How to choose a projector screen: the best size for your home - Setafi

There are several criteria by which you can understand how to choose a screen for a projector. First of all, it is important to take into account the dimensions and aspect ratio, and the optimal parameters should be calculated independently. How to do this, as well as what additional indicators to pay attention to, is described in detail in the presented article.

Aspect ratio and dimensions

This is one of the most important indicators that you should immediately pay attention to. When choosing a canvas, as the screen for the projector is called, they are guided by 3 parameters:

• the aspect ratio of the image that the projector gives;
• the place of its installation is the distance to the screen;
• projector screen size and aspect ratio.

One of the popular image aspect ratios (video, photo) is 16:9. There is also a 4:3 option, but it is more suitable for presentations, i.e. office use. Therefore, for the home, you should select a canvas with a popular ratio of 16:9 or 16:10. In the latter case, the surface will be fully used for video with a resolution of 1280*800 or 1920*1200.

If you want to watch movies like in a real cinema, you can take a canvas with a ratio of 2.39:1 (there are 2 more options - 2.35:1 and 2.40:1). Here's what projector screen you can choose to create the effect of "total immersion".

To determine the size, you need to specify the distance of the projector from the screen and divide it by the projection ratio (the result is the width parameter). As an example, consider this:

1. The ratio is 16:9, i.e. 1.78.
2. Distance 4 m.
3. 4/1.78 = 2.25 m.
4. Based on the ratio of 16:9, you can also calculate the length: 2.25 * 9/16 = 1.27 m.

It is clear what the projector canvas is called, and how important the aspect ratio is. If you choose the optimal parameters, there will be practically no inactive zones on the screen. Although it will still not be possible to do this perfectly accurately, since image formats (both video and photo) are different.

Screen types

The choice of screen for the projector is quite wide, since there are different types of designs and the canvases themselves. Each of them has its own characteristics, pros and cons.

Types of canvas

There is no doubt whether a projector screen is needed. Simply displaying an image on the wall is an unfortunate option that will spoil the impression of even the highest quality picture. Depending on the composition of the material and color, the following types are distinguished:

1. A white matte canvas (lambert) is the reference, most common material that reflects light evenly in all directions. If you figure out how to choose a screen for a projector, you can stop at this option. But then it is worth removing all light objects from the room, as they can distort perception.
2. If the room has a light interior (wallpaper, furniture), it is best to purchase a gray screen. In this case, the reflection coefficient does not exceed 0.8, so the light transmission, including contrast, will be of better quality.
3. If the room is rather dark, you should understand in advance which screen to choose for the projector for the home. In this case, the best solution would be a glossy canvas with a reflectance greater than 1.
4. Composite ALR-sheet combines the advantages of a matte and glossy surface. Particularly suitable for rooms with light interiors.
5. CLR canvas is a rare option that will work if the projector is only 30 cm away from the screen.

Construction types

Also, when choosing, it is necessary to take into account the view of the screen for the projector and the structure to which the canvas is attached. There are 2 main types - stationary and mobile. Stationary, in turn, include the following varieties:

1. On the frame - the canvas is hung from it, and the frame itself is hung from the wall. Due to this, the screen is rigidly stretched, which guarantees a high quality image. If space allows, the structure can be installed in a small recess - then you get a real home theater.
2. It is clear what the white canvas for the projector is called. This is a matte material that provides good color reproduction. Moreover, the canvas can not only be hung, but also rolled up. This design is attached to the wall or ceiling. A weighting agent is suspended at the bottom, so that the surface is perfectly flat.

There are also mobile structures that can be moved to different places:

1. The best projector screens can also be rolled up. Moreover, it can be transported to different places, so this type is mobile.
2. A screen with a collapsible frame is a cross between stationary and portable structures. A distinctive feature is that they can be quickly disassembled and assembled, which is especially useful for a small room. The tension is firm and even, resulting in a high quality image.
3. A less common type for home use is the inflatable screen. In this case, the canvas is installed on a trampoline, which is inflated in a few minutes using an electric pump.

Technical specifications

When choosing the best screen for a projector, they are guided by the rating of the highest quality models, as well as technical specifications:

1. The reflection coefficient directly depends on the material from which the canvas is made. It is optimal to choose products with a coefficient of 0.8-1.0.
2. The viewing angle is an indicator related to the reflection coefficient. If you purchase a typical matte white canvas, the view will be maximum. In this case, all viewers can enjoy the same image quality.
3. Surface material - vinyl or textile. Both options will work, but you need to take into account the reflection coefficient.

Thus, when choosing a screen, it is important to take into account the features of the room (how light or dark it is), the aspect ratio and size. It is optimal if the lower part of the canvas is located at a height of 1.2 m from the floor, and the minimum distance to the viewer is 2 times greater than the height of the canvas. Thanks to this, you can ensure the most comfortable viewing of videos and photos.