What is best material for a rear projection screen?

Answer 1

There are many types of projection screen material and all of them have benefits in certain situations. There can be no single answer to the question without knowing a lot more about the application. What follows is a general answer. Projection can be from the front of the rear and the screen surface for front and rear is very different. Rear projection is less common than front and specialist advice should be sought before selecting a screen surface for rear projection.

For front projection, there is a choice of either a rigid or a roller screen. Rigid surfaces are typically a flexible surface stretched across a framework.

In either case, there are various surfaces to choose from. High gain screens offer bright images by reflecting light towards the viewer rather than in all directions. While they produce much brighter images in certain viewing positions, the image brightness will fall away sharply as the viewer moves away from the centre line of the screen. Some can be very effective but it is vital that the viewing angles and reflectivity are checked and compared before choosing one.

The remaining front projection screen surfaces are Matt finish white or near white materials. Matt surfaces direct the projected light in all directions. Although the image is less bright than with a high gain screen, the image brightness is far more even than many high gain surfaces. They are ideal for rooms with a wide seating area and without high ambient lighting levels. Matt surfaces are generally less expensive than high gain surfaces.

For real economy, there are two materials than can be used. One is cotton sheeting. Stretched across a framework, cotton can provide a reasonable surface at a minimal cost. Be prepared to spend a little time building a framework ready for the surface to be stretched across it. The other alternative is even less expensive. White emulsion paint applied to a flat wall creates a screen for only a few dollars. Cotton and paint are not as effective as a purpose manufactured surface but are often perfectly acceptable.

To choose a roller screen, once again, select the right surface to suit the room. In addition, make sure the screen comes with a guarantee that the surface will be flat. Cheap screens are liable to curl at the edges and will distort the image. Avoid cheap screens.

Screens can be complex to choose and they are worth investing sufficient time to audition them before purchasing anything. Do consult dealers and consult more than one to make sure that you are getting good advice.

Answer 2

Rear projection material has become a very specialized product. The earliest rear projection screens were glass with a ground surface. The ground surface scattered light in all directions and although it was effective, images tended to be inconsistent and not bright.

Modern screens are normally rigid and have an engineered optical coating applied to obtain a consistent image brightness across the screen as well as offering higher light output. Some screens even have a form of fresnel lens machined into the surface to assist in directing light towards the viewing area. These are among the most expensive.

There is also a range of flexible screens. These are a slightly elastic plastic sheet which can be stretched across a frame. They are ideal for portable screens and have a relatively low cost. The image brightness tends to be less consistent than some of the rigid screens.

As a zero cost alternative, some very light weight white fabrics might do the job. Some experimentation might be needed but the right fabric might offer reasonable results at a minimal cost.

Answer 3

It is up for debate but most likely the best Home Theater projector screen is the Elite Lunette Curved Projection Screen. You can purchase one from Wayfair or Elite Screen Shop.