Conversely - a brighter projector looks best with a matte white or even a silver/gray surface. That is because the glass beads on higher gain screens have a tendency to "splatter" the brighter light waves produced by a high lumen output projector. A silver/gray surface will also enhance the perceived contrast level of LCD projectors which do not have the best contrast/black levels. So first you must decide the type and lumen output of the projector you are purchasing and that will help determine the surface type of the video projector screen you will need.

Model Types

Projection screens come in three basic styles - manual pull-down, electric and fixed varieties. Manual pull-down models are operated much like a window shade. Electric models have a motorized mechanism that does the work for you and fixed screens are motionless and stay right where you place them. Fixed screens also provide the flattest of all screen surfaces. Pull-down and electric screens can be susceptible to a slight waves on their surface. Although not obtrusive if properly cared for, some may prefer the absolute flat surface of a fixed screen model. The drawback to fixed screens is that you must live with them in place whereas retractable models can be deployed for viewing and afterwards be hidden from sight until next use.

Aspect Ratio

There is another very important factor to consider when shopping for a screen - that of the screen's aspect ratio. The aspect ratio of a projection screen refers to the shape of the available screen surface. Screens come in two basic aspect ratios --– 4x3 which is your normal television aspect ratio and 16x9 which is the normal widescreen or HDTV aspect ratio. The aspect ratio of your screen is an important decision to make prior to its purchase. That's because of the fact that once you buy it there's no way to change the aspect ratio - other than by masking portions of the screen. You can mask the surface with material or curtains if you want to get creative and that can temporarily change the aspect ratio of your fixed screen.

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