PROJECTORS AND SCREENS

Projection Screens are an obvious need for any show or meeting where video, data, or film is to be projected.  But screen choices can be somewhat complex when all of the various formats and variables are considered.

Front vs. Rear

Front Projection means that the projector itself is in the same side of the screen as the viewer.  A Front Projection screen is typically white in appearance and is virtually opaque to light sources from the opposite side of the viewer.

Rear Projection means that the projector itself is on the opposite side of the screen from the viewer.  This is generally preferable for most meetings since the clutter, cable, and noise of the projector can be completely hidden from view, but it requires significantly more space when compared to front projection.  Rear Projection screens are typically gray in appearance and are made to pass light from back (projector) side to the front (viewer) side.

Standard Sizes

Video and Data Projection Screens have generally followed the aspect ratio of the home television set or the computer screen: 4 units-of-measure wide by 3 units tall.  For convenience, these dimensions are frequently rounded to the nearest foot, but actual dimensions will almost always conform to the aspect ration above.  Typical standard definition screen sizes are usually as follows:
4x6      6x8      8x10    9x12    12x16  15x20

High Definition

The new standard in Video and Data Projection is to conform to the aspect ratio of the High-Definition television: 16 units wide by 9 units tall.  Smaller screen sizes are not generally available since a standard screen can be used by simply not filling all of the screen area.  As above, for convenience, these dimensions are rounded.  Typical high definition screen sizes are:
            7x13    9x16    10x18  11x20  14x24

Manufacturers

Sound Ideas offers a wide variety of screens types and dimensions, including the following manufacturers:
Da-Lite
Stewart
Draper