How to choose a projection screen for an event

Choose a complete image system

A useful screen specification states the visible width and height, content format, projection direction, audience positions and mounting arrangement. “A large white screen” leaves too many decisions unresolved. Confirm those inputs with the projector supplier before the stage or room plan is fixed.

Separate three dimensions: the active image, the outside frame and the floor or mounting space required by the support. A screen can fit between two scenic panels while its feet or frame do not. Ask for a drawing of the complete assembly, including access needed to install it.

Start with the content format

Choose an aspect ratio that fits the main content and confirm how any other files will be handled. A presentation, film and portrait advertisement may require different layouts. Decide deliberately whether unmatched content will show with borders, be redesigned or be cropped; do not leave that choice to the playback device.

Worked example: what happens to a 16:9 presentation?

Suppose the requested image is 4 metres wide. A 16:9 rectangle is 2.25 metres high; a 16:10 rectangle at the same width is 2.5 metres high. If an undistorted 16:9 slide fills the width of the taller screen, 0.25 metres of height remains unused, or 0.125 metres above and below when centred.

That may be acceptable, provided the treatment is agreed. Filling the taller area by stretching would alter the slide's proportions. Filling it by enlarging and cropping would lose material at the sides. A redesigned presentation is another option, but it changes the content-production scope.

Now suppose the designer raises the bottom of the screen to improve rear visibility. Check the frame top against the available room height and revisit the projector geometry. These are linked decisions; a change made for the audience should not silently break the installation plan.

Surface selection is more than choosing white or grey

Ask for the exact surface and its intended use. Da-Lite's surface guidance explains that gain and viewing angle are related and that ambient-light-rejecting surfaces need a suitable projection geometry. A brighter-looking central position does not settle the experience at the room's edges.

For your project, compare a simple representative test: important text at the corners, a neutral image and actual brand material, viewed from the centre and sides. Include the room lighting used during the event. If a specialised surface is proposed, ask which problem it addresses and what installation assumptions it adds.

Front and rear projection need appropriate materials. Do not assume a surface can simply be turned around. Also confirm whether the proposed screen is supplied as a complete frame system, requires approved suspension or is already installed in the venue and available for your use.

Agree the practical details

• Visible image dimensions and the treatment of each content format.

• Exact screen surface, projection direction and compatible projector/lens combination.

• Overall dimensions, support footprint and height above the audience floor.

• Loading route, assembly space, installation time and the venue's approval process.

• Who positions the screen, aligns the image and approves the final test.

Common mistakes include quoting frame dimensions as image dimensions, selecting a surface from a central photograph and increasing screen size without checking image output. Another is assuming a screen built into the room belongs to the event package: confirm access and responsibility directly with the venue.

Send your drawing and sample files with a projection rental enquiry. Where screen, projector and installation come from different parties, use the AV brief to identify one owner for the final image test.

Further reading

• Da-Lite: screen surface and viewing characteristics.

• Da-Lite: screen and surface selection resources.