Carl's White Projector Screen Materials Comparison Chart
Key Deciding Factors
Controlled Light Screens for Dark Viewing Environments
| Comparison Chart | FlexiWhite | ProWhite |
|---|---|---|
| Why buy this projector screen material? | FlexiWhite is a best seller for a tension-mounted, wooden fixed frame, or portable kit in a dark viewing environment. | ProWhite is the best option for designing your own roll down mechanism, up-to 126-inches tall, or stapling directly onto drywall in a dark viewing environment. |
| Installation Type 1 | Tension-Mount | Non-Tension |
| Mount Type | DIY Fixed-Frame | Ideal for a wall mount or roll down. A fixed frame is also possible but is more challenging to install. |
| Portable Kit | DIY Hanging Kits and Standing Kits, 100% PVC and Mildew Resistant | Not Applicable |
| Environment 2 | Dark like a movie theater | Dark like a movie theater |
| Gain | 1.1 | 1.1 |
| Viewing Angle | 180° (90° +/- Left/Right) | 180° (90° +/- Left/Right) |
| 4K, HD, 3D 3 | 4K UHD, HDR Ready, HD and Active 3D | HD and 3D possible, however, in our opinion FlexiWhite and Ultra-White provide more clarity and pop due to its texture and screen color. |
| Max Height | 126-inches for seamless or a welded seam >126in. |
126-inches |
| Packaging 4 | Folded in a Box or Rolled on a Tube |
Rolled on a Tube |
| Projector Information | FlexiWhite | ProWhite |
| Minimum Lumens Recommended | 1800 Lumens | 1800 Lumens |
| Standard Throw Projector | Yes | Yes |
| Short Throw or Ultra-Short Throw Projector | Yes, with fewer chances for hot spots | May cause hot spots |
| Placement | Front-Projection | Front-Projection |
1 Tension-Mounting: When a screen is pulled tight (or bungeed) evenly all the way around the screen we call this tensioned. Tensioning provides a flat screen for even light distribution. Securing tension-mounted screens at the top and bottom, just the sides or only in the corners will not provide a flat surface for even light distribution. If you choose not to tension-mount applicable materials, you are likely to see waves or ripples in your image. Think of tension mounting like a giant artist canvas or drum.
2 Environment: Ambient light is any light that exists in your viewing environment that competes with your projector. It may be indoor lighting or streetlights, etc. If you have a dark room where the lights can be turned off, we call this controlled light versus dealing with a street lamp, for example, which you may not have control over. An example of a dark viewing environment is a movie theater, low light might be a small light coming from the next room and high ambient light might be a small light on in the same room as your screen.
If you wish to begin a movie at dusk/sunset and your only ambient light concern is 20 minutes of viewing time at dusk, go with a white material. If you will experience ambient light throughout the entire movie, even after the sun goes down, go with a gray material. Unfortunately, none of our materials are meant for full sunlight.
Generally speaking, the darker you can get your viewing environment the better the results. We recommend using white projector screen materials for dark environments and gray projector screen materials for environments with low ambient light concerns. You will not need gray if you have a dark viewing environment. Gray only provides additional contrast if you have ambient light concerns. For best results the ambient light should NOT come from the same direction as your projector.
Always choose the material that will be best for the majority of your viewing.
3 All of our projector screen materials are compatible for 4K projection, though your projector, of course, will need to be capable of projecting a native HD resolution. That said, materials with little to no texture can provide the sharpest possible picture for your high-definition and 4K projected images.
4 In the DIY market there is a wide range of comfort levels, skill sets and abilities. If you are at all concerned about folds and wrinkles you may want to consider ordering your raw material rolled on a tube, if available.