Projector Screen

While some users may opt for a white wall when using their projector, others may want to go with a screen. While white projector screens have been a staple for years, some home theater enthusiasts are opting for gray screens, which are considered “high contrast.”

As far as screen size goes, there are a variety of sizes to consider, and it all depends on the size of the room you’re in. You won’t want to buy the largest one available if the room you’re in is small, though if that room is dedicated only to being a home theater, consider getting a larger, permanent screen.

There are options to buy a 4 x 3 (full screen, squarish) or 16 x 9 (widescreen, film- and HD-friendly) screen; we recommend going with a 16 x 9, as more TV programming is going high definition widescreen, and movies are pretty much all widescreen now on DVD and Blu-ray. This cuts down on the letterboxing you’d see on a 4 x 3 screen.

There’s the option to purchase a permanent screen that will stay in place on the wall, great for a dedicated home theater room. Or you can opt for a screen that can be pulled down (like your teacher did back in school) and hung up on the wall, or from the ceiling – it’s semi-permanent and semi-portable. Then you could always go with a portable screen, which is affordable and might be a great option if the projector you’re buying is going to travel with you for business presentations. Consider your needs before making a decision, especially if you think you’ll be moving in the foreseeable future.

To decide where you should place your projector there are many things to take into account, including room size, the lamp’s lumens rating and more. Probably the best thing is to search online for a “viewing distance calculator,” which will help you place it properly.