Projector screen vs wall: can you just point a projector at a white wall? Yes, but a wall throws away part of the picture. This video shows, in plain English, what a screen actually changes, whether it is worth the money, and which type of screen fits which room (matte white, ALR or motorized).
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Can you just point a projector at a white wall? You can, but a screen decides how much detail, contrast and color you actually see. I'll show what it's worth, and the one case where the wall is fine.
But a wall was not made for this. Our guide says the screen decides how much of your projector's detail, contrast, and color actually reaches your eyes. Point a good projector at a bare wall, and the guide compares it to playing records through laptop speakers.
A proper screen is built for the job. The surface is flat and pulled tight. It's color neutral, so whites stay white. And a black velvet frame soaks up the spill, so the picture gets a crisp edge.
And it's not expensive. A basic fixed frame screen with a 1,500 dollar projector will beat a 2,000 dollar projector on a bare wall. Plus, a screen doesn't wear out. It outlasts several projectors.
So which screen? In a dark room, get a plain matte white screen on a fixed frame. If the room has windows or lights on, get an ambient light rejecting screen, called ALR. It's made to fight room light. And if the screen has to disappear, get a motorized one that rolls up.
When is a wall fine? If you're just trying a projector out, a smooth white wall is okay to start. Otherwise, get a screen. A basic screen with a cheaper projector beats a pricier projector on a bare wall.
Not sure what size to get, or want to plan your exact room? TheaterCalc.com has full build guides, complete setups with every part listed, and free calculators. If this was helpful, like and subscribe.
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