If you are setting up your home theater with a projector, you will need to make decision on not only the type of projector to buy but also what type of screen would best suit your needs. Many people opt for the affordable fixed projector screen, especially if their home theater is separate from their main living areas and a screen would not look out of place on the wall. Others opt for a retractable screen, especially if it is in a room that is used for other purposes aside from viewing.
Fixed projector screens are mounted on the wall, usually surrounded by a light weight screen made of aluminum. This is probably the cheapest style of screen you can buy, as there are no motorized or extra parts that would add to the expense.
Deciding on a Projector’s Screen Size
One of the first decisions you will need to make once you have decided on the type of screen to buy is how large the screen should be. There are many factors to take into consideration, including the type of projector you will use, the size of the room, and the general seating arrangement of the room.
With so many variables, there are no hard and fast rules therefore it is probably in your best interest to avail yourself of the help of professionals who have made calculators available online for this very purpose. Most of the online calculators are very easy to use, all you have to do is type in your specifications and they will give you suggested options for the size of screen best suiting your particular needs.
As a general rule of thumb, home theaters usually do best with a screen size of anywhere from 84″ to 92″ in width. If you go wider than that the quality of the picture will deteriorate unless you have a very high end projector. Large screens also use up your projector lamp more rapidly, and these are fairly expensive to replace.
If you are in the process of buying a fixed projector screen, I highly recommend you do your research and also use the handy online calculators to determine what the best size is for you.
