Projectors now have a range of features designed to increase image quality. Another factor that shouldn’t be overlooked is the importance of choosing the right projector screen.
So what makes the perfect projector screen, and which screen is right for you?
Do You Need a Projector Screen?
If you’ve never owned a projector before, you might wonder whether you really need a projector screen. The short answer to this question is no.
Provided you aim a projector at a clean, white surface, you’ll be able to see the image. Some people even opt to forgo a screen because it allows them to save space.
The downside to using a wall for your projector, however, is image quality. Projector screens are perfectly white, flat, and highly reflective. This maximizes the viewing experience by making the image as bright as possible.
How to Choose a Projector Screen
Projector screens are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes.
Type of Mounting
Before buying a projector screen, you should consider how you want to mount it.
Fixed: A fixed projector screen is attached directly to a wall. This is the most popular option because it allows the screen to be as tense as possible, improving image clarity. The downside to fixed screens is that the entire wall is taken up even when you are not watching anything. Portable: Portable projector screens are typically attached to tripods. You take it out when you want to watch something and then fold it up when not in use. Portable screens are popular in schools and offices. They can also be used in the home if you don’t like the idea of a fixed screen. The downside to portable screens, however, is that the image quality isn’t as high. Retractable: Retractable projector screens are designed to be installed in a single location, but they can be retracted when not in use. The image quality isn’t as high as a fixed screen due to the lack of tension. But many people accept this trade-off in return for having a screen that doesn’t take up an entire wall. Many retractable screens are also designed to take up very little space when fully retracted.
Fabric Gain
The fabric gain of a projector screen refers to how much light it reflects. A fabric gain of 1.0 is considered standard, whereas a gain of 1.2 causes an image to be 20% brighter. The optimal fabric gain depends on both your projector and the amount of ambient light in the room.
A 1.0 fabric gain is considered ideal for most purposes.
A higher fabric gain screen should be used if your projector isn’t particularly powerful. However, it’s important to note that a higher fabric gain reduces viewing angles. It should, therefore, only be used if you specifically want a brighter image.
A lower fabric gain should be used if you would like to reduce reflections. This makes them useful in rooms with too much ambient light. A low fabric gain screen is also useful for optimizing contrast ratio and producing a darker image.
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio of a projector screen is the ratio between its height and width.
16.9 is the most popular choice. It matches television broadcasts and most video games. It’s therefore ideal for general use, but if you want to watch a widescreen movie, there will be small black bars at the top and the bottom.
If you bought a projector primarily for watching movies, you might want to consider a 2.4.1 aspect ratio instead. This matches how movies are shot and is the aspect ratio typically found in cinemas. The catch is that if you opt for this ratio, anything else you watch will have black bars at the sides.
Screen Size
Projector screens are available in a wide range of sizes. Like televisions, screen size refers to the diagonal length and is primarily between 90 and 150 inches. The right choice for you depends on both personal preference and the size of the room that you are using.
A popular method for determining the best screen size is painter’s tape. Simply select a screen size that you think is suitable, use painter’s tape to create the outline on your wall, and sit in your intended chair. After that, you should be able to determine whether or not that size is appropriate.
Screen Color
Projector screens are usually either white or a shade of gray.
If you plan on using your projector in a room with very little ambient light, you should opt for a completely white screen. This provides the ideal surface to produce accurate colors and is exactly what you get in the cinema. The problem with white screens is that when they are used in less dark rooms, the color can appear washed out.
If you plan on using your projector in a brighter room, you may want to consider a shade of gray instead. Gray screens tend to be less susceptible to interference from ambient light and produce darker blacks and more accurate colors in brighter rooms.
Get the Most Out of Your Projector
Projector screens aren’t complicated products to shop for. Unlike projectors, which have a wealth of different features, a screen is nothing more than a reflective surface. Despite this fact, the wrong screen can prevent you from making the most out of your home theater.
While almost any screen will be better than using your wall, it’s important to get the right gain and color to match the amount of ambient light in your room. You should also take the time to choose an aspect ratio and size tailored to your personal preferences.
