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Elite Screens Manual Series, 120-INCH 16:9, Pull Down Manual Projector Screen with AUTO LOCK, Movie Home Theater 8K / 4K Ultra HD 3D Ready, 2-YEAR WARRANTY, M120XWh3 : Electronics
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| Mounting Type | Ceiling Mount |
| Product Dimensions | 111. 9″W x 75.3″H |
| Material | Wood |
| Display Dimensions | 120 inch |
| Brand | Elite Screens |
Note: Products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US. Outlets and voltage differ internationally and this product may require an adapter or converter for use in your destination. Please check compatibility before purchasing.
Which projector format to choose 4:3 or 16:9
Consumers are right now confused about formats: 4:3 is the standard, 16:9 is the future, so which is better for home video theatre? If you buy a native 4:3 projector, will it display in 16:9? If you’re thinking about getting a home theater and don’t know which format to prefer: 4:3 or 16:9, read this article.
If this is your first time hearing about 4:3 and 16:9 formats, then keep in mind that we are talking about the ratio of the width and height of the rectangular image, in other words, the aspect ratio.
A typical TV has an aspect ratio of 4:3. This means that there are 3 units of height for every 4 units of width. The new standard for HDTV is 16:9; For every 16 units of width, there are 9 units of height. Thus, a 16:9 HDTV picture is a rectangle that is horizontally wider than a regular TV picture. The problem is that the video image has many different formats. Material prepared for regular TV is 4:3 and is often labeled as 1.33 (because 4 divided by 3 is 1.33). Programs prepared for HDTV are in 16:9 format(1.78). Movies, music videos and other DVD recordings are available in a variety of formats: 1.33, 1.78, 1.85, 2.00, 2.35, 2.4, 2.5, etc. Because there is no universal format for rectangular video, confusion often arises. So what, ideally, should be the format of the projector and what format should be the screen to it.
Option 1: Native 16:9 projector and 16:9 screen.
If you’re watching HDTV and a widescreen DVD player, your choice is clear. Projector 16:9and a 16:9 screen is undoubtedly the best combination for a widescreen experience.
The 16:9 image and the 16:9 screen fit perfectly together, and everything is great. The main benefit is that you achieve the highest possible resolution for a widescreen video source.
However, one must keep in mind that when it comes to movies on DVD, there are problems with formats. Many movies are larger than 16:9. For example, Dances with Wolves, The Tomb, U-571, American Beauty, Star Wars/The Phantom Menace (to name just a few) are 2.35:1. So when you watch these movies on a 16:9 screen, you get black bars at the top and bottom of the screen, each about 12% of the height of the picture. The bands are not as wide as they would be on a 4:3 screen, but still noticeable. The Stewart Grayhawk screen will make them darker, and the Firehawk screen will make them even darker, making the presence of these black bars on the screen less noticeable to the eye.
However, another option to consider is additional electric curtains (powered black panels) for watching movies in this format (they can be ordered with the screen from the supplier).
You will see that the overall viewing experience will be greatly improved. Nothing brings a video picture to life more than a solid black border. It amazes me how many people are willing to spend thousands of dollars on devices that produce the best possible image, and refuse to invest a relatively small amount in a decent frame.
What to do with 4:3 video on 16:9 hardware?
The main limitations of a 16:9 projector with a 16:9 screen relate to the display of 4:3 aspect ratio video material. And there are MANY of them in the world. Ordinary TV, of course, has a 4:3 aspect ratio. But also most movie classics (Casablanca, Citizen Kane, The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, Fantasia, etc.). Most musical films are also 4:3. Most IMAX specials are also 4:3. That is why many are also concerned about the image quality of 4:3 video. Having a 16:9 projector/screen, it is best to display 4:3 video in the center of a 16:9 screen, leaving stripes at the edges of the screen.
If the 4:3 video source is a DVD player or HDTV, the bars will be black, which is tolerable. If the signal comes from the TV, the bars will be gray. But this is terrible. Nothing ruins a video picture quite like this gray frame.
