A projector is not an independent device, it must be paired with a projection screen, the choice of which, at first glance, is very simple - just hang a white canvas on the wall, but if you dig a little deeper into this issue, it may seem that this task is no easier than choosing the projector itself. But don't worry, our material will help you figure it.
Screen size and aspect ratio
The first and most obvious parameter for the screen is, of course, its diagonal. When choosing a projector and screen, there are three things that need to be matched with each other: screen size, projector throw ratio, and installation location.
If these parameters are taken into account, after purchasing the equipment, you will not get unpleasant surprises, such as the picture goes beyond the frame of the screen or the lack of correct focus.
Don't forget about the same aspect ratio for the screen and the projector : the modern standard for high-definition multimedia is 16: 9. The 4: 3 aspect ratio is still popular in devices that are used for presentations in offices or for educational activities, but this ratio is not so interesting for home theaters due to the large unused margins that will definitely appear when watching modern films, clips and other content. with an aspect ratio of 16: 9.
There is also the popular 16:10 format, which corresponds to the resolutions of 1920 × 1200 and 1280 × 800 - this format allows you to view 1080p video with small inactive margins on the screen, but also has additional space for more comfortable viewing of presentation slides.
For watching movies, there is also a screen ratio standard called Cinemascope, which corresponds to 2.39: 1. This format is used in public cinemas.
Design
By the type of construction, screens can be divided into two main groups: stationary and mobile.
Stationary
On the frame - this design involves the assembly of the frame with the subsequent tension of the canvas on it, the assembled structure is fixed to the wall. The main advantage of this type of screen is the uniformity of the web tension, which eliminates the appearance of distortions.
The roll-up roll-up screen can be ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted. Such screens are compact, allow them to be deployed over a TV that can be hung on the wall, thereby turning an ordinary living room into a cinema.
For tension, a weighted tape is used, which is sewn to the bottom of the screen, which causes imperfect tension. More expensive models may also use side tensioners to solve this problem.
Unfolding of roll screens can be carried out manually, or be motorized by an electric drive. Some models of projectors have a special trigger output that gives a signal to open the screen when the projector is turned on.
Wall projection is also a fairly common and inexpensive screen option. Here it is important to determine in advance exactly the location of the future screen, because it will no longer be possible to outweigh it.
Mobile screens
Mobile screens can be the same roll-up screen, which is installed on a special tripod for transportation, the screen is rolled into a tube, and the tripod is folded, such a screen is perfect for road presentations or for moving between different rooms within the same office or educational institution.
On a collapsible frame , due to its design, such a screen has a better web tension and better stability, which allows you to work comfortably with a large web. For transportation, such screens are folded into a special case.
The inflatable screen is a type of construction for outdoor use, similar to an inflatable children's trampoline.
The inflatable frame for transportation is folded into a bag, installed and maintained in working shape using fans that blow air and maintain pressure even if the shell is damaged.
Gain
Gain is a characteristic indicating the reflectivity of a projection screen coating. It shows how much more or less light the screen will return in comparison with a white matte canvas, which is also called "Lambert", the coefficient of such a canvas is 1.0, it returns 100% of the light in all directions evenly. So if the coefficient is 1.3, then the screen will return 30% more light, and if 0.8, only 80% will return, the rest will absorb the screen surface.
It would seem that the higher the gain, the better, because you can compensate for the insufficient brightness of the device, but not everything is so simple: firstly, the higher the gain of the screen, the narrower the viewing angles of such a screen - when looking at such a screen from the side, its brightness is noticeable falls, which will interfere with comfortable viewing by several viewers in a living room where there are no several rows of chairs. Secondly, as the reflective power of the screen increases, glare and so-called "hot spots" can appear on it when viewed from certain angles.
Photo: Elite Screens
Screens with a ratio of less than 1.0 also have their strengths and weaknesses, the main advantage is an increase in image contrast and deeper dark colors, the disadvantages include the fact that to work with such a screen you need a sufficient supply of projector brightness, do not forget that when When using 3D glasses, the brightness of the image will decrease even more.
Viewing angle
Viewing angles is by no means a new concept, probably everyone knows what it is, largely due to LCD screens, by analogy with them, projection screens also have such a parameter.
If you are planning to buy yourself a regular matte screen, you do not need to worry about it - its viewing angles are very wide.
But if you need a screen with increased gain or ALR technology, you should pay attention to the parameter "half gain angle", which characterizes the boundaries of comfortable viewing in degrees. The viewing point with maximum brightness is perpendicular to the center of the screen, if the viewer moves away from the center of the screen, the brightness will gradually decrease. At the half-gain point, the brightness drops to 50%.
Types of coatings
White screens
White matte screen - the basis of all screens, the most universal and widespread solution. This type of screen is perfect for home theaters in rooms with controlled lighting levels, they have a wide viewing angle.
