To create a high-quality image, just a projector is not enough. In order to completely recreate the atmosphere of the cinema and achieve the very magical atmosphere that reigns in it, you need to think about purchasing a projection screen. It will allow you to fully enjoy the high-quality picture and fidelity. But before you run to the store, you need to study the reviews on the projection screens and choose an inexpensive, but high-quality model.
Types of screens
To start choosing a suitable projection screen (for reviews and photos, see our review), you need to decide on its appearance. Its design features and, of course, price depend on this. There are two types of projection screens:
Stationary screens are designed for installation in one room, mobile can be used to view video in different rooms. According to reviews, stationary projection screens are more reliable than mobile ones. When the mobile screen is often expanded and collapsed, it is subject to mechanical damage and rapid wear. Therefore, it is better to immediately determine the room for the projector and install the screen stationary.
Mobile projection screen: description
Portable screens are more suitable for working presentations, lectures or commercial demonstrations. Due to the fact that the screen canvas is folded into a tube, it is easy to move and install it on a special tripod, which, as a rule, comes with the screen itself. On sale you can find three options for mobile projection screens:
- on a tripod;
- floor / table;
- on two legs.
The tripod is ideal for paintings of a width of no more than 2.5 mm. If the canvas size exceeds this mark, the question arises of the stability of the screen. The advantage of mobile devices mounted on a tripod is compactness. But at the same time image quality suffers. The picture is more prone to distortion, and the design of the screen itself is unreliable and prone to rapid wear.
Reviews and a description of the projection screen on two "legs" suggest that it is more stable than the canvas on a tripod, but less reliable than the floor / desktop screen. It is suitable for screens with a minimum web width of 2.5 mm. Thanks to the height adjustment of the legs of the screen, it is suitable for any model of projector.
Floor and desktop screens are comparable in stability to stationary ones. They have a robust construction and reliability. But their use is limited to mobile short throw projectors.
Material
If we talk about how to choose a projection screen, customer reviews show that the material of manufacture plays a very important role in this matter. Today, screens are made of only two materials:
Textiles are low cost and wear resistant. It does not distort the surface, so the image quality is quite good. Such models are most in demand among buyers, as evidenced by numerous reviews and reviews on projection screens made of textiles.
Vinyl is the material for the manufacture of premium projection screens. Its price is much higher than for textiles. But the picture quality corresponds to such a cost. However, vinyl screens have one unpleasant drawback - to create a flat surface, you need to pull it using a special system. This greatly complicates the process of its installation.
Screen coverage
No review of the projection screen is complete without mentioning the type of coverage. This is a very important factor that affects the brightness, contrast and clarity of the image. Coverage is of three types:
- Frosted. Available in two colors: white and gray. Color does not affect picture quality. The only difference is that on a gray screen the black color will be more saturated. Matte screens are the cheapest of all models. They are suitable for cinema halls with any lighting and do not require its complete dimming. The image quality on a matte screen is highly dependent on the degree of brightness of the projector.
- Glossy. Unlike matte, it reflects light, which improves all the parameters of the projected image. Glossy screens are more expensive, but they will show their best side only if you use them in a room with strong dimming. Otherwise, glare will prevent full viewing of films. Also, by the method of reflection of light , there are two types of screens: mirror and reverse. Glossy screens of specular reflection can be located at any point relative to the projector, and in the case of back reflection of light, it can be directly opposite the projector.
- Diffuse reflective. This is a specialized back projection coating.
In addition, screens can be translucent and non-translucent. The first are used only if it is planned to place the speaker system behind the screen. This allows you to play the voices of the main characters of the film directly from the center of the screen. But because of the holes that make sound transparency, the canvas can reflect less light.
Screen Size and Format
The size and format of the screen affects its compatibility with the projector. So that the picture is located exactly in the center and does not go beyond the canvas, you need to accurately calculate the width and height of the screen or its diagonal. Width and height are measured in centimeters, diagonal in inches.
The diagonal of the canvas depends on the distance between the viewer and the screen. The larger it is, the larger the size of the canvas. The most typical screens have a diagonal of 80, 100, 130 inches. Reviews of projection screens with a diagonal of 160 inches indicate that this size is not suitable for apartments with a standard layout. Therefore, in this case it cannot be said that the larger the screen, the better.
As for the aspect ratio, for the screen that is planned to be installed at home, the ideal figure is 16: 9. For offices and training centers - 3: 4. Also on sale there are special models that allow you to independently adjust the aspect ratio.
Projecta projection screen: reviews
Reviews on Projecta projection screens confirm the company's professional approach to the production and development of components for projectors. Many users note the reliability and durability of the screens, despite the intensity of their use. The models that Projecta represents have a long warranty period, which confirms the majority's opinion about the durability of the devices.
However, some buyers note that over time, the flatness of the surface is lost. Waves appear that spoil the projected image and the clarity of the picture. Other users complain that after a while the screen began to sag.
BenQ: manufacturer reviews
BenQ launches budget and premium screens. Most of the reviews are left by users about economy-class projection screens, since prices for more expensive models can exceed $ 1,000. But budget does not mean bad. Even cheap BenQ screen models fall into the top 10 in terms of quality, contrast and image clarity.
Users note high color rendering and excellent picture brightness. Particularly popular are wall-mounted projection screens, reviews about which are also mostly positive. This is due to the fact that even after numerous twists of the canvas, it remains flat. In addition, BenQ presents many tensioner models, which completely eliminates the risk of such a common problem.
Digis Electra projection screen reviews and features
In general, in addition to the Electra model, there are others, for example, Optimal or Kontur. But since the Digis Electra screen is most in demand, I would like to pay attention to it. It is suitable for wall or ceiling mounting, equipped with electric drive. The Electra range has a wide range of sizes, up to 203 inches.
Main characteristics:
- The maximum power of the electric drive is 144 watts.
- The number of engine revolutions is 15-28 rpm.
- The reflection coefficient is 1.0.
- The maximum viewing angle is 160 ° .
- Type of canvas - matte.
The reviews noted that the drive is quiet and does not create unnecessary noise. When the screen is expanded and twisted, an automatic stop is triggered, which increases the life of the screen. For ease of use, a wall switch is provided.
Features
On all screens of the Electra lineup there is a black border. This facilitates the perception of the image and makes the picture the most holistic. There are no seams on the canvas, and its coating is even and smooth. Digis Electra screens are low cost projector accessories.
In general, users are satisfied with the quality of the screens. The electric drive works properly throughout the entire life cycle and does not require additional maintenance. For a matte screen type, image quality is pretty good. But some users are unhappy with the saturation of the projected image and the color depth.
The canvas does not stretch or sag over time. The manufacturer guarantees that Digis Electra meets all European requirements for the quality and safety of projection screens. All users agree that the screen works properly throughout the warranty period. In terms of price / quality ratio, this model is one of the best in the market of audio and video equipment.