Elite Screens Evanesce Tab-Tension B 120″ Screen

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82%
18%
93%
Image Flatness
88%
Screen Surface Quality
84%
Build & Housing Quality
51%
Installation Experience
86%
Remote & Trigger Reliability
89%
Motor Performance
91%
Control Flexibility
94%
Aesthetic Integration
87%
4K & Projector Compatibility
82%
Long-Term Durability
78%
Cleaning & Maintenance
76%
Warranty & Support
67%
Value for Money
More

Overview

The Elite Screens Evanesce Tab-Tension B 120″ Screen belongs to a narrow category of projector screens built for one specific purpose: disappearing completely when you don't need them. This is not a screen you hang on a wall or pull down manually — it recesses flush into the ceiling, making it the natural choice for dedicated home theaters where aesthetics matter as much as image quality. At 120 inches diagonal in a 16:9 format, the viewing area is substantial. Elite Screens has manufactured under ISO9001 certification since 2004, which lends real credibility. That said, installation complexity is genuine — this is a serious construction project requiring advance planning, not an afternoon task.

Features & Benefits

The tab-tension system is the engineering feature most worth understanding: tensioned tabs along the screen edges keep the CineWhite surface taut and perfectly flat, which matters enormously when projecting a 120-inch image — even a subtle bow becomes obvious at that scale. The 1.1 gain is intentionally modest, delivering even light distribution rather than artificial brightness, and the 160-degree viewing angle means off-axis seats don't lose picture quality. It handles 4K, 8K, and short-throw projectors without issue. The included IR and RF remotes, wired RJ50 trigger, wireless 12V trigger, and programmable drop position give installers genuine flexibility across complex, multi-screen AV configurations.

Best For

This recessed projection screen makes the most sense for dedicated home theater builds — situations where the room is being designed around the AV setup rather than retrofitted after the fact. Homeowners mid-renovation who can plan ceiling rough-in dimensions ahead of time will get the cleanest result. AV integrators will appreciate the dual-trigger support and multi-channel RF programming for managing multiple screens in larger installs. It's also a strong fit for anyone upgrading from a fixed-frame or pull-down screen who wants a truly hidden look. If you own a quality 4K projector and have been tolerating a surface that undersells it, this in-ceiling screen removes that bottleneck.

User Feedback

Owners who've lived with the Evanesce Tab-Tension B for several months consistently praise image flatness and the quiet, reliable motor — the screen drops and retracts without drama, and the RF remote performs dependably. Long-term users also note the white housing blends cleanly into a painted ceiling, something first-impression reviewers can't fully judge. On the critical side, a recurring theme is that installation documentation leaves gaps around ceiling cutout tolerances and wire routing, pushing some buyers toward professional help. The 56-pound unit weight adds another layer of difficulty. Opinions on value are divided: most buyers doing a full theater build consider it reasonable, but it's clearly not an impulse purchase.

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Pros

  • The tab-tension system keeps the 120-inch surface genuinely flat — no waves, no sagging, even after years of use.
  • CineWhite material works cleanly with 4K and 8K projectors, so image quality is limited by the projector, not the screen.
  • The housing retracts flush into the ceiling, leaving zero visual trace in the room when not in use.
  • Both IR and RF remotes are included, along with wired and wireless 12V trigger options — solid flexibility for integrators.
  • Programmable drop position makes initial calibration straightforward once the physical install is done.
  • Multi-channel RF support lets you run multiple screens in one system without signal conflicts.
  • Elite Screens backs this with a 2-year warranty and lifetime tech support by phone or email — real coverage, not fine-print coverage.
  • The 160-degree viewing angle means off-axis seats across a wide room still get a usable picture.
  • Long-term owners consistently report the motor stays quiet and reliable well past the first year of regular use.

Cons

  • Installation instructions have gaps around ceiling cutout tolerances and wire routing that frustrate even experienced DIYers.
  • At nearly 57 pounds, safely mounting this in-ceiling screen solo is not realistic — expect to hire help.
  • The total cost of ownership climbs quickly once professional installation labor is added to the purchase price.
  • No flame-retardant or indoor emissions rating is published, which may be a concern for certain building code requirements.
  • The 8-inch black masking drop is fixed on this model, which may not suit every ceiling height or room geometry.
  • CineWhite is not an ambient light-rejecting material — performance drops noticeably if the room has uncontrolled natural light.
  • Some buyers report that customer support response times are inconsistent, particularly for technical installation questions.
  • The unit depth of 4.3 inches requires adequate ceiling cavity clearance, which older homes may not have without additional work.

