Last Updated on May 27, 2022 by Admin
The Projector Screen Masking can enhance your experience by covering unwanted areas of the screen and brightening up the image. But, What is Projector Screen Masking? and When is it useful? Here we are going to learn more about Projector Screen Masking System with a practical example.
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What is Projector Screen Masking System?
When we use non-reflectable material to cover the edges of the screen, it is called Projector Screen Masking. It is one of the Essential Projector Accessories.
The Screen we use for Projectors has a reflective gain of 1.0. Even the wall has a reflective gain of 0.5. So, when we project the image on the surface, it gets reflected, and we see the picture. So, we use the material with zero reflective gain for masking.
When is Projector Screen Masking Useful?
Let me explain in simple words.
Suppose you have a Screen with a 16:9 Aspect Ratio. But, you want to watch a widescreen movie, which is recorded in a 2.35:1 Ratio. As the Projector Screen is White or Grey in color, you will get a blank transparent area on the top and bottom of the screen, as you can see in the image.
Therefore, we cover/mask that extra part to get a perfect 2.35:1 Ratio Screen.
You can also check out What is the Best Color for a Projector Screen.
It also works the other way around. When you have a 2.35:1 Ratio Screen, and project the image that is 16:9, you can see blank space on both sides of the screen.
Some users use masking to make a border around the screen. It will increase the picture brightness and give them the feel of watching a TV.
Some Fixed Frame Projector Screens come with black borders that absorb excessive light.
Check out the Types of Projector Screens.
Types of Screen Masks:
The Masks can be like a panel that you can hook and remove easily. Or, you can use a motorized system to enable and disable the masking using remote or voice control.
Here is a video from the MixtureRich Youtube channel that created an adjustable Motorized Screen Masking.
What Material to use for Masking?
Any material that is Black and absorbs light can be used for Screen Masking. Black Velvet is a great example.
How to Use Screen Mask?
First, you need to project the content you want to see on the Projector. As you see the blank spaces on the sides, take exact measurements. Now, you can use wooden planks or foam and wrap it with a black velvet cloth (or any light-absorbing material). Finally, you can use hooks or other methods to place the panels.
Conclusion:
In my other articles, I have suggested my readers to choose the screen size based on the content they watch. If you watch TV content more, you should buy a 16:9 Ratio Screen, and if you watch movies, then get a Screen with a 2.35:1 Ratio.
However, if you are a person who likes to watch both types of content, you should make use of the Projector Screen Masking System.
You can buy them from online stores like Stewart FilmScreen, or make your own.
There are lots of videos on YouTube where people make DIY Projector Screen Masking System. So, you can take ideas from them and make your own Projector Screen Masking.