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.