Home cinema with beamer, screen and sound system

Buyer's guide

Projection Screen Buyer's Guide 2024

The right projector screen in just a few steps

Your canvas buying advice at visunext

In addition to the projector, the right projector screens are also crucial for a good projection. To achieve an optimal projection result, you should definitely use a projection screen, as it has better reflection properties than a white wall. We explain what you should look for in a projection screen and which projector screens are best suited for your application. Always make the right purchase decision with us !

Content

Screen type: What types of screens are there?

Installation screens

A installation screen is ideal if the screen is to be used permanently at one location. It is permanently installed and therefore not transportable. The different product types include the motorised screen, the ceiling-mounted screen, the roller screen and the frame screen.

The installation screens at a glance

Manual screen - most economical solution for fixed installations

The classic manual screen is a cost-effective projection solution with manual operation for occasional users. The manually operated roll-up mechanism allows the screen to be easily extended and locked in the desired position. In addition to the roller screen, there is also the crank screen and the spring roller screen. They all offer easy installation that is also easy on the wallet!

Conclusion: Rather suitable for occasional use. A motorised screen is suitable for regular use.

All Rollo Screens

Electric screen - elegant and comfortable projection surfaces

The electric screen is a further development of the roll-up screen. Depending on the equipment, it offers technical features for both beginners and professionals. Probably the most popular type of projection screen, it offers maximum flexibility. Motorised screens also include tension screens, multi-format screens, battery-operated screens and floor scissor screens.

Conclusion: Particularly popular for home cinema and conference rooms.

All Motor Screens

celexon ceiling installation screen Motor Expert

Ceiling recessed screen - ideal installation for an aesthetic room image

Ceiling recessed screens can be integrated almost invisibly into any suspended ceiling with the help of a ceiling installation box. The screen can be conveniently extended at the touch of a button. The ceiling-mounted projection screen is controlled via a remote control, a switch or a push-button. As a built-in version of a classic motorised projection screen, the recessed ceiling projection screen has the same features, fabrics and materials.

Conclusion: Invisible installations for conference rooms, living rooms or home cinemas.

All Recessed Ceiling Screens

Fixed frame screen - perfect flatness for high quality image requirements

With a fixed frame screen, the fabric is stretched tightly in a frame. This type of screen offers the best image quality because the tightly stretched fabric is less sensitive to temperature fluctuations in the room and does not ripple. Especially for UST projectors, it offers perfect flatness. A frame screen can be integrated into any room design, whether with black masking for an effortless picture border or frameless for a modern and unobtrusive look. Comparatively inexpensive, durable and suitable for all projection systems, the frame screen is the classic for the best big-screen experience.

Conclusion: The all-rounder with a good price-performance ratio for rooms with sufficient space.

All frame screens

celexon CLR HomeCinema UST electric floor high contrast screen

High contrast projection screens - the latest trend for home cinema and laser TV

For razor-sharp projections in the home cinema, screens with high-contrast fabric are suitable. An ALR screen (Ambient Light Rejecting) or high-contrast screen has a specially structured or multi-layered fabric that increases contrast and black levels by absorbing or redirecting ambient light. When used in conjunction with an ultra-short-throw projector, it becomes a TV replacement for the high-end home cinema or living room. High-contrast screens are state of the art and, due to their complex construction, significantly more expensive than conventional projection screens.

Conclusion: Excellent high-contrast projections - for home cinema or bright living rooms.

All High Contrast Screens

The advantages and disadvantages of stationary screens

Screen type

Advantages

Disadvantages

Roller screen

- Inexpensive
- No cabling required
- Easy to install
- Permanent installation

- Manual pull-out by cord or pull-out rod
- Exact positioning is comparatively uncomfortable
- Usually only useful and available up to a width of 300 cm

Motorised screen

- Electric motor instead of manual extension/retraction
- Motorised drive protects the screen fabric
- Convenient operation via remote control, trigger, etc.
- Larger image widths and considerably more screen fabric selection

