Screen for Projector

Choosing a projector projection screen

Now that you have decided to add the "true" home theater experience in your home with a home theater projector, it is important to take into consideration the screen for your projector. There are several important considerations for choosing a projector projection screen. 

Fixed, Electric or Manual Projector Screen

If your home theater room is a dedicated home theater with all of the attention on the screen and if you are looking to minimize potential quality issues such as screen waves you will want to consider a fixed projector screen.  This screen will be tensioned to create a flat, wave free surface.

If you are hoping for a more versatile room and do not want your screen to be a permanent fixture in your room, you will want to consider a motorized projector screen that is typically controlled by a remote control.  In addition to a clean appearance, a motorized projector screen can provide the additional wow factor for your home theater.  Imagine your guests sitting comfortably in your home theater, when at the touch of a button the large projector screen automatically lowers out of the ceiling as the lights dim. 

If you are hoping to save a few dollars on your projector projection screen, then a manual projector screen may be the screen for you.  These screens are very similar to the motorized screens, with the obvious exception being that you will need to pull down the screen manually when you are ready to view.

Projector projection screens can be recessed in the ceiling, attached to the ceiling or wall with brackets or even be floor mounted.

Projector screen gain

As you research projector screen options you will see the term screen gain mentioned.  The screen gain that works best for you will depend on your projector.  A projector that is very bright, but lacks contrast will benefit from a low gain screen that provides a uniform image and a wide viewing angle.  On the other hand a high gain screen will provide more brightness, increased perceived contrast, and will minimize the impact of ambient light, but will have a lower viewing angle. 

Projector screen surface

There are many types of screen surface choices and each projector screen company seems to have developed individualized screen surfaces.  Some of the more common screen surfaces are Matte white, which is a good choice when you are searching for a screen with a wide viewing angle and can control the ambient light.  White or high contrast whites are known for providing accurate colors and can be found in various gain levels.  Other options include grey screen surfaces.  These low gain screens (.8 gain for example) are generally used along with high output, bright projectors with the intention of increasing black levels for a more satisfying, filmlike experience.  One thing to keep in mind when considering these screens are that while they do a good job of increasing black levels, they can have the tendency to have less vivid, accurate colors compared to a similar white screen.

Screen size and format

As widescreen HDTV has become the standard, a 16:9 widescreen HDTV screen will be the natural choice for most home theaters, particularly if you intend to use the projector for both movies and HDTV.  Some home theater movie enthusiasts with anamorphic widescreen lenses for their projectors will want to consider a Cinemascope type screen that compares to the 2:35:1 aspect ratio that is used in some movies for an even more cinematic viewing experience.

As for screen size, one of the advantages of a home theater projector is the flexibility in screen size.  The natural inclination is for bigger to be better, but you really want to take your seating distance into consideration.  If you are going to be sitting 6 feet from the screen then most people would end up with an uncomfortable viewing experience if watching on a 120" screen.  The general rule of thumb has been for seating location to be about 1.5 times the screen width, although with todays new 1080p projectors you can sit even closer, or have a bigger screen without noticing any visible pixel structure.  1.25 the screen width is not uncommon with these projectors.  106" is a common size for todays home theater owners.  Some prefer slightly smaller and some go up to 120" or more depending on the size of their room and the performance of their projectors.

Popular projector screens

The following are three of the more popular projector screen companies, each offering a wide range of screen sizes and screen types in fixed frame projector screens, motorized projector screens and manual projector screens.  Each of these are well respected companies with screens in a wide price range for those new to home theater and looking for a screen that fits into their budget to high performance screens where cost is not an option. 

Draper projector screen

Da lite projector screen

Elite projector screen

Summary

Don't overlook the importance of making the right screen choice for your home theater.  The right screen can enhance your viewing experience, while the wrong choice can detract from the capabilities of your projector and your overall viewing experience.