5 best projector screens

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

For presentations, briefings, trainings and other more or less public events, a variety of presentation equipment is used, and all kinds of visualization tools such as interactive whiteboards or projection screens are practically necessary in such cases. It is about screens for projectors that will be discussed in our today's issue. Contrary to misconceptions, screens can vary greatly in form factor, capabilities and, accordingly, price. First, we will describe for you how the most reasonable approach to choosing a projection screen, after which we will give a rating of specific series and models based on the conclusions of specialists.

How to choose a screen for a projector

A common point of view for consumers planning to set up a projector + screen home theater in their home starts with the selection of a projector. In fact, it would be more reasonable, and this is recommended by experts, to choose a screen first, and then select an optimal projector for it. Such a seemingly simple thing as a screen actually has quite a few important parameters. We will describe them so that you can make a truly informed choice.

Stationary and portable

Portable screens are a tripod or tripod on which the screen unfolds. It makes sense to buy such a screen if it is supposed to be used for one-off meetings in rented premises, where it is impossible to install a full-fledged stationary screen.

For home theaters, conference rooms, large auditoriums in universities, and other large rooms, stationary screens are advisable. They have important differences in functionality.

Suspended spring loaded

When rolled up, the screen is a tube that is mounted on a ceiling or wall. The web is fed from the tube by manual effort – there is a special bracket at the bottom of the web edge. The canvas can be fixed at the desired height. It can be retracted almost effortlessly thanks to the spring – you just need to slightly tug at the bottom edge.

Such screens for a projector are generally inexpensive and compact, but their web tension is not perfect.

Suspended with electric drive

An improved and automated version of the previous type. The lowering and raising of the screen is carried out by means of an electric motor. In high-quality modern models, the engine runs silently, but when choosing this moment, just in case, it is better to clarify. The same weighted bar at the bottom edge serves to tension the web, as in the previous type of screens.

The advantages of such screens are in automatic operation, moreover, with the help of remote control. The minus is the same – faulty web tension.

Electric Screens with Side Tension

All the advantages of the previous type are present here, plus they have horizontal tension, which are provided by special cables along the vertical edges. This combination gives their main advantage – a perfectly flat surface. On the other hand, they are not cheap.

Hanging in the frame

A prefabricated structure from a frame and a canvas stretched in it. An advantage is a perfectly flat surface, a minus – such screens for a projector imply a stationary installation and they can only be 'masked' with drapery.

The size

Let's say right away that this is not about the fact that the screen will fit in the apartment at all, this is already obvious. This refers to the quality of image perception when watching a movie on a wall-ceiling screen. The fact is that the maximum viewing effect can be obtained only if peripheral vision is involved. It is the effect of stealth and blurring of the edges of the image (although in fact they are clear) and exclusion from the field of view of the home environment that gives the maximum effect of presence. This could easily be adjusted by simply positioning the viewer further / closer to the screen. But there is a 'pitfall' here – at too close a distance pixels become distinguishable, which is very bad. Therefore, you need to calculate the optimal size by comparing it with the resolution of the 'picture'.

It is not difficult to calculate such a ratio, but we will immediately give you its results. For a resolution of at least FullHD (1920×1080), the optimal image width will be 50-70% of the screen-to-viewer distance. That is, if the estimated distance from the back of the chair to the screen is 3 meters, then the optimal screen width will be in the range from 1.5 to 2.1 m.

Aspect ratio

For home theater, if full viewing of the maximum cinematic format is expected, the optimal ratio is 16: 9. If the screen is supposed to be installed in an educational institution, conference room, any office, variations are already possible here. If you intend to use a modern projector, a 16:10 ratio is desirable. If the projector is old enough not to support ratios greater than 4: 3, and you do not plan to change it, then you may not buy a wider screen, partly saving.

Rating of the best projector screens

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best wall / ceiling projection screens	1	Cinelectric Eco	RUB 30 800
	2	Lumi ESAC86	RUB 4,820
	3	Cactus Wallscreen CS-PSW-104×186	RUB 3 260
The best tripod screens for projectors	1	Epson 16×9 ELPSC21 183×107	RUB 19 600
	2	Redleaf SRM-1103 127х127	–

Best wall / ceiling projection screens

The features of screens for this type of projector are described in detail above. As for specific manufacturers, our experts were guided primarily by the best price-quality ratio, so they included three models from different manufacturers in the rating. Two of them are motorized and one is manual with a re-grip mechanism.

Cinelectric Eco

Rating: 4.9

Let us first consider a series of motorized screens manufactured by the American company JT Motors Inc. This equipment is of a fairly high class, designed to equip business centers and other premium establishments, as well as for home installation for those who appreciate real quality and have suitable conditions.

The Cinelectric Eco series includes a range of motorized screens in widths ranging from 180 to 300 cm in the two most requested aspect ratios – 4: 3 and 16: 9. Controlled by a remote radio remote control.

The design of the structure is simple and unobtrusive, almost universal, making it easy to fit the screen into any modern interior without being too noticeable when there is no need for it.

The body of the case, into which the screen panel is removed, has the correct square cross-section, has appropriate technological holes and fixtures for mounting on a wall or ceiling. The electric motor is located on the right side of the structure, making it easy to adjust the automatic extreme upper and lower positions of the web.

