A picture is worth a thousand words, which is why
projection screens continue to be popular at schools, churches, and businesses
across the globe. You are able to capture the attention of your audience and
convey your message, or movie, clearly and dynamically. Projection screens come
in fixed and mobile models, from the size of a small television screen to a
full-fledged movie theater screen.
When selecting a
, you must
take into account budget, size, and most of all, your audience. Who will be
watching on this screen, and where will they be watching? So, when choosing a
projector screen, consider this:

Location: If you have only one room where movies/presentations
will be shown, then choose a fixed model. If you want something that can be
moved from room to room, choose a portable model.

Size: Bigger is nearly always better, especially when it comes to
a fixed screen. If you are showing movies/presentations in only one location,
then choose the largest screen possible, while still taking into account your
audience movement --- you don't want a screen that reaches to the floor if
people are going to be walking in front of it. If you are getting a portable
screen, take into account the mobility. In this case, bigger means heavier, so
perhaps choose a slightly smaller model.

Other Uses: Consider the other uses of the room or venue where you
will install the screen. If you have a large theater with a stage, you may want
a ceiling recessed or floor model, which allows you to show movies/presentations
one night, and then hide the screen so you can have stage performances on
another night.

Types of Projection Screens:
Large Venue: for large venue facilities are movie-theater quality
screens. They are ideal for large auditoriums or theaters, and come in sizes
that can handle both Scope ratio films and Flat ratio films. The projection
screens also have motorized models that can scroll up to the ceiling for
inconspicuous storage.
Rear Projection: These projection screens are perfect for
rooms where vertical space is an issue. With rear projection, the projector sits
behind the screen, thereby eliminating the possibility of audience members
accidentally walking in front of the projector, or heads casting shadows on the
screen. The image will NOT be reversed when viewing however, as nearly all
projectors have a "rear projection" function to compensate for this.
Wall and Ceiling: Projection screens can be mounted
directly to a wall or hung from the ceiling. This static installation reduces
movement sometimes seen in portable screens, but eliminates the portability.
These are ideal for home theaters and conference rooms where mobility is not an
issue.
Floor Mounted and Ceiling Recessed: These projection
screens are perfect for multi-use venues such as stage theaters and performance
halls. For example, a theater can have stage performances one night, and then
raise or lower the projection screen another night to show a movie. As their
name implies, the floor mounted are installed in the floor, and ceiling recessed
are hidden inconspicuously above.
Tabletop and Tripods: These projection screens are perfect
for travel or mobile presentations, as they fold and store easily. The table-top
varieties are slightly smaller and more compact, while the tripods offer a large
viewing screen. These are also good for schools or companies on a budget, as
they can be transported simply from room to room.
Inflatable: The grand-daddy of projector screens,
inflatables are used to show outdoor movies in parks across the country. They
are also ideal for festivals, church groups, colleges, and other outdoor events.
Electric and Manual: Projection screens come in either
manual or electric. Manual projection screens require the user to set the screen
in place by hand. Electric projection screens utilize motors to raise or drop
the screen in place. Electric are most often used in ceiling recessed and floor
mounted models, as well as larger screens that are heavy. There is no difference
in screen quality, only function.
Purchase vs. Rental:
It's the age old decision of rental versus purchase, and
the same arguments apply. When you purchase a
, you get the
guarantee of quality, as well as a warranty. While it is more expensive than
renting, you will quickly make up for the cost difference if you use it
regularly. Renting a screen can cost about 10-20% of the purchase price. If you
feel your school, business or organization will use it more than five times,
then you should definitely purchase a projector screen. Plus, you don't have to
worry about scratches, dents, dings or poor quality.
These tips should help you choose from the variety of
projection screens on the market. Remember to always keep your audience in mind,
as they are the ultimate deciding factor on the quality of your presentation.