Projector Screens

There are a wide variety of projector screens available in each of these mounting orientations. Some screens will include additional features such as designer casing, tab tensioning, adjustable masking borders, and more. For each mounting type, we list the available features.

Screen Types Explained:

Electric Screens Projector Screens

Electric Projector Screens allow for the automatic raising and lowering of the screen via remote control or inline switch. Electric or motorized screens are most commonly used in boardrooms and auditoriums where automatic operation is desired. Electric Screens feature a built in motor that effortlessly lifts and lowers the screen into the case at the flip of a switch. Both ceiling recessed and wall mounted versions are available depending on your intended application. Tensioned or non-tensioned screens can also an option. Electric motorized screens provide elegant design and the ultimate in convenience and ease of use.

Manual Projector Screens

Manual projector screens can be quickly pulled down from their ceiling or wall mounted location for easy ready-to-use viewing. Manual, or "pull down" screens, have long been a favorite for classroom and meeting room applications due to their economy and durability. Select Manual screens provide CSR (controlled screen return) which creates a smooth return of the screen into the case. Manual projector screens are an excellent choice if you are seeking simplicity, affordability and ease of use.

Fixed Fame Projector Screens

Fixed Frame Wall Screens are perfect for home theater and meeting room use or in any location where semi-perminate screen viewing is desired. Fixed Frame Screens are similar to large scale movie screens in that they remain fixed to the wall for ready-to-use media projection.

Portable or Tripod Projector Screens

Tripod and Portable Projector Screens allow for quick and easy setup and transportation. Portable Screens have long been a favorite for use in classrooms and for traveling presentation. Many newer versions offer advanced scissor support mechanisms which make for an even easier one-touch raising and lowering.

Fast Fold Projector Screens

Fast-Fold Screens are an ideal option for professional presenters on the road.

Projector Screen Paint

Screen Goo is a specially formatted, highly reflective acrylic paint, designed specifically for the video projection industry. Screen Goo acrylic paint allows one to transform any smooth paintable surface into a high performance projection screen. For a quick how to check out this video!

Projector Screen Material

Projector Screen Material allows you to build your own custom screen using Da-lite's high quality screen materials. You will be able to find fabric for tensioned and non-tensioned designs. This type of application requires a little ingenuity and patience, but they are achievable solutions.

Projector Screen Accessories

Projector Screen Accessories support the functionality of your projector screen by enhancing their capabilities and ease of use. Big Screen Center carries a complete line of remote control systems, mounting brackets, drapery skirts, and carry cases!

Some of the manufactures on the market are Da-Lite, Vutec, Stewart Screens, Classic Screens, Draper, Elite and Goo Systems. Within these manufactures you will find screens that can be used for front projection, rear projection and even dual-vision applications.

To figure out how big a projector screen you need, you will need to determine the dimensions of the room, as well as the size and positions of viewers relative to the projector screen. The basic rule of thumb is to fit the screen to the audience, not to the projector.
Screen width should be approximately equal to 1/6 the distance from the projector screen to the last row of seats, allowing text to be read and detail to be seen in the projected image. Ideally, the first row of seats should be approximately two screen widths away.

The bottom of the screen should be a minimum of 3 feet above the audience floor, allowing those seated toward the rear of the audience to see the projector screen. This may require additional screen "drop" for projector screens hanging from the ceiling.

When selecting your projector screens format, you must know the projector's native resolution. Here are some common aspect ratios:

1:1 (It's square no math needed)
This square format is commonly used with slide and overhead projection systems

4:3 (For every 4" wide it's 3" tall)
Known as the video format or NTSC. This is typically how LCD and DLP projectors display. You will find this format when displaying images from your computer or laptop.

16:9 (For every 16" wide it's 9" tall)
This is known as the HDTV format. You will find this used with most home theater projectors and is starting to make a push in more traditional applications.

16:10 (For every 16" wide it's 10" tall)
This is a relatively new format that came about because of the influx of widescreen laptops being used with projection systems.

Masking borders

If you have ever watched a widescreen movie on your TV, you know about the black bars that are projected on the top and bottom of the image. Masking borders can be added (and potentially removed) as a way to eliminate the bars you see when using your projector in its non-native format (ie 4:3 projector displaying in 16:9). Masking borders also increase the perceived brightness of an image on a projector screen giving your display a top-notch look. The human eye perceives the image to have more contrast and a sharper picture with brighter colors.

Before selecting the best projector screen surface to suite your needs, you need to ask yourself a few questions.

Will there be controlled lighting?

Your options for projector screens surface are much higher when you have a room with controlled lighting and no ambient light from a window for example. When ambient lighting exists, the screen material you choose can help minimize the effects of "washout" or glare. projector screen materials can also help to increase the appearance of contrast or brightness of a projected image. Below are descriptions of our primary surface types.

How is the room configured?

If a room is arranged where seating is wider, "fall-off" can occur which makes audience members on the far end of a row have more difficulty in viewing the image. projector screens with a larger viewing angle are preferred in this situation. Rooms that are longer than wide can require larger screens so that those in the back of the room can see details more clearly.

What will the screen be displaying?

Projector Screen Surface also plays a role in the type of content you display. White or matte white screens are more popular in business applications, while gray screen material is popular with home theater enthusiasts because the material adds the appearance of better contrast. When using equipment such as a 35mm film display, a white or matte white surface will provide truer color representation.