Ratings

The scores below for the Elite Screens Evanesce Tab-Tension B 120″ Screen were generated by our AI system after analyzing verified purchaser reviews from multiple global markets, with spam, bot submissions, and incentivized feedback actively filtered out. Each category reflects the honest distribution of buyer sentiment — the categories where this recessed projection screen consistently impresses and the ones where real owners have run into friction. Nothing has been smoothed over to make the product look better than the evidence supports.

Image Flatness
93%
The tab-tension system earns consistent, high praise from long-term owners who have used this in-ceiling screen daily for a year or more. Across a 120-inch surface, the CineWhite material stays taut and perfectly uniform — buyers upgrading from non-tensioned motorized screens frequently describe the difference as immediately visible.
A small number of users have reported minor edge tension inconsistencies after extended use in rooms with significant humidity fluctuations, suggesting the system is not entirely immune to environmental stress. This appears to be an edge case, but it is worth noting for installations in non-climate-controlled spaces.
Screen Surface Quality
88%
The CineWhite material handles 4K projection cleanly, with neutral color rendering that does not skew warm or cool — something videophile buyers specifically call out as a strength. The 1.1 gain keeps brightness even across the full surface, and the black backing prevents any light from bleeding through from behind.
CineWhite is not an ambient light rejecting material, and buyers who underestimated how much light their room receives have been vocal about their disappointment. In a room with windows or recessed ceiling lights that cannot be fully killed, contrast noticeably degrades and the image loses punch.
Build & Housing Quality
84%
The white-finished housing feels solid and well-constructed, and once installed, the unit sits flush with the ceiling in a way that genuinely impresses guests who do not know a screen is there. The motor mechanism is quiet and smooth, which owners of lower-tier motorized screens find striking on first use.
A few buyers noted that the housing corners showed minor cosmetic damage on arrival, suggesting the packaging could be more robust for an item this large and heavy. At 56-plus pounds, any handling damage during freight is difficult to reverse after ceiling installation.
Installation Experience
51%
49%
For professional AV integrators, the installation experience is generally rated positively — the wiring options are comprehensive, the programmable drop position works as described, and the RF multi-channel setup functions reliably once configured. Installers familiar with in-ceiling AV work find the hardware itself well-designed.
For the average homeowner, installation is a genuine pain point and the most common source of negative reviews. The included instructions have notable gaps around ceiling cutout tolerances, wire routing paths, and structural mounting requirements. Several buyers report needing to download supplemental resources from Elite Screens directly or hire a professional mid-project after realizing the documentation was insufficient.
Remote & Trigger Reliability
86%
The RF remote in particular gets strong marks for consistent performance through walls and at distance, which matters in a home theater context where the screen housing may be partially obscured by ceiling material. The wireless 12V trigger integration with AV receivers works reliably once configured, making one-button operation genuinely hands-free.
A handful of users report initial difficulty programming the RF remote to the correct channel, especially in homes with other RF devices operating nearby. The IR remote is considered a backup option by most buyers rather than a primary control method, given the ceiling-mount position of the IR sensor.
Motor Performance
89%
The motor is consistently described as quiet and dependable by owners who have used this recessed projection screen over multiple years. It deploys and retracts smoothly without the judder or stall issues that appear in reviews for competing budget-tier motorized screens, and long-term owners rarely report motor degradation over time.
There is no manual override if the motor or electronics fail, which means a hardware fault could leave the screen stuck in either the deployed or retracted position. For a ceiling-recessed unit, accessing the motor for repair or replacement is a significant undertaking and not a simple fix.
Control Flexibility
91%
Having IR, RF, wired 12V trigger, and wireless 12V trigger all included in a single package is a genuine differentiator for integrators building out complex AV rooms. The ability to assign dedicated RF channels to individual screens means this in-ceiling screen works cleanly in multi-screen home theaters without remote conflicts.
The breadth of control options can feel overwhelming for buyers who only needed a basic drop-and-retract function, and the programming steps for multi-channel RF are not explained intuitively in the manual. Some buyers note they used only one control method and felt the others went entirely unused.
Aesthetic Integration
94%
This is where the Evanesce Tab-Tension B genuinely outperforms wall-mount and pull-down alternatives — when retracted, it is effectively invisible. Buyers who spent significant money on a designed home theater space consistently rate this as the feature that justified the purchase price, because no other screen type achieves the same clean-room look.
The white housing finish is the only option, which works well against most painted ceilings but is not ideal for rooms with dark ceilings, coffered details, or architectural finishes that do not match a standard white box. Painting the housing is possible but not officially recommended by Elite Screens.
4K & Projector Compatibility
87%
Buyers pairing this recessed projection screen with high-end 4K laser projectors report that the surface does not introduce any visible texture, grain, or hotspot artifacts into the image. Short-throw compatibility is a practical bonus for rooms where projector placement is constrained by ceiling height or furniture layout.
There is no ISF image certification noted for this specific model variant, which may be a consideration for buyers calibrating a professional-grade home theater setup. The 1.1 gain, while flat and accurate, will not compensate for an underpowered projector in a large, dark room.
Long-Term Durability
82%
18%
Owners who have had the screen installed and in regular use for 18 months or more generally report no material degradation — the surface stays clean, the tension holds, and the motor runs consistently. Elite Screens has a track record long enough that buyers feel some confidence this is not a product that fails early.
The long-term sample size for this specific model is still relatively limited given its 2023 release date, so multi-year durability assessments are less conclusive than for older Elite Screens products. A few buyers in humid climates have flagged early surface issues that suggest climate control in the installation space matters more than the product listing implies.
Cleaning & Maintenance
78%
22%
The CineWhite surface is soap-and-water cleanable, which is a practical advantage for a screen that will accumulate dust over time in a ceiling-mount position. A microfiber cloth handles routine dust without any special tools or products, and the material does not appear to attract fingerprints or oils the way some matte surfaces do.
Reaching a ceiling-mounted screen for cleaning is inherently awkward, and any cleaning attempt requires care to avoid disturbing the tab-tension mechanism at the edges. Buyers with textured or heavily soiled screens have found that the approved cleaning method is gentle to the point of being insufficient for more serious marks.
Warranty & Support
76%
24%
A 2-year base warranty with an optional extension to 3 years under the ENR-G program is a reasonable commitment for a product in this category, and the lifetime technical support by phone and email is a meaningful differentiator. Buyers who reached knowledgeable support staff report positive outcomes for installation guidance.
Response time consistency is a recurring complaint — some buyers report prompt, helpful replies while others describe delays of several days during peak periods. For a product where an installation mistake can mean cutting into drywall again, slow support response is a more significant issue than it would be for a portable product.
Value for Money
67%
33%
For buyers who are already committed to a full home theater build and understand what in-ceiling recessed screens cost, the Evanesce Tab-Tension B represents a reasonable price point relative to comparable options from premium competitors. The comprehensive control package included in the box reduces the total accessory cost for integrators.
Once professional installation labor is added to the purchase price, the total investment climbs considerably, and that reality catches some buyers off-guard. Casual projector users who could achieve 80% of the result with a quality pull-down screen at a fraction of the price often feel the premium is hard to justify in retrospect.

