Should you buy a white or grey home theater projector screen. It all depends on where and what you are showing in your home theater setup.

Once you have decided on the type of projector screen and taken the gain factor into consideration, you need to decide on what material your screen is made from.

This can be more challenging since there are different types available. Some yield better results than others.  Grey screens reflect less light so handle the darker tones better; blacks appear richer.  They work much better in rooms that have little ambient light and are darker. White screens are more versatile.

Matt White

Close to 80% of all home theater projector screens use matt white surfaces due to its versatility. Matt white screens can handle all types of images including business presentations that are graphic-heavy. It can project all colors vividly while keeping a clear image. This screen material is smooth and un-embossed is able to distribute light evenly across large areas with wide angles. You are not going to experience any hotspots, the condition where certain areas on the screen appear much brighter than others so that people viewing from side angles don’t see anything. It’s also the most economical type of material and the most flexible so is often used in portable screens.

High Contrast Grey

This material is a smooth grey vinyl surface that is recommended for high output DLP and LCD projector where there needs to be high-resolution and enhanced blacks. These screens typically have a low gain and work best in low ambient light. The vinyl fabric is very flexible so they can be folded or rolled up without any damage. This is the most recommended for home theater set ups.

High Contrast Matte White

This type of screen works best with low to moderate DLP and LCD projectors in a room where the ambient light source can be moderately controlled. It has a diffuse white reflective surface over a grey base material so it can heighten the black levels without sacrificing the white. Recommended for video images without too many high-resolution graphics.

High Performance

This is the most expensive type of screen as it delivers a precise resolution with higher contrast and vivid color palette while handling ambient light. Created from a tear-proof fiberglass base textile that does not reflect ambient light. Recommended in rooms where the lighting can’t be controlled.

Acoustically Transparent

Created from woven fabric or a diffused surface, the acoustically transparent screen consists of hundreds of small holes. This allows speakers to be hidden directly behind the screen so the sound appears to be coming out of the picture. Often a combination of matt white and high contrast grey screens, they deliver a cinema-like experience with vivid colors and rich blacks along with a wide viewing angle. Best suite for home theaters.

Read more about choosing a projector screen:

• Projector screens and the gain factor
• Screens and your DLP projector
• The importance of aspect ratio for your projector screen

The post Grey vs white home theater projector screen appeared first on DLP Lamp Guide - LCD and DLP Repair Tips - Fix Your DLP - FixYourDLP.com.

After you have chosen what type of projector screen, you need to consider the gain factor. Gain is a measurement of how much brightness is reflected off the screen’s surface compared to a standard white board. The way a screen surface refracts light is what differentiates one screen fabric from another.

A screen with a 0.9 gain only reflects 90% of the light while a screen with a 1.0 gain reflects 100% of the same amount. A screen with 1.5 gain reflects 50% more light and a screen of 2.0 gain reflects twice as much light.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the image will be twice as bright. The gain factor determines how much light is on the actual screen.

The first projector screens were grey in order to improve the levels of blacks shown. These negative gain screens don’t really make that much difference now with improved projector contrast ratios and black level.

The highest gain is not necessarily the best screen for you. Take into consideration the size of the room, lighting, projector being used conditions and content being shown. Review each type of gain to help you determine which screen to purchase.

1.0% Gain projectors

Room: Large or long rooms
Lighting: Some ambient light with light colored walls, ceilings and drapes. Light is reflected even when the lightings is turned off.
Image: Best for viewing digital photography, presentations and video images

Characteristics:

• Matte white
• Diffuses light evenly in all directions.
• Seating can be placed in a wide viewing angle
• All seats receive the same viewing experience regardless of the angle of view. .
• Colors remain bright with no shifts in hue.

1.5% High Gain White

Room: Smaller conference rooms and classrooms where seats can be positioned close together.
Lighting: Rooms with some light left on or with lots of natural light
Image: Video images, business presentations with graphics
Characteristics:

• Brightness of the image is not uniform. It increases the closer you get to the center.
• Hot spotting is common where the image disappears for those seated on the edges.
• Does not reflect green, blue and red equally so the color shifts in images are more noticeable when you change seats and view the image from different angles.
• Can’t be used with a ceiling mounted projector.

0.9% Gray screen

Room: Any size room
Lighting: Suitable for rooms with no ambient lights with dark walls and ceiling.
Image: Home entertainment, DVDs, videos, TV
Characteristics:

• Improves the levels of blacks shown by boosting contrast
• Not needed for projectors with high contrast ratios and black levels.
• Best for moderate output DLP projectors.
• High transmission and low reflection.
• Excellent color rendition and image contrast.
• Wide viewing angle.
• Best for true videophile

Learn more about projector screens:

• Screens and your projector
• Grey vs white home theater screens
• The importance of aspect ratio for your projector screen

The post Projector screens and the gain factor appeared first on DLP Lamp Guide - LCD and DLP Repair Tips - Fix Your DLP - FixYourDLP.com.

The type of screen you need depends on your projector, the amount of light in the room, the size of the room and the viewing angle distance from the screen.

The first step is learning about the various types on the market to suit both your budget and projector. There are four basic types:

• Electric
• Permanent, fixed frame
• Manual pull down
• Portable

Electric

Definitely the most convenient and easiest to open, the electric screen is also the most expensive. They are also the most versatile and can be mounted on the ceiling or on the wall. Electrics can be hung externally on the ceiling or put into a recessed ceiling. They can come up out of the floor or down from a wall adding a instant “wow” factor. They are much more difficult to install than other types of screen since they require a power source to operate. Definitely the screen for a professional look.

Permanent

If you have a dedicated space for your projector where all your viewing takes place, such as a conference room or a family recreation room, then a permanent screen may be the best option. It resembles a flat-panel TV wrapped in a metal or plastic-frame. Lightweight and flexible, a fixed-frame projector screen can be mounted on almost any wall. It’s usually installed directly onto the wall with curtains in front for both protection and concealment. After the initial set-up, there is nothing needed. More expensive but easier to use.

Pull Down

If space is limited, then you may choose to install a pull down. These manual pull-and-release types are typically seen in classrooms and conference rooms but also work well at home. It’s usually a semi-permanent mounting on the wall that fits above paintings or other decorations. When the screen is pulled down to the desire height and locked into place, it simply covers the permanent wall behind. When not in use, it’s rolled up into its protective housing. Since it’s usually mounted on the ceiling instead of on the wall, it can be easier to install and not as expensive as other screens.

Portable

Portables are also known as tripod screens since they have three-legs. These are the most economical option and also the easiest to transport. They make sense if you need to set up in a different room or are travelling with your presentation to conferences and other venues. If your projector is portable, then a portable makes sense. While they cost less, the major drawback for portable screens is that you must adjust the screen and get the correct screen aspect ratio every time you set up.

Once you have decided on which type  you would like, you’ll want to consider the type of fabric and size.

Learn more :

• Grey vs white home theater screens
• Projector screens and the gain factor
• The importance of aspect ratio for your projector screen

The post Your screen and your projector appeared first on DLP Lamp Guide - LCD and DLP Repair Tips - Fix Your DLP - FixYourDLP.com.