This can be dealt with in many ways, but none of them can be considered good. First, you can use additional vertical electric curtains at the edges of the image. This will certainly work, but this method is too expensive. Secondly, you can use the “stretch” function of the projector and stretch the 4:3 aspect ratio picture horizontally to 16:9 aspect ratio.. From this, people immediately get fat, and cars on oval wheels scrape the bottom along the road. Well, the spectacle. The romantic mood created by the film Casablanca (4:3 aspect ratio) will be spoiled by the sight of Bogart and Bergman – they look like they spent the war years gorging themselves on French cheeses and pates. For anyone who is serious about the art of cinema and wants to see a video or movie the way the author created it, this mockery of the image (a feature that all 16:9 video projectors are equipped with) unacceptable.
Thirdly, you can use the “zoom”, which enlarges the image, while cutting off its upper and lower parts, and shows the “middle” in full screen 16:9 format. In close-ups, you will see faces without foreheads and chins. In any case, it is constantly felt that the “live” proportions of the image are violated. So we have another ridiculous “feature” that should not be used.
Finally, if 4:3 footage is really important to you and you don’t intend to process it like this, just forget about the 16:9 projector.and get a 4:3 aspect ratio projector. On the other hand, if you don’t often watch 4:3 footage or aren’t overly concerned with achieving optimal picture quality, just accept the banding around the edges as the lesser evil.
Option 2: Native 4:3 projector and 4:3 screen.
At first glance, the choice of projector and screen, each 4:3, seems a bit old-fashioned. After all, 16:9 is the future, right? Why choose yesterday? And then, in order not to run into the problems that we just discussed.
If you’re watching mostly 4:3 content, or if you want to get the best out of a classic movie, a 4:3 projector and screen might be right for you. With this option, the image takes up the entire screen. When a 16:9 aspect ratio video signal is input to the projector, the image takes up 75% of the 4:3 screen, leaving black bars at the top and bottom. This solution has a number of advantages. First, it’s simple – no fuss. Secondly, you can use electric curtains and adjust the visible screen dimensions to the image with any aspect ratio for any video material. Horizontal and vertical curtains will allow you to set a solid black border around anything – not just around a 4:3 or 16:9 image, which is important, since many DVDs have an aspect ratio greater than 16:9. Thus, no matter what you are looking at, you can open and close the curtains to match the actual size of the image.
By the way, for this option there is also an anamorphic lens. If you want to use the full 100% resolution of a 4:3 matrix to project a 16:9 anamorphic image, you can use a Panamorph lens.
This is another optional lens that mounts in front of the projector (where’s your stepladder?). The difference between Panamorph and ISCO is that Panamorph compresses the image vertically instead of stretching it horizontally. For example, a 4:3 anamorphic image (tall, skinny people) projected across the full width of a 4:3 screen will be compressed vertically by a Panamorph lens to a 16:9 aspect ratio., while the width of the image will remain unchanged, as required. The above ISCO lens considerations apply to the Panamorph lens, although it’s not as expensive. Note that to minimize geometric distortion, the lens should be mounted so that the image is projected as close as possible to the top edge of the screen. This circumstance must be taken into account when choosing electric curtains. As in the case of the ISCO lens, I personally would not use the Panamorph lens either, since for me the effort and money spent is not worth the effect achieved. However, there are videophiles who do not pray for them, so it was important to draw your attention to this option as well.
Why buy a 4:3 screen for a 4:3 projector?
It all depends on what and how you like to watch. It’s about psychological and emotional aspects, as well as your own aesthetic preferences – do you think “a 4:3 picture should be smaller than 16:9?” Do you like to watch 4:3 TV and then expand the picture to enjoy a widescreen movie? A lot of people will understandably say, “Yeah, sure, that’s what a home video theater is for, isn’t it?” Maybe yes, maybe no. Personally, I prefer a large 4:3 screen, and here’s why. Without a doubt, I love watching widescreen movies in all their widescreen glory. So I have a 4:3 screen at home that’s wide enough (in my case, it’s 8 feet (2.4 m)) to allow me to watch 16:9 movies as well.. To it I have electric curtains, which are usually set in the “16:9” position, so it looks like a widescreen video theater. If I put on an ultra-widescreen movie, I’ll close the curtains a bit and get a solid black border around the image. You can adjust to any video format.
