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Answers
to Frequently Asked Questions About Projection Screens
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.
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