Projectors can give you cinematic entertainment in the comfort of your home. Whether you want to enjoy sports or host a movie at your place, it can make your get-together fun-filled. But do you know watching movies or sports using a projector can be more entertaining with a projection screen? A projection screen is a surface that displays projections or images of the projector. It means whatever your projector will show will be displayed on this screen. Projection screens usually come in white. Sometimes these can also be gray. These are made up of a specific fabric arranged into a frame.
Why Do You Need a Projection Screen?
You would think why you need a projection screen when a wall can do this for you. No doubt, you can easily project the images onto your walls, and this can be a cost-saving solution. However, if you expect the highest standard quality up to the full capability of your projector, you need a screen. These are designed to deliver the best quality images. These come with an optical coating that ensures images are reflected in the standard format. Also, the images that projection screens deliver are sharper and have better color saturation and contrast. Now let’s explore some of the best projection screens.
SUPER DEAL 120″ Projector Screen
This 120″ projection screen from Super Deal lets you render high-definition multimedia in any light environment. It is ideal not only for home but for educational and business needs. It features a 1:1 high gain with a 160-degree viewing angle. The material used is active 3D ready and 4K Ultra HD. It carries a matte-white screen which is anti-acid or anti-dust. It is easy to clean and sturdy enough to be used regularly.
Mdbebbron 120-inch Projection Screen
Mdbebbron presents a 120″ projection screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio. It comes in a compact and foldable design, making it convenient to carry and store. This projection screen is ideal for homes, education, public displays, etc. It is designed with high absorbance polyester and, therefore, brighter and sharper than other screens. These projection screens are easy to set up. It offers a 104″x58″ viewing area.
LopBast Screen 100″ Projector Screen
LopBast offers a 100″ projection screen with an aspect ratio of 16:9. It is a retractable screen with a 1.2 gain. Its metal frame design prevents damage during transportation. It comes in a self-locking design. The matte finish of the screen reflects the light evenly, thus resulting in better and brighter rendering of images. It comes with a 160° panoramic view and supports 1080p, 4K, and full HD graphics.
Akia Screens 100″ Projection Screen
This 100″ projection screen from Akia Screens has a 16:9 aspect ratio and a view size of 49.0″H x 87.0″W. You can install it on your wall as well as the ceiling. It features a 180° viewing angle and supports 4K, 8K, and ultra HD images. It comes with a 1.1 Gain and is compatible with UHD/HD projectors. This projection screen comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
EasyGoProducts 14′ Inflatable Movie Screen
This Inflatable screen from EasyGoProducts is easy to set up and requires just 2 minutes. The whole screen kit includes a detachable screen, inflatable frame, ground stakes, blower, tie-down strings, etc. As it comes in a detachable design, this makes it quite travel-friendly. It features a screen size of 96 inches.
Elite Screens Yard Master 2
Yard Master 2 is a great projection screen from Elite Screens that features a 100″ screen and a 16:9 aspect ratio. It offers a view size of 49.0″H x 7.0″W. This screen features CineWhite UHD-B matte white screen with support for 4K and Ultra HD visuals. It also features 180 degrees viewing angle. The setup of this screen is relatively easy.
KODAK Projector Screen
This KODAK Projector Screen features a 100″ display screen with a fixed frame type. It comes with a 160-degree viewing angle and a 16:9 aspect ratio. It offers a 1.1 Gain and supports Full HD, 4K, and 8K graphics. You can assemble this screen in a few minutes. The whole pack comes with a mounting kit which makes the installation easier. It is designed using high-grade PVC. It features dimensions 49″ High x 87.125″ Wide.
VIVO 100″ Portable Projection Screen
Vivo offers this amazing 100″ projector screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio and 120 degrees of viewing angle. This screen comes with 1.1 GAIN and a black backing that reflects the light effectively. It features an auto-locking facility that helps adjust the screen height perfectly with a button press. It is compatible with most LCD, DLP, and LED monitors.
