In our previous article, we have discussed How to Choose a Projector. However, Projector Screen is also important to get the best experience while using a Projector.
With this Projector Screen Buying Guide, you will understand How to Choose a Projector Screen that is best for you. We will also explain why you should use a Projector Screen, What Size Screen you should choose, What should be the Aspect Ratio of the screen, Screen Color, Screen Material, and more.
So, keep reading and use the Table of Content to jump to any topic you are interested in.
Page Contents
Do you need a Projector Screen?
Before we start talking about the Best Projector Screen, we need to understand the benefits of having a Projector Screen.
Many of my friends keep asking me, Do you need a Projector Screen for using the Projector? My answer is: ” It Depends”.
It depends on when, where, and how you are going to use it. If you have a perfectly flat and smooth wall, you can Project it on the wall.
You can read this article on Projector Screen Vs Wall for more details.
Long story short, Projector Screen provides way better image quality because they are built for a specific purpose. Therefore, I always prefer to use a Screen because I want to grab the best experience I can get.
Projector Screen Buying Guide:
Like we stated in our previous article on How to Choose a Projector, you should decide where and how you want to use the screen.
When you choose a Projector Screen based on your requirements, you get the Best Projector Screen.
Purpose & Surroundings:
So, where do you plan to use your Projector? In a dark room with no ambient light, in the living room with windows, in an open garden, an office room with less audience, a classroom full of audience, gaming, working, etc. So, when your purpose is fixed, you can look for the screen that suits you the best.
How to Choose a Projector Screen:
Screen Type:
When Choosing a Projector Screen, the first thing you should look at is the Screen Type. There are more than 10 Different Types of Projector Screens, and you should choose the one that fulfills your requirements.
- If you have a flat wall without any wall decors, you should get a Fixed Frame Screen. They are fixed to a wall and cannot be moved.
- If there are no flat/empty walls, you can either get a Motorized Retractable Screen or a Portable Screen. These are fixed to the ceiling or wall and retract when not in use. You can roll it up and down using a remote or manually.
- Suppose you want to set up a Projector in the garden or an open area, placing a Fixed Frame Projector Screen or Retractable Screen is not possible. Therefore, you shall use Portable Screen.
- There are many types of Portable Screens that you can use based on the environment and your capability of carrying it.
How to Choose a Portable Projector Screen:
- The Tripod Projector Screens and Hanging Screens are easy to carry. However, they are small in size (Approx 8 feet) and are suitable for office use or when there are fewer audiences.
- The Double Stand Projector Screens are also easy to carry. Compared to Tripod and Hanging Screen, double stand screens can be a bit larger in size (Approx 10 feet).
- The Inflatable Screens are the best if you want a large screen. They usually come in sizes between 15 to 25 Feet. They are also easy to carry. However, they may not be suitable in windy climates. Also, make sure you keep it away from shart objects.
- DIY Screen: DIY Screens are the best, but they require some experience and some additional materials. You can simply purchase a Projector Screen Fabric and place it according to your surroundings. You can even use it by tying a rope on the corners, tying it to a pole, or however suitable.
Tensioned and Non Tensioned Screens:
For Fixed frames, the screen material is stretched tightly, and you get a perfectly flat screen. Some retractable screens use Tag Tension to provide rigidity, and some use heavy bottom so that the screen stays stretched vertically. So, no matter which Screen Type you get, make sure the screen material is stretched tightly so that there are no folding marks.
We have explained how each Screen Type will come into use. Therefore, you can Choose a Projector Screen Type that suits your surroundings the best.
You can comment below or contact us if you need any assistance. Moving on to the next section.
How to Choose a Projector Screen Size:
While selecting the screen size, you should consider four things, that are Aspect Ratio, Free Space on the Wall, Projector Throw Distance, Projector Brightness
How to Choose the Right Projector Screen Ratio (Aspect Ratio)
Before we move to Screen Size, you should decide the Aspect Ratio first.
Generally, there are three popular Aspect Ratios, which are 4:3, 16:9, and 2.35:1. However, in Projectors, most people prefer 16:9 (HDTV Format) and 2.35:1 (Cinemascope).
Old Televisions and computer monitors were built based on a 4: 3 ratio, therefore, they were square in shape. Thesedays, all the TV content is recorded in 16:9 format, so, most modern televisions are built based on the 16:9 ratio (we can say 1.77:1)
But, if you go to movie theatres, you will see a 2.35:1 ratio, which is called the Cinemascope ratio, as most movies are thesedays.
Therefore, The Aspect Ratio depends on your purpose. If you want to watch TV content (including news, sports, series, etc) more on your Projector, then you should go for the 16:9 ratio screen. On the other hand, if you are getting a Projector to watch movies, then you should go for a 2.35 ratio.
Old content, old movies, and old recorded videos will mostly be in the 4:3 ratio. However, we don’t suggest you get a 4:3 ratio. Either go for a 16:9 ratio or 2.35:1 ratio based on your interest and requirements.
Free Space:
There should be enough space on your wall to place the Projector Screen if it is a Fixed Frame Screen. If you are going with other options, you should see if there is enough space to fit the retractable screen or to place the Portable Screen.
