In today’s post we are going to look at the different types of projector screens available and their applications. There are many varieties of projector screen, each have their own individual features. Choosing the correct screen can make or break a successful projector installation. It is important to to take some time considering the correct solution.

1. Roll Down Projector Screens

The roll down projector screen is the most commonly seen screen. They are used extensively everywhere from schools to home cinemas. They come in sizes from 1.5 metres wide up to around 3metres wide. The size in generally limited on manual pull down screens due to the mechanics of the screen and comfortability of operating it.

Manual screens have come on allot since the old days are are no longer so cumbersome to use. At AV Installs we prefer to provide the premium slow retraction screens. Just pull the screen down and pause it stays, to retract just pull on the screen and let go. The screen will slowly retract instead of taking of and winding itself in.

Manual screens can 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.

2. Fixed Frame Projector Screen

Everyone is familiar with roll down projector screens but what is a fixed frame screen and what are they for? Fixed frame projector screen’s 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 that 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 which generally come in four sections with corner braces that fix 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 screen and attach to the fixing on the keyway. The screens is pulled taught and any folds or creases will vanish.

An inside tip if you are doing this at home, make sure there are two of you to lift the screen up once constructed. Some manufactures use harden plastic and nylon corner braces that don’t stand up to twisting of the screen when lifting it. Its important to raise the screen equally each side to avoid any trapezoid effect.

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3. Electric Projector Screens

Electric projector screen’s come in a few flavours dependant on size and the decorative finish. The basic electric screen is just a motorised version on a manual screen. They all come with a rocker switch and can all be integrated into third party screen controllers. Some manufacturer’s have built in remote control systems, 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 8 Metres wide is the largest that we installed. As a general rule of thumb screens above 4M should really be tab tensioned. A tab tensioned projector screen is almost a hybrid of a fixed frame screen and a electric roll down screen. There are metal cable either side of the screen that down with it and pull the edges taught. This prevents allot of the curling on the edges of screen which is a big problem with large format screens. Tab tensioned screen’s are mounted using dedicated wall brackets in the same way as a normal electric screen. Tab tensioned screen are considerably heavier than normal electric screens. We would always advise contact a specialist installation company like ourselves.

The last flavour of electric screen is the recessed variety. We have installed many recessed projector screen’s over the years and they really do provide the ultimate solution. The canister and all the mechanic’s is recessed into the ceiling with only a trim kit visible when the screen is retracted. These are used allot in home cinema installations and commercial solutions where the aesthetics of the room is paramount. Controlled by a remote control, 12v trigger or RS232 they can be easily integrated into broader systems.

What ever you 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 to the projector screen experts !!