TYPES OF PROJECTOR SCREEN
Fixed Frame Projector Screens
Fixed Frame Projector Screens are arguably the most elite of all cinema screens. Although they can be used for commercial purposes, these screens are commonly found in the most impressive of home theaters.
These screens cannot be rolled up and down and are a permanent fixture in the room. These projector screens are so popular in home theaters because they tend to last the longest, since they aren't constantly being rolled up and down in between uses. You won't get the bends and waves in these screens like you might in other types of screens.
These projector screens also tend to have the best picture quality, since these screens have the widest variety of screen material to choose from. While a tab-tensioned, electric, recessed ceiling-mounted movie screen might look a little cooler when the screen appears, the picture quality and overall impressiveness make the fixed frame cinema screen the mother of all projector screens.
Of course, those factors also tend to make these screens among the most expensive.
Retractable Projector Screens
Retractable Projector Screens come in three varieties: Motorized and manual which are pull down screens and floor rising where the display is pulled up. Each one comes with their own benefits and drawbacks.
Motorized Projector Screens
Electric Motorized Projector Screens offer a very professional look for your presentations or home theaters. Operated by remote control, they have a sleek, elegant design and the single location provides the most convenience for storage.
An electric projector screen is a popular choice for those who want the convenience of a large movie screen and have a large, semi-permanent area to dedicate to the screen.
Electric movie screens can be mounted into the floor, wall or ceiling. The ceiling mount can also be recessed into the ceiling so that your audience won't know there is a projection screen there while not in use.
Certain motorized cinema screens come with wood trim around the top, which helps mask the screen while not in use and is a great option if recessed ceiling mounting isn't an option for you.
Electric projector screens generally run on 100 volts, but some may be available with 220 volts. Other screens even have the option of remote operation from any location. Automatic screens are also available in tab-tensioned and non-tensioned models.
A recessed ceiling screen will give you the most stylish look, and is a great option if you are not planning on relocating the theater screen. However, a mounted screen provides more flexibility.
Manual Projector Screens
A Manual Projector Screen is an excellent alternative for those looking for a less expensive movie screen. These versatile video projection screens have a pulley at the bottom of the screen, which allows the operator to manually pull the screen up and down. Most of these screens now have a controlled return feature so that the screen's can't be rolled up too quickly, which could cause damage to the screen.
Similar to electric film screens, these can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted or ceiling recessed-mounted. However, these screens are much lighter than electric screens, since there are no motors attached. Also, since there is no risk of the motor breaking, failing or wearing over time, these screens require less upkeep.
Most people remember these screens from their school classrooms, wall-mounted above the chalkboard. These theater screens are hugely popular in schools and government buildings. They can also be a great option for a home theater system. That is … if you could live without the convenience of a remote control.
These movie theater screens can also be tensioned or non-tensioned. The non-tensioned are less expensive, but sometimes end up bending down and folding due to wear and tear from pulling the screen down so often.
Floor Rising Projector Screens
Tripods tend to be bulkier and are a bit more difficult to put together. Floor rising projector screens are a great alternative to more cumbersome tripod screens.
A floor rising screen is more lightweight and more simple to set up/take down. A floor rising projector screen comes in one piece- no assembly is required. Many don't even have a carrying case, as a handle is mounted to the base of the screen for easy accessibility. All you need to do is set the feet up on the display surface.
To do that, you simply twist the feet around so that they run perpendicular to the presentation screen. Once the feet are set up, you can just pull the screen up. The screen has a spring roller in place on the back of the film screen that rises with the screen to provide a sturdiness to the screen when it's at maximum height. It acts similar to the rod of the tripod that holds the screen up.
Most of these screens are available in a manual version, where the operator pulls the screen up themselves. However, some versions come with a pneumatic option, which allows you to use a remote control to lift the screen from the base.
Foldable Projector Screens
If you only sometimes need a display set up your best choice is a foldble projector screen. These screens are great for presentations and classrooms where you don’t always want to have the display set up.
Make sure you don’t get a cheap folding screen or you’ll see creases on the surface. With impressive anti-crease technology, premium folding frame projection screens are portable, durable and simple to set up. When you’re done just fold it up and store it away. Simple as that!
Projection whiteboards are a handy tool for office or classroom environments. This configuration makes it possible to draw and write directly onto the surface. These whiteboards are specially finished to be paired with a projector and therefore work much better for this purpose than your standard whiteboard which can often be too reflective and/or glossy for a projector.
DIY Projector Screens
A DIY projector screen is cheaper, allowing you to use that savings to upgrade your sound system, or projector. However a diy projection surface is rarely better than a quality store bought one.