- Nearby power supply required
- Higher installation costs depending on the room

Recessed ceiling screen

- Almost invisible integration into the room image
- Motorised drive protects the screen fabric
- Convenient operation via remote control, trigger, etc
- Larger image widths and considerably more screen fabric choice

- Suspended ceiling necessary
- Must usually be installed by a specialist
- Power connection required in the vicinity
- Wider than classic motorised screens due to access panels

Frame screen

- No ripples for perfect projection results every time
- Enormously long service life
- Suitable for all projection systems, especially UST projectors

- No invisible integration possible due to fixed installation
- Permanently exposed to external factors such as sunlight or dust

High contrast screen

- High colour contrasts even under residual light conditions
- Hardly any darkening of the room necessary
- Increases black level, in-picture contrast and plasticity of the image
- In combination with a UST projector, an excellent TV replacement

- Comparatively high purchase price
- Sensitive cloths due to the multi-layered plastic construction

Mobile screens

If you want to use the screen at different locations, a mobile screen is the optimal solution. It offers maximum flexibility, quick set-up and can be used universally. There is the tripod screen, the ultra-mobile screen, the mobile frame screen and the table screen.

The mobile screens at a glance

Tripod screens - secure stand on any surface

The tripod screen is particularly suitable for mobile solutions as it consists of one piece and is therefore easy to set up. The tripod provides a secure stand, especially on uneven surfaces. Suitable canvas bags are suitable for the uncomplicated transport of the tripod canvas. This not only protects the canvas but also allows it to be carried comfortably over the shoulder.

Conclusion: Offers an optimal price-performance ratio for smaller and mobile projections.

All Tripod Screens

Pull up screen - the convenient solution for appearances on the road

The pull up screen, also called a suitcase screen, is simply placed on the floor and pulled up. Ready is the convenient set-up! This type of screen is themost comfortable option for maximum flexibility and mobile projections. We distinguish between solutions with a telescopic pole and solutions with an integrated scissor joint.

Conclusion: A professional mobile solution with a lot of comfort for on the go.

All ultra mobile screens

celexon folding frame screen Mobil Expert

Mobile folding frame screen - large screen solution for use on the road

If you want to show a large image at an event or trade fair, a mobile frame screen is ideal. Like a classic frame screen, it is covered with a cloth and stands on feet that are screwed to the folding frame. High-quality large-screen projections even when you're on the road!

Conclusion: The optimal large-screen solution for events of all kinds.

All ultra mobile screens

celexon table screen Mobile Professional

Mobile table top screens - The perfect complement for mini projection

With a small mini-projector, you can project up to a width of approx. 1.2 m onto table surfaces with the table screen. A good option for meetings in a small circle in the conference room, viewing holiday photos with friends or spontaneous presentations in the field!

Conclusion: The mobile companion for mobile and mini projections.

All mobile table screens!

The advantages and disadvantages of mobile screens

Screen type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Tripod projection screen	Inexpensive alternatives for occasional use Quick set-up and dismantling of the projection screen Total screen area can be adjusted most flexibly Particularly secure stand on uneven surfaces	Requires a wider stand Product appears less contemporary Only available in sizes up to approx. 2.5 m
Ultramobile screen	Closed housing protects all elements Fastest and most convenient set-up No separate bag necessary	Positioning of projection surface is relatively fixed Level surface essential for firm stand
Mobile frame screen	Screen widths over 4 m possible Easy and safe transport in stable flight case possible Height adjustable with optimal flatness Projection screen surface can be exchanged Available for front and rear projection surfaces Also suitable for outdoor use with a rigging set	Normally 2 people are needed for set-up longer set-up time than with a tripod screen
Table projection screen	Easy to set up with one hand Low weight and small dimensions Maximum mobility	Not for large audiences Limited application possibilities

Projection type: front or rear projection?

Projection surfaces are distinguished between two types of projection: Front projection and rear projection. Within these two types of projection, an additional distinction is made between standing andhanging installation of the projector.

To ensure that the image is projected onto the screen in the correct orientation, the projectors always offer the option in the settings to be used for either floor or ceiling mounting. Depending on the projection mode selected, the projector automatically rotates the image so that it is always displayed the right way round.

