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< Product Resources < Projection Screens

Draper Screen Size Selection


One of the most important decisions in screen selection is to determine the correct size of screen based upon -
  1. The dimensions of the audience area
  2. The projection format to be used

In some situations, these two questions yield the same answer; in others they do not and compromises must be made. Here are the key considerations -

Audience Area

- In determining the correct screen size in relation to the audience area, the goal is to make the screen large enough so those in the rear of the audience area can read the subject matter easily, but not so large that those in the front of the audience area have difficulty seeing the full width of the projected image.

Height

- Use the following formulas for calculating screen height for maximum legibility. For 4:3 moving video and entertainment, screen height should be at least 1/6 the distance from the screen to the furthest seat; for charts and data, as in a conference or lecture room, use ¼; for complex graphics, as in a conference or lecture room, use ½. For HDTV projection, screen height should equal or exceed 1/3 the distance from the screen to the optimum seat.

Width

- Screen width is generally determined by the height of the screen and the projection formats to be used.

Ceiling Height

- The bottom of the screen should be approximately 40-48" above the floor in a room with a level floor and several rows of seats. In rooms with theater seating or only one or two rows, such as a home theater, the bottom of the screen should usually be 24-36" above the floor. Evaluate any barriers, and try to make sure that the lower part of the screen will be visible from all seats. Extra drop may be required to position the screen as a comfortable viewing level in a room with a high ceiling.

Projection Format

- Once you have determined the correct size of screen based upon the audience area, that size may be modified based upon the type(s) of projection equipment to be used. If the screen will only be used with one type of projector (NTSC video, HDTV, etc), it is easy to determine the exact screen dimensions based upon the projection format of that projector. Projection formats are expressed in terms of aspect ration, which is the relationship between the height of the projected image to its width. Aspect ratios of common projection formats are listed below.

Aspect Ratios of Common Projection Formats

 H:W

 1:1

 Overhead and opaque projection

 1.33 or 4:3

 NTSC video and most data-graphics

 1.48:1 or 3:2

 2x2 standard slides (35mm)

 1.78:1 or 16:9

 High Definition Television (HDTV)

 1.85:1

 WideScreen (also known as Letterbox and Panavision

 2.05:1

 70mm

 2.35:1

 Cinemascope

 1.25:1 or 5:4

 High-end data graphics

Projection Formats

Most models of Draper screens are offered in both audio visual and 4:3 NTSC formats. Many models are also offered in HDTV and WideScreen formats. The differences between these formats are described below. Draper is glad to provide any screen in the size and projection format of your choice including the largest published size. If you do not find the size and format you need listed, please call or fax your requirements to Draper and they will be delighted to help you.

Audiovisual

(AV) format screens are intended for general use. They accommodate a variety of projector types and range from square to wide horizontal in aspect ratio. AV format screens are described in terms of "height x width" are normally furnished without black borders, although borders are optionally available.

NTSC

format screens, on the other hand, are specifically designed for use with video projectors. The NTSC format is strictly defined as a 4:3 rectangle (4 wide by 3 high), and the size is usually described in terms of a nominal diagonal. Conventional models of video format screens are normally furnished with black borders to frame e the image on all four sides, allowing for video projector overscan. Tab-Tensioned electric screens are normally with black borders at the sides and bottom, although black masking at the top is optionally available.

HDTV

format (16 wide by 9 high) is also available for high-definition television projection, and WideScreen format (1.85:1) is offered for letterboxed video images. Other formats are available by quotation.

How to Calculate a Custom Size

Draper manufactures custom size screens to meet your specifications. Virtually any size with the maximum shown for a given model is available. Please call for pricing on special sizes. If you need to calculate a custom size, the following formulas may be useful.

 

H = D

W = D

D = H

D = W

4:3 NTSC Video

x .6
x .8
x 1.667
x 1.25

16:9 HDTV
x .49
x .87146
x 2.04
x 1.1475

1.85:1 WideScreen (Letterbox)
x .4762
x .881
x 2.1
x 1.135

2.35:1 CinemaScope
x .3915
x .92
x 2.554
x 1.0868

5:4 Data Graphics
x .625
x .781
x 1.601
x 1.281

D = exact diagonal

H = viewing area height

W = viewing area width



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