There has been a recent surge in the popularity of the home video projector. No, I am not talking about those things you used to watch filmstrips on in second grade, but the more modern version that uses digital video projection and DVDs. The new models can provide large, clear views for movies and home movies that people enjoy viewing over and over again. Video projections, however, are only as good as the surface that they are projected onto. Many people, when they first buy their new projector want to project the images onto a white wall. This will work, but the picture quality will be poor. You want to match the projector with the screen. Screens come in many varieties, from the DIY bedsheet screen to the most elaborate remote controlled electrical models that are hidden in your ceiling. They also are offered in a variety of finishes to match with the video projector paired with them.



Surprisingly, the home theater projector screen can come in several different surface finishes. The variety that you will need depends on the type of projector that you have. Screen surfaces vary from matte white, slightly gray, to reflected glass beaded models. Glass beaded models increase the effective brightness of your projectors image. This process is similar to the way a highway sign reflects your headlights. Lower light output models benefit the most from the higher reflectivity screens. In the same way, a high light output projector looks best when projected onto a matte finished screen. The glass beads on the higher output models tend to scatter the light waves and distort an image on the brighter projectors. A silver to gray screen will be most beneficial when using an LCD projector because those projectors do not have the best contrast/black levels. Before picking a screen, you must decide on the type of projector that you will use.

Projection screens come in three basic models. Fixed, manual pull down, and electric. The manual pull down models are probably the most common. These models are operated much like a window screen, in that you pull down on the screen to get it in place, and a quick downward tug retracts the unit back into its housing. The electric models have a motorized mechanism inside that will lower or retract the screen at the push of a button. The fixed screens are just that, fixed to a specific area, usually a wall. Fixed screens provide the flattest surfaces, while manual and electric models are susceptible to waves.

The aspect ratio of the screen is a top priority. The aspect ratio refers to the shape of the screen surface. Screens come in two basic aspect ratios, 4x3 Ð the normal television ratio, and 16x9 Ð the normal widescreen ratio. The aspect ratio of your screen is important to make prior to the purchase because you don't want to buy two screens. The fact is, once you buy a screen, there is no way to change the aspect ratio.

By thoroughly researching your screens before your purchase, you will save yourself loads of time and trouble.