Owning a home theater projector or a multimedia projector can transform the way you view movies or present images and slides in the boardroom. Yet, one component that’s often forgotten: The projector screen.

Many people choose to use a white wall or sheet for a projection screen. Sometimes, this method works; a white wall can be used as a surface for projecting images. Yet, dedicated fixed or retracting projection screens provide something more, because they are designed to display image and video.

If you’re considering purchasing a projector screen, you probably have a range of questions. Fortunately, choosing a projection screen comes down to a few factors: Size and shape, material and the style are what you’ll need to think about.

Fixed or Retractable?

Fixed screens are either framed or mounted to the wall, and they stay in a fixed position. The screen doesn’t fold or retract. The other option is a retractable screen. These are often mounted to the ceiling or wall, and the screen can then be pulled down or when in use. After use, it rolls back into the housing. There are manual and motorized retractable screens available.

So which is right for you? Fixed projection screens are more affordable, and they tend to look like picture frames. In addition, these types of screens are generally mounted to the wall, or they have legs to support the frame and can stand in the front of the classroom or in a home theater. The biggest advantage: The cost and their portability. Plus, they are super easy to put together. But they are more difficult to store, as they aren’t designed to fold down.

Retractable projector screens, on the other hand, are sleeker and they’re the ideal option for classrooms. The screen must be stowed so that a whiteboard behind can be seen. On the downfalls, these screens are more expensive and they require more intensive installation.

What Size Screen Do I Need?

Typically, the most popular screens measure about 100-120 inches diagonally. The size you choose depends on a variety of factors. First, the space you have available. Secondly, you’ll want to consider the projector that you are using. Images become dimmer the larger they are. So depending on the light output of the projector, image quality may decrease as it gets larger if the projector doesn’t have a high lumen output. In these cases, a smaller screen would be better, as there wouldn’t be nearly as much empty space around the image.

What Shape Should the Projector Be?

Another size factor is the shape of the screen. There are, typically, three common types, although there are a range of options. These shapes are related to the image’s aspect ratio. Options include:

• 16:9 – This provides a more widescreen image, and it’s typically used for home movie projection. Choose this shape if you’ll be using a projector with native 16:9 resolution.
• 4:3 – The 4:3 aspect ratio is squarer in shape. It is four units horizontal compared to three units vertically. This is typically used for TV and multimedia projection. This is standard computer aspect ratio, and it’s ideal for SVGA, XGA, and WXGA resolutions.
• 1:1 – The 1:1 aspect ratio is a perfect square. This is used primarily for classroom and boardroom multimedia projections. It is used primarily for overhead projectors.

Choose a screen shape that matches the native aspect ratio of your projector. Often, projectors are adaptable, but matching aspect ratios of the screen and projector will provide the best results.

What Type of Fabric Should I Choose?

Projector screens are made from a variety of materials, and there are a range of color options as well. Typically, white is best, particularly for low-lit spaces. Black and silver screens are typically used in more moderately lit rooms, but they aren’t always necessary. You should also look at fabric:

• PVC — In general, PVC screen tend to reflect more light than fiber glass screens. The disadvantage is that light is diffused less evenly, and thus, as you move further back from the screen, the image brightness can drop off faster.
• Fiber Glass – Fiber glass screens tend to distribute light more evenly. So although the light isn’t reflected as intensely, the image tends to stay brighter from greater distances.

Buy projector screens from Deelat.com. We have the best prices in the industry, a huge selection of screens in a variety of shapes, sizes and types, and our prices are unbeatable. If you need a portable or retractable projector screen, Deelat.com is your source.