Projection Screen – Buying Guide

A brilliant projection starts with the right projector – but it is only the right projection screen that unleashes its full potential. Color accuracy, contrast, brightness and sharpness depend significantly on the projection surface you choose.\n\nThis buying guide explains all relevant technical terms in an understandable way, presents the different types of projection screens with their strengths and weaknesses, and helps you find the screen that perfectly matches your projector, your room and your individual requirements.

Contents

The projection screen fabric & the gain factor

What is gain? How does the fabric affect the image?

What is the gain factor?

The gain factor (also: amplification factor) describes how strongly a projection screen reflects the incoming light – in comparison to a standardized white reference surface (magnesium oxide standard). It is defined according to the international standard ISO 8398 and the German standard DIN 19045-4. It influences brightness, contrast and viewing angle. Gain 1.0 means uniform light distribution. Higher values produce a brighter image, but with a narrower viewing angle. Lower values provide wider scattering and better visibility from various angles.

How to read the gain value correctly:

  • Gain 1.0: The screen reflects exactly as much light as the reference surface – uniformly in all directions.
  • Gain > 1.0: More light is directed in a specific direction → higher brightness, but smaller viewing angle.
  • Gain < 1.0: Less light is reflected → deeper black, higher contrast (e.g. with special gray fabrics).

What is the gain factor?

The gain factor (also: amplification factor) describes how strongly a projection screen reflects the incoming light – in comparison to a standardized white reference surface (magnesium oxide standard). It is defined according to the international standard ISO 8398 and the German standard DIN 19045-4. It influences brightness, contrast and viewing angle. Gain 1.0 means uniform light distribution. Higher values produce a brighter image, but with a narrower viewing angle. Lower values provide wider scattering and better visibility from various angles.

How to read the gain value correctly:

  • Gain 1.0: The screen reflects exactly as much light as the reference surface – uniformly in all directions.
  • Gain > 1.0: More light is directed in a specific direction → higher brightness, but smaller viewing angle.
  • Gain < 1.0: Less light is reflected → deeper black, higher contrast (e.g. with special gray fabrics).

The four projection screen fabric types according to ISO standard

In practice today, fabrics of Type D (matte white, gain ~1.0) for classic front projection and Type R for rear projection screens are mainly used.

Type

Type D (Matte White)

Type S (Grey/Silver)

Type B (Glass Bead)

Type R (Rear Projection)

Gain value

~1,0

>1,0

up to 3.0

1-5

Reflection

Diffuse, uniform

Focused

Strongly focused

Rear-facing

Viewing angle

Very large (>160°)

Medium

Small (~30°)

Variable

Typical use

Classic front projection, conference, school

Home cinema, dark rooms (No longer relevant today)

Single viewer, narrowly directed projection (No longer relevant today)

Showroom, trade fairs, interactive presentations

What does the viewing angle mean?

The viewing angle (half-angle position) indicates up to which angle to the left and right of the screen center the image can still be perceived with at least 50% of the maximum brightness. The higher the gain value, the narrower this angle – the image appears darker for viewers at the edges.

Projector types & installation position

Long-throw, short-throw, UST – what suits which screen?

Projector types

Projectors differ primarily in their projection distance, i.e. the distance between the projector and the screen. Depending on the projector type, the projection angle, installation position and thus the requirements for the screen change. Important: Not every screen is suitable for every projector type. On our product detail pages we therefore always indicate which projector types the respective screen is suitable for, so that projector and screen work together optimally.

Icon long throw

Standard (Long-throw)

Long-throw projectors project the image from a greater distance and are often installed on the ceiling or further back in the room. They are particularly common in conference rooms, classrooms or classic home cinema setups. Most standard projection screens with a matte white surface are suitable for this type of projection.

Icon short throw

Short-throw

Short-throw projectors work with a shorter distance to the screen and enable large image diagonals even in smaller rooms. They are often used in training rooms, meeting rooms or interactive presentation environments, as shadow casting is reduced.

Icon ultra short throw

Ultra short-throw

UST projectors usually stand directly in front of the screen on a piece of furniture and project the image at a very steep angle. These projectors are particularly often used for laser TV or living room solutions. For an optimal image, specialized screen surfaces adapted to the projection angle are usually required.

