Choosing a projection screen can be relatively easy or very complicated, but it is necessary because according to the choice we make, our experience will be better or worse. There are many factors that make us choose one. Of course, always taking into account the economic. Even so, we will continue seeing some simple steps that will help us to know which is the ideal projection screen.
For a good projection, in addition to the projector, it is essential to choose the right projection screen. A white background surface will help us see our content optimally. We have made a collection of tips to follow when buying screens according to the desired use.
Screen types that exist
- Fixed projection screens: These are screens that we have to fix to the wall , and do not move from there. If the projector is always placed in the same place, such as classrooms, meeting rooms and other professional occasions, it is ideal. Inside these, since 4 corners are fixed, they are completely fixed. Those fixed supports at the top can cause them to roll up (in the classroom, the teacher generally pulls the washer down to extend it and extend the supporting force). Or the electric projection screens are equipped with a remote control, which can be raised or lowered according to our preferences.
- Portable Screens: They usually come with a tripod for attachment and can be rolled or folded for storage in their boxes. We can also find them by the name folding screen. They are perfect if the projector will not be in a fixed installation and we plan to move it to different rooms. Like a mini projector, for example.
What is the appropriate size?
It may also be obvious, but the appropriate aspect ratio should not escape us. It depends on the use that we are giving to the projector, and on the native format that we have chosen for it, we will have:
- Home theater: 16: 9 wide format. The vast majority of content that we view will have this HD format . Therefore, it is ideal for domestic use. In addition, these screens usually come with a black border that acts as a frame with a double function. On the one hand, it allows a correct placement of the projection, and on the other hand, it helps the view by delimiting the projected image.
- Professional use : 4: 3 format. Simply because it is the format used for presentations. And the one used by computers. In many rooms we still see screens with a 1: 1 ratio ( square format ), but it will always be more appropriate to use the same screen format as that of the projection.
How much distance is necessary?
Proper installation of your projection screen varies by model in cost and procedure. Knowing the distance at which I should place the projector, or the screen width that I would like, we only have to apply this simple formula or rule of three:
Projection factor = Distance / Screen width
In summary, resolution:
- 4K : distance = screen width x 1
- Full HD : distance = screen width x 1.5
- HD Ready / WXGA: distance = screen width x 1.8
How bright should the projector be?
In order for your image to really show on the screen, the projector needs sufficient light output. At the same time, the ambient brightness of the place of use is crucial. For example, daylight and ambient light illumination is 150-180 lux and 200-750 lux in a living room or office. To obtain a bright and contrast-rich image, the ratio of ambient light at the location of the screen to the light output of the projector should be 1: 5. The higher the permanently lit surface, the lower the light output .
Below we present the best models that in our opinion can be a good choice when making your purchase.
Phoenix
This 2 x 2 meter foldable manual projection screen in matt white, with a steel box ideal for home cinema, school classrooms, conference rooms, etc. This projection screen unfolds easily just by pulling the ring and you can stop them wherever you want and adapt them to the format that interests you 1: 1, 4: 3 and 16: 9. It is ideal for any type of projector, cheap and expensive, 3D projectors, SVGA, XGA, HD, Full HD and 4K.
Powerextra
Enjoy the experience of a 120-inch projector screen with 16: 9 aspect ratio. It has a 160 degree viewing angle, which means you will always have the best seat in the house or outside. It will give you a true home theater system, it is high quality. It is made so you can take it anywhere with its lightweight and foldable design.
Ayaoqiang
It is universally suitable for most LED, LCD or DLP projectors on the market. All screens are made of high quality material. It has a matte white thickness to prevent light penetration for a clear image, provides vivid colors and a sharper image. The gain 1.3 screen material, strong absorbance.
Celexon
The Celexon Ultra-light tripod screen has been specially designed for mobile use. When closed, it takes up very little space and is very light. Still it offers a very good quality of the tripod and the fabric that is fiberglass. It has a gain factor of 1.0. It is adjustable in height to position it correctly according to the necessary position. The fabric is stored by wrapping it around a plastic tube and inserting it into its corresponding rigid cover.
Duronic
Duronic offers a wide range of projection screens that adapt to your needs whatever the use you need to give it or the size you are looking for. This projection screen is the perfect solution if you need something of quality for your conference room, meetings or presentations or other events.
Globalhome
The 100-inch, 16: 9 electric motorized projector screen. It is improved and profitable multipurpose, can transform your living room into a home theater in a second. The 1.2 gain matte white surface material diffuses projected light in all directions, viewing angle of over 160 degrees, and supports sharp 1080P full HD video projection.
Hoin
100-inch 16: 9 Hoin screen, 160-degree wide viewing angle. It is designed to provide sharp, high-resolution images, rich colors, and a supreme viewing experience from different viewing positions. It has support for a quick configuration in a few minutes.
Luxscreen
The screen is compatible with the latest 3D, HD, 1080P and 4K formats thanks to its panoramic aspect ratio and black perimeter border, which guarantee an advanced contrast image. Its fabric has a 3-layer treatment to offer a homogeneous level of projection and free of unwanted shine. Its gain makes it ideal for both low-end and high-end projectors.
Amazonbasics
This durable screen with foldable stand makes it easy to share media with friends and coworkers. The perfect addition to an office or conference room, a classroom, or a home entertainment space, the portable projector screen is both practical and functional. Watch your favorite movies on the big screen, play video games with your friends, or share work-related presentations or videos with a larger group.
Nierbo
The 200-inch screen is perfect for rooms where light can be controlled so that the projected image can be evenly distributed to achieve optimal colors and therefore an optimal image. It is an ideal choice for home cinema, study rooms, conference rooms, outdoors and much more.
