How to Choose the Perfect Projector with a Screen for Your Home

Learn the 4 Things You Should Consider to Enjoy Top-Tier Projection Screens in Any Environment

When it comes to large displays, it’s hard to beat the image of a projector. Today’s projector screens can soar to 300 inches (or more) to deliver truly immersive viewing experiences. But the best home projector screen isn’t based only on size. You must consider other factors, like seating arrangement and ambient light, before selecting the right screen for your entertainment space.

At Avidia, we’re proud to partner with Stewart Filmscreen, an award-winning manufacturer of handcrafted projector screens, to deliver the perfect solution for our clients in Northbrook, IL, and the Chicago area. Stewart Filmscreen displays are trusted by Hollywood filmmakers and suit virtually any environment and style preference. No matter your needs, there’s a Stewart Filmscreen display for you.

Read on to learn which factors to consider before landing on the right projector screen for your home.

SEE ALSO: A Custom Home Theater Project to Transform Entertainment

Mounting Method

While most homeowners envision a fixed, wall-mounted projector screen for their entertainment space, you have other options, too. A fixed projector screen works well in a dedicated home theater, but what if your screen is placed in an open, multifunctional space like a family room? You may want to hide your screen from view when it’s not in use so that eyes stay on your décor. In that case, consider a retractable screen that lives in the ceiling or the floor and reveals itself at the touch of a button.

Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio refers to the width and height of your projector screen’s display area. To choose the best aspect ratio for your screen, consider the aspect ratio of the content you plan to watch. Most TV shows and online video, as well as some films, use 16:9, making this aspect ratio the standard for today’s projector screens. However, if you’re a dedicated film enthusiast, you may consider a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, which is a more popular choice for widescreen viewing and is used in many commercial theaters.

Ambient Light

Light plays a key role in choosing the best projector screen for your space. A projector screen works by reflecting light from your projector to your eyes. But it also reflects ambient light in the room. The more ambient light in the room, the more washed out your picture will be.

Ideally, you’d want full control of your light sources so that you can create a super dark space when watching movies or TV. However, not all environments allow for that control. In that case, you may need an ambient-light-rejecting (ALR) screen, which significantly limits the reflection of light coming from off-axis sources, such as windows and light fixtures.

If you have the luxury of controlling all light in your home theater or media room, then lower-gain screens (typically gray in color) are a solid option—particularly when paired with a high-lumen projector. Low-gain screens help bring out inkier blacks and enhance your projector’s native contrast ratio to create a more vivid and lifelike viewing experience.

Seating Arrangement

Before choosing a screen size as big as your wall, you need to consider your seating arrangement. If you don’t, you’ll risk having to strain your neck or eyes when watching a movie. Seating placement will determine the optimal size of your screen. A general rule of thumb is to place your screen two to three feet above the floor and 1.5 to 3 times the screen height distance from your seats. However, this is simply a guide and will vary based on other factors, like room dimensions and screen size preference.

Work with Avidia to find a custom Stewart Filmscreen projector screen for your home theater or media room. With vast options for fixed or retractable screens, ALR screens, high-gain and low-gain screens, aspect ratios, and projector types, Stewart Filmscreen screens offer the best possible image resolution, color fidelity, and uniformity for all your favorite content. Get started today by contacting us right here or sending us a message in the chat box below. We look forward to hearing from you!