3 most important characteristics of a projection screen
Projection screens come in many different sizes, shapes, fabrics and from different brands.These are the 3 characteristics to look for in a projection screen, regardless of the brand:
- A flat projection screen fabric. Waves, ripples and V-shapes
distort the projected image, especially with image moving from left to
right and vice-versa. Make sure that your projection fabric is flat.
For some screens, such as flat packed frame screens, it might take a
few days for the fabric to settle and the ripples to disappear.
(simulated image) - Black borders. Black borders surround the projection
screen area and nicely frame the projected image. Even though it can't
improve the contrast, a set of black borders do increase the perceived
contrast. The best black borders are found on velvet covered frame
screens, which actually absorb overscan (light from the projector which
is bigger than the projection area.
- An easy-to-install, sturdy projection screen housing. Even though projection screens are installed only once in most cases, an easily installed one can reduce installation cost or time and a lot of frustration. If the housing is made of flimsy metal, the housing might sag, leading to V-shapes in the fabric.