Now suppose I change footage and want to watch a huge 4:3 IMAX DVD titled The Blue Planet. Quite frankly, the need to compress an IMAX 4:3 movie to fit it in the middle of a 16:9 screen, makes me very irritated. Even worse is watching an IMAX movie in full screen 16:9, leaving a third of the image behind the top and bottom edges of the screen. But I am spared from these problems. I have a big 4:3 screen hidden behind the curtains. I press a button, open the curtains, and I get a majestic 4:3 IMAX image in all its splendor. It’s the same with music videos – almost all of them are 4:3, and for my taste, the more the better. Great music – great video. Looking at the 120-inch 4:3 screen (a little over 3 meters), I feel like I’m in the front row at an Eagles Hell Freezes Over concert. And when the same image is crammed into the middle of a 16:9 screen, the Eagles look like on TV. And football looks great on the big 4:3 screen. And classic films like Fantasia, Citizen Kane, The Wizard of Oz, and indeed all 4:3 movies on the big screen look very spectacular.
Now back to those two options, what size is my 4:3 image? On a 4:3 screen, it occupies 8 x 6 = 48 sq. ft (2.4 m x 1.8 m x 4.3 sq. m). On a 16:9 screen it will take up 6 x 4.5 = 27 sq. ft. (1.8 m x 1.35 m x 2.4 sq. m). Almost twice less! That’s the difference between being at an Eagles concert or watching it on TV. Meanwhile – and this is the key point – I have a 16:9 image sizeremains the same: 8 x 4.5 = 36 sq. ft. (2.4 m x 1.35 m x 3.2 sq. m). Only 4:3 image size can be changed. Want to make the most of the wall surface? A 4:3 screen will give you more image area because it is larger vertically. I will never give up the pleasure of watching IMAX movies or Fantasia or music videos or football in the best possible format for me. Especially for the seemingly insignificant (to me) consideration that 4:3 footage should be “smaller” than widescreen film. The bottom line is: I personally don’t think a 4:3 image should be smaller than a 16:9 image– I love big pictures, and let each one be as big as I can get.
Now. You may think that my reasoning is nonsense. If so, remember, here we are talking about entertainment for YOU. Think about what and how you want to watch. Arrange everything the way you like. There is no “correct” solution at all. There is the right solution for you.
Option 3. Projector with native 4:3 aspect ratio and 16:9 screen.
There are currently hundreds of 4:3 projectors on the market and only a handful of 16:9 projectors.. Thus, there is a wide variety of 4:3 projectors in terms of price and image quality. Because most 4:3 projectors play both formats (4:3 and 16:9), a lot of people buy them for home theater. Most 4:3 projectors are designed for presentation purposes, but some are intended for both presentation and home theater use. Several home theater manufacturers such as Runco, Vidikron, DWIN, Marantz, Sim2/Seleco and Sharp have developed 4:3 projector models exclusively for home theater applications. Since due to HDTV the format is 16:9- the latest fashion statement, many choose a 4:3 projector in combination with a 16:9 screen.
Completely legal way. But there are trade-offs that you need to be aware of. Let’s first look at how a 16:9 image would look like in this case.
