Projection Screen size selection is one of the most important decisions to make in selecting the correct screen. To determine the correct size the two areas to consider are the dimension of the audience area and the projection screen format to be used.
Audience Area
The goal is to make the screen large enough so those in the back row can read the subject matter easily, but not so large as to overwhelm the closest viewer.
- Height—Use the following formulas for calculating screen height for maximum legibility.
- For 4:3 NTSC/PAL moving video and entertainment, screen height should be at least 1/6 the distance from the screen to the furthest seat
- For charts and data, as in a conference or lecture room, use 1/4
- For complex graphics found in a command/control center, use ½.
- For HDTV projection (16:9), Widescreen, 16:10, or 15:9 formats, screen height should equal or exceed 1/3 the distance from the screen to the optimum seat.
- Width—Screen width is generally determined by the height of the screen and the projection formats to be used.
- Ceiling Height—The bottom of the screen should be approximately 40-48″ above the floor in a room with a level floor and several rows of seats. In rooms with theatre seating or only one or two rows, the bottom of the screen should usually be 24-36″ above the floor. Evaluate any barriers, and try to make sure that the lower part of the screen will be visible from all seats. Extra drop may be required to position the screen at a comfortable viewing level in a room with a high ceiling.
Common Projection Formats
Most models of InSync Projection Screens are offered in both AV (audio visual) and NTSC video formats. Many models are also offered in HDTV and Wide Screen formats. The differences between these formats are described below. We are glad to provide any Draper screen in the size and projection format of your choice, up to and including the largest published size.
Projection Format—Once you have determined the correct size of screen based upon the audience area size may be modified based upon the projection equipment. If the screen will only be used with one type of projector (NTSC video, HDTV, etc.), it is easy to determine the exact screen dimensions based upon its projection format.
AV (audio visual)
AV format screens accommodate a variety of projector types and range from square to wide horizontal in aspect ratio. AV format screens are described in terms of height x width, and are furnished without black borders, although borders are optionally available. Screens with Tab Tensioning System always include black borders and 12″ of black drop at the top.
NTSC
NTSC video format screens are specifically designed for use with video/data projectors. Their format is strictly defined as a 4:3 rectangle, and the size is usually described in terms of a nominal diagonal. Conventional models of NTSC format screens are furnished with black borders to frame the image on all four sides. Tab-tensioned screens include black borders at the sides and bottom, and 12″ of black drop at the top.
HDTV format (16:9)
HDTV format is designed for high-definition television projection.
Wide Screen format (1.85:1)
Wide Screen format is suitable for letter boxed video images.
Cinema Scope (2.35:1.00)
Cinemascope is the sizing of many Hollywood feature films and is wider than Letterbox Format or HDTV Format. Film projectors achieve this aspect ratio by replacing the typical standard ‘Flat’ lens with an anamorphic ‘Scope’ lens.
Native laptop presentations (16:10 and 15:9)
Accommodates presentations from laptop computers and projectors with 1280×800 resolution.