How to choose the right projection screen:
The 4 steps

The next 4 steps provide you with the most important selection criteria which will help you to choose the right projection screen, while also taking your specific circumstances and needs into account.

STEP 1. SCREEN TYPE
There are four types of projection screens:

electrically operated projection screen
manually operated projection screen
portable projection screen
permanent tensioned screen

A portable projection screen is the best choice if a variety of locations are to be used for projection. If the projection room is permanent however, then you may choose from an electrical-, manual operated or tensioned screen, depending on your personal preference and budget.

STEP 2. ASPECT RATIO
Depending on the projection method to be used, the projected image will have a certain width/height relationship. For the best results, it is advisable to select a projection screen with the same ratio as that of the projected image. In general terms, a distinction may be made between the following aspect ratios:

Standard = (1:1) Square.
Video = (4:3) TV.
HDTV = (16:9) Widescreen.

STEP 3. SCREEN DIMENSIONS
The dimensions and hanging position of the projection screen are determined by the following guidelines:

3.a Dimensions of the projection screen
height of the projection screen = 1/6 of the distance from the projection screen to the last row of chairs.
width of the projection screen:
1:1 width = height
4:3 width = 1,33 * height
16:9 width = 1,78 * height

3.b Optimum viewing height
For the following types of use, the most optimum distance from the bottom of the projection screen to the floor is:
Professional use = minimum of 125 cm
“Home Cinema” use = minimum of 90 cm

3.c Minimum viewing distance
The optimum perception of the projected image is determined by:
Minimum viewing distance = 1.5 * height of the projection screen

All of the available sizes may be found in the product range tables. The diagonal sizes listed are approximate, in accordance with the market standard.

STEP 4. CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCREEN FABRIC
In order to enable you to offer the right projection screen for every projection application and projection room, we have developed various projection screen fabrics. All these screen fabrics, each with its own specific characteristics and uses, are explained below.

Narrow viewing angle (50° in total)
for example screen fabric : High Power
Wide viewing angle (100° in total)
for example screen fabric : Matte White

Diffusion sceen fabrics
The screen fabrics Matte White and High Contrast are suitable choice for applications which require a wide viewing angle (total of 100°) and/or those in which a projector with a high light output is used. May also be used in situations in which the projector is placed at seat height as well as those in which the projector is mounted on the ceiling.
Matte White produces clear, true-to-life colours. The light-grey surface of the High Contrast projection screen fabric ensures deeper black levels, fuller colours and excellent shadow detail display. For the best results with High Contrast, we recommend darkening the room.

Reflective screen fabrics
Screen fabric Datalux equipped with a special top layer for increased reflection. Particularly suitable for rooms with normal ambient light or a lower projector output. This screen fabric reflects light in the opposite direction of the projector and is therefore primarily suitable for projection from the ceiling and a total viewing angle of 70°.

Retro-reflective screen fabric
The High Power screen fabric is characterised by an unsurpassed clarity, very suitable for situations with a great deal of ambient light or a low projector output. This screen fabric reflects light primarily in the direction of the projector and is therefore only suitable for projection from seat height and a total viewing angle of 50°.

Diffused reflective rear projection screen fabric
Da-Tex is a translucent screen fabric without a hotspot, ideal for projection in which the projector is placed behind the projection screen (rear projection). Thanks to the high level of reflection, this screen fabric is particularly suitable for rooms with a great deal of ambient light. The total viewing angle is 60°.

The further material specifications for the screen fabrics can be found in the technical features section for the product in which the particular screen fabric is applied. All of the projection screen fabrics satisfy the requirements for fire-resistance of construction materials and components.

Checkout our range of screens. We have the largest selection of screens available throughout the UK.