When a 4:3 projector projects a 16:9 signal, it uses 75% of its matrix (be it an LCD panel, a DLP chip, or an LCOS chip). Those. a device with a native 4:3 XGA (1024 x 768 pixels) resolution uses only 575 lines of the available 768 to create an image. A 1024 x 575 active pixel matrix produces an image with an aspect ratio of 16:9, and the remaining 193 lines are idle. This results in black bars along the top and bottom of the screen due to unused panel or chip lines. Therefore, if you have a 4:3 projector and a 16:9 screen, you can position the projector so that the black bars extend beyond the edges of the screen. Voila, the projected image matches the screen. Easy enough. And if everything you’re going to watch is 16:9, then you’re done. The trouble is that there is a huge amount of 4:3 video material in the world. And how are you going to fit a 4:3 image to a 16:9 screen? You have several options.
You can purchase a motorized zoom projector with a suitable zoom ratio. This device will allow you to use the zoom function to achieve the desired image size. For example, the Sanyo XP21N has a 1.3x motorized zoom, which means you can change the image size by 30% going through the entire zoom range. Therefore, by setting the zoom to the widest possible angle to project a 16:9 image and narrowing the angle to the minimum, the image size can be reduced by 30%. Since a 4:3 image is 33% narrower than a 16:9 image, almost the entire 4:3 image will be placed in the middle of the screen, with only a thin edge of the image going over the top and bottom of the screen. To fix this, the projector must be precisely positioned at a distance from the screen that will properly project both formats onto the screen. You’ll get through this somehow.
Every 4:3 projector equipped with a motorized zoom of at least 1.3x can be configured to display images of these two formats in the same way. In fact, the same result can be achieved with a manual zoom projector by placing the projector on a table, or if the projector is suspended from the ceiling, by climbing onto a stepladder each time the image aspect ratio needs to be changed.
If the projector zoom is less than 1.3x, you will not be able to fit a 4:3 image into the same vertical size as a 16:9 image. The good thing is that using the projector in this way allows you to use the 4:3 matrix (all 768 XGA lines) at 100%. However, keep in mind that this doubles the brightness of the image on your screen for 4:3 footage. Why? The image area of 16:9 is 33% larger than that of 4:3. Therefore, the amount of light per unit area at the same image height increases by 1/3 when moving from a 16:9 image to a 4:3 image. What’s more, you use the entire light output of the projector, not 75% like 16:9(the remaining 25% are blocked by black bars). As a result, about 2 times more light comes from your projector per unit area. It may or may not matter to you, but you need to be aware of it. The second way to project a 4:3 image onto a 16:9 screen is to use the electronic formatting feature found on many projectors and/or your sources. You can leave the lens set to a 16:9 image and simply select the option that places the 4:3 compressed image in the center of the screen with black bars around the edges.
At the same time, the illumination per unit area remains unchanged. True, now only half of the pixels that would be used if you used the zoom are used to get a 4:3 image. In fact, in this case, you use the projector’s capabilities (resolution and brightness) only half.
E-reforming from sources has a downside, a very significant one: often you get gray stripes around the edges. The gray stripes are an unfortunate solution to a technical problem: they come as part of a signal to prevent burn-in of cathode ray tubes in televisions designed to display a 16:9 picture. Gray stripes are not needed for digital projectors, because the digital projector has no such problems. I contend that this method is not good, because the easiest way to negate the effect of a video image is to surround it with gray bars. No museum in the world will decorate an exhibition of Ansel Adams’ photographs by framing them in grey. And for quite reasonable reasons – they are trying to get rid of the neutral gray color by increasing the contrast.
With video, it’s exactly the same. Want to do ONE thing that will dramatically improve the aesthetic impact of your video theater? Then forget about the projector, screen, signal sources. Instead, ensure that the video image always has a SOLID BLACK FRAME. Until you do this, your picture will always look pale compared to what it could be. How can this be achieved? Electric curtains for the screen will help. Electric curtains can be ordered with a screen (Stewart, Da-lite, etc., all sell them). They are black panels that open and close at your command, moving horizontally from the top and bottom edges, vertically from the left and right edges, or both, depending on the actual size of the image you’re looking at. In the context of the issue under discussion, if you have a 4:3 image projected onto the middle of a 16:9 screen, curtains will get rid of the gray stripes on the sides, surrounding the “active” image with a black frame.