Front projection

With front projection, the projector is located in front of the screen, i.e. on the same side as the audience. The image is projected directly onto the surface of the screen and reflected from there to the viewer. This type of projection is the most widely used solution and is used in conference rooms, classrooms, training rooms and home cinemas. A major advantage is the simple installation, as no additional space behind the screen is required. Screens can be mounted in a space-saving manner on walls or ceilings. However, with unfavorable positioning, it can happen that people walk through the projection beam and cast shadows.

Rear projection

With rear projection, the projector is placed behind the screen and projects the image from behind through the special projection material. The image then becomes visible on the front of the screen. The advantage of this solution is that no persons can enter the projection beam and no shadows appear on the screen. In addition, the technology can be installed discreetly behind the screen, which is particularly popular at trade fair installations, stage applications or professional presentation solutions. A prerequisite, however, is that there is sufficient space behind the screen for the projector and cabling, and that the area can be darkened as much as possible.

Front projection

With front projection, the projector is located in front of the screen, i.e. on the same side as the audience. The image is projected directly onto the surface of the screen and reflected from there to the viewer. This type of projection is the most widely used solution and is used in conference rooms, classrooms, training rooms and home cinemas. A major advantage is the simple installation, as no additional space behind the screen is required. Screens can be mounted in a space-saving manner on walls or ceilings. However, with unfavorable positioning, it can happen that people walk through the projection beam and cast shadows.

Rear projection

With rear projection, the projector is placed behind the screen and projects the image from behind through the special projection material. The image then becomes visible on the front of the screen. The advantage of this solution is that no persons can enter the projection beam and no shadows appear on the screen. In addition, the technology can be installed discreetly behind the screen, which is particularly popular at trade fair installations, stage applications or professional presentation solutions. A prerequisite, however, is that there is sufficient space behind the screen for the projector and cabling, and that the area can be darkened as much as possible.

Format, brightness & seating distance

Optimally matching size and brightness

The screen format

The format of a projection screen describes the ratio of image width to image height (aspect ratio). It should always match both the purpose and the aspect ratio of the projector being used. Depending on the application, different aspect ratios have become established. For an optimal projection result, it is recommended to choose the screen in the native aspect ratio of the projector. Only in this way will the image be displayed completely and undistorted – without distracting black bars or cropping at the edges. The most common formats today are 16:9 in home cinema and 16:10 in the business sector.

Format

4:3

16:9

16:10

21:9

1:1

Aspect ratio

Classic

Widescreen

Slightly elevated

Ultrawide

Square

Ideal for Classic

older business presentations and Office software

Films, home cinema, modern multimedia content

Business & training rooms, many notebooks

Cinema films, Cinemascope, premium cinema
Square

Special applications, slide & overhead projections

The projector’s light output

For a projection to appear bright and high-contrast, the brightness of the projector must match the ambient light and the size of the projection surface. Brightness is specified in lumens (lm) or ANSI lumens. As a rule of thumb: for good image quality, the projector should be approximately five times brighter than the ambient light on the projection surface.

Ambient light

Indoors (darkened)

Indoors (daylight)

Large rooms / events

Recommended brightness

200-750 lm

750-5.000 lm

5.000 - 10.000+ lm

Typical use

Home cinema, dark meeting room

Training room, conference with windows, Living room

Auditorium, trade fair, event

The Seating distance

The seating distance also significantly influences the viewing experience. Too close and the image appears pixelated or overwhelming; too far away and the detail effect is lost. Optimal is a seating distance at which the entire image can be comfortably perceived without having to constantly move the head or eyes significantly.

Seating distance

Minimum

Ideal (home cinema)

Conference & seminar room

Recommendation

~1.5x the screen width

2–3x the screen width

4–5x the screen width (max. 8x)

Calculating the right screen size

Image diagonal, image width, throw ratio – how to find the optimal size

Conversion table: inches → width & height (format 16:9)

Conversion formula: Image width (cm) = diagonal (inches) × 2.54 × 0.872 (for 16:9). The image height is derived from this as width × 0.5625.