Akia Screens Fixed Frame Projector Screen
This 100″ projection screen from Akia Screens comes in a fixed screen type with a 16:9 aspect ratio. It comes with 180 Degrees viewing angle and a view size of 49.0″H x 87.2″W. The projector screen frame is designed using lightweight aluminum, giving a black finish. This is an HDR screen with support for 4K and 8K, as well as Active 3D and Ultra HD graphics. It comes with 2 years of manufacturer warranty.
Abdtech 100-inch Projector Screen
Abdtech offers this 4K ultra HD projection screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 100″ display dimensions. It features a 160 degrees of viewing angle. This screen weighs just 5.7 lbs, making it easy to carry and maintain. It features a 3D black border, making the screen edges unique and elegant. It is designed with high-quality polyester, which makes it durable and sturdy.
Projection Screen Installation
It can be tricky if you have decided to install the projector screen yourself and do it for the first time. It is not a single-person task. You will need one more helping hand with you. To accomplish this task, you must have the right installation plan in mind. Before starting the installation process, you should decide on the location and height of the screen. Besides this, you may also need specific tools such as a drill, cardboard, ladder, screws, bolts, etc.
All Available Aspect Ratio Options
The relationship between the height and width of the rendered images is referred to as the aspect ratio. For example, your projector screen has a width and height of 40 inches, and the aspect ratio will be 40/40 = 1:1. And it will be a square screen. You can find a few standard aspect ratio options for projection screens in the market. Below is the list of those aspect ratios.
1:1: It represents a square screen.4:3: Standard Format or NTSC projector screens feature this aspect ratio.16:9: Projector screen with HD format comes with this aspect ratio.16:10: Projection screens with this aspect ratio feature wide-screen format.2.35:1 to 2.40:1: Cinemascope format projection screens come with this aspect ratio.
Now, let’s check out more about the right size and aspect ratio for projection screens.
How to Choose the Right Size and Aspect Ratio?
When it comes to deciding on the size of the projector screen, a bigger screen is usually considered better. However, there are a few more factors that need to be considered.
Viewing Distance
Every time having the biggest projection screen may not be the right choice. For a bigger screen, you will also need more sitting distance. If the size of your room is not much larger, it is better to go for smaller screen options. As per the THX guidelines, the projection screen of 120″ is best viewed from a distance of 3.65 meters or 144 inches. Similarly, you can enjoy the best of the 100″ screen by sitting at a distance of 3 meters.
Aspect Ratio
There are different aspect ratios available for a projector screen that we already discussed. To decide on the aspect ratio, you need to consider the kind of videos you usually watch. Most TV shows are shot in an aspect ratio of 16:9. On the other hand, cinematic productions are shot in 2.35:1 to 2.40:1. If you choose a 4:3 aspect ratio and want to enjoy widescreen content, you will see black bars on the top and bottom of the videos. This is called letterboxing. Also, letterboxing will take place to enjoy anamorphic videos on a 16:9 screen. For hosting sports and movie nights, projection screens with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 can give an amazing cinematic experience.
Other Features to Look for in A Projection Screen
Besides the size and aspect ratio, there are many more features that you must consider while buying one. Let’s discuss this briefly.
Screen Type
There are two main types of projection screens: retractable and fixed. The kind of screen that suits you depends upon the available space in your room. As the name suggests, the fixed projector screen is fixed and can’t be folded or rolled up. Whereas, a retractable screen can be rolled up when you don’t need it. You can decide on this feature if you need this kind of flexibility.
Color
Although for the best home entertainment experience, a white screen is the best. However, projection screens come in a variety of color options as well.
Acoustic Projection screen
The fabric-like material in designing the projector screen helps reflect the images effectively. However, this material also blocks the audio, and thus, you may require to place speakers. The acoustic screen uses a mesh weave that creates a balance between sound transparency and reflectivity. These provide space behind them to place speakers.
Mounting Options
You may also get a variety of mounting options. Projection screens come in two mounting options: wall mounting and ceiling mounting. You can choose between these two options as per your suitability.
Final Words
If you are searching for the right projection screen for your home entertainment, especially to host sports and movie nights, then this article will assist you in better decision-making before buying it. You may also want to explore the best 4k projectors for a crystal clear big-screen experience.