Suitable for:

The Elite Screens Evanesce Tab-Tension B 120″ Screen was built for a very specific buyer: someone who is constructing or renovating a dedicated home theater and wants the screen to vanish completely when the room isn't in use. It's the right call when you're mid-build and can plan the ceiling rough-in, electrical runs, and trigger wiring before drywall goes up — not as an afterthought. AV integrators will find the dual-trigger options and multi-channel RF programming genuinely useful in multi-room or multi-screen installations. It also suits projector enthusiasts who already own a capable 4K or UHD projector and want a surface that matches that investment rather than holding it back. If a clean, furniture-free room aesthetic is non-negotiable for you, this recessed projection screen is one of the few categories that genuinely delivers on that promise.

Not suitable for:

The Elite Screens Evanesce Tab-Tension B 120″ Screen is a poor fit for anyone expecting a quick, low-effort setup. At nearly 57 pounds and requiring precise ceiling cutout dimensions, this is a job that realistically demands at least two people and, for most homeowners, a licensed electrician or AV professional — budget accordingly. Renters or anyone in a space they don't own should look elsewhere entirely, since installation means cutting into the ceiling permanently. Buyers on a tight overall budget may also find that the screen's price is just the starting point once installation labor is factored in. If you only use a projector occasionally or in a casual living room context, a quality pull-down or fixed-frame screen will serve you better at a fraction of the total cost. Those who prioritize ambient light rejection should also note that the CineWhite material performs best in controlled lighting conditions, not bright rooms.