Front projection

With front projection (front projection), the projector stands or hangs in front of the screen, i.e. where the audience is. The screen can be mounted on the wall or ceiling to save space. No additional space is needed behind the screen.

Screens for front projection

Rear projection

In rear projection (transmitted light projection), the projector is behind the screen and the audience sits in front of the screen. This is particularly advantageous for applications where the audience is to be avoided standing or sitting in the projection cone. The relevant technology such as the projector and cabling is installed inconspicuously and professionally behind the screen. To maximise contrast, the area behind the screen should be completely darkened. If a short-distance projector is not used, there must be sufficient space behind the screen for the installation.

Screens for rear projection

The right canvas format and size

In addition to the screen format, the screen size is also decisive for a good projection. When determining the screen size, the distance of the audience to the screen as well as the distance of the projector to the screen must be taken into account in addition to the room size. To optimally determine the distance between projector and screen as well as the image size of the projection, our projection surface calculator will help you.

As the width of the canvas increases, the height of the canvas naturally changes. If a larger canvas width is chosen, the fabric must be longer to maintain the format. For the selection of the projection screen, this means that you must make sure that your rooms are not only wide enough, but also have sufficient ceiling height to be able to install the projection screen optimally.

The ideal screen format must always be considered individually. Various factors play a role in the required screen size: Will the projector screen be used in a small home cinema or in a large auditorium?

It is important to consider the distance between projector and screen and between viewer and screen. Depending on the intended use (home cinema, presentation, teaching, etc.), different formats are recommended. To achieve the best projection result, you should choose a screen in the format that best suits the intended use and the native format of your projector. This way you can ensure that the edges of the image match the edges of the screen. So for a 4K projector in 16:9 format, you should choose a 16:9 format screen. For a 4:3 projector, a 4:3 screen accordingly.

Presentations

16:10 or, less frequently, 4:3 are ideal formats for presentations and use in business environments and educational institutions.

Films

16:9 or more rarely 21:9 are perfectly suited for your own home cinema. For television and occasional film watching, the 16:9 format is suitable. For a professional home cinema, the 21:9 format is also suitable.

Flexibility

The 1:1 format can be flexibly adjusted to different sizes and is ideal for use with mobile screens, for example.

Set-up: How much seating distance do you need?

How should you set up your projector screen?

The optimum viewing distance between the screen and the audience depends on the resolution of the projector and the image width. A rule of thumb can be applied: The lower the image resolution, the greater the seating distance should be. Otherwise, the individual pixels will interfere if you sit too close to the screen. To ensure the most fatigue-free viewing possible, the lower edge of the projection screen should be 90 to 120 centimetres from the floor. This means that the projection surface is approximately at the eye level of the viewer.

Light output: How bright should your projector be?

Your projector needs sufficient light output to ensure that your canvas image is displayed in true detail. The ambient brightness at your location is decisive.

Normal daylight and ambient light, for example, is 150 to 180 lux, in a living room or office 200 to 750 lux. For a bright and high-contrast image, the ratio of ambient light to the light output of the projector should be 1:5. In rooms that can be well darkened without backlighting, the projector does not necessarily have to be brighter by a factor of 5. The larger the area with the same brightness, the lower the light output.

Example: The ambient light on the projection surface is 300 lux. You want to project onto a 221 cm x 124 cm screen. The projection surface is therefore 2.74 square metres. This corresponds to a 100 inch screen in 16:9 format. The factor for bright room projection is 5. The following then applies: 250 lux 2.74 square metres x 5 = 3425. According to this formula, your projector should have a brightness of approx. 3,500 lumens for the location.

Please note that this is a guide value. To ensure perfect projection for your application, it is best to discuss your project with one of our visunext experts before making a purchase decision.

visunext expert advice

Modern projection surfaces such as high-contrast screens can increase the contrast of your projection by a lot. A special cloth structure increases the black level enormously, absorbs stray light and projects an excellent image even in bright rooms. You can find more information on the right projector for your projector screen in our projector buying guide!

