Projector screens are a vital aspect of any good projection, as any enthusiast or professional will tell you. However as with any other topic sometimes the choices and technical jargon can get a bit overwhelming.
So today we’ll be going over all the basics and important factors you need to keep in mind to buy a screen of your own, that way you’ll be able to make the most out of your money and your future projections.
Why should you use a projector screen?
If you are using a projector you should use a screen as well, it’s really as simple as that. Projectors are amazing devices, but they aren’t designed to project into a wall or other raw surface.
Screens are designed specifically for the unique features and nature of a projector, and this means by using them you’ll be able to enjoy a higher image resolution, improved color accuracy, ideal level of brightness, and a smoother image.
So having any projection screen is a must, but being able to choose the perfect screen comes down to a few key factors.
Important factors to buy a projector screen
Now that you know you need a screen let’s take a closer look at what factors you should consider when making your choice:
Type of Projector: Different types of projectors work differently from each other, and that means they are better suited for distinct styles of screens. Something like a 120 alr screen for example works great with almost any model, but a CLR screen is optimized only for UST projectors.
Resolution: You will only be able to enjoy your projector’s internal resolution if you get a screen designed for that resolution as well. In fact, it might be better to buy a screen for a higher resolution as future-proofing.
Lighting: Lighting plays a major role in how a projector displays its image, and the amount of lighting in a room will impact a projection. If your room is too bright you should consider investing in light-rejecting screens to make up for it.
Your Room: The amount of space you have available not only affects your maximum screen size but also how you can distribute your space. If you have a small room you’ll need a wider seating arrangement, and that means you’ll want a screen with a wide viewing angle.
Where will you place your screen?
Another factor that will determine what sort of screen you’ll pick is where you plan to place your projector screen. So let’s take a look at some of the most common styles and locations when it comes to screens.
Ceiling: A ceiling screen will either hang or retract from the ceiling and that allows you to have a display at hand without using much space. Recessed ceiling screens are even designed so they don’t leave any gaps when retracted.
Wall: Wall-mounted screens are easy to install and set up, and their large surface area makes them great for any social gathering. Most wall screens are fixed like a painting, but there are also retractable ones.
Outdoors: If you plan to project on an outdoor event you’ll need a screen specialized for such conditions. That means that you’ll want a water-resistant fabric and a solid fixture that won’t be moved by the wind.
Tabletop: If you are on the move and using a portable projector then a tabletop projector to go alongside it will be your best friend. It means you’ll be able to display a picture anywhere and without sacrificing quality.
The main types of movie screens
We already discussed screens based on their location, but it’s time to take a deeper look at how projector screens can be universally categorized. That way you’ll know which terms and models to look for when making a purchase.
Fixed Frame: Using a rigid frame these screens are always deployed, meaning they don’t have to deal with the strain of getting folded and unfolded constantly.
Retractable: Retractable screens can be either motorized or manual, and are best known for collapsing on a small area when not in use.
Floor Rising: Floor rising screens are a type of retractable screen that rises from ground level instead of retracting from above. This design choice makes them easier to install and more portable.
Foldable: Foldable screens are designed to fold when not in use, saving you space if you don’t project often.
Tripod: Not all screens require to be hung, so models that rely on a tripod for balance fall into this category instead.
Whiteboard: Whiteboards specifically designed to work with projectors, providing a projection are as well as the general advantages of any other whiteboard.
Paint: Projector paint is designed to provide some of the benefits of traditional screens when applied to a surface. The quality won’t be the same, but they can be a useful alternative in certain circumstances.
Key features to consider
By now you should have a clear understanding of what makes a projector screen work, but there are some other features that you might see listed and that we want to explain for your benefit.
Material: Vinyl or spandex tends to be the best materials to pick, however, screens are made from countless materials including rubber, polyester, and even PVC.
Color: Projection screens come in White (best for dark rooms), Gray (ideal for daylight), and Black (intended for bright areas).
Gain: Gain refers to how much additional brightness a screen provides compared to its large source, so the higher ratio the brighter the picture will be.
Ambient Light Rejecting: Some screens can reject ambient light to a degree, making the image sharper overall.
Acoustically Transparency: These screens are designed so speakers can be placed behind the screen with no adverse effects.
Rear Projection: These screens are designed so the image is projected behind them and not in front.
Tensioning: Some screens can self-tension for a smoother surface and to avoid creases.
UST: Ultra Short Throw Projectors use a different angle to project, and these screens are optimized for it.
Curved: A curved screen can provide a more immersive experience, but it has to be carefully tuned for optimal results.
Understanding screen format
Not all media has the same screen format or ratio, and that means that not all of your projections will be the same size. 16:9, however, is by far the most common format and you can usually adapt most other formats to a screen optimized for 16:9, so working under its specifications might be your best option.
How much is a projector screen?
It depends on the brand and quality you are looking for, but projectors can go as low as $50 and as high as $4000 and above. However, this doesn’t mean all affordable screens are bad and all expensive ones are better.
At WEMAX we made it our mission to provide more affordable solutions to our clients, and that means that as long as you keep the above recommendations in mind you’ll be able to get a great screen from our catalog.