A Guide To Projection Screens

Screens can be a near-equal partner with your projector in achieving theater-quality (or better!) images. Here are the key things you need to consider when shopping for a projection screen.

- By Thomas J. Norton

TODAY’S PROJECTION SCREEN SCENE is far more complex and competitive than it was even a short 10 years ago, with numerous companies now offering a wide range of screen types at various shapes, sizes, and prices. Narrowing the options requires research, together with careful consideration of your specific needs and viewing environment. How tightly can room lighting be controlled? How big does the image need to be? What is the preferred aspect ratio? Should the screen’s frame be fixed or retractable? Finally, how do today’s high dynamic range (HDR) requirements—unknown a decade ago—figure into the choice?

Four key screen characteristics should be at the top of your shopping list: size, shape (aspect ratio), material, and gain. A qualified custom installation professional can easily select the right screen for your situation and get it up and running in your space. But even if you do seek out the assistance of a pro, gaining some knowledge on your own will help accelerate the process.

Finding the Right Size

Deciding on size might be the most difficult aspect of selecting a screen, and that choice will ultimately come down to viewing distance and projector resolution (4K/Ultra HD vs. regular 1080p HD), along with personal viewing preferences. The light output, or brightness, the capability of the projector also figures in here since the bigger the screen, the dimmer the image. Instead of squeezing in the largest screen the space can accommodate, going with a smaller size will yield a brighter and punchier-looking image, one that should provide greater satisfaction over time. In fact, settling on a screen size before selecting your projector may be the best way to go.