Technical Information

Why do we need a projector screen?

When utilizing the latest projection technologies, you aim at achieving a perfect projected image, this is true for both residential or professional use. To achieve this you need to combine the projection device with a corresponding projection screen, as projectors require the image to be reflected on a surface. Thus a surface which will maximize the optical information without losing the quality of pictures is required to achieve optimum results.

Types of Projector Screens

Before you purchase a electric screen, you need to know what situation you are going to be using it in,  to make sure you get the right screen for your needs.

The Screen Size

Generally, the general rule of thumb is:

• The minimum distance from the electric projection screen to the front row of seats = 1.5 times the width of the screen.
• The maximum distance for the audience to be from the projector screen = 6 times the width of the screen.
• For a seated audience the screen should be at least 90cm from the floor.

Beyond these rules of thumb, you will want to be looking at a few other factors such as;

• The size of your room - You can only have a screen as big as your room and fit, so firstly measure the space available for you screen.
• Your Projector - Different projectors have different performance, you want to make sure that your projector screen sizes fits in with the optimum picture that your projector can produce.
• The conditions you will be using the screen in - If you are in a dedicated cinema room with black out blinds, you may not need the extra brightness that glass bead screens offer. If you are in a fairly light room with no control over how bright it will be then a glass bead screen may be better suited to your needs.

The Aspect Ratio

Each projection method has its own particular ratio of height to width. The most common aspect ratios are listed below.

• 4:3 - This is the most common aspect ratio and is common with all video projection.
• 16:9 - Wide-Screen Projection, commonly associated with Hi-Definition projection.

The Projector Screens Surface

The reflective properties of a projector screens surface are defined as a screens gain factor. The higher the gain the brighter a projected image will appear and the more restricted the viewing angle will become.

Matt White Projector Screens -

• Equally scatters light in all directions (horizontally & vertically)
• Have a vide viewing angle, optimum viewing up to 45° right or left of the centre of the screen, admissible viewing angle as far as 55-60°
• Have a gain factor of approximately 1 - 1.2

Glass Bead Projector Screens -

• Reflects light along the projection line approximately twice as brightly as a matt white screen.
• Facilitate a very good / bright viewing conditions up to 40° right / left of the center of the screen.
• Have a gain factor of approximately 2-2.5

The Projector

Matt white screens are mainly suited for medium to high brightness projectors (2,500 ANSI lumens and above) in rooms that can be partially darkened via black out blinds etc.

Glass bead screens achieve better results when lower power projectors are used (under 2,500 ANSI lumens) in environments where there is a large degree of ambient light or when very large screen sizes are required.