Projector screens The pluses (+) and minuses (-)

In my previous blog, I offered you a summary of the pros and cons when choosing a cinema projector. These days, we are often asked in the shop for our opinion on the best screen. There is no easy answer! It all depends on the environment of your installation and the desired result.

Stay with me! For good results, it will be a question of materials, reflectivity, fixing system, resolution, fixed or retractable matrix, etc. In short, everything but white paint...

STEP BY STEP.

Format.

First, you need to determine the size of the screen you want. When you buy your projector, the manufacturer will have determined the maximum size of the image that can be obtained, you can select a smaller screen, but not larger. Generally, this will be between 100 and 130 inches.

Type of fixing.

The first step in choosing the right projector screen for your needs is to decide on the type of screen you want to use. From the mounting style to the method of retracting the screens.

Retractable or fixed, motorised or manual? the choice is yours.

Another easy way to narrow down your choices is the type of functionality or retraction method you want your screen to have. You can choose from motorised electric projection screens, which lower and retract with the push of a remote control button. Manual projection screens extend and retract by simply pulling a handle like a standard window shade. The fixed-frame ones are ideal, as they are not prone to distortion at the edges as is often the case with those that roll up...

... For this purpose, there are sheets with end tensioners, as we shall see later.

Fixed screen : Easy to install, fixed frame canvases are typically designed with a stretched screen fabric, which creates the ideal flat projection surface. A perfectly flat stretched surface maximises resolution capabilities and light reflectivity, optimising performance and creating the best possible image quality. Many brands of projection screens now manufacture HD screen fabrics specifically for fixed frames that offer the ultimate resolution, brightness and overall contrast.

Retractable screen : On the ground

At height

This type of screen comes in different versions. You can choose between a container on the ceiling or inside it, but also a concealed box on the floor. The latter is fascinating to look at, but frankly cumbersome! Most types and models will be offered with motorisation, but more economical manual versions will be offered for most.

It is essential to have a retractable screen with tensor, it is unthinkable to have an HD or even 4K image on a distorted canvas...

 Unstretched screen surfaces are slightly more prone to wrinkles, ripples or imperfections. Tensioned screen surfaces, on the other hand, provide a flatter, more uniform screen surface that is constantly stretched, thus reducing the risk of imperfections. This tension is usually created by a cable and tab system on the screens.

Voltage-free screens are cheaper, but you will be disappointed over time...

Performance of the display hardware.

Once you have decided on the type and mechanism of your screen, you will need to select the best fabric for it. Specifications are very important here, as they relate to several factors, including resolution, lighting and acoustic conditions, and viewing angle for different seating positions. While this may seem like a complicated choice, understanding the few standards to look out for will make the purchase easier for you.

The most important starting point when selecting a screen fabric is the gain (brightness of the image) and the viewing angle of the image. You should be aware, however, that as the gain increases, the viewing angle almost invariably decreases.

The Win : The gain is expressed as a ratio, 1.0 will mean that the image will be neutral so for example, a screen gain of 1.0 will mean that all the light directed at the screen is reflected with the same brightness. A gain greater than 1.0 means that the fabric of the projection screen increases the brightness of the projected image, while a gain less than 1.0 means that the image produced is not as bright. The more you increase, the brighter the image will be, a nice consideration for everyday viewing.

 The angle of vision :

It is a measurement describing the maximum angle from the centre of the screen at which you can still see a good picture. The wider the viewing angle, the better the image will be if you and your guests are not sitting straight ahead. Unfortunately, high-gain fabrics tend to have a lower viewing angle. It will be worthwhile to see how one affects the other to find the right balance of brightness and side view.

These two characteristics are the most important to consider when looking at projection screen fabric options. For most screens, finding the right balance between these two factors is your primary concern. However, these are not the only factors to consider for your screen fabric.

Other things to be aware of 

The colour of the screen :

The colour of your screen fabric greatly influences the contrast of your final projected image. White screens offer more brightness, while grey screens handle darker tones better. Grey colour screens are called "high contrast". They often have gain factors around 1.0, which is not bad compared to so-called "neutral" matt white screens, but create darker colours and blacker blacks. Grey screens also tend to be less affected by ambient light than white screens, as grey screens generally reflect less light. However, you need a projector with a high gloss level to compensate for the lack of brightness.

A grey screen can therefore be almost as successful in providing a bright image as a white screen, provided that the projector is efficient. For this purpose, I suggest the Samsung LS-P9 with its 2800 Lumens.

Screen for short throw projector.

With the advent of short throw laser projectors, a new type of screen has emerged. It is called ALR for Ambient Light Rejection. The principle is brilliant, because you win on two counts at the same time! The image generated by this projector arrives on the screen at a sharp angle, while the ambient light that hinders the image comes from everywhere. This type of screen is made up of particles that reflect only the light coming from below, this gives an image that is very little altered by the ambient light. This combination is the BEST in the world, for day and night viewing.

It is important to know, however, that this type of screen does not work at all with a conventional projector. In contrast, however, a short-throw projector can be used anywhere.

Acoustic transparency.

Another popular feature of projection screen fabrics is acoustic transparency. Acoustic transparency is the ability of the screen to let sound pass through easily. This is particularly important for home theatre, as it allows the centre speaker for voices to be placed directly behind the centre of the screen.

The last word.

Once you have followed these basic steps, you should be able to understand and identify what you need in a projection screen. Again I offer a step-by-step summary:

1. Determine the size according to your room, given the purpose of the exercise, the larger the better. (Follow the manufacturer's recommendations)
2. Determine the type of fixing, motorised, manual or fixed to the wall.
3. Choose a good mix between brightness (Gain) versus viewing angle. (One affects the other)
4. Determine your level of contrast by choosing a screen, matt or even grey.
5. In the case of a short-range projector, the ALR concept must be chosen.
6. For typical cinema use with a hanging screen, consider an acoustically transparent screen.

So you're all set for the cinema! Have a good viewing!

Stay tuned.

- Christian.