When it comes to buying a projector most people spend considerable time and effort choosing the right one to match their needs and budget. However the screen that it projects onto is often taken for granted or given little thought, even though it plays a significant role in determining how the final image will actually appear.
In some cases the screen is ignored altogether and people will spend thousands on equipment only to project the image onto ‘a perfectly good white wall’.
Some may be slightly disappointed that the home cinema experience, or presentation in church or office, may not quite meet their expectations while others will simply never realize what they are missing.
The screen has two functions, and both are necessary to get the best possible image.
- The reproduction of visual information without losing image quality
- The distribution of the projected light towards the audience.
Choosing the right screen for the job will result in a better image and a more enjoyable viewing experience. Considering the following points will help in finding the right one.
Screen type
Consider whether a wall mounted, pull-up, tripod, or tabletop screen best suit your needs?
Screen size
The screen should be large enough for the image to be seen, and more importantly for text to be easily read. A good general guide is that the height of the screen should be at least 1/8 of the distance from the screen to the back row of seats.
This is just a guide, however, as other factors may influence screen size. Ceiling height is one, as the distance from the bottom of the screen to the floor should be at least 125cm to avoid obstruction from furniture or other people watching. Another factor is the brightness of the projector. In many cases image quality and brightness can be improved by reducing image size.
Format
For the best results a screen should have the same aspect ratio as the projected image. Most business projectors are designed to work on a 4:3 ratio while those aimed at the home cinema market are 16:9.
Screen Fabric
The choice of screen material depends on the application and where it will be used. Some are designed to work with a projector behind them while others have a surface that amplifies the light reflected off it giving a brighter image. Matt white is by far the most popular surface for front projection screens as, while it does not give the best image, it is the most versatile.
Room configuration and projector
The set-up of the room and position of the projector must be considered. If the wrong screen fabric is chosen, it will not be possible for everyone to read the image. Some screen surfaces, those designed to give brighter images for example, have a narrow angle of view. This means that anyone watching directly in front of it will see perfectly which those at the side of a room may not see a clear image.
Ambient light/projector light output
The effectiveness of the projection screen in distributing light in a specific direction not only influences viewing angle, but also brightness. In a room with a lot of natural light it is advisable to use a projector with a higher light output but the right screen surface can also have a positive effect on the viewed image.
As with projectors, there is not a single product that is ideal in all circumstances. Screens have different characteristics and often compromises have to be made but understanding what the differences are and giving them careful thought is the first step towards better image quality.
