Projection Screens

Size the screen for the room and the farthest viewer, then match its format to the projector. VSYS 16:9 screens come in 100, 120, 135 and 150 inches diagonal, such as the PEGA 150 with a 3.32 × 1.87 m image.

Da-Lite builds the Tensioned Advantage in 16:9 sizes from 45 × 80 inches to 146 × 260 inches, as well as in 16:10 and 4:3, for boardrooms up to large lecture halls.

Gain is how much light a screen reflects toward the audience compared with a matte white reference of 1.0. A higher gain looks brighter on axis but usually narrows the viewing angle.

VSYS matte white screens have gain 1.0 with a 160° viewing angle, the VSYS PEGA 150 has gain 1.1 with 140°, and Da-Lite's Da-Tex rear projection surface has gain 1.3 with a 30° half angle.

A ceiling-recessed screen sits in a case above the ceiling, so only a slot is visible when the screen is up. The Da-Lite Tensioned Advantage includes its own ceiling trim to hide the rough opening, and its case is UL plenum rated.

It can be installed in two stages: the case during rough-in construction and the screen surface during finishing, which suits new fit-outs.

A tensioned screen holds the surface flat, so straight lines and text do not ripple at the edges. Da-Lite's tensioned screens use the TruGuide tensioning system and Smooth Roll technology for a flat surface, with a black backing on front projection surfaces.

This matters most for high-resolution projectors, spreadsheets and fine text. Fixed-frame screens such as the VSYS PEGA series keep the fabric taut on a frame instead.

By a wall switch, a remote or a room control system. The Da-Lite Tensioned Advantage comes with a Low Voltage Control and a three-button wall switch, with optional RF or infrared remotes.

VSYS VSPS100-M, VSPS120-M and VSPS135-M screens use a tubular motor with an RF remote and a hardwired wall keypad, with an optional synchronised motor that lowers several screens together. Check the motor voltage for 230 V supply in the UAE before ordering.

A Fast-Fold screen is a portable folding frame with a snap-on surface and legs, set up for events and packed into a wheeled case. The Da-Lite Fast-Fold Deluxe frame and legs are 1.25-inch aluminium tubing, with a 5-year warranty.

Standard 16:9 sizes run up to a 90.5 × 162.5-inch viewing area, and the Heavy Duty Fast-Fold Deluxe goes up to a 15 × 26.5-foot viewing area.

Yes, with a rear projection surface and a frame. Da-Lite offers its Da-Tex surface for rear projection on Fast-Fold Deluxe screens, with gain 1.3 and a 30° half angle, and Dual Vision for front or rear use with gain 0.9 and a 65° half angle.

Rear projection hides the projector behind the screen, which suits stages and exhibitions with space behind.

A fixed-frame screen is always down, with the surface stretched on a frame for a flat image, which suits dedicated presentation rooms and home cinemas. An electric screen rolls up into a case when not in use.

The VSYS PEGA 120 and PEGA 135 fixed-frame screens use matte white fabric with gain 1.0, and the VSYS VSPS electric screens come in 100, 120 and 135 inches, with images from 2.21 × 1.24 m to 3.00 × 1.68 m, gain 1.0 and a 160° viewing angle.

A black drop is the black border above the image that positions the picture at the right height below the case. Da-Lite fits 12 inches of black drop as standard on Tensioned Advantage screens, except the Parallax Pure surface, which has 2 inches.

Specify extra drop where the ceiling is high, so the image sits at a comfortable viewing height.

Five facts decide the screen: the room size and farthest viewing distance; the projector's format and brightness; how the screen will be installed (recessed, wall, ceiling, fixed or portable); the light in the room; and the ceiling construction for recessed cases.

With these, the size, gain and type can be matched, for example a Da-Lite Tensioned Advantage 121 × 216-inch recessed screen for a large boardroom.