For a 16:9 screen, two pairs of curtains are ideal.
You will need side curtains to frame the 4:3 image in the center of the screen. When projecting 16:9 video material in full screen, all curtains are removed. You will need to cover the top and bottom of the screen when watching movies that are larger than 16:9. Of course, four curtains is the most expensive option. But you need them IF you have a 16:9 screen, and you’ll want to surround any of the images you’re viewing with black bars. Accordingly, a 4:3 aspect ratio screen needs one pair of curtains (top/bottom) to achieve the same result. For many, this will prove to be a convincing argument in favor of a 4:3 screen. This is what we will discuss below.
Conclusion.
When setting up a home video theater, think carefully about how much 4:3 video you want to watch. How important is it to you that the horizontal size of a “widescreen” image is larger than the horizontal size of a 4:3 image? If so, then this option is for you. Your main goal is maximum HDTV resolution? Then a 16:9 projectorplus a 16:9 screen is a great way to achieve the desired result.
You are the director of your own home theater. Think of all the kinds of videos/movies you want to watch – regular TV, HDTV, music videos, modern widescreen movies, classic 4:3 movies, etc. Imagine how they will look on the wall. After thinking about each of the formats, you will understand how to demonstrate each of them. Trust your instincts and preferences, treat all options with an open mind, and you will find the best solution.
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Best Projection Screens 2022 | DGL.RU
However, in the vast world of various new products it is difficult to make a choice, because not every screen is right for you. To make your search easier, we’ve rounded up all of the best projection screens of 2022 based on every movie buff’s preferences.
For complete aesthetic pleasure, it is important to choose the best projector screen that meets your exact needs. Your perception of what you are viewing will depend on the quality of the screen. Screen material, thickness, gain (reflectivity), and coatings affect image contrast, color, and clarity.
Accordingly, the “Best Projection Screen” title will go to the model that fits your space, budget, and provides any extra features you might need, such as portability, motorized descent (and ascent) or a permanent mount.
Projector screens don’t have to be expensive, but if you haven’t skimped on the projector and sound system, you’ll be fine if the screen is of the same quality. We’ve compiled a selection of the best options and put together a guide to help you choose the right model for your next movie night.
Projector screens are judged on the following criteria: Gain, Fabric Color, Acoustic Transparency and Ease of Use.
Gain: The gain of a projector screen indicates how much light it reflects. According to Projector Central, a 1.0 gain projector screen reflects 100 percent of the light that a whiteboard lets through. A screen with a gain around 1.0 would be best for bright images. However, we also considered screens of different colors, which could affect the gain.
Fabric colour: White has been the standard for decades, but in some conditions a different color such as silver or gray provides a better viewing experience.
Acoustic transparency: The acoustically transparent screen allows sound to pass through the screen so you can place speakers behind it. A screen that is not acoustically transparent requires speakers to be placed near, below, above, and around the screen.
Ease of use: Every feature, from bezel design to screen thickness, affects ease of use. We also took into account the ease of assembly and installation. Remote control, motor and mount functions are also taken into account, depending on the screen style.
- Best Screen: Silver Ticket Productions STR Series Fixed Frame Projector Screen
- Best Outdoor Screen: Abdtech Portable Outdoor Cinema Screen
- Best Roll-Up Screen: Elite Screens 128-Inch Spectrum Motorized Projector Screen
- Best Portable Screen: GT GETCO TECH Projector Screen
- Best Price: Mdbebbron 120 Inch Projection Screen
Heavy-duty aluminum frame and 1.
15-gain white screen that works with ultra-short, short and long throw projectors create the ultimate home theater movie experience.
Feature:
- Screen size: 100 inch
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Mount: wall
Pros:
- Works for Full HD, 4K and 3D
- Available in four screen materials (gray, silver, white and woven acoustic)
- Available in various sizes and aspect ratios
- Excellent assembly instructions
Cons:
- Installation leaves a gap between wall and screen
The Silver Ticket Projection Screen delivers superior viewing experience with a solid, fixed frame design, making it the best overall projection screen. The screen comes in four material/color options for the best match between screen and projector. Among them: acoustic transparent material, matte white, gray for low-light rooms or ultra-bright projectors, and silver for well-lit rooms.