Diagonal (inches)

60"

80"

100"

120"

150"

200"

Image width (cm)

133 cm

177 cm

221 cm

266 cm

332 cm

443 cm

Image height (cm)

75 cm

100 cm

125 cm

149 cm

187 cm

249 cm

Typical use

Small meeting room, tabletop screen

Seminar room, compact home cinema

Home cinema, conference room (standard)

Large home cinema, training room

Event area, auditorium

Large events, stage

Inches, diagonal, width – what does what mean?

Screen sizes – unlike TVs – are often specified both in inches (image diagonal) and in centimeters (width × height). The diagonal alone doesn’t say much unless the aspect ratio is known. Two screens with a 100-inch diagonal can therefore have different widths and heights, depending on the format.

What is the throw ratio – and why is it important?

The throw ratio describes how far a projector must be from the screen to produce a specific image width. It is expressed as the ratio of projection distance to image width. The exact throw ratio of your projector can be found in the manufacturer's data sheet. With zoom lenses, a range is given (e.g. 1.2–1.8), which allows more flexibility in placement.

m
m
Aspect Ratio
Projector Type i
Projector Throw Ratio i
Min
Max
m

Technically possible sizes

Diagonal Image Width Image Height
Minimum
Maximum
Our recommendation
Add projector details for a more precise recommendation
Diagonal
Image Width
Image Height

Fabric types in detail

The choice of the right fabric is crucial for image quality. In addition to the gain factor and the fabric type according to ISO standard, there are today specialized materials specifically designed for certain room situations or projector types.

Matte White (Type D, Gain ~1.0)

The ultimate all-round fabric. Uniform reflection in all directions, large viewing angle, neutral colour reproduction. Ideal for rooms with changing lighting conditions and many viewers at different positions.

Advantages:

  • Best color reproduction
  • Largest viewing angle
  • Affordable and widely available
  • Projector placement allows free choice

Disadvantages:

  • Low inherent contrast
  • Sensitive to ambient light

Grey (Type D, Gain 0.6-0.8)

Optimised for dark rooms with high-quality projectors. The slightly darker base colour makes black appear deeper – the contrast appears higher.

Advantages:

  • Higher perceived contrast
  • Better black level
  • Ideal for home cinema
  • Wide viewing angle

Disadvantages:

  • Requires a brighter projector

ALR - Ambient Light Rejecting

ALR fabrics (Ambient Light Rejecting) use the principle of angular reflection: They direct ambient light falling from above or the side away from the viewer and into the room based on its angle of incidence. At the same time, the projection light is preferentially reflected towards the viewers. This ensures high contrast in bright rooms – specially optimized for use with standard long-throw projectors.

Advantages:

  • Excellent in daylight & bright room lighting – minimal blackout required
  • High contrast despite ambient light
  • Compatible with standard long-throw projectors

Disadvantages:

  • Not compatible with UST / Laser TV projectors
  • Limited viewing angle

CLR – Ceiling Light Rejecting (for UST)

Further development of ALR technology, specially designed for ultra-short-throw projectors. The Fresnel or micro-groove structure filters light falling from above (ceiling lights) and reflects only the UST projection light entering at a flat angle from below. Absolutely essential for high-quality Laser TV setups.

Advantages:

  • Optimal for UST / Laser TV projectors
  • Works in bright living rooms
  • Deepest blacks, rich image

Disadvantages:

  • Only suitable for UST, not for other projectors
  • Projector must be positioned correctly relative to the micro-groove structure below/above the projection screen

Acoustically transparent fabric

A specially perforated/woven fabric through which sound can pass. Enables the placement of speakers behind the projection screen – ideal for an authentic cinema experience where the sound comes directly from the center of the image.

Advantages:

  • Speakers invisible behind the projection screen
  • Authentic cinema feeling
  • Space-saving with in-wall speakers

Disadvantages:

  • Slight loss of image sharpness possible (with perforated fabrics)

celexon fabrics in detail

celexon uses carefully selected fabric materials for its screens, each optimized for specific requirements regarding image quality, room situation and projector type. Below you will find all available fabrics with their respective properties and usage recommendations.

