Don't NOT waste money on a brand new projector that will either be cheap and not bright enough, or a brand name one that will cost a small fortune and need replacement bulbs that are in the $100-$200 range. Get on craigslist and ebay and find a good one with some bulb life left in the $50 range. Compare the models you look at to their manufacturer's specs online to make sure you are getting a good deal on a model that's a few years old. I got mine for $45 and it originally listed for $600-$800! By buying a used one cheaply you can afford to use it for a few seasons, then when the bulb burns out you can get another instead of spending $100 on a new bulb. As far as the screen goes - ever discussion of it starts with the frosted shower curtain, goes through an assortment of materials like chiffon, bridal veil, tulle, ect, ect and winds right back up with the $4 frosted shower curtain. Start with that and if it's not what you want you should be able to figure out a material that will eliminate whatever it is you don't like about the frosted curtain.