The screen looks great even with significant ambient light, I decided against the velvet

I also bought the LED lights and it looks fantastic

when the lights lower, and at night, it is breathtaking.

Pairing my screen (ALR cinegrey 3d) with the Epson 3500 in a somewhat well lit room with a pretty standard ambient day room light almost made me pee myself.

Even in a well lit room, the ALR material provides great contrast

Would also recommend the led light set for the back light