Originally Posted by Joelc
ii) 50% of my viewing is HDTV / sports with the result that a 2.40:1 screen would leave too small of a viewing area for 1.78 material.

Just to make sure they didn't inform you wrong: if you have 2 screens (one 16:9 other 21:9) that have the same HEIGHT then the 1.78 material occupies the exact same area on BOTH screens. The 21:9 screen does NOT "leave too small of a viewing area for 1.78 material".

If on the other hand both screens have the same WIDTH (i.e. from wall to wall) then it is true that the 16:9 screen is larger in HEIGHT and thus offers more area for the 1.78 material.

I don't know if you really are limited in width, but unless you have a very high ceiling or rather narrow walls you should be able to fit in a 21:9 screen with the same height as the planned 16:9 screen.

Maybe they recommended a screen with a high gain (like silver screens etc.)? This could explain why they don't want you to have a wide screen, but a high gain screen is not good anyhow, because it gives you a "hot spot" in the middle and less brightness for viewers watching from an angle. What gain did they recommend (what screen exactly if they already decided)?

NutFlush