In today’s post, we will examine the various types of projector screens available and their respective applications. There are many varieties of projector screens, each with its unique features. Choosing the correct screen can make or break a successful projector installation. It is essential to take some time to think about the right solution.
The roll-down projector screen is the most commonly seen. They are used extensively everywhere, from schools to home cinemas. They come in sizes ranging from 1.5 metres wide to around 3 metres wide. The size is generally limited on manual pull-down screens due to the mechanics of the screen and the comfort of operating it.
Manual screens have come a long way since the old days, and are no longer so cumbersome to use. At AV Installs, we prefer to provide premium slow-retraction screens. Just pull the screen down and pause; it will stay. To retract, simply pull the screen and release. The screen will slowly retract instead of being taken off and wound in.
Manual screens can be installed both on the wall and the ceiling, provided you are hitting ceiling joists or using threaded rod. Some manufacturers provide dedicated brackets that also allow for micro adjustments. The more budget friendly screens tend to have keyways for screws at either end of the screen.
Everyone is familiar with roll-down projector screens, but what are fixed frame screens, and what are they used for? Fixed frame projector screens are designed to be a permanent feature on the wall. The principle behind them is to pull the screen fabric tightly within a decorative steel frame. So what’s the point? The screen fabric is pulled perfectly flat and will never fold or crease. This is absolutely essential if you are investing in a high-end home cinema projector system. We also recommend them for commercial applications where dense text or highly detailed images are projected. They work very well for architects or designers who require highly accurate, detailed presentations for clients.
Fixed frame screens come in all manner of sizes and formats, catering for all projector resolutions. The frame is constructed first, typically consisting of four sections with corner braces that secure them together. There is a rail keyway on the inside of the frame with fixings for the screen to attach to. Rubber stretcher bands slide through eyelets on the edge of the screen and attach to the fixing on the keyway. The screen is pulled taught, and any folds or creases will vanish.
If you are doing this at home, please make sure there are two of you to lift the screen once it is constructed. Some manufacturers use hard plastic and nylon corner braces that don’t withstand the twisting of the screen when lifting it. It’s essential to raise the screen equally on both sides to avoid any trapezoid effect.
Electric projector screens come in a few flavours, depending on size and the decorative finish. The basic electric screen is just a motorised version of a manual screen. They all come with a rocker switch and can be integrated into third-party screen controllers. Some manufacturers have built-in remote control systems, while others don’t and leave it open for integration into larger control systems.
Electric Projector screens are available in all sizes and shapes at AV installs. The largest we have installed is 8 metres wide. As a general rule of thumb, screens above 4M should be tab tensioned. A tab-tensioned projector screen is almost a hybrid of a fixed-frame screen and an electric roll-down screen. There are metal cables on either side of the screen that go down with it and pull the edges tight. This prevents a lot of the curling on the edges of the screen, which is a big problem with large-format screens. Tab-tensioned screens are mounted using dedicated wall brackets in the same way as a normal electric screen. Tab tensioned screens are considerably heavier than normal electric screens. We would always advise contacting a specialist installation company like ourselves.
The last flavour of electric screen is the recessed variety. We have installed numerous recessed projector screens over the years, and they truly provide the ultimate solution. The canister and all the mechanics are recessed into the ceiling with only a trim kit visible when the screen is retracted. These are used extensively in home cinema installations and commercial solutions where the aesthetics of the room are paramount. Controlled by a remote control, 12V trigger or RS232, they can be easily integrated into broader systems.
Whatever your projector screen requirements are, AV Installs is here to offer advice and services to assist customers in getting the best solution for their needs. We can supply any screen type and size, as well as execute any installation service that is required. Get in touch today and speak with the projector screen experts!
