
1. First Question: Do You Really Need a Projector Screen?
Many people wonder if a white wall works as a screen. The answer is: Yes, but the effect is far worse! You must get a screen in these three cases:
- Substandard walls: With sockets, paintings, or non-white wallpaper
- Pursuing cinema-level effects: Walls can’t solve grayish images or low contrast
- Special needs: Outdoor camping, renting a house (no drilling allowed)
2. Core Categories: Understand Screens in 3 Minutes
1. By Installation Type (Fit Different Home Scenes)
Type | Features | Suitable Scenarios |
---|---|---|
Manual Pull | Hand-operated, portable | Renting, temporary use |
Electric | Remote-controlled, hidden | Living room, furnished home |
Floor-standing | No drilling, movable | Bedroom, outdoor camping |
Fixed Frame | Mirror-flat, best image | Dedicated home theater |
Tip: Enthusiasts prefer fixed frame screens. Aluminum frames and tensioned fabric prevent curling, with 30% better flatness than other types.

2. By Material (Decide Image Quality)
Material | Gain Value | Viewing Angle | Ambient Light Resistance | Suitable Projectors |
---|---|---|---|---|
White Plastic | 0.9-1.1 | 160° | Weak | High-brightness models (>2000 lumens) |
Glass Fiber | 1.1-1.3 | 150° | Medium | Mid-range home models (1000-2000 lumens) |
Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) | 1.5-2.3 | 120° | Strong | Short-throw/laser TVs, bright living rooms |
Metal | ≥2.0 | 100° | Strong | Professional theaters, old low-brightness models |
3. By Aspect Ratio (Don’t Buy the Wrong Size!)
- 16:9 (First Choice): Fits 99% of home projectors, perfect for movies/TV shows
- 2.35:1: For movie buffs, needs special lenses
- 4:3: Only for old TV programs or office presentations
3. Pitfall Avoidance: Don’t Fall for These Tricks
- Beware of “Fake ALR Screens”: Products under $75 claiming “ambient light rejection” are usually gray-painted white plastic, with gain as low as 0.3-0.5
- Ignore Marketing Hype: “Nano screen” and “smart photon screen” are gimmicks; focus on gain and material parameters
- Budget Formula: Screen budget ≈ 10% of projector price (e.g., $450 projector matches $45 glass fiber screen)

4. FAQ: Top 3 Questions for Beginners
Q1: Which screen for watching movies with lights on?
A: Must choose ALR screen! Fresnel screens filter ambient light, keeping blacks pure even with lights on.
Q2: Is bigger always better?
A: No! Formula: Viewing distance = screen width × 1.5-2.4. 100-inch screen needs 2.5-4m viewing distance.
Q3: What screen for outdoor camping?
A: 60-80 inch white plastic portable screen (2-3kg), foldable into a backpack.
5. Summary: 3-Step Selection Method
- Define scenario: Electric ALR for living room, fixed frame glass fiber for home theater
- Calculate parameters: Screen gain × projector brightness = actual image brightness
- Avoid pitfalls: Reject cheap fake ALR, choose brands with offline experience