CLR Black Grid – High Contrast

CLR High Contrast PET CLR (Ceiling Light Rejecting) · Type for UST projectors

The CLR Black Grid high contrast fabric is specially developed for ultra-short-throw projectors (UST) and Laser TV setups. The micro-structured multilayer surface (polyethylene terephthalate) selectively filters out ceiling light and reflects exclusively the projection light entering from below towards the viewer. The result: deep black levels, vibrant colors and excellent contrast – even in a brightly lit living room.

Advantages:

  • Optimized for UST / Laser TV
  • Excellent black levels & contrast
  • Works without blackout
  • Multilayer material: dimensionally stable & durable

Disadvantages:

  • Only suitable for UST projectors
  • Cannot be combined with standard projectors

Dynamic Slate ALR

ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) · Gray fabric for bright rooms

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Advantages:

  • Highly effective against ambient light
  • High contrast & deep blacks
  • Ideal for bright rooms (home cinema, conference and seminar rooms, schools)
  • Compatible with long-throw projectors

Disadvantages:

  • Not compatible with UST / laser TV projectors
  • Limited viewing angle

Matte White Fiberglass

Type D · Gain ~1.0 · Highest flatness

The matte white fibreglass fabric is the most temperature-resistant material. It permanently retains its original shape, ensuring optimal performance even in temperature-critical environments. Particularly suitable for temperature-sensitive areas.

Advantages:

  • Highest temperature stability
  • Neutral color reproduction
  • Wide viewing angle
  • Very durable

Disadvantages:

  • Heavier than PET/PVC fabrics

Matte white PET

Type D · Gain ~1.0 · Lightweight & dimensionally stable

The matte white PET fabric (polyethylene terephthalate) combines a matt, uniformly reflective surface with the advantages of modern plastic material: PET is lightweight, tear-resistant, moisture-resistant and reliably retains its shape. It is suitable for both fixed projection screens and mobile applications and offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio.

Advantages:

  • Lightweight & moisture-resistant
  • Dimensionally stable
  • Excellent price-to-performance ratio
  • Versatile

Disadvantages:

  • Marginally less flat than PVC or vinyl fabrics
  • May be prone to slight edge curling

Matte white polyester

Type D · Gain ~1.0 · Soft & flexible

The matte white polyester fabric is the classic, flexible all-round fabric for manual and motorized projection screens. Polyester is soft, rollable and easy to roll in and out – ideal for manual projection screens, motorized projection screens and mobile applications. The matte surface provides natural color reproduction and a wide viewing angle.

Advantages:

  • Very flexible & rollable
  • Ideal for motorized projection screens & manual projection screens
  • Good color reproduction
  • Widely available & affordable

Disadvantages:

  • Less dimensionally stable than fibreglass or PET
  • More susceptible to creasing if stored improperly

Matte white PVC

Type D · Gain ~1.0 · Robust & durable

The matte white PVC fabric ensures flawless, structure-free image reproduction and impresses with a flatness that is superior to classic woven fabrics. It is particularly suitable for air-conditioned indoor spaces such as home cinemas, offices or schools, but should not be used in areas with significant temperature fluctuations.

Advantages:

  • Robust and durable material
  • Easy to clean
  • Moisture- & temperature-resistant

Disadvantages:

  • Sensitive to significant temperature fluctuations

Rear Projection PVC

Type R · Special fabric for rear projection screens

The rear projection PVC fabric is specially developed for rear projection screens where the projector is positioned behind the projection screen. The translucent PVC material is designed so that light passes through the fabric and the image becomes visible on the front. It ensures even image illumination and good contrast even in daylight. Indispensable for showrooms, trade fair setups and interactive installations where people stand in front of the projection screen without casting shadows.

Advantages:

  • No shadows from people standing in front of the projection screen
  • Technology disappears behind the projection screen
  • Ideal for showrooms & trade fairs
  • Robust & durable thanks to PVC

Disadvantages:

  • Sufficient space behind the projection screen required
  • Area behind the projection screen should be darkened

Stationary projection screens

Stationary projection screens are permanently installed in a fixed location and, unlike mobile versions, are not intended for transport. They offer a particularly stable and high-quality projection surface, making them ideal for home cinemas, conference rooms, classrooms or other rooms where projection is carried out regularly.

