Are There Differences Between Fixed Projector Screens?
Yes, there are quite a few differences with projector screens. Some screens only cost around $300, while others can be up to $1000 or more, depending on the specific features. Most moderately priced fixed projector screens, however, are fairly similar as far as quality goes. With many people, when purchasing a screen, they tune into the actual aesthetic appearance of the screen, the color and material the framework is made from and those type of things, rather than the quality of the image.
Before discussing anything further regarding quality, one point that has been mentioned often by those in the home theater field, is that oftentimes it is almost impossible to test your fixed projector screen in the showroom, or at least to get a very accurate appraisal of it. The main reason for this is that oftentimes the show projectors used are either old, not tuned properly, or just not very good quality projectors. Thus, the output that you see will most likely be quite a bit less high quality than what you will get in your own home, with your own new projector. Keep that in mind when shopping for your new fixed projector screen.
Is there a work-around to that? Basically, if you read up on projector screens, check out the online reviews, visit some of the home theater forums and see what people have to say, you will get a fairly good idea of what is and what is not a good screen. It is usually fairly safe to base your decision as to what fixed projector screen to buy on the different input and opinions you come across online.
When it comes to resolution, screen brightness, reflectivity and contrast, you will find that screens vary, and often it is not really possible to pinpoint what makes one better than the other. That is why it is important to read up on the different screens you are interested in, and seeing what others have to say. Many screens will have some strong points, and other weak points, and it will be up to you to decide on what is most important to you.
One area that many home theater owners are concerned about is the actual aesthetics or appearance of the screen itself. That is understandable. The fixed projector screen is in place all the time, and becomes a main focal point in the room it is installed in. While some screens only offer a basic black aluminum framework, others have a selection of different frames to choose from. This is often a make or break deal for shoppers, especially in light of the fact that many of the screens perform equally as well.
Another point to keep in mind is that while the fixed projector screen is fairly dependable as far as quality when used with newer model projectors, there can be quite a difference between models if you are working with an older projector.