Projection Screen Guide

  1. 1. Screen Type
    • Portable
      • - Choose if you need to travel or move your screen
    • Wall/Ceiling Manual
      • - Retractable screen that you raise and lower by manually pulling on handle
    • Wall/Ceiling Electric
      • - Allows you to raise and lower your screen with the touch of a button. For easier installation and more convenience look for screens with a wireless infrared remote control.
  2. 2. Screen Size
    • Determine the screen size based on the room dimensions, planned audience seating and arrangement.
    • The rule of thumb is to fit the screen to the audience - not to the projector.
    • Here is a 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 2 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.
  3. 3. Format
    • . Square
      • - For use with traditional overhead projectors that use transparencies.
    • . 4:3 Standard Format
      • - Exact match for today’s SVGA, XGA and SXGA video projectors.
      • - They are the same shape as traditional television screens.
    • - 16:9 Widescreen Format
      • - Widescreen is quickly becoming popular for video projection in churches.
      • Many standard video projectors give you the option to project 4:3 standard or 76:9 widescreen format.
      • Advantages include the ability to fit more text per line for worship lyrics and it is the correct format for displaying high definition videos.
  4. 4. Screen Surface
    • The screen surface can affect brightness, contrast, and viewing angles.
      • . Matte White
        • – Very versatile . Does not increase brightness or contrast, but has a large viewing angle and colors remain accurate.
        • Use in rooms where you can control the lighting to make the room darker.
      • . Video Optima Gain 1.5
        • - Specially designed reflective coating that provides 1.5 times the brightness, making your video projector look brighter.
        • Increase the brightness of any projector you buy.
        • Also great for situations where you don’t have much control over lighting.
        • Still provides a wide viewing angle.
        • This is usually the best choice for churches.
RETURN TO RESOURCES MASTER PAGE