The white screen fabric has a matte texture, the viewing angle is 180 degrees, the gain is 1 and the front projection of type D. The canvas is made of vinyl, laid on a black fabric base and has a black frame around the front part. Completely opaque. Slides out / retracts completely silently.

The Cinelectric Eco series of projector screens are lightweight. For example, a screen with a maximum width of 3 meters weighs only 24 kg.

Advantages

• quiet engine operation;
• durability;
• low power consumption;
• easy to install and operate.

disadvantages

• not found.

Lumi ESAC86

Rating: 4.8

Further in the rating, we will consider a specific model from one of the largest and most reputable Chinese manufacturers of high-quality presentation equipment. The described characteristics will be suitable for other screen sizes of the same form factor, but different sizes.

In terms of characteristics and quality, the screen is comparable to the above-described series, and at a price much cheaper. Made in exactly the same form factor with a white 'invisible' case. The canvas also has a black border around the perimeter, a white work area, and a black lining. Only in this case PVC is the material. Likewise, the motor is equipped with an automatic locking system for presetting different altitude levels. The fabric material based on PVC has an improved composition, which allows it to be washed easily, quickly and without the risk of damage or loss of elasticity.

The matte white coating of the canvas ensures uniform diffusion of light falling on it. The gain and viewing angle are 1 and 160 °, respectively.

The size of the canvas is 172×130 cm (86 inches) with a 4: 3 ratio. The length of the screen for the projector together with the tube is 201 cm. The dimensions in the package are 221x13x13 cm. The remote control is included.

Advantages

• quality materials;
• can be washed without restrictions;
• lightweight construction;
• easy installation and management;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• not found.

Cactus Wallscreen CS-PSW-104×186

Rating: 4.7

The selection of the rating of wall and ceiling screens is completed by the simplest and most affordable option – a manual screen of the domestic trade mark Cactus. The company was founded quite recently – less than 10 years ago, but during this time it has managed to win a significant share of the office and presentation equipment market. Production is established in the countries of Southeast Asia, as well as directly on the territory of Russia.

Wallscreen is a whole series of Cactus brand screens, which actually differ only in size. We will consider the series using one example with a working field size of 104×186. The proportions are 16: 9. Diagonal – 84 inches.

The screen fabric for this projector is made of reinforced PVC with terylene, completely opaque. Has a black border around the perimeter. Blade thickness – 0.4 mm. The viewing angle is 100 degrees. Amplification factor – 1. Permissible operating temperature range – from -20 to +40 degrees. The canvas is covered with special compounds that provide an antistatic effect, fire resistance, and mold resistance. It can be washed without restrictions; rolled up the canvas can be stored for a long time even at high humidity without losing its useful qualities.

The canvas is assembled into a thin-walled metal tube with plastic plugs on the sides. The tube is equipped with technological holes and lugs for wall or ceiling mounting.

Advantages

• durability;
• mold resistance;
• antistatic and fire resistance;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• not found.

The best tripod screens for projectors

The second selection in the ranking of the best projection screens according to the version is portable screens on tripods. These are mobile, convenient, versatile designs that allow you to deploy a workspace in a matter of minutes for a training, seminar, presentation, even in the open air. We will give you two examples of the most successful, in the opinion of our experts, solutions.

Epson 16×9 ELPSC21 183×107

Rating: 4.9

First, we will consider a mobile stretch projection screen from a company that does not need any special introduction – the famous world manufacturer of printing equipment Epson.

For example, let's take a model with dimensions 183×107 and work area proportions of 16: 9. Other products in the same series have the same properties and differ only in size.

The product is a lightweight assembly consisting of a sturdy aluminum alloy metal tripod and a screen fabric that attaches to the top of the tripod.

The canvas is made of several layers of a special polymer, has four points of tension to achieve the most even surface. Reflection coefficient – 1. Viewing angle – 60 degrees.

The whole structure weighs only 3.3 kg. Recommended for use in both office and home conditions.

Advantages

• flat surface due to 4 tension points;
• light weight;
• quality materials;
• reputable brand.

disadvantages

• point complaints about the stability of the tripod.

Redleaf SRM-1103 127х127

Rating: 4.8

Completing the second selection of the rating and at the same time the entire review is a series of budget portable screens on tripods from Redleaf. These are inexpensive but solid products suitable for use in a wide variety of conditions.

Let's consider a series using the example of a screen for a projector measuring 127×127 cm (diagonal – 67 inches). The canvas is made of high quality polymer, has a viewing angle of 100 degrees and a white matte surface. To tension the web, a weighting agent of the lower edge is used in the form of a thick-walled metal pipe. Due to this, the entire structure, other things being equal (approximately), weighs significantly more than the previous model – 12 kg.

The tripod height is adjustable due to the telescopic structure of the stand. A simple top position control is used to select the projection height and format. To compensate for the 'picture' distortion, a trapezoid corrector with three position options is used. The tripod legs are made of bent steel profiles with plastic tips and polymer coating. Weight in this case 'works' as a plus for stability. The body has an octagonal cross-section, made of steel, covered with a protective polymer compound. Plastic plugs are installed on the sides.

The material of the canvas is completely environmentally friendly, and fully complies with the established fire safety requirements for building materials and components.

Advantages

• stability;
• trapezoid corrector;
• simple position adjustment;
• quality materials;
• robust construction.

disadvantages

• relatively heavy weight.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.