You can choose between different types of stationary screens. A motorized screen can be conveniently raised and lowered via remote control or wall switch, offering a high degree of comfort and a very elegant solution for professional installations. The classic manual screen is rolled up and down by hand and impresses with its simple operation and space-saving character – a practical and affordable option for many areas of use. For the highest demands, the frame screen is suitable, where the fabric is permanently tensioned tightly and guarantees an absolutely flat projection surface. It ensures maximum image quality and is therefore particularly often used in home cinemas or presentations where perfect display is the top priority.

Stationary screens are always the best choice when a permanently available, reliable and visually high-quality projection surface is needed that consistently delivers excellent image reproduction.

celexon Manual Projector Screen showing a projection of an icy mountain landscape, placed on a dark blue background

Manual projection screen

Manual projection screens are among the classic and at the same time most affordable screen types. Their affordability stems less from a simple fabric, but primarily from the manual roller mechanism, where the screen is pulled out by hand and locked in the desired position. Since neither cables nor control systems are required, and no power connection is needed at the installation site, manual screens can be easily mounted and used immediately almost anywhere.

In terms of operation, they offer less comfort than motorized models, as precise alignment of the projected image is only possible if the screen is pulled out to the same position each time. Additionally, due to manual handling, they are generally limited to widths of up to about three meters. Depending on the model, simple roller mechanisms or soft-return systems are used, where the screen glides slowly and automatically back into the housing after a brief pull.

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celexon Screen Electric HomeCinema Plus Tension Projector Screen - CLR UST with a projection showing volcanic rock with lava, placed on a dark blue background

Motorized projection screen

Motorized projection screens are among the most comfortable and versatile screen types. They can be operated particularly conveniently and precisely via button or remote control, always extend to exactly the same position, and thereby ensure optimal image alignment as well as gentle, uniform rolling and unrolling of the fabric. They are available in almost all sizes, formats and equipment variants.

The only disadvantage lies in the installation effort: a power connection is required for operation, and depending on the room, visible cables or control elements may be disruptive or difficult to implement structurally. Nevertheless, motorized screens are in most cases the best choice for a comfortable, permanently installed and high-quality projection solution.

All further information here:
celexon ceiling recessed electric projector screen Expert, showing a projection of a cinematic sunrise, placed on a dark blue background

ceiling recessed screens

Ceiling recessed screens are motorized screens that are integrated directly into the ceiling, thereby offering a nearly invisible solution. When retracted, they are flush with the ceiling surface and blend elegantly and unobtrusively into the room. Electric operation via wall switch or remote control ensures gentle, uniform movement and contributes to the longevity of both the mechanism and the fabric.

Installation is somewhat more involved, as both a suitable ceiling cutout and a power connection must be prepared. After mounting, however, the screen remains easily accessible, as maintenance is possible via side access panels.

Our ceiling recessed screens:
celexon fixed frame screen with a projection showing a desert scene, placed on a dark blue background

Frame screen

Frame screens are among the highest quality classic screen solutions and offer a permanently perfect flatness across the entire projection surface. Since the fabric is tightly stretched onto a stable frame, it remains absolutely flat even with changes in temperature or humidity, thus ensuring optimal image reproduction at all times. There are numerous variants, from powder-coated or velvet-covered frames to curved models.

The disadvantage is that a frame screen remains permanently visible and cannot be retracted. It therefore requires a fixed place on the wall and is always exposed to ambient conditions such as light or dust. For this reason, it is primarily suitable for home cinemas or rooms where its permanent presence is not disruptive and is deliberately used as a high-quality design element.

All frame screens:

Contrast screens

Contrast screens offer outstanding image quality thanks to innovative technologies such as ALR, CLR and Fresnel – even in bright ambient light. Their special surface structure specifically deflects disruptive ceiling and side light, thereby ensuring vivid colors, deep black and brilliant contrasts. This makes them the ideal solution for home cinemas and presentation rooms without the room needing to be darkened.

However, contrast screens also have some limitations to consider. CLR and Fresnel fabrics are designed for a fixed projection angle and offer a limited viewing angle, which restricts placement flexibility. In addition, the screen must always be optimally matched to the projector being used, as it only reaches its full potential in the right combination.