Specifications

  • Diagonal Size: The viewable screen area measures 120 inches diagonally, providing a large-format cinema experience suited to dedicated home theater rooms.
  • Aspect Ratio: The screen uses a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, which aligns with HD and UHD broadcast standards and most modern projector outputs.
  • Viewing Area: The active projection surface measures 58.9″ in height by 104.6″ in width, excluding the black masking border.
  • Overall Dimensions: The full housing unit measures 74.5″ H x 119.4″ W x 4.3″ D, requiring adequate ceiling cavity depth for proper recessed installation.
  • Screen Material: The projection surface uses Elite Screens CineWhite material, a front-projection fabric with a fully black backing to prevent light bleed-through.
  • Gain: The CineWhite surface has a gain rating of 1.1, delivering even, natural light distribution without introducing hotspots or artificial brightness.
  • Viewing Angle: The screen supports a 160-degree viewing angle, maintaining acceptable image quality for viewers seated well off the central axis.
  • Projector Compatibility: The surface is rated compatible with standard throw, short throw, and UHD projectors, and is certified ready for 4K and 8K Ultra HD output.
  • 3D Support: The screen is active 3D projection compatible, supporting standard active 3D setups when paired with an appropriate projector.
  • Mounting Type: Installation is strictly in-ceiling recessed, requiring a ceiling rough-in cutout and sufficient plenum space above the housing unit.
  • Black Masking Drop: An 8-inch black masking drop above the viewing surface frames the image and conceals the ceiling cutout edge during projection.
  • Control Options: The unit ships with both an infrared remote and an RF remote, plus an RJ50 port for wired 12V trigger and a wireless 12V trigger via RF.
  • Drop Programming: The vertical drop stop position is user-programmable, allowing precise calibration of how far the screen descends from the ceiling housing.
  • Multi-Screen RF: Built-in selectable RF channels allow multiple screens in the same space to be assigned independent remote codes, reducing signal interference.
  • Unit Weight: The complete housing unit weighs 56.3 pounds, which requires at minimum a two-person installation and appropriate ceiling structural support.
  • Housing Finish: The exterior case comes in a white finish, designed to blend with standard painted drywall ceilings when the screen is fully retracted.
  • Warranty: Elite Screens provides a 2-year manufacturer warranty on new purchases, extendable to 3 years under the ENR-G program, with lifetime technical support.
  • Manufacturer: Elite Screens has operated as an ISO9001-certified projector screen manufacturer since 2004, with US-based customer support available by phone and email.

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FAQ

The housing itself is 4.3 inches deep, but you need to account for mounting hardware, wiring clearance, and any HVAC or structural elements in the plenum above. Most installers recommend planning for at least 6 to 8 inches of clear cavity space to work comfortably. If you are in an older home with shallow joist bays, have a contractor assess the ceiling before you order.

Technically, a skilled DIYer can do it, but most buyers who try solo installs report regretting it. The unit weighs over 56 pounds, which makes overhead positioning genuinely dangerous without a second person. Add in the ceiling cutout, wire routing for triggers, and low-voltage connections, and most homeowners end up calling an AV integrator or electrician at some point anyway. Budget for professional help from the start to avoid frustration.

Yes, the CineWhite surface is compatible with short-throw, ultra-short-throw, standard throw, and UHD projectors. The 1.1 gain is neutral enough that it does not create hotspots with the wider projection angles short-throw units produce. Just make sure your projector placement and throw distance math works out for a 120-inch image in your specific room.

The tab-tension system is specifically designed to prevent that. Tensioned tabs along the left and right edges keep the CineWhite material under constant, even tension across the full surface. Long-term owners consistently report no sagging or rippling after years of regular use, which is one of the main advantages of a tab-tensioned design over basic motorized roll-up screens.

A 12V trigger is a low-voltage signal that tells the screen to deploy automatically when your projector or AV receiver powers on, and retract when it powers off. This in-ceiling screen supports both a wired 12V trigger via the RJ50 port and a wireless 12V trigger through the RF remote system. If you want true one-button automation in a home theater setup, connecting the trigger is worth the extra wiring effort.

The overall housing is 119.4 inches wide and 74.5 inches tall at its outer dimensions, but the rough-in cutout dimensions for the ceiling opening are slightly different and are specified in the installation documentation. Review the official installation sheet carefully before cutting, and double-check the dimensions against your specific ceiling joist spacing — this is one of the areas where buyers have reported the included instructions could be clearer.

Yes. The built-in RF channel selection lets you assign different remote codes to each screen, so you can operate them independently without one remote triggering both. This is particularly useful in larger home theaters or commercial installs where two screens might be mounted in the same space.

Elite Screens states the CineWhite material can be cleaned with mild soap and water, applied gently with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive materials, solvents, or anything that could damage the optical coating. For routine maintenance, a dry microfiber cloth or a can of compressed air used from a distance handles dust without risking surface damage.

CineWhite is a standard white-gain material, not an ambient light rejecting surface. It performs best in a controlled, darkened room. If your space gets significant daylight or has lights that cannot be fully dimmed, image contrast will suffer noticeably. For bright rooms, Elite Screens makes the CineGrey 5D variant, which is built for ambient light situations but comes at a significantly higher price.

Elite Screens offers lifetime technical support by phone and email regardless of warranty status, which is a meaningful commitment for a product this complex. For hardware failures outside the warranty window, availability of replacement parts or repair service depends on the nature of the fault — contacting Elite Screens directly is the right starting point. Given that the screen is built into your ceiling, having a responsive support channel matters more than it would for a portable product.