If you are confused about what size projection screen to buy for your meeting, conference, or other events, you are not alone. Projection screens come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes and choosing one could be confusing.
However, knowing how big your screen needs to be is essential because there is no standard projector screen size. The last thing you want is a screen that your entire audience cannot see, or worse, something that does not match the space or is incompatible with the projector.
Fortunately, once you know the details of your event, calculating your screen size comes down to a few simple factors.
First, confirm how many guests you expect and how many people can sit in the room. If your event is taking place in a hotel, you can often see how many people will fit into the different seating arrangements by visiting the hotel’s website.
For small meetings of up to a hundred people, a tripod screen is a great option. Tripod displays come in six and eight inches dimensions, can have 16: 9 and 4: 3 aspect ratios, and are flexible in the event space. They also have adjustable legs, so ceiling height is not a concern, and they do not require technical setup.
But if your audience is more than that, you will need a bigger screen. Fastfold screens need to be set up by a professional, and you should generally verify all the specific details with your AV provider beforehand.
The next thing to know is the aspect ratio. Aspect ratio means the shape of the screen, based on the width to height ratio. These days almost all computer-generated content will be in 16: 9; even if you are unsure of this, choose a 16: 9 screen as it can be adjusted to other aspect ratios.
For an audience of more than a thousand people, you may want to consider a truss screen or custom setup.
So you have chosen your screen size, and now all you have to do is make sure the ceilings in your venue are enough to accommodate your entire setup. For 4: 3 for screens, add three feet for the legs, four feet for 16: 9.
Most places have an outline of the rooms or an online layout that clearly describes the height of the ceiling. If you cannot find this information, you can always schedule a pre-event site inspection to have an AV technician ensure the screen conforms to the event settings.
If your venue does not have high ceilings, consider using more additional small screens or monitors so each guest can view your content. Some places are not big enough to have enough space between the screen and the projector, also called the projection distance.
Your AV provider can help you determine the projection distance and the best location for your projector and screen.
If you already have a projector you plan to use, and it is essential to remember that not all projectors and screens are compatible. As the screen size increases, so do the brightness requirements in a projector.
A projector is like a flashlight, so the bigger the screen and the further away it is from the projector screen, the brighter light is needed. If your projector is not producing enough lumens, you may have a hard time seeing the content on the screen. These are a few tips for choosing a screen for an event.