Choosing a Projection Screen: ALR, Acoustically Transparent, and More

Projector shoppers agonize over lumens and lenses, then treat the screen as an afterthought. Backwards: the screen is half the optical system. The right material in the right room is the cheapest picture upgrade there is.

Gain, Explained Simply

Screen gain describes how the surface returns light. Neutral (~1.0–1.1) suits most dedicated theaters; higher-gain materials brighten the image for long throws or big screens but can narrow viewing angles. Matte white in a dark room remains the reference for accuracy.

ALR: Projection for Rooms With Light

Ambient-light-rejecting screens use optical structures that accept the projector's light while rejecting light from other angles — letting projection live in family rooms and media spaces that are not caves. Paired with a bright laser projector, ALR delivers a watchable 120″ image with the blinds open. (Choosing between that and a TV? Read our projector vs. OLED comparison.)

Acoustically Transparent: Sound Through the Screen

Woven and micro-perforated materials let the front speakers sit behind the image — exactly like a commercial cinema. Dialogue comes from the actors' mouths, the front stage disappears, and the room looks cleaner. This is our default for dedicated theater builds.

Fixed, Motorized, or Masking?

Fixed frames offer the flattest surface for dedicated rooms. Motorized screens vanish in multi-use spaces. Masking systems adjust the frame to each film's aspect ratio — black bars gone, immersion complete. We will size and specify the right screen for your room and projector as one system: 213-545-6169.