Projector Screens & Projection Screens - A Buyers Guide

How to Select a Projector Screen

The Basics for Making an Informed Screen Purchase



We understand that shopping for a projector screen can be a little intimidating; there are lots of choices. Between case, fabric, size and style options, there are thousands of projector screens on the market for you to choose from. We can help. Below you'll find a basic guide to selecting a projection screen, along with explanations of various screen styles, materials, and sizes.




Call us toll-free at 1-800-637-3181 and we'll guide you through the selection steps to help with your purchase.



Step 1: What type of screen do you need?



Pick the type of screen that best suits your particular needs. For example, choose from front projection screens in either portable, wall or ceiling models in either manual or electric versions or rear projection screens. Generally, if your projection application is permanent, then wall and ceiling screens are your best choice. If you find your needs require moving the screen to different locations then a portable screen is a better alternative. Here is a brief description of each screen type:







Manual screens are inexpensive and easy to use. Operating just like a windowshade, a manual screen is revealed by simply pulling the screen down by hand.




Manual screens may be of tensioned or non tensioned variety. Tensioned models attempt to keep the fabric flat and immobile, whereas the non tensioned models have the fabric of the screen hanging freely from their support structures and are prone to malfunction if there are currents of air in the room, giving imperfections to the projected image. To counteract these shortcomings, screen manufacturers have added some special features to manual screens to improve their quality.



Manual Screen Case Options: Controlled Screen Return (CSR) - Stops the screen from rolling back into the case too quickly.



Choose between tensioned or non-tensioned manual screens.




Electric screens can be wall mounted, ceiling mounted or ceiling recessed. These are often larger screens, though electric screens are available for home theater use as well. Electric screens are similar to pull-down screens, but instead of the screen being pulled down manually, an electric motor raises and lowers the screen.



Electric screens are usually raised or lowered using either a remote control or wall-mounted switch, although some projectors are equipped with an interface that connects to the screen and automatically lowers the screen when the projector is switched on and raises it when the projector is switched off.



Choose between tensioned or non-tensioned electric screens.











Portable screens are offered in a great range of styles. Floor mounted electric, floor mounted manual, folding/frame, inflatable, tabletop and tripod.




Portable screens usually use either a pull-down screen on a free stand, or pull up from a weighted base. These can be used when it is impossible or impractical to mount the screen to a wall or a ceiling.


















Can't Come To A Desicion?

Can't come to a decision about which size or format screen you want? We carry a huge assortment of screens with masking systems that modify the format or size of your screen.


Step 4: What else are you looking for?


Do you need mounting brackets, projector cart, cables or a remote? We have a wide range assortment of speaker mounts and screen accessories for finishing your projection needs.



Once you have followed our selection steps, you should be able to identify what you need. We carry screens from the finest screen manufacturers on the market: Da-Lite,

Projector Screens

Projection Screens