the museum at the time of that thread, but didn't recieve a reply.

As I mentioned, I went with the curved screen before I'd heard about the flat option, although my actual screen in most definately a temporary affair which could easily be changed. I may actually try the flat screens at some point in the future.

If I was you, I'd try the flat screens first as you don't need special software and could quite easily and cheaply make an 'experimental' setup.

I'd be interested in following your progress.

In case you haven't seen my temporary setup, it's here:

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/showthread.php/19264-Pictures-of-my-curved-screen-setup

Sean

[Sean Nixon]

Forgot to mention, there's a tutorial here about constructing a three screen setup. Perhaps the author could answer some of your questions?

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/content.php/55-Projector-Screens-Three-Sided-and-Portable

[jmig]

Hi Sean, Yes, I think I will try the flat screens first. My cockpit is in a semi bedroom. I say semi because it still has a small bed and some furniture in it, as well as my cockpit. Grandson sleeps there when visiting. The room is only 11' wide with a bed against one wall. To allow use of the bed, I am planning on using hinged side screens that can be closed when the sim is not being used. This set up should give me more screen space than a permanent curved screen.

Another problem I have is an overhead fan in the center of the room. It will make attaching projectors to the ceiling difficult. So they will need to be set on the nose of the cockpit. I figure I can arrange them with a 30" throw. That allows a projection of 44-45 inches wide and around 30 inches high. This will allow me to get the three screens in, if I hinge the one which will swing over the bed.

Oh, the compromises you have to make. :D