How to Choose a Projection Screen

Whether you are setting up a home theatre system, using your screen with a computer for business meetings or even in a stadium environment, there are certain things to take into account when purchasing a projection screen which can affect the efficiency of the product as well as the reliability of the product.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. First determine if you need a front projection or a rear projection screen based on your projector and space requirements.
2. The screen surface affects the brightness and sharpness of the projected images. Lighting and intent of use are the most important factors. Matte finishes, the most common, provide good definition for text and color slides (best for use with computer applications). Smooth silver and white pearlescent finishes are good for most applications, but are subject to hot spotting. Lenticular surfaces are ideal for movies or other video applications and work well for rooms with side lighting such as living rooms.
3. The screens gain has to do with how much light is emitted from the screen when projected upon. A high gain will allow you to keep the lights on without sacrificing the ability to see the images on the screen. Gain is in direct opposition to the width of the viewing angle, so a high gain could hinder your ability to see the screen from the sides of a room.
4. The flatness of the screen can be more or less important based on your application, so when purchasing a screen a tensioning system may prove to be useful.
5. Black borders can be very helpful as they will provide a boundary around the edges of the projected image providing a cleaner, more professional look. Some also believe it tricks you into thinking that it a crisper picture as well.
6. Large screens often will have a seam down the center. Depending on your application and the distance that the audience will view the screen from, this could be more or less important. If this is a stadium scenario, the seam is less important, however if it is a small in home theatre, it may be distracting.
7. Specifically for motorized screens, check product reviews for reliability information. Screen repairs can be pricy.