Projector Screens are very important for Projectors. We have also compared Projector Screens Vs Wall to explain what benefits a Screen has over a wall. There are different types of Projector Screens in the market, and we are going to classify them into different categories so that you can understand them better.
Also, check out our Ultimate Projector Screen Buying Guide.
Page Contents
Different Types of Projector Screens:
Types of Projector Screens based on Portability:
Basically, there are three different types of Projector Screens based on Portability.
You might also be interested in checking out the Types of Projectors.
1. Fixed Frame Screens:
The Fixed Frame Screens are flat, rigid, and fixed on a wall or any other surface. You cannot move it. Also, most Fixed Frame Screens come with a black border that absorbs extra light.
These Types of Projector Screens give you the feel of watching TV. For using a Fixed Frame Screen, you need to have a flat wall. The Screen is stretched and fixed to the frame for providing a flat surface.
2. Retractable Screens:
As the name suggests, Retractable Screens can be used in any environment. However, they are also fixed on the ceiling or wall. But, to save space, they are Retractable. It is mostly used when you don’t have any plain walls.
Retractable screens can be further classified into three subcategories.
Moreover, some Retractable Screens have a tab-tensioned system that keeps the screen rigid. Other types of Retractable Screens have a weighted bar on the bottom that keeps the screen flat and rigid.
2.1 Retractable Motorized Projector Screens:
They are folded and hidden in a box-like structure. The Retractable Motorized Projector Screens can be operated using a remote control.
2.2 Pull Down Projector Screens:
There are Manual Retractable Screens, which are also known as Pull Down Projector screens. These are operated manually. You need to pull the strings to open & retract the Projector Screen.
2.3 Floor Projector Screens:
These are placed under the floor on the ground level. And by using the remote you can bring the Projector Screen up. These are similar to the Motorized Projector Screens. Moreover, these are the most expensive Types of Projector Screens.
3. Portable Screens:
Portable Screens can be carried anywhere you go. There are several sub-categories of Portable Projector Screens.
3.1 Tripod Projector Screen:
This screen comes with a Tripod, and the screen is Retractable. So, you can carry the Screen-Tripod and use it outdoors as well.
3.2 Double Stand Projector Screens:
This screen has Double Foldable Stands, along with a fabric that is stretched and hung to the stands.
3.3 Hanging Projector Screens:
The Hanging Projector Screen is one of the cheapest options. You just need to unfold it and hang it on a Nail, or a tree, or anywhere possible. It is easy to place and remove. The bottom is weighted to keep the Screen rigid.
3.4 Inflatable Projector Screens:
Here is another type of Projector Screen, that is very handy for outdoors. The Inflatable Projector Screens are easy to carry and come in large sizes. You can pack it in a bag and when you reach the destination, just pump it up. The Inflatable Projector Screens usually come in sizes between 15 to 25 Feet.
Also, check out Best Outdoor Projector Under 300 Dollars.
3.5 DIY Screens:
You can simply purchase the fabric and use it at your convenience. You can tie the four corners, or even hang it on a wire. Moreover, you can even fix a frame around it and make it a Fixed Projector Screen. Most Projector Screen Fabrics are non-wrinkle, so you can fold and carry them anywhere you want.
Check out What Can I Use as a Projector Screen?
4. Color Paint:
It is not a screen type, but you can use it instead of Projector Screen. You can color the wall instead of using a Projector Screen to save money. But the Screens offer a much superior experience, as we have already discussed in our previous article on Projector Screen Vs Wall.
Projector Screen Types based on Color:
We can also classify Different Types of Projector Screens, by their color. Whether it is a Fixed Screen, Portable Screen, or Retractable Screen, you need to choose the color of the Fabric as per your requirements.
1. White Screens:
The White Projector Screens were the standard screens used for Projectors. They are better in dark environments and project the most accurate colors. It is mostly available in Matte White color and has a Reflection Gain value of 1.1
2. Grey Screens:
Recently, Grey Screens became popular as they provided better contrast when there was some ambient light in the room. Grey Screens also have better contrast and black level when you use budget Projectors. It comes in Matte High Contrast Gray color and has a Reflection Gain value of 0.8 to 1.0
3. ALR Screens:
The latest technology screens called ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) are in demand these days. The ALR Screen Reflects light and provides the best picture quality along with better contrast and accurate colors. The ALR Screens are superior to the Matte White and Gray color Screens. However, the ALR Screens does not provide the same output if viewed from different angles. It is most suitable if you are sitting in front of it. The ALR Screens are mostly Grey in color and has a Reflection Gain value of 1.5
It also depends on the Projector Lumens. Check out What Is Lumens in Projector.
White screens are most popular because it represents the exact colors and a brighter image. However, Grey is more suitable in some conditions where there is little ambient light. And, the ALR Grey Screens can also be useful when you have bright lights in the room. It reflects all the lights and provides you with the best picture quality. You can use it outdoors, alongside an Outdoor Projector.
Check out this video, where all screen materials are compared:
Types of Projector Screens Texture:
So far we have explained different types of Projector Screens based on Portability, and different types of Projector Screens based on color. Now let’s talk about different types of Textures you will find on the Projector Screens.
Smooth Screens:
These are the regular Projector Screens we have been using all these years. They come in White and Grey colors and are mostly used in dark environments.
Acoustic/ Transparent/Perforated Screens:
Acoustic Transparent Screens have nanoholes between the material that allows sound to pass through it. It is beneficial if you want to place the speakers behind the screen, like in movie theatres. That’s the reason you don’t see any speakers in theatres, but hear the sound coming from the screen. Moreover, you won’t even notice the holes while Projecting the video. They are also called Perforated Screens.
ALR Screens (Reflecting Screens):
Ambient Light Rejecting Screen or Reflecting Screen doesn’t let ambient light interfere with the Projection. It reflects the light back to the person sitting in front of it. Therefore, only the people sitting in front of the screen can see a high-quality picture, and people sitting in an angled position see dull pictures.
Read more on What is ALR Projector Screen
Types of Projector Screens based on Projection:
Before you buy a Projector Screen, make sure you check whether it is a Front or Rear Projection Screen.
Front Projection:
The Front Projection Screen is used when you are using a Front Projection.
Rear Projection Screen:
The Rear Projection Screen is used when you place the Projector behind the Projector Screen.
The Material used in ALR Screens is not suitable for Rear Projection Screens. Also, most Rear Projection Screens are Acoustic as the sound needs to pass through them.
Check out this article on Rear Projection Vs Front Projection.
However, all the modern Projector Screens are suitable for both Front and Rear Projection.
Final Words:
There are Different Projector Screen Types, and we can classify them based on Screen Portability, Screen Color, and Screen Texture. First, you should choose whether you want a Fixed Projector Screen, Retractable Motorized Projector Screen, Pull Down Projector Screen, or any of the Portable Projection Screen like Tripod Projector Screen, Double Stand Projector Screens, Hanging Projector Screens, or make your own DIY Projector Screen by purchasing the Fabric.
Next, you should choose between the Screen Color between White, Gray, Black, Silver, or ALR Grey, depending on the Ambient Light in your room. However, you should also consider the Screen Texture before finally purchasing the Projector Screen. The aim of this article was to make you aware of Different Types of Projector Screens because a Protector Screen is one of the Most Important Projector Accessories.