You can also select different sizes and aspect ratios to match the screen to your projector. For example, a 16:9 model will work best with a native 16:9 aspect ratio projector. This screen is also designed to work with the latest technologies including 4K and 3D projectors.
Assembly required, but clear instructions are included with the Silver Ticket. Keep in mind that assembly and installation will take one to two hours. The only drawback is that after installing the screen, a gap remains between the wall and the screen.
Abdtech’s lightweight aluminum frame is durable and allows you to set up a high-quality screen for Full HD, 4K or 3D viewing.
Features:
- Screen size: 120 inch
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Mounting: Free standing aluminum frame
Pros:
- Strong yet lightweight aluminum frame
- Thick but foldable screen material
- Flat, sturdy legs with anchor holes
- Frame and screen quick assembly
Cons:
- Stakes not suitable for screen size
The Abdtech screen delivers quality and combines it with portability with a lightweight yet durable aluminum frame.
Fast frame assembly and easy screen installation make this screen the best option for outdoor use.
The size is another advantage of this screen. Portable screens are often made smaller to be lighter, but this model’s 120 inches makes for a great outdoor picture. The screen has a good balance of thickness and weight without becoming bulky. It is also designed to be viewed in Full HD, 4K and 3D.
The frame’s flat feet provide a solid base compared to a weaker tripod. The legs have holes for the included stakes for mounting. However, they don’t match the quality of the rest of the design. Many users buy stronger tent stakes instead.
The best screen for a roll-up projector because the screen size, remote control technology and discreet mounting make it great for office or home use.
Feature:
- Screen size: 128 inch
- Aspect ratio: 16:10
- Mounting: Permanent wall or ceiling mount
Pros:
- Includes remote control (IR and RF)
- Available in seven colors
- Simple mounting system (albeit with some hardware problems)
Cons:
- Mounting screws provided are poor quality
- Poor customer service reports
Elite Screens provide a large retractable viewing surface that is suitable for use with a projector that supports full HD, 4K, 3D and RDF.
The all-metal housing, which comes in two colors, mounts to either the ceiling or wall and includes all necessary hardware. However, drywall screws are of lower quality than the rest of the screen and may need to be replaced.
High quality material with a gain of 1.1 reflects light perfectly while maintaining color and contrast fidelity. However, it is the remote control that makes this projector the best roll screen. The remote control works with both infrared and radio frequency technology. Together, these technologies make it controllable from different angles (no need to reach the sensor).
Be warned though: Elite Screens is known to have some customer service issues. Not everyone has difficulties, but there is a constant trend of dissatisfaction among users.
The protruding front and back together with a flexible metal frame create a portable screen that is easy to carry from home to outdoors and back again.
Features:
- Dimensions: 100″
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Attachment: Iron frame and fiberglass tension rods
Pros:
- No tools required for adjustment
- Collapsible to portable size
- Large screen that can be viewed from any direction
Cons:
- Setup can be tricky
GT GETCO TECH projector stretches the screen to prevent bending and wrinkling, making it one of the best portable projection screens.
The metal frame is connected to fiberglass tension rods that hold the screen in position. A series of ropes and straps further tighten the mesh to remove wrinkles and warp.
You can project images on either side of this screen, making it even more versatile. In addition, the frame breaks down into a compact 31.5″ by 7.87″ by 3.15″ and fits into the included carry bag. You can then take it with you on a trip, vacation, or to the office to give a presentation.
However, be sure to practice tuning beforehand. The tension required for installation can be tricky.
This screen is the best budget option because it’s designed to resist wrinkling and fold up for easy storage while still providing a good viewing experience.
