Projection screens are appropriate if you’re looking for ways to engage your audience through audio and visuals during business presentations. First, before buying projector screens for sale, determine the placement of such equipment, whether it’s in an auditorium, conference room or office. The A/V projection screen types include portable projection screens and front and rear projection screens.

Compare projection screens to determine which ones make the best fit for your office or boardroom. Rear projection screens rely on a light source or accompanying projector equipment to present a picture to the audience. The equipment must be placed behind the screen to project clear video quality. Front projection screens require the projector to be placed in front of the screen. Portable projection screens come with wall mounts and floor stands that allow you to move them from one room to another. Specifications to look for include projector screen size, screen type, and full screen and widescreen capabilities. To find information about installation and maintenance for projection screens, consider the following:

1. Refer to product manuals for projector screen installation.

2. Seek customer or technical support from providers of projection screens.

3. Contact suppliers of projection screens regarding maintenance and repair services.

Action Steps
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Look for do-it-yourself guides or how-to manuals from projector screen manufacturers

Read manuals or other related literature to learn how to set up your rear or portable projection screens. Make sure to have the parts and accessories necessary to install the projection screens.

I recommend: Da-Lite features specifications information and installation instructions for flat-panel projector screens and stands, and accessories such as ceiling and wall mounts. DIY Theatre also gives tips and lists tools needed to install projection screens. General instructions for installing an A/V projection screen can be found in trade publications such as Sound & Vision Magazine.

Find suppliers of projection screens that offer customer or technical support

Contact support services for additional questions regarding the installation and maintenance for projection screens.

I recommend: 3M Vikuiti answers questions about portable and rear projection screens of different sizes, such as 40 inches, 60 inches and 100 inches in diameter. Find portable projector screen FAQs and reach technical support via mail, email or telephone at Epson.

Verify maintenance and repair options for projection screens

Some providers of rear and portable projection screens offer maintenance and repair services of projection screens.

I recommend: Audio Visual Associates has an on-site repair facility for customers who need to troubleshoot problems with projector screens. Preventative maintenance is also available. View service and warranty policies at Elite Screens. Vutec has support services as well as training opportunities for businesses who want to learn to maintain their projection screens.

Your company’s need for projector screens will determine what type of screen you should invest in. You have many choices including electric screens, fixed frame screens, manual screens and portable projection screens.

Electric projector screens for sale offer you three different types: wall mount, ceiling mount, and tensioned screen. Electric projector screens are optimal if you are wanting your a/v projection screen to be hidden when not in use, and if you have a large budget. Downsides, though, are that you need an electrical outlet, and they require structural reinforcement to mount.

Fixed frame projector screens for sale offer you a style like a mounted picture. Manual screens offer you a pull-and-release system that allows you to lower them to a desired level. Portable projection screens are easily transportable for you and are a favorite of road presenters and traveling trainers.

To determine which projection screens best suit your need:

1. Determine what projector screen appeals to you.

2. Assess the room that you to install your projector in.

3. Make sure that you have the correct support to hold the screen if you want an electric system. If not, determine if creating that system falls within your budget.

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Determine what types of projector screens suit your room

Aesthetically and functionally, ask yourself what type of projection screens will fit your room. If you have the budget, electric screens look the best. If you have to be more cost conscious, a fixed frame or a manual projection screen will suit you better.

I recommend: Check out illustrations of each type at The Projector Pros. Picture what your ideal screen is. Figure out if it will realistically match both your needs and that of the room.

Look online for suppliers of projection screens

Looking online helps you price compare and offers you the best selection in one sitting.

I recommend: Projector People have a comprehensive website that helps you easily select your screen. The Projection Screen store has a large variety as well as a whole page devoted to screens costing under $100. They also offer you free shipping on many models.

Consider a used projector screen for sale

Used projection screens, especially a used portable projection screen, give you a cost savings that might better fall in line with your budget.

I recommend: Check out B&H's selection of used screens. B&H is a high quality company that has over 170,000 products to offer you the consumer. Audio Visions Inc. also has a wide variety of used projection equipment, including screens.

Consider rear projection screens for well lit rooms

Rear projection screens are suitable in situations where you will require more normal room lighting (e.g. if people are taking notes). They will allow you to walk in front of the projection screen without casting large shadows, and a rear projection system is quieter.

