How do I Choose the Correct Screen Material?
NOTE: The following is to help give an idea of what you need, but it doesn't account for personal preference. We suggest ordering our material samples that are available at cost only from our website. Here is how to use the samples
We have many materials to choose from with a variety of properties. A list of the materials we have available are:
Matte White - 1.1 gain. Vinyl. Smooth Matte texture. 4K UHD compatible. Active 3D only. Can be used with Ultra Show Throw Projectors. Matte Grey- 1.0 gain. Vinyl. Smooth Matte texture. 4k UHD compatible. Active 3D only. Can be used with Ultra Short Throw Projectors. Silver- 1.5 gain. Vinyl. 4K UHD compatible. Active & Passive 3D compatible. High Contrast- .95 gain. Vinyl. No texture. 4K UHD compatible. Active 3D only.
Left- UST lenticulated material.
Choosing the right projection screen involves a lot of different factors. Listed below are some of the things to consider when deciding what screen is right for your setup.
- How are you projecting? Rear? Ultra Short Throw?
- How much ambient lighting is in the room? Is it a dedicated media room, will there be lights during projection, and/or will there be ambient lighting coming in from outside during projection?
- What projector will you be using with the screen?
- What screen size are you considering (diagonal size)?
- What is the throw distance, i.e. the distance from the projector to the screen?
- What is the distance from the audience to the screen?
- What content will be shown on the screen most of the time: movies, television, sports, etc.?
- Are there any other special situations (e.g. speakers behind the screen, 3D viewing, etc.)
Most of the time a white material will be perfect for your room and theater system. Projectors now days delivery high lumens and amazing contrast levels. Reputable projector companies calibrate their projectors to a white screen right out of the factory.
Matte White- 1.1 gain
Most projectors are calibrated to white screen materials,making the white screen material the most versatile of all the materials. The screen performs best in a dedicated theater with dark, matte walls and little ambient lighting. It can, however, be use in more ambient lighting if the lighting is directed away from the screen material. ST and UST projectors can be used with this screen.
Best screen for movies, gaming and sports, the White screen has bright and balanced color that will pop and dark colors will stand out in contrast.
Click here to see our selection of Matte White screens
Matte Grey- 1.0 gain
This material is engineered to darken the image and prevent washout when you have ambient lighting and uncontrolled lighting. This can be measured by how well you can read a newspaper. If the newspaper can be read easily during the day but you don't have any light coming in through any windows, the grey might be for you. Like the White screen, this can be used with ST and UST projectors.
It is meant for movies and gaming with higher black levels. Great for projectors with high lumens and lower contrast.
Click here to see our selection of Matte Grey screens
Silver- 1.5 gain
The Silver boasts the highest gain of all our screen materials while also being very dark. This combats washout as well as brightens the image. This is our only available screen that is compatible with passive 3D as well as the active 3D.
Great for projectors with high lumens and lower contrast. Recommended that the light from the projector hits the screen and bounces towards the audience. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SHORT THROW OR ULTRA SHORT THROW.
Click here to see our selection of Silver screens
High Contrast- 0.95 gain
This screen is a darker version of the grey. It is used for media rooms where light control is not an option and/or where some natural sunlight is present while using the screen. This screen darkens the image immensely, which deepens the black colors and prevents washout.
Great for projectors with high lumens and lower contrast. Recommended that the light from the projector hits the screen and bounces towards the audience. Not recommended for ST or UST projection.
Click here to see our selection of High Contrast Screens
Woven Acoustic with Black Backing (WAB)- 1.1 gain
The WAB (Woven Acoustic with Backing) is our acoustically transparent material, so you can place speakers behind the screen for a completely immersive experience. This screen is tightly woven (3,600 strands per square inch) to the extent that it is compatible with 4K viewing while making it virtually invisible to sound waves. Sound will pass through the screen with only a +-.02dB loss in sound, which is inaudible to the human ear. Visual properties are equivalent to those of the Matte White material.
This screen can be used with ST or UST projection.
Click here to see our selection of WAB screens
Ultra Short Throw (UST) -1.0 gain
This material is designed to only accept light from the harsh angle projected by a UST projector. On any other screen, the UST projector would bounce off the projection surface and illuminate the ceiling. With the UST material, there is a micro-lenticulated surface (horizontal angled texture) that redirects light from the projector directly into the eyes of the audience. Additionally, the material rejects light coming from above, making this screen material partially ambient-light-rejecting.
Click here to see our selection of UST screens
Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR)- 0.8 gain
Ambient-light-rejecting means that light coming from any angle other than perpendicularly from the projection surface will be absorbed. There is a micro texture, almost like the skin on a shark, that reject light that coming from either side or the top and bottom. It will only accept light coming from 90 degrees from the screen, such as a ceiling-mounted projector.
Seeing as this screen does not accept light from harsh angles, ST and UST projectors are not going to work with this screen.
Click here to see our selection of ALR screens
Rear Projection- 1.0 Gain
Instead of your projector being above or amidst your audience, it can be hidden on the opposite side of the screen from your audience. With the rear projection material, the projector can be placed behind the screen while your audience views the image from the front. This screen material comes in fixed frame as well as with the STO series portable screens. The fixed frame rear projection requires a special frame that does not need a center support bar.
This screen is perfect for a UST projector hidden behind the screen.
Click here to see our selection of Rear Projection screens
NOTE: All the materials are 4K compatible and will work with ACTIVE 3D systems.
Other screen materials available are
2GP, 2GS, AGP, AGS, WVS, 4W & many more. The materials are available in sample packs. Here is a link to see our sample kit options. https://www.silverticketproducts.com/collections/all/category_samples
It is recommended to test the samples with your projector before purchasing your projection screen.