For example the distance from front of the room to the back of the room is 60 feet / 6 = 10 feet as your screen height. Use 10 if you are picking a screen for a large venue such as a church or entertainment venue.

Once you have the screen height the width of the screen defaults to the aspect ratio you need. Will it be a square format a 1:1 ratio or will it be video format a 3:4 ratio or HDTV format a 9:16 ratio?

3. Aspect ratio
Knowing the aspect ratio that you want to use is another important element in deciding the proper screen.Do you want to use a square format? Video format? Or the HDTV format?

If someone plans to use a combination of Overhead, Slide and LCD or DLP projection, then one should use the Video format.

4. The "Look” of the screen
Would you like a screen that hangs from the ceiling? Is mounted on the wall? Is recessed into the ceiling? Do you want a screen that is permantly affixed to the wall in a nice frame? What looks best in the environment that you will be installing the screen in? Do you want a screen that matches the interior wood of that fancy boardroom that you are putting the screen in?

Some screens come with doors on them and hide the screen material completely. Some people like this “hidden” look.

A church for example may be concerned about how the screen looks in the sanctuary. They may want a screen that doesn’t just stick out like a sore thumb on the wall and competes with the other elements inside the church.

A corporate boardroom may want a screen that has all the “ bells and whistles” on it and not just just a plain pull down screen. So knowing your environment and the look you are going for can be helpful in deciding the right screen.

5. Projector Type
Determine the primary type of projection method to be used. If multiple projection methods are to be used equally, determine which one has the most demanding requirement and use that as your main criteria for choosing the right screen aspect ratio and gain of your screen.

Gain is defined as the measurement of the luminance transmitted by the screen divided by the luminance of the projector. For the most part these days a white screen with little or no gain should be acceptable and actually looks the best under normal lighting conditions. Projectors are bright enough, that you do not need to boost the gain any higher then 1.0. However, when you cannot control the ambient light in a room or location such as a church with light seeping in through stained glass windows. Then you may want to change the gain on a screen material and try for a higher gain screen. However by raising the gain on a screen you also decrease the viewing angle and have the potential for a screen that can have a “hot spot” in the middle of it.

Will the projector have a high lumen output? Will the projector be table or cart mounted or ceiling mounted? These questions should be answered when choosing the projection screen.

The following formula helps you determine if you need a screen with more gain:

ANSI lumens of the projector
Square footage of the screen = Foot – lamberts ( 20 –25 is acceptable)

Example:
1200 ANSI Lumens
48 Square ft. (6 x 8 screen) = 25 Foot - Lamberts

Deciding on the right projection screen can take a lot of time and effort, but in the end it will make for the best optimum presentations and getting your point across to the audience in a professional manner.

If you would like more information or would like to talk with a salesperson please contact the office nearest you or email sales@vmivideo.com with your request (please include the article name, and your contact information).