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14 Playing Movies
Standard screens have a 4:3 shape ratio, which is better suited for viewing computer
presentations and standard TV broadcasts. Watching DVD movies or HDTV broadcasts on a
4:3 ratio screen limits the image width and leaves black bars above and below the image.
Available screen sizes vary, but are usually up to 60 inches diagonal (the same height as an
80-inch diagonal 16:9 screen).
Screens are also available for wider image formats, such as CinemaScope
™
(approximately
2.35:1), but are not as common.
Considering Screen Mounting Style
Most screens are either floor-standing, wall-mounted, or ceiling-mounted. Consider these
characteristics as you choose which type would be best for your viewing environment:
Considering Color and Surface Quality
For home theater settings, screens come in white or a shade of gray. Gray screens (sometimes
called high contrast screens) increase the natural contrast of images projected in rooms with
ambient light by absorbing the room light and preserving the darker blacks. If you have a
dedicated home theater room with dark walls, ceiling, floor, and furniture, a gray screen may
not provide better contrast than a white screen. However, if you usually project images in a
typical living room or family room with some reflected light, a gray screen will provide better
contrast and a truer viewing experience.
Screen mounting style Characteristics
Floor-standing screens Portable
Can be used in multiple locations
Can be stored out of the way
Some may also be wall-mountable
Wall-mounted screens Typically permanently installed
Can be partially hidden out of the way
Some may be disguised as artwork
Ceiling-mounted screens Typically permanently installed
Can be partially hidden out of the way
Some may be recessed into the ceiling and hidden completely
Can be manually or electronically dropped and raised
Outdoor screens Resistant to outdoor environmental factors
Can be used on patios, and around pools and landscaping
Usually made of inflatable plastic or vinyl