Television equipment is increasingly recedingunder the pressure of projectors. There are still promising areas for the development of TV-based devices of a new generation, but they can hardly compete with the proposals that are produced by leading manufacturers of projection technology. Trying to win competition with manufacturers of TVs for all operational qualities, the developers began to offer a special screen for the projector. Reviews of the combination of the projection apparatus with the screen confirm that this solution significantly increases the image quality. It remains only to choose the most optimal variant of the device.
Features of projection screens
Immediately it must be emphasized that such screens do not havenothing to do with television displays. As a rule, they are a white matte canvas, designed to evenly distribute the broadcast "pictures." And not every material is able to reflect the image of the light flux from the projector with full depth. To do this, manufacturers use special solutions, including increasing the brightness of the image and smoothing its structure. It should be noted that the question of choosing a screen in this case is not secondary to the main equipment. Optimally, the choice of the projector and the screen is done simultaneously, which allows to take into account and compare the characteristics of both components of the home theater. But if the choice is made first in favor of one thing, then experts recommend starting it from the screen. In any case, it is important to determine the optimal material for the canvas. It will already depend on the ability of the projector to maximize its potential in the broadcast process. At the moment, the best solution in choosing the screen for the material is a translucent polymer. This option can be called universal, as it is suitable for home watching movies, and for lectures with presentations.
Screen Specifications
The main characteristics of the projection screens are expressed in size - in particular, the size of the canvas with proportions in width and height is taken into account. So, the following formats are common:
- Square. The so-called overhead projectors with a size of 1: 1.
- Multimedia format with a ratio of 4: 3.
- The format for viewing slides at 35 mm is the 3: 2 ratio.
- HDTV format with a ratio of 16: 9. Best for watching movies.
Win-win screen selection by format canbecome a model corresponding to the parameters of the broadcast image. The projector itself may provide for the possibility of changing the format of the “image”, therefore, it is necessary to focus on the characteristics of the image with which the screen for the projector will work. Reviews also recommend using 1: 1 or 4: 3 as a universal format. Such screens can be unwound from a roll to the desired height, while achieving cinematic image feed.
Coating type
Today, two types of coatings are used forprojection screens - standard matte and beaded. In the first case, a single reflection coefficient will be provided, eventually allowing the light to be diffused equally over the entire area. For the viewer, this will mean the perception of the “picture” from a wide viewing angle. Also, the matte finish is characterized by high color rendering and a clear image. Beaded coating is applied to the existing matte surface. The beads in this case are microscopic spherical elements made of glass. This coating allows you to reflect most of the directional light within the spatial sector. What are the advantages in practice given by the beaded screen for the projector? Reviews indicate that, compared with conventional matte screens, it has a small viewing angle. However, for viewers who perceive the image at a right angle and even with small deviations, a more intense and deep “picture” is provided.
Reviews of the model Cactus Wallscreen
Under the Cactus brand, there are several on the market.Options for practical projection screens. The CS-PSW model with the format of 187x332 deserves the most attention, as it offers wide possibilities for adjusting the dimensional parameters and is distinguished by high-quality performance materials. Users note the strength of the supporting structure, made of steel, as well as a convenient wall-mounted method of fastening the canvas. Also worth noting is the working quality of this screen for the Cactus projector. Reviews indicate that the matte finish in addition to the wide viewing angles conveys the saturation of the “picture” and the detail of the display. The material is based on a combination of polyvinyl chloride and terylene, which also leads to ease of care. The owners emphasize that the canvas is washable and does not lose its basic working qualities. As a protective coating, the manufacturer has applied refractory and antistatic layers, which is also an undoubted advantage of the screen.
Reviews for Model Projecta Descender Electrol
This whole family of inexpensive projectionscreens that are characterized by ergonomics and structural reliability. First of all, the users mark the original method of fastening the canvas with the straps that fit directly to the ceiling. This makes the mounting knots almost invisible and creates the feeling of a solid cinema screen. At the same time, after installation, the Projecta projection screen lends itself to broad settings without the need for dismantling.
According to users, non-modularthe design can be rebuilt and maintained even in the process of viewing the image. If necessary, you can use the additional Projecta complete brackets, which allow you to implement electrical installation design in any configuration, taking into account the operating conditions.
Reviews of the Scorpius model from Classic Solution
Manufacturer Classic Solution is one offirst manufacturers of projection screens, it is not surprising that in its lineup there are the most technologically advanced proposals. The Scorpius model, in particular, attracts users due to the presence of the electric drive and the favorable format of the 16: 9 working area. However, there are modifications with other sizes. The home cinema fans include the convenient elements for carrying and fasteners, the presence of an infrared receiver and the high quality of the materials used in the production of coated black enamel. Using the included remote, the user can remotely configure the screen for the Classic Solution projector. Reviews on image quality are also supportive of this series. Both image clarity and balanced viewing angles are noted. The disadvantages of the owners of Scorpius include the lack of masking the power cable for the electric drive.
How to make the right choice of screen for the projector?
A variety of projection screens givesthe possibility of optimal choice of the model for specific conditions. But before this, the future user must decide on individual requirements. In particular, it is necessary to identify the parameters of compliance with the projector (if it was purchased first), to determine the format and design characteristics, as well as to choose the type of canvas. Together, these criteria will help you choose the best screen for the projector. User reviews of the screens also recommend not to save, buying frankly budget solutions. Practice shows that low-quality canvases can make you happy with a “picture”, but after a couple of months, they wear out and become unusable.
Conclusion
The combination of cinema screen and projectorcan provide a truly deep penetration of the broadcast video sequence. Nevertheless, many connoisseurs of home theaters are still not sure about the advisability of abandoning television technology. Of course, reviews of projectors, projection screens and modern capabilities of such equipment convince of the justification of this particular solution as optimal in terms of quality and depth of image transmission. But there remains an unpleasant aspect in the form of value. Large-format TVs are expensive, but high-quality projectors are priced at 20-30% more expensive. Therefore, it is especially important not to lose the choice of the screen so that it can get the most out of the potential of the projection equipment.