The projection screen is a very important item for people who plan to use projectors! Projector screen pull-down (or retractable), fixed and or tripod projection screens are among the most popular types of projector screens in the market in Australia. These types of projector screens  range from domestic use to work presentations, ensuring clear and balanced images.

Good brands offer high quality projection screens that will enhance your projection experience. We have put together a guide to help you choose the perfect projector screen for your needs.

What Is a Projector Screen?

A projector screen is an accessory designed to ensure the best projector imaging experience. Its core material is fabric, which promotes a good balance of colors, brightness and contrast.  The white screen is, by far, the most common in the market, being widely used in different light conditions and luminosities.

Many people use the bare wall as a surface for projecting the image. Although it is possible, It is not always the best option, as the texture and paint on the wall will directly interfere in the quality of the image and may not provide a good balance of colors and contrast. The projection screen is the best option, as it has been designed for this purpose.

How to Choose the Best Projector Screen

To choose the most suitable projection screen for your needs, it is necessary to know the types available in the market. In addition, the dimensions and material of the projector screen are important criteria for making the best choice. 

There are 3 types of projector screens on the market : Projector screen pull-down (electric and manual), fixed and tripod. To choose the best one, you need to take into consideration characteristics such as the level of mobility you need from the screen.

Projector Screen Pull-Down

Projector screen pull-downs are versatile screens that suit any environment or decoration. With a discreet look, the screen is mounted on the wall or ceiling, remaining retracted when not in use. There are 2 types of projector screen pull-down, electric or manual.

• Electric: Motorized screen, operated by remote control. It is very easy to use. Also known as automatic or automated projection screen.
• Manual: As the name suggests, this screen is manual operated. It is an affordable option for those who do not want to spend much.

The 2 options are suitable for home corporate use. However, the interaction with the manual model must be done with care. The product is more likely to be damaged due to repeated use.

Fixed Projector Screen

The fixed projector screen is widely used by people who want a movie theater feeling at home. As suggested by its name, the screen is mounted to the wall and has no retractable function. It looks like a smaller version of a cinema screen.

Good projector screens come with black edges. It is a good feature to define the image inside the screen. The fixed projector screen is ideal for those who intend to use the projector often and want the screen always available.

Projector Screen with Tripod

Projector screens with tripods are foldable and designed for those looking to move the project screen on a regular basis. This type of screen is most used by business spaces. Or even by professionals who carry their own portable projector and need a projector screen to go along with them.

The projector screen with tripod is not popular in households and domestic use in general, as it takes unnecessary space and is likely not to match with the room decoration. However, the tripod projector screen is easy to use and makes a very portable product for everyday use.

The Importance of The Room Size

Projector screen dimensions are stated in inches. As they are usually sought after in larger sizes, most options on the market are larger than 72". If you want something even larger, you can find sizes ranging from 92" to 150"!

However, you have to bear in mind that the largest projector screen is not always the best option for your room. Brightness can be affected or even the perception of image pixels. For this reason, it is necessary to calculate a sufficient distance between your projector and the screen.

To find the ideal distance between your projector and screen, we suggest reading the article: Projector to Screen Distance. What Is The Right One?

Horizontal Projection Format

Most video content available for projection is in landscape format, such as movies, documentaries and other TV shows. Most projector screens on the market are in widescreen format, 16:9 and 16:10 are the most popular. 

The 4:3 format is not difficult to find. Although suitable for older video formats, it is still used nowadays. There are also square projector screen models, especially the ones sold with a tripod. The format has little versatility, and it is often used to display slideshows in business presentations.

Choose a Projector Screen Of White Fabric

Laminated fabric made of PVC is a popular material for projector screens, this material is white and it features a dark (black) base on the back side. It has a good color tone and has little loss of resolution .

Even though there are gray projector screens, which balance the contrast in brighter spaces, the white is the most used and affordable option on the market. Besides, its surface is water resistant and can be cleaned with mild soap and water.

Balanced Brightness

Gain is the factor that defines the brightness of the image projected on your projector screen. The higher the gain, the brighter the image. This is a crucial element in determining whether all viewers in the room are experiencing the same image quality regardless of their position.

So if you are looking for a projector for your home, choose a gain of 1.0 or 1.1 . It provides a balanced image for shorter distances and that suits all different view angles. For projections with greater distances, a gain greater than 1.8 may be required.

Final Words