7. Choosing a projector screen
No matter how good your projector is, you won't enjoy a great performance without a dedicated projector screen. In fact, if you choose to project your image onto a white wall, the results will likely be dismal. The paint texture shows through, the light reflections can be harsh, and the colours just don't look the way they should. Purpose-made projection screens are made with special fabrics that do the job right.
What screen size?
Projector screen size is a very personal issue. Some people prefer sizes well in excess of what any expert might recommend. However, if you're looking to keep an audience happy (not just yourself) you may find these guidelines useful:
Screen height = The first row of seats should be approximately two screen heights away (e.g. if your screen is 5 feet high, sit at least 10 feet away). If you have several rows of seats, be sure that text can be read and detail can be seen from the back row.
For home theatre use, you should only be looking at 16:9 widescreens. This way you'll enjoy the biggest possible picture out of your DVDs.
Fixed or portable? Static or motorised?
If you want to move your projector about or take it on holiday with you, you'll need to get a portable screen. If you're looking to fix your projector in your home-theatre room then a ceiling or wall-mounted screen will be best.
A motorised screen will roll up and down at the press of a button, hiding itself away when you're not using it.
Your budget and preferences will determine whether you should get a motorised screen or a static screen.
Which screen surface?
People are often surprised by how many screen surfaces they have to choose from. They're even more surprised to discover the huge performance difference the right screen surface can make.
Choosing the appropriate screen surface for your set-up makes a big difference to the quality of your image
Screens and projectors need to be purchased together. The purchase of one must take the other into account. The right screen surface will also match to the typical level of light in the room. Matching all three requires some knowledge and experience with projectors. Even still, it can take a bit of trial and error to find the result you're happiest with.
There are two main differences between screen-surface types. Gain and viewing angle.
What is gain?
'Gain' is a measure of how reflective a projection screen is. A gain of 1 is as reflective as a standard white-board and will therefore reflect the same amount of light. A screen rated at 1.5 gain will reflect 50% more light than a white board. Screens with a gain of less than 1 are grey in colour, and reflect less light than a white board. A grey screen rated at 0.8 gain will reflect only 80% of the light that a whiteboard reflects.
How does gain affect my image quality?
The higher the gain, the narrower the viewing angle becomes. A high viewing angle (e.g. 100 degrees) allows people to sit in a wider area of the room and still see the best quality picture.
A gain of 1 diffuses light evenly in all directions and has a high viewing angle (up to 100 degrees). A gain of 2 reduces the viewing angle considerably (down to 70 degrees or less).
If you move too far off to the side of the projector screen the colour of the image can change or the brightness of the image can become uneven (or both).
Consider where people will be sitting in your room (relative to the screen) to decide the viewing angle you require.
Ask an Expert
Before you buy a projector we recommend you discuss your plans with an entertainment specialist. Taking time to do this will ensure that you end up with the best possible result.