Once you've installed your projector, you're ready for the next step-choosing and installing your projection screen. There are two basic types of screens: Matte Finish and Glass Beaded. Both are made of fabric material that provides a smooth reflective surface.

With a Matte Finish, the reflective surface is flat white. This is best for all-around general-purpose use. The surface can be cleaned with soap and water, and the screen has a wide-angle reflection to cover audience members sitting on the sides of the screen. Matte finished screens have no light gain, meaning the brightness is dependent up on the intensity of the projection.

A Glass Beaded screen has millions of tiny glass "beads" or "bubbles" glued to its surface. The glass beads give light gain, so images on a glass beaded screen appear brighter than on a matte screen. The surface texture of the screen feels like sandpaper. Although the reflected image is brighter, the viewing angle is narrower because the light is being reflected straight back. This presents a problem in a wide room where audience members must sit to the sides of the screen. Also, more care must be taken with cleaning, as the beads will scrub off easily.

Here are a few things to consider when installing your screen.

First, avoid locations in front of air-conditioning vents or drafty areas. This is to save yourself and your audience from the unpleasant distraction of a screen that sways back and forth, making it hard to focus and hard to read as well.

Second, the bottom of the screen should be a minimum of 4 feet above the audience floor, allowing those seated toward the rear of the congregation to see the screen. Ideally, the first row of seats should be approximately two screen heights away.

Third, the distance from the back row to the screen is the diagonal measurement of the screen times six. For example, with a 60-inch diagonal screen (5 feet), your maximum distance is 30 feet from the screen.

Here are some screen choices based on a variety of budget breakdowns.


Under $100
Draper Luma 60
This screen is attractive and dependable with fiberglass viewing surface. It is flame retardant and mildew resistant. Its case and endcaps have a scratch-resistant, white polyester finish. Heavy gauge endcaps form universal hanging brackets for attachment to wall, ceiling or map rail hooks.

Under $200
50" x 67" Model B Matte White Video Projection Screen
This model features an easy-to-use pull-down screen. Choose from Matte White or High Power screen fabric, which provides the highest gain of all types of screen surfaces with moderate viewing angle. Other features include camlok roller system and black masking borders.

Under $350
Draper 108
This model offers long life expectancy with exclusive features that target the areas where many projections screens wear out. It features tear-proof fiberglass surface and a patented design that eliminates friction between viewing surface and metal parts. The high-tech fabric attachment prevents fabric from pulling off roller. And, the Vbar aluminum support attaches easily to a wall, ceiling or map rail.

Under $1,000
105" x 140" Cosmopolitan Electrol Wall/ Ceiling Video Screen
Electric brake prevents coasting. This screen operates by a three-position wall switch. Wall and ceiling mount capability make the Cosmopolitan ideal for applications where recessed installation is not possible. It features Matte White screen fabric. White textured case blends with any decor.

Source: Long's Electronics, www.longselectronics.com