FP screen , +$$$ = better pic - fact or fiction?

Northwoods . . . indeed I did miss the comma. Sorry about that, I need to take more care in reading.

I have no personal experience with screens anywhere near $1200, and I suspect my standards are a bit more lax than many, since I'm still satisfied with 720p. What I can tell you about my cheapo DIY screen is that the quality is comparable to my Samsung 60" DLP (also 720p) tv that I have upstairs. The exception being that I need to lower the room lights for my front projector. I've had guests express amazement by the picture quality on my 10' screen.
Here's the material I used. It looks like they raised the price since I bought 2 years ago.

I hope that helps.

I did a bunch of research lately and over at avsforums they recommend the carada screens for high bang for the buck appeal. Should be well under $1000.; That's what i'll buy when i get one next year.

Bdgregory, thanks for the info.

The best picture quality will typically come from a simple and inexpensive matt white screen IF AND ONLY IF:

1. Your projector has enough light output for the screen size you choose

2. You can completely control the light in the room and make it dark.

3. Your screen surface remains perfectly flat, e.g. doesn't warp or wave over time

A matt white screen has the best off axis viewing, most natural colors and no hotspotting.

The reasons to buy a more expensive screen:

1. You want a motorized screen (convenience + the ability to hide the screen)

2. Tab tensioning, which will keep the screen flat forever.

3. You need more light gain so you get a 1.3 (or higher) gain screen.

4. Your projector has very high light output and can benefit from a high contrast gray screen.

Thanks all for the input. I cetainly don't have money to burn, but generally I find that I'm best served by buying the best valued item that I can justify. A good example is that all of my stereo gear, as well as some of my video gear (AV Receiver) are now all approx. 15 years old. I stretched a little financially when I bought them, but they've served me well and have never had any piece of this system repaired. Now I'm ready for an upgrade. I've started by separating two channel from AV and I've replaced the two channel gear and am looking forward to replacing the AV equipment and am trying to sort through my questions with your help.