How do I know what size screen I need?
The first step is to take some measurements. You'll need the ceiling height, and the length and width of the room. Next, Determine the optimum screen size based on room dimensions, planned audience seating size and arrangement. The rule of thumb is to fit the screen to the audience - not to the projector. Da-Lite recommends the following formula for determining screen size:
* Screen height should be approximately equal to 1/6 the distance from the screen to the last row of seats, allowing text to be read and detail to be seen in the projected image. Ideally, the first row of seats should be approximately two screen heights away.
* The bottom of the screen should be a minimum of 4 feet above the audience floor, allowing those seated toward the rear of the audience to see the screen. This may require additional screen "drop" for ceiling hung screens.

What is a viewing cone?
The viewing cone is the area of the room for which the projected image produces the fullest spectrum view. This area is roughly in the shape of a cone with its point toward the center of the screen. Viewing cones are described by defining the degree radius formed by the outer limits of the cone. Higher gain reflective screens produce narrower viewing cones, while matte surfaces produce a broader viewing cone.

What is gain?
Bright environments require bright projectors and quality screens and lighting conditions are often difficult to control. In brighter environments, look for a screen with a high gain. Gain is achieved by using screen surface treatments to concentrate reflected light into the viewing cone and to minimize light absorbtion.

What screen surface is right for me?
It is hard to beat flat matte white surfaces. These have a 1:1 gain, with an extremely wide viewing cone. Most often it is best to order a surface with a gain no higher than 1:5, unless your room is long and narrow, or if you intend to use the screen in an environment where your audience will be concentrated in a central area in front of the screen such as trade show.

Which screen manufacturer is best?
There are several manufacturers producing a wide variety of screen systems. Often the decision is based on economics, or on which manufacturer's stock meet the needs of a client. As most screens are custom configured, lead time is often a consideration. Quality, delivery time, competitive pricing, and warranty are all factors in determining a solution. Multi-Media Solutions has formed direct agreements with some of the world's best manufacturers and can assist you in determining which screen best meets your needs. We developed Screens-USA to answer the growing need for screens as a result of the widespread adoption of multimedia projection.

What is the lead time for screen ordering?
The lead time for manufacture of most screens is two to three weeks. Multi-Media Soltutions maintains most small manual screens and ultraportables in stock.

What considerations should be made for ambient light and what can be done?
While the brightness of today's projectors overcome many adverse lighting conditions, picture quality does suffer as ambient light is flushed onto the screen. Sometimes picture quality can be dramatically improved by isolating ambient light away from the screen surface by seperate dimmer circuits or improved lighting fixtures. One tactic is to replace florescent transluscent diffusers with egg crate type diffusers that throw light directly down and away from the surface of the screen.

What other room conditions can affect picture quality?
Pay special attention to positioning screens with regard to HVAC vents. The airstream may cause the screen to wave, creating a distraction as areas of the screen move in and out of focus. This is primarily a consideration in drop down screens, and may be addressed by selecting a tab tensioned screen system.

Do I need a manual or electric screen?
This is really a question of economics and preference. Most manual and electric screens are available with the same surface treatments. Electric projection screens tend to give a better impression. But if you are going to leave the screen in the down position most of the time, either will work well. Keep in mind the size of the screen. The larger the screen, the more likely that it will need to be electric, due to the mechanical power required to deploy and withdraw heavier screens.

What about mounting?
This is an area of great concern. Screens are rarely lightweight. Large screens can easily weigh hundreds of pounds and require power lifts just to raise them to mounting position. Additionally, there may be structural considerations. Some applications can take advantage of newer screen technologies where the screen raises from the floor, rather than decending from the ceiling. This can minimize installation time and address otherwise costly installations resulting from height. This is especially true in churches. Mounting projectors is usually a much easier task than correctly mounting screens.

What about HDTV and aspect ratio?
Aspect ratio is the ratio of the length of the screen to its height. Different media utilize different aspect ratios. For example, many A/V screens are based on a 1:1, or square ratio. Computer screens and video screens are most often a 4:3 ratio, and newer HDTV formats are 16:9. Several manufacturers haved developed special skirts which can be employed to frame screens for flexibility, but these solutions can often be expensive. While a number of options are available, bear in mind that 4:3 and 16:9, are very different.

How much should I expect to pay?
The greatest consideration to guard against, is paying for a screen that fails to meet your needs. Purchasing a screen without considering the questions presented here, or a mistake in screen sizing can be costly. Manual screens on tripods are available for as little as a couple of hundred dollars whereas larger venue projection can run well in excess of 10k. Just as important as the cost of the screen can be the cost of installation. Some installations can take a tech crew multiple days. Keep in mind that proper installation is necessary to maintain the integrity of the screen (especially to prevent structural failure as very heavy screens are raised and lowered).

What about screen controls?
Most electric screens require some sort of control. Some are integrally wired to the room, and some are wireless. Screens-USA strongly suggests hard wiring. There is nothing worse than a remote control screen that will not deploy because of dead batteries or a faulty infrared receiver. It is important to remember that with hard wiring, a low voltage control controller will reuquire a cable run to the control area. As with screen installation, we suggest professional installation as this can be quite challenging.

Where can I get more answers?
With the number of variable associated with most screens, it's best to partner with a solution provider who can consider your application and help determine what options are best. The experts at Multi-Media Solutions have been providing and installing screens for over 10 years. With MMS, there's no guesswork. You get prompt individual attention and the assurance that your screen will meet your expectations. To discuss your project call MMS at 1-877-752-7629.

Types of Projection Screens

	Mobile/Portable On the go? Road warriors will appreciate the broad varitey of mobile portable projection screens available. These units are designed for easy set-up and breakdown
	Fixed Wall Designed for permanent installations, these projection screens are designed to integrate seamlessly into environments from boardrooms to living rooms.
	Electric There when you want it, out of sight when you don't, electric screens retract when not in use at the touch of a button..
	Manual Manual screens roll out to provide a quality projection surface, then easily retract when not in use. They're generally more economical than electrics and provide better flexibility in location.
	Rear Projection Whether it's built into the enviroment, or in a self-contained unit, rear projection screens provide a clean and impressive alternative to front screen projection screens. A rear projection system's quality depends on its mirror system. Most manufacturer's have several types, and the technology evolves steadily, allowing for shorter (thinner) rear projection "throw".
	These transparent rear-projection screens depend on a revolutionary coating to work their magic. It can also be applied to a regular glass window for digital signage applications.