Throw Distance:
Next is the Throw Distance. Most Long Throw Projectors are placed at 10-12 feet away from the Screen, considering the screen size is 10 feet. So, if you have a Long-throw Projector, you should either have a large room or a small screen. Because, for the bigger picture, you need to place the Projector farther.
On the other hand, if you have a Short Throw Projector, you can project the same size by placing the Projector at a distance of 5-6 feet away from the screen. Moreover, the Ultra Short Throw Projectors need to be placed only at a distance of 7 inches.
PRO TIP: Is it better to temporarily project the image on the wall first. Then take measurements and buy a Projector Screen based on that.
However, if you haven’t purchased a Projector yet, you can decide which Projector to buy based on the space in your room.
Check out the difference between Ultra Short Throw Vs Short Throw Vs Long Throw Projectors.
Projector Brightness:
The Projector Brightness also affects the Screen Size. Suppose you have a Projector with 2000 Lumens. When you project it on a 10 Feet Screen, you will get a bright image. However, if you project the same Projector on a 15 feet screen, the image will be dimmer. Check out more about What Is Lumens in Projector.
Calculate Throw Distance X Screen Size:
Check out this Projector Calculator by Projector Central.
First, select the Projector you have, or the one you are planning to buy. Now, you can move the Distance Slider, and the Throw Distance Slider automatically suggests the distance.
Suppose you want a screen size of 12 feet. Set the slider to 12 feet, and the tool will show at how much Distance the Projector needs to be placed like 7 feet away, 10 feet away, etc.
You can also use it the opposite way. Set the Throw Distance Slider to 7 feet (based on your room size), and it will show how much screen size is suitable for you.
If you scroll down a little, it will also show the Estimated Image Brightness, which should be in the Green area.
Screen Color & Gain:
After you Choose a Projector Screen Type and Size, it is now time to select the Color.
We have already discussed in detail on the Screen Color and Gain value in our previous article on Types of Projector Screen.
Basically, there are three most commonly used Screen Colors, that are White, Silver Gray, and ALR Gray.
How to Choose Between White or Grey Projector Screen?
If you plan to use the Projector in a Dark Room, then White Screen would project a better image. Whereas, you can use a Silver Gray color Screen when there is little Ambient Light.
Brightness Gain:
Different Screens have different Brightness Gain values. The higher the Gain Value is, the brighter the image will be. A Brightness Gain of 1.0 is recommended in normal conditions. However, you can choose a Projector Screen with more brightness gain if your room has more Ambient Light.
Watch this video, where different Screen Colors are compared side to side.
How to Choose Projector Screen Material/Texture:
Besides the standard Screen material, there are a few types of special materials you need to know before you Choose a Projector Screen. If you are planning to place the Speakers behind the Screen (or a Rear Projection setup), then you must get a Perforated Screen, which allows the sound to pass through it.
The latest ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) Screens are a better choice when there is Ambient Light in the room. It reflects the Ambient Light and Projects a Brighter image even in daylight. It has the highest Brightness Gain value of up to 1.8. Also, note that the ALR Screen for Long Throw Projector and Ultra Short Throw Projectors is different.
However, a normal Projector Screen works fine if you have a dark room.
Viewing Distance:
Most people ask whats the standard viewing distance, or how far should we sit from the Projector Screen?
Well, it depends on your comfort and experience.
However, your sitting should depend on the screen size. If you have a larger screen, you should sit at a distance. Because, if you sit near, you should move your eyes and neck to cover the screen. By sitting at a distance you can cover the entire screen.
So, sit according to the Projector Screen Size. There is no need to make difficult calculations here as I am going to give you a simple idea.
Suppose your screen size is 6 Feet (Diagonally), sit at a distance of 6 Feet. For a Standard 10 feet screen, you can sit at a distance of 10 feet.
If you have a smaller screen, you can sit as close as you want. I mean, it is not a TV after all. While watching a TV, it is recommended to sit at a distance of at least 6 feet, because the lights emitted from the TV can damage our eyes.
But, while watching a Projector, we see the reflected image on the Screen from the Projector. Therefore, you can ignore the Viewing Distance formula and sit according to your comfort and space.
That’s not the only advantage a Projector has over a TV. Check out our article where we compared Projector Vs TV.
Final Verdict:
Like I said before, you should choose a Projector Screen based on your requirements and your surroundings. No Screen is better than the other. Which Type of Projector Screen is superior to the other depends on your surroundings and needs.
Pro Tips:
- Before deciding the screen size, Plug in your Projector, and see how much you need.
- Place the Projector Screen 2 to 3 feet above the ground. Because the bottom area can be useful to place furniture or speakers.
Budget is also a main deciding factor. You should first decide your budget and look for a Projector Screen that fulfills most of your requirements and is suitable for your use. I hope by following this Projector Screen Buying Guide, you understand How to Choose a Projector Screen and choose the best Product for yourself.
Feel free to comment below or contact us if you are having any difficulty choosing the Projector Screen or a Projector.