Step 3: Screen format

Depending on the projector type, the projected image has a given ratio of width to height, also known as the aspect ratio. For a good-looking result, it is recommended to use a projection screen with the same aspect ratio as the projected image.
The following screen formats are most commonly used:

Format	Width/Height	Aspect Ratio

Standard format	1:1	1
Video format	4:3	1.33
Slide projection format	3:2	1.5
HDTV format	16:9	1.78

Step 4: Screen Fabric

This is a very important step and depends on a few ambient factors which are:

The projector:

Each projector has its own specific light output in ANSI Lumen. Depending on the light output, a lower or higher reflection value (Gain) may be desirable. If different projection methods are used, the screen fabric should be matched to projection method with the lowest light output.

Ambient light

All the light that does not come from the projector can have a negative influence on the image quality. In applications where the ambient light can not be controlled, a screen fabric with a higher gain is recommended.

If you look at the practical implications of the two factors mentioned above, the following formula can be used to determine the gain of the screen fabric that you would need in your situation:

LUX = (Projector output in ANSI Lumen / Projection screen surface in square meters) X Gain

In a situation where there is little ambient light, you need a minimum Lux value of 100.

If you have a situation with normal ambient light, the Lux value needs to be at least 400.

The gain value of the screen is normally provided by your projection screen manufacturer.

The projection room and location of the projector

For every projection application and projection room, there are different screen fabrics. All these screen fabrics, each with its own specific characteristics and uses, are explained in the next section.

Next: Types of Fabrics

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