Is a Projector Screen Better Than a Wall

Last Updated on September 3, 2020 by Markeyus Franks

In short, a projector screen is better than using a plain wall because a wall lacks smoothness, contrast, picture definition, and ambient reflection. These key factors alone make a wall inferior to using a projector screen.

A projector is simply an output device with the ability to take images generated by a TV box, Blu-ray player, or computer and re-project them onto a wall, screen, or any other surface. The projected surface has to be flat, lightly colored, and large. However, to obtain the best quality images, the best screen and wall projectors have to be put in place. These two projection options have what it takes to differentiate between quality projection and poor projection with each having its benefits and drawbacks, as highlighted in this article.

Is a Projector Screen Better Than a Wall?

Using a Projectors screen instantly add more quality to your images, but comes at a higher price tag. This has led people to seek out alternative ways of projecting different images or videos from their projector. This includes the use of a plain wall. However, you have to keep in mind that using a plain wall does not offer the best quality picture as a screen projector.

Projection screens feature an optical coating that can enhance their reflective properties. This is something that a white wall does not have. However, you can use the wall and get watchable images, but compared to a projection screen, the image sharpness will not be as exceptional. The highlights will also not be as bright with reduced color saturation and contrast sharpness. In the long end, you will undoubtedly end up with an image that is not as perfect as delivered by a projector.

What’s more, one of the most important but ignored advantage of a projection screen is not essentially the screen but the frame. Solid black frames around an image video will substantially boost the overall visual quality of the image. Therefore unless you plan on painting a black rectangle wall, forgoing your screen simply means losing the most vital components generally.

Projectors can be updated every few years. However, high-quality projections screens can last for many years. This, therefore, makes it a lifetime investment. With this, projection screens remain the best option compared to a wall projection. Therefore if you are serious regarding the best image quality, then ensure you invest in a quality projection screen.

Advantages of Using a Wall Over a Screen

There are many things to like about a wall projector. However, the clue lies in how viewers respond to the images on your wall. A projector shining on a wall is a focal point of any space. Although not as vivid in definition and contrast, walls can still create a great picture. This means that no only can a wall projector serve homeowners, but business and venue owners as well. Well, speaking of advantages, there are so many benefits that come with projection walls as outlined below.

1. Less Maintenance

   A wall projector requires minimal to no maintenance than projection screens. This has to do with the fact that the wall is just a wall. After painting the wall, you can set your projector and start enjoying your images. However, this is not the case with projection screens that have to be adequately installed, not forgetting that proper maintenance is required for the screen to maintain its quality.

2. No Energy Consumption Required

   Projections walls do not consume energy, an advantage that cannot be seen with projection screens. Many good Projection screens require power for them to display the image, with larger screens consuming even more energy which can lead to substantial monthly energy bills. ( This depends on usage) Projection walls can, therefore, be considered as an energy-free projection option that only requires a good wall space and paint.

3. Affordability

   Projection walls come at a very affordable cost. This is because the only thing to be purchased is just the paint which might not be that expensive. However, this is not the case with projection screens which have a very high price tag. This is also the main reason why many people prefer wall projection rather than the screen projection.

4. Minimal Setup

   In terms of setups, projection walls are the simplest to set. After painting your projection wall, or just using the walls that came with your house or apartment, what follows is switching on your projector and focusing it on the wall, and you are good to go, which is not the case with a projection screen.

Advantages of Using a Screen Over a Wall

When setting up a home system, many homeowners are usually faced with the question of whether projection screens are really necessary. Some even wonder why they should invest in an expensive professional-looking projection screen while simple drywall can serve the purpose. However, the advantages of making use of a projector screen are just undeniable. Is a projection screen worth it? The simple answer is yes, and here are the reasons why.

1. The Best Texture

   Any texture imperfection offers a significant impact on a projected image. This is one of the main disadvantages of projecting your images on an interior wall or exterior wall. However, a projection screen paints a tempting alternative. The smooth surface featured in a projector screen makes it possible for you to see even the most detailed image, especially in a 4k resolution.

2. Offer the Best Color

   Another key benefit of a projection screen is its ability to offer high-quality images within different lighting environments. Without the right projection option, ambient light can disrupt the details and clarity of a projected image significantly. Projector screens are therefore designed in such a way that they can reflect as much light as possible, thus producing high-quality images that suit your environment.

3. Offers a Perfect Finished Look

   The right screen can easily transform an average venue or room to a worthy impressive space. A perfectly assembled screen projector will look more professional than a simple painted wall. It also adds comfort by completing your home theatre setting.

4. What to Look for in a Projector Screen

   While the most modern television sets are just impressive, nothing can beat the experience of watching your new movie or sports via a projector. To get the best of a home projector system, you will, however, need a dedicated up to the class screen. Nonetheless, with the screen option available in the market, how do you reach a final decision regarding the best screen? Well, here is a short guide outlining what you need to look out for in a screen projector.

5. Size Matters

   Size has to be your number one consideration when buying a screen projector. Some of the most screen sizes for home cinema being the 100 t0 120 inches. Such a size range offers a perfect fit in most rooms, including the seating distance. It is also big enough to offer real cinematic experience and, importantly ensure that your projector is not strained in any way. For the right screen size, ensure you also take into account the width and height of the space you wish to use for your projection screen. However, avoid screens that are too big, especially if you have a small room.

6. Aspect Ratio 

   Next up, you have to consider the screen’s ratio aspect depending on the content type to be viewed. The 16 to 9 ratio aspect is gaining popularity for a wider content variety including television shows, video games, and sports. However, if your intension is to use the projector for watching movies, then the best choice is to go for wider screens with a 2.40.1 aspect ratio. This will offer the best Blu-ray movie images with high definition content.

7. The Material and Color 

   The last but not least major consideration to outline is the color and material of the screen. Every screen has what is known as industry gain. This is the reflectivity measure of the screen. The right option is to settle for a matte white finish. Such a screen can properly reflect over the widest viewing angles and still ensure the color remains bright and accurate.

Is a Projector Paint as Good as a Screen

When many people think of a projector screen, they normally picture a large wall projection screen. While it is true that many people use projection screens, you can still use budget-friendly options which include painted walls.
Rather than spending more money on a screen that might not certainly help much, you can contemplate on just performing a special wall paint using the best projector paints. Therefore, projector paints are as good as a screen. The only difference is that you get to save more with projector paints while still enjoying better viewing.
However, the right type of paint has to be applied by outlining a few aspects. Some of the common white projector paints include Sherwin-Williams pro and enamel satin finish. While for the grey projector, paints, screen paint is highly recommended.

Pro tip
Depending on the type of projection option you choose to settle with, it is important to ensure that you consider both the benefits and drawbacks of the selected option. If you have a small budget then wall projection becomes the better option. However for someone who wishes to bring out the full appeal of a projector through quality images, then screen projectors are a wiser choice.