Here to the contrast screens:

Mobile projection screens

Mobile projection screens are always the right choice when the projection surface needs to be used flexibly in different locations. They are easy to transport, quick to set up and thereby offer maximum mobility – ideal for lectures, training sessions, outdoor events or presentations on the go. Depending on requirements, different variants are available, differing in size, setup and area of use.

A tabletop screen represents a particularly compact and mobile solution. It is small, light and can be set up in seconds, making it excellent for spontaneous meetings or presentations. For larger events or professional use, a mobile folding frame screen is recommended instead. It offers a significantly larger projection surface, is sturdily constructed and can still be transported, making it frequently used at events, trade fairs or temporary stage setups.
Mobile screens are thus the perfect choice for anyone who needs high flexibility while still valuing a reliable, easily transportable projection solution.

celexon Folding Frame Projector screen showing a projection of a sea coast with cliffs at sunset in front of a dark blue background

Folding frame screen

Folding frame screens are the ideal mobile solution for large projections and are used wherever a particularly wide image is needed. Widths of over four meters are easily achievable. As with classic frame screens, the fabric is tightly stretched onto a stable frame and then mounted on stands. This creates a flat, high-quality projection surface that can nonetheless be transported and set up flexibly.

Folding frame screens are delivered in a robust flight case that optimally protects them for use in rental, at trade fairs or at events. The height can be adjusted variably, assembly is straightforward and tool-free despite the size, and the flatness is always reliably maintained. Particularly practical is the ability to change the projection fabric – so depending on requirements, a choice can be made between front and rear projection without having to purchase a second complete screen.

Here for more information:
celexon Projector Screen Ultramobile Professional showing a projection of an icy mountain landscape, placed on a dark blue background

Pull-up screen

Pull-up screens offer a particularly comfortable setup and are ideal for professional mobile use. They are simply placed on the floor and pulled upward, making setup significantly faster and simpler than many other mobile screen types. Depending on the model, either a telescopic pole or an integrated scissor joint is used. When closed, the housing reliably protects all components, so the screen can be transported safely without an additional bag.

Pull-up screens are somewhat limited in the positioning of the projection surface, as the height can usually only be varied upward. They also require a level surface for stable standing. Overall, however, they impress with their compact design, high mobility and professional appearance.

To our pull-up screens:
celexon Dual Format Tripod Screen Mobile Expert on a dark blue background showing a projection with glowing meteors and stars in the dark night sky

Tripod screen

Tripod screens are among the classic mobile solutions and impress with their simple handling and stable stand. Since they are constructed as a compact unit and stand on a stable tripod, they offer secure footing even on uneven surfaces. Assembly is tool-free, and both the lower tube and the upper weighting bar can be flexibly adjusted in height, so the projection surface can be optimally positioned as needed.

A certain disadvantage is the somewhat larger space requirement of the stand construction compared to other portable screen types. It is also advisable to use an additional soft case for transport to be able to transport the screen safely and comfortably. Overall, tripod screens offer an excellent price-performance ratio and are an extremely practical choice for mobile projections up to an image width of approximately 2.40 meters.

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celexon table top Professional Mini screen showing a projection of an icy landscape with polarlights, placed on a dark blue background

Tabletop screen

Tabletop screens are the smallest and most mobile screen solutions and are ideal for mini and pico projectors as well as modern LED projectors. With a possible image width of up to one meter, they offer a practical projection surface for presentations on a small scale.

Thanks to their particularly compact design, tabletop screens can be set up with just one hand and transported effortlessly. The low weight and handy size make them the perfect companion for business travelers who do not want to rely on a too-small notebook screen on the go.

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A large, dark studio with multiple curved projection screens displaying an icy polar landscape with mountains and sea; in front of them stand several silhouetted people and film equipment.

Custom-made solutions for your project

Projection screen custom manufacturing

Every environment has special requirements for projection screens – whether for architecture, events, film productions or high-end home cinema. Our custom-made projection screens offer you perfect image quality & maximum flexibility – exactly according to your needs.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions?

If you have questions about us or our products, our experts will be happy to help.

Contact us!