Canvas: Which type is suitable for your application?

The reflection behaviour of a screen is crucial for the power and dynamics of the colours and contrasts and the presentation of a rich black level.

The reflection behaviour of a screen is defined by the gain factor (luminance factor) depending on the viewing angle. The gain factor indicates how strongly the screen can focus the incident light. This bundling is decisive for the power and dynamics of colours and contrasts as well as for the presentation of a rich black level.

A screen that reflects light evenly in all directions has a gain factor of 1. The smaller the gain factor, the less light is reflected. Part of the light that the projector throws onto the screen is therefore swallowed up by the projection surface. With a high gain factor, the image on the screen appears brighter, but the viewing angle becomes smaller.

According to the international standard ISO 8396 and the German standard DIN 19045 Part 4, the reflection behaviour of canvases can be divided into the groups D, S, B and R. For approx. 90 % of all screens, manufacturers today work with types D and R. A type S screen roughly corresponds to a high-contrast screen. Type B screens are only used in isolated cases.

Type D - Diffuse reflective screen

excellent solution for your home cinema
Light beam is reflected evenly in all directions
Matt white, smooth surface
Gain factor: approx. 1.1
Horizontal viewing angle: approx. 40°

Type S - Specular reflection (in the mirror angle)

Light beam is reflected into the centre of the room and thus compressed
Mother-of-pearl coated surface
Gain factor: approx. 1.6
Horizontal viewing angle: approx. 30°

Type B - Beaded reflection (back to the light source)

Light beam is reflected back to the light source
Glass bead coated surface
Gain factor: approx. 3
Horizontal viewing angle: approx. 15

Type R - rear projection (transmitted light projection)

Light beam passes through screen and creates the image on the front of the screen
Gain factor: approx. 1 - 5
Horizontal viewing angle: approx. 15 - 40°

As a rule, type D screens are used. This type of screen is used in home cinemas as well as in conference rooms and classrooms. The other screen types are mostly used for special projection applications.

We are also happy to offer custom-made screens for your individual application on request.

Let's go on a canvas search!

If you cannot find a suitable projector screen in our range, we also offer you the option of ordering high-quality custom-made products from us. Our product specialists will be happy to advise you!

If you are still looking for the right projector for your projection project, we have put together all the important tips on choosing a projector for you in our projector buying guide. In our range, we offer you the largest selection of projectors from renowned manufacturers. Have fun projecting!

Discover canvases from all manufacturers!

Our canvas recommendations

celexon Rollo Professional screen

The screens of the celexon Rollo Professional series are classic projector screens with roll mechanism, which is chosen with its different formats for business use or for home cinema! celexon Professional screens offer the highest quality and an excellent price-performance ratio. A roll-up screen is therefore suitable for private users as well as for companies and institutions!

To the roll-up screens

celexon tripod screen Economy

The tripod screens of the celexon Economy series are among the most popular mobile screens. Their handy sizes mean they can be taken along in the car as well as carried comfortably from room to room in a company building or school. To make transport even easier, there is a matching bag that allows the tripod screen to be carried over the shoulder. The screens in the series can be used not only as projector screens, but also for overhead and slide projectors.

To the tripod screens

celexon screen Motor Professional

The celexon motor screens of the Professional series are high-quality motor screens for professional use with a very good price-performance ratio. Due to the large selection of different formats, they are among the most flexible screens. The Motor Professional projection screen is therefore ideal for all projection systems and is also ideally suited for the home cinema room.

To the motor screens

celexon CLR HomeCinema UST Floor High Contrast Screen

The celexon CLR HomeCinema UST electric floor projection screen is a unique TV replacement in combination with an Ultra Short Throw projector. The innovative projection screen fabric and electrically operated scissor-joint design make a large image possible in almost any room. When not in use, it disappears almost completely fromview in or behind a lowboard. In this way, the dream of a 100" TV on wheels that is only visible when in use comes true.

To the high contrast canvases

Our visunext recommendations:

Tobias Berg and Oliver Stenzel - contact persons in Purchasing and Sales - write on glass pane

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