Features:
- Screen size: 120 inch
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Mount: Wall Mount
Pros:
- Polyester material resists wrinkles
- Bushings provide versatile hanging options
- Machine washable
Cons:
- No stand
Mdbebbron projector screen makes work easy with foldable polyester material and edge grommets.
This model does not come with a stand, but it can be hung on hooks, belts, zippers, etc.
Polyester material folds easily for storage or tossing into a travel bag. It is wrinkle resistant while maintaining a smooth viewing surface. The material allows front and rear projection. Food has one advantage – the screen can be washed in the machine.
Mdbebbron’s only downside is that it doesn’t come with a frame or stand.
Projector type
Electric projector screens have a motor that lowers and raises the screen for you using a remote control. They require permanent fixing (although they can often be removed) but offer more space usage options than a permanent wall mount.
Hand projector screens require some muscle strength to lower. They can be permanent or portable and come with a frame or tripod if you don’t want the screen to be a permanent fixture in your home.
Mount Type
- Permanent: Permanent mounts can range from a fixed frame wall mount that stays on all the time in a home theater to a manual or motorized projector roll screen that mounts to the conference room ceiling.
- Folding frame: Folding frames range from tripods to tabletop models and various tension frame designs. However, some models are not as portable as you might think. Instead, they’re designed for easy storage, rather than being dragged across town to give a presentation.
- Portable: Portable projection screens are designed to be used anywhere. They are equipped with tripods or frames that fold down to a small, portable size.
Screen size
Portable and handheld projection screens tend to be smaller and lighter (and cheaper) than fixed frame or motorized models. Base your screen size on the amount of space it will be used in and how you want to use it. A screen that will be moved from room to room or outside needs to be smaller, lighter and easier to manage than one that will be permanently hung in a home theater.
Also, consider a projector. The screen size must be the same as the projector’s maximum image size.
The long throw projector must be further from the screen to get the maximum image size. In this case, the maximum screen size will depend on the projector and how far from the wall it can be installed. Short throw or ultra short throw projectors can be positioned close to the screen and still display a large image. They’re great for small spaces, but you’ll still need to base your screen size on the maximum image size the projector can produce in the space allotted.
Screen Gain
Gain is a measure that describes the ability of a fabric to reflect light. A gain of 1.0 reflects the same amount of light on the screen. A gain greater than 1.0 means that the fabric increases brightness, while a gain less than 1.0 means the image is less bright than the original reflected light.
Many times higher gain produces a better picture, but not always. The brightness of the projector and the amount of light in the room will affect the required gain. A bright projector used in a dark room does not need a gain of 1.
15. The image may have better contrast with a gray screen and a gain of 1.0. You must take into account the projector’s brightness and viewing conditions in order to select the correct gain.
Q: Do I need a special screen for my 4K projector?
You don’t need a dedicated 4K projector screen, but you may lose image quality if you don’t. These are higher quality screens with uniform surface coatings and higher gain to capture more of the contrast, clarity and color of a 4K projector.
Question: What screen size should I buy?
The optimal size of the projector screen depends on several factors. In most cases, more is better, but not always. First, look at the size of the room in which you will be using the projector. A big screen in a big room makes sense for several reasons. The larger the screen, the farther you have to sit from the screen to see the picture. The large room allows you to sit far enough away from the screen to get a good view while watching.
Another reason is that the projector can be placed far enough from the screen to project the maximum image size. Also, keep in mind the aspect ratio of the screen. Look for a model with an aspect ratio that matches the projector and media you are using.
Question: How much does a good projector screen cost?
Projection screens can cost as little as $25 and over $2,000 for a premium fixed bezel model. You can get a good quality handheld or portable screen for $100 or less. However, the best portable models will cost between $100 and $200. Motorized screens typically start at around $150 and can cost several hundred dollars or more. The most expensive models are the fixed frame models, which start at $500 and up. Think about how and where you will be using the screen to determine your budget. Also, pay attention to the quality of your projector. If you’ve invested a significant amount in a projector, don’t hesitate to invest in a screen of adequate quality.