I recommend: Da-Lite offers you a great source for a number of high quality rear projection systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure that your projector suits the needs of your projection screen. You don't want to invest in a high tech screen, and then come to find out that your projector and screen are incompatible.
• •  Budget in installation costs if you are not an AV installation wizard.

There are several factors that go into selecting the right projection screen for your needs. You must first determine the size of the screen. Then you need to decide between front and rear projection. For front projector screens, the video source sits in front of the screen and projects across the room, which requires a dark environment. Rear projection screens sit directly in front of the video source and provide a crisp picture without turning off the lights.

Once you’ve addressed those two main factors, then you need to look at projection screens pricing and costs. Examine the prices in the following categories for budget comparisons:

1. Businesses with a large budget may want to buy electric projection screens.

2. Compare projection screens with a wall or ceiling mounted fixed frame.

3. A manual A/V projection screen will save you money over electric and fixed-frames.

4. Be on the move with portable projection screens for your business meeting travels.

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Hide an electric projection screen when it's not in use

Electric units, if you have the budget for them, will provide the most professional results. An electronic unit has the ability to retract into the ceiling or wall when you're not using it, saving space, and, as an added bonus, looking very impressive.

I recommend: Focused Technology offers electric projection screens for $400 to $4,500. The selection at HTmarket is vast. They have electric units for $200 to $12,000.

Install a fixed-frame projection screen

A great option for a front or rear projection screen is a fixed-frame unit. Use these protector screens in a conference room for meetings or a church sanctuary to provide announcements.

I recommend: Get fixed frame screens from Big Screen Center for $200 to $5,000. Go to pcRUSH for fixed frames from $200 to $2,500.

Find manual projector screens for sale

A manual projector screen is the least expensive option available. Typically you mount these units to a wall or ceiling and can retract them manually. This option not only saves money, but space as well.

I recommend: The Projector Screen Store has wall and ceiling mounted manual units starting below $100. Compare features of manual projector screens from the Projector People. Their prices range from $100 to $1,000.

Travel for business meetings with a portable projection screen

If you travel to put on business presentations that require some sort of video, then a portable projector screen is the best option for you. These compact and retractable screens, whether full length or on a tripod, are easy to transport wherever you need to go.

I recommend: Examine the portable models available from Projector Screens Direct for $80 to $9,000. Draper has folding, pull up and tripod portable projector screens for $100 to $3,000.

If you're shopping for a projection screen for your business, then you may be a bit overwhelmed. Projection screens come in many different styles, including manual, electric, tensioned, fixed frame, rear projection and portable. You likely want to pick a screen that meets all your needs, without providing any extra features you won't use. But how do you do that? This guide will help you by explaining projection screen key terms and teaching you the differences between various types of projection screens.

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Manual projection screen

Manual projection screens are mounted to a ceiling or wall, and they are manually pulled up and down. When selecting a manual projection screen, be sure to choose one with a high-quality rolling mechanism. If the rolling mechanism fails, then you may not be able to pull down or retract the screen.

I recommend: Staples provides four examples of manual projection screens, along with more information.

Electric projection screen

An electric projection screen moves up and down with the touch of a button. Electric projection screens cost a considerable amount more than manual projection screens. Also, they must be mounted near an electrical outlet. With some models, an electrician must run a line to a wall switch.

I recommend: To see what an electric projection screen looks like, and to read more about it, check out Shoplet.com.

Tensioned projection screen

A tensioned projection screen system pulls the screen fabric tight. This dramatically improves image quality over free-hanging projection screens.

I recommend: Projector Screens Direct has more than two dozen examples of tensioned projection screens.

Fixed frame projection screen

Fixed frame projection screens are permanently mounted to a wall in a room. The viewing surface is flat and attached to the wall. This creates the best possible picture quality. However, the wall cannot be used for any other purposes besides the screen.

I recommend: Crutchfield New Media gives a good overview of fixed frame projection screens.

Rear projection screen

Rear projection screens are made for use with rear projection systems. The projector is located behind the screen and sends the image to the screen from the back. This allows for good viewing in situations where you want to leave the lights on in the room.

I recommend: Visit Lamps and Screens Online to learn more about rear projection screens.

Portable projection screen

Portable projection screens can travel with you wherever you go. When folded up, the screens are lightweight and compact. But they are designed to easily set up in minutes.

I recommend: For more information about portable projection screens, check out Draper.