Projection Screen Facts & Installation Tips
Quick Links:
 Shop
Long's Projector Screens
Shop
Long's Projector Accessories
Once you've installed your projector, you're ready for the next step-choosing
and installing your projection screen. There are two basic types of
screens, Matte Finish and Glass Beaded. Both are made of fabric material
that provides a smooth reflective surface.
1. Matte Finish - The reflective surface is flat white. Best
for all around general-purpose use. Surface can be cleaned with soap
and water, and the screen has a wide-angle reflection to cover audience
members sitting on the sides of the screen. Matte finished screens
have no light gain, meaning the brightness is dependent up on the
intensity of the projection.
2. Glass Beaded - A glass beaded screen has millions of tiny
glass "beads" or "bubbles" glued to its surface.
The glass beads give light gain, so images on a glass beaded screen
appear brighter than on a matte screen. The surface texture of the
screen feels like sandpaper. Although the reflected image is brighter,
the viewing angle is narrower because the light is being reflected
straight back. This presents a problem in a wide room where audience
members must sit to the sides of the screen. Also, more care must
be taken with cleaning, as the beads will scrub off easily.
Projection Screen Installation Tips
Now that you're ready to install your projection screen, here
are a few things to consider.
First, avoid locations in front of air-conditioning vents or drafty
areas. This is to save yourself and your audience from the unpleasant
distraction of a screen that sways back and forth, making it hard
to focus and hard to read as well.
Second, the bottom of the screen should be a minimum of 4 feet above
the audience floor, allowing those seated toward the rear of the congregation
to see the screen. Ideally, the first row of seats should be approximately
two screen heights away.
Third, the distance from the back row to the screen is the diagonal
measurement of the screen times 6. For example, with a 60" diagonal
screen (5 feet), your maximum distance is 30 feet from the screen.
Some good rules of thumb to remember:
1. Use at least a minimum of 24pt type size. This allows everyone
in the room to read it.
2. When applying text to dark backgrounds, use light text.
3. When applying text to light backgrounds, use dark text.
Copyright © 2005 by Long's Electronics. All rights reserved.
|