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Larger projection screens versus larger displays

If you’re planning on setting up a home theatre or a presentation setup in your office boardroom, you may have often wondered whether you need a projection screen or a display. This article explores how both options achieve similar functions, but in very different ways. So, read on…

The key difference between projection screens and displays is that projection screens are passive devices, whereas displays are active devices.

A display, therefore communicates directly with an input device. The new generation of displays are smart and can communicate directly with input devices such as a smartphone or tablet via built-in Wi-Fi. While projection screens and displays are both used for presentations, projection screens are usually made up of a matte fabric, whereas displays have a glossy glass surface.

projection-screen
Projection screen

There are certain parameters that AV professionals need to keep in mind when recommending either a projection screen or a display.

Some of these parameters are:

1) Room Size: If the room is small, which means a 10 to 12 seater, an AV professional usually recommends a display. However, if the room is larger, they recommend a projection screen. The maximum size of a display is around 95 inches, whereas the size of a projection screen ranges from 84 inches to 300 inches. Hence, the projection screen is ideal in a larger room.

2) Cost: Displays cost more. Rooms with projectors are usually more cost-effective than displays, with the latter being more expensive, especially in the larger sizes. However, if you want a 24×7 projection, then displays are more economical in the long run. For most larger presentation room scenarios with more than 10 to 12 people however, rooms with projectors are clearly more cost-effective.

3) Mobility: If you want to present on the go, you can carry a mobile or pocket projector with you and present at the location that you are traveling to. You will then be able to present wherever you go. Where a display is concerned however, you cannot lug it to a remote location. So you are not as mobile with a display as you are with a projection screen.

4) Ease of installation: The installation of displays is very easy, as it comes with a wallmount or a tablemount. It can be installed by anybody including your neighbourhood electrician. For a projection screen, however, an AV professional is needed for install. The latter needs to first calculate the screen size, and then based on this, needs to finalise the distance of the projector from the projection screen. This distance could be 6 feet, 8 feet, 10 feet, or then, even 12 feet.

5) Inbuilt audio system: A display comes with an inbuilt audio system. This means that you do not need a separate audio system. A projection screen, however, does not have an inbuilt audio system and so, needs one that uses an amplifier. However, for larger rooms you need an amplifier in any case.

Now you know more about the pros and cons of projection screens and displays. A room with a projector has an inherent advantage in that it can cater to larger audiences. Do make your choice and call your AV professional for a seamless install. Here’s to happy viewing!

For more information on how to install and set up a projection screen or display, contact Actis at 022-30808080 or at contact@actis.co.in.

(Images courtesy: www.samsung.com and www.da-lite.com)

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