You may invest in a quality projector, but you cannot gain maximum utility out of it if you do not choose the right projection screen to use it with. Choosing the right projection screen can be quite confusing as one material may be suitable for a particular purpose but will not exactly work well with another.
If you are in the market for a projection screen, here are some tips that can help you.
The first thing that you will need to determine is how you are going to use your projector. If you intend to use your projector in a specific room, you will fare better with a wall or ceiling mounted projector screen. On the other hand, if you are going to move the projector (for example, from one classroom to another), you will fare better from opting for a portable projector screen.
When choosing between a permanent and a portable projector screen, the next thing that you need to determine is the size of the screen. To do that, you will need to account for the area of the room where the projector will be used, the number of seats in the room, and their arrangement.
Ideally, the height of the screen should be about equal to a sixth of the distance from the screen to the last row of seats in the room. This will allow members of the audience in the last row to conveniently view everything projected on the screen. On top of that, the screen should be placed at least four feet above from the floor to allow those seated in the last row to see what is projected at the bottom of the screen.
The next thing that you will need to determine is the projection screen material. Here are a few of the most common fabrics you’ll find in the market as well as their advantages.
Matte white is one of the most popular fabrics due to its versatility, easy maintenance and performance in environments where ambient lighting can be controlled.
High contrast matte white is preferred when the primary purpose is to show videos. Like matte white fabrics, this fabric performs well in rooms where ambient lighting can be controlled. On top of that, it is also low maintenance.
Video Spectra 1.5 is suitable for both video and overhead LCD projection while Silver Matte is the fabric of choice for polarized 3D projection.
Other screen materials you might want to check out include glass beaded, high power, Da-Mat, high contrast Da-Mat, Cinema Vision and high contrast Cinema Vision.