A screen can be defined as any surface that reflects or transmits a projected image. When you say screen, your mind goes back to that window shade like screen that you pulled down over the blackboard. Today screens come in all types and each has specific uses, advantages and disadvantages. In the event industry, we use tend to use the following types of screens;
- Tripod Screen – A free standing screen with a tripod metal base. Remember the screen that Grandpa showed you the 8mm films of your father as a kid? That’s the one, but heavy duty. Only available up to 8’ wide.
- Fast Fold Screen – A metal frame screen (usually folding frame) with a stretched surface attached. This surface can be front (matte white) or rear (translucent for rear projection) I usually recommend only using small (5x7 or less). Over time the larger screens tend to bow due to the constant pulling of the surface on the frame. A recent development has been the “monoframe” screens. These new screens have the rigidity and stiffness to prevent bowing and can be used in very large sizes (up to 15’x30’) without worries. Fast Fold Screens are also available in a variety of aspect ratios (We will be covering that in another article)
- Truss Frame Screen – As you might expect, it’s the same thing as the Fast Fold screen, except it uses a reinforced truss frame to stretch the fabric. The heavy-duty frame prevents bowing.
- Special Effect Screens – Why not get creative? If you aren’t making a corporate presentation, and you are just using projection as a décor element, then the skies are the limit. Anything that can reflect light can be a screen. I have projected images for my clients on scrims, buildings, walls, fog (water vapor from a special unit) stretched fabric, balloons, and even a plume of water.
I hope that give you an idea of the wide variety of screens and their uses. If you are unsure, ask your audiovisual advisor or trusted vendor.
