How To Choose The Right Projector Screen For Your Home Cinema

Source: DHgate, Tag: Electronics

Want to watch films on the big screen? Find out how to choose the right projector screen for your home cinema.

When your projector meets the right screen and flicks, probably under the stars on a hot night, you have what qualifies as thrilling entertainment. However, the path to shopping for the right projector screen can be quite thorny.
That's where we come in to help you choose the right projector screen. Read the following buying guide to the best projector screen you can ever purchase.

• The Size
  While all projector screens are meant to give a larger view than your standard TV screens, they also come in an ample mix of sizes, some that can "prove you wrong." All in all, a rule of the thumb is to go with a screen that suits your space. But, you also got to comply with your projector's requirements.
  Let's explain that (and more) below.

Your projector will always come with its size needs of a screen it works with the best. Always pay attention to this; else, you may compromise image quality. It's also essential to learn that bigger isn't better, as screens that are too large may harm the image's pixel structure and lead to less-than-normal brightness. The screen size also affects how far or close you need to sit to it for HD images. Therefore, if your choice is wrong, you may need to adjust the room, too. You don't want to be a victim.
Style
There are two styles of projector screens; fixed and retractable. Fixed screens comprise a frame (made of various materials) and a screen proper that usually stretches over it. The resultant projection surface is smooth, thanks to the fine-detail materials used. What's more, they're always more comfortable to install than their retractable counterparts. However, you need large, dedicated wall space to accommodate these screens; no wonder they're only common in movie theatres. Despite all this, the screens are more cost-effective than their smaller, retractable counterparts.
On the other hand, retractable projector screens roll up and down when not needed and needed, respectively. They consist of a metal case (which hangs on your wall/ceiling) into which the screen rolls for storage. When not in use, you simply switch a button, and the screen rolls up into the long metal case. Installing these ones is quite demanding. They also come at greater prices.
Screen Material Properties
Screen materials have a few aspects to keep in mind for the best choice that matches your situation. We'll explain the two main aspects; colour and gain.
A projector screen's gain is the amount of light it reflects onto viewers when it's functioning. Gain is dependent on the coating substance used on the underlying material. If you own a low-lumen projector, it's wise going for a high-gain screen that will increase the contrast of the images, although that could lead to hot spots. However, people will have high-lumen projectors, and large rooms will be fine with medium or negative-gain screens.
The market has a vast selection of projector screen colours to choose from. You'll seldom meet colours other than white, black, and grey while shopping for one. White screens are the most prevalent due to their ability to display clear images in standard light conditions. The other two colours (grey and black) were popular sometimes when projectors had low contrasts. They proved useful for helping increase image output contrast. Meanwhile, white will always do for modern projectors.
Does It Support Rear Projection?
Rear projection allows you to install the projector behind the screen. When dealing with a large audience, you could desire to use a screen that supports rear projection. Its advantages range from preventing projector damage in the case of a rowdy audience — to eradicating cases of an audience member standing before the projector to cause an unwanted image on the screen, and more. Sometimes, you may not like the projector hanging on your screen, which is another reason to keep it away.
Rear projection screens do not compromise image quality. In fact, the image will appear better, especially with fixed screens. However, you may have to purchase extra accessories to optimize screen functionality with the fixed setup, but it's a worthwhile investment. Another drawback of rear projection screens is the need for a dedicated projector space behind the screen. If you think this isn't a problem, you're good to go.
The Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio is the ratio of your screen's width to its height. 16:9 and 2.35:1 are commonplace ratios available today. There's another one, the 4:3, which got replaced by 16:9 and is rarely used nowadays. The right aspect ratio for your projector is the one it supports, while the right one for you is the one you're used to watching. There's a need to find a balance between these two aspects for the best aspect ratio.
Most people are used to 16:9 screens, which are the same ones on most of our TVs. The ratio works well with projector screens, but you'll be ready for black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. While the bars aren't harmful, you can always do away with them using masking or zooming methods. However, using the latter is a desperate solution that can downgrade image quality. On the other hand, 2.35:1 screens are common in theatres, but it does not harm bringing one home.
Do You Need A Perforated Screen?
Perforated screens are meant to help you give a simpler look to your home theatre; no wonder they're more common in homes than in cinema places. There are no special perforated materials you should expect. The same materials often used as projector screens are the ones that get modified to give acoustical transparency.
Such screens feature small holes that allow sound waves through them to enable you to keep speakers behind the screen. This isn't only important to help you keep a good look while adding more space to the audience but also to blend the sounds and images more perfectly like in the movie theatres.
The Bottom Line
This guide makes it easier than ever to find your best projector screen despite countless confusing parameters to always keep in mind. It's now time to head out to the shops and get the ideal screen that'll help you take your home or commercial entertainment to the next level. Otherwise, thanks for reading and have a happy shopping!