We have written a detailed guide about black vs. white Projector Screens with advantages and disadvantages in this article after 52 hours of research.
If you have a True HD home theater projector, you have to be picky about screen color because the projector’s screen color is the main ingredient to enhance the colors, contrast, and true blacks of your projector.
If you are an old-school guy, you may know that the white projector screens were the standard, but you will get black, gray, and other screens as well, so white is not a standard now.
In this guide, we will provide you with a detailed guide about black vs. white screens and their drawbacks.
Without further wasting time, let’s explore the major differences.
Black vs. White Projector Screens
Color quality
After testing almost 3-4 projectors on both screens with different resolutions, we have found that the black screen performs way better than white screens in terms of color quality.
Projection on the black screens is richer in terms of black levels and contrast, which is why the color quality is enhanced drastically.
Though white screens are standard and perform more than average, if you are a real color lover, you will definitely find some faded colors.
Contrast
Black screens also perform much better than white screens in terms of contrast just because they have absorption properties, not reflective. Though you can get impressive contrast with a modern white screen, you have to darken the room properly, as you would in a movie theater.
Also, Black screens are mind-blowing to provide more than average contrast ratio even in modest ambient; however, a white screen lacks significantly; you may notice faded picture quality, low contrast, etc.
Related: All about Projector Contrast
Black levels
Black levels are more prominent on black screens as compared to the white projector screens, so the darker scenes will be more enhanced with the black projector screen as compared to white.
(A picture to Differentiate the contrast, colors, and black levels between black and white screens)
Reflective properties
White is more reflective as compared to black; if you are watching on a white screen, you will find a bright room even if you have properly darkened the room; this is because of high reflection. If you want to experience the dark environment, you have to watch it on black screens.
Also, you can paint your home theater in a dark color to get surprising results; I have painted my ceiling, walls, etc., with a dark gray color to enjoy realistic blacks and contrast with my beast JVC NX9.
Outdoor performance
As per our analysis, Black screens are the winner in terms of blacks, colors, and contrast due to the high absorbing properties; however, white is the winner when it comes to the viewing angles.
Cost
Black screens come with an expensive price tag as compared to white screens; you will hardly find a decent black screen under $1500. However, you can find hundreds of decent white projector screens from $400 to $500. Other than that, the black screen technology isn’t mature yet, so you will find a few varieties.
Viewing angle
Since white screens have reflective properties, they can reflect more light to provide you with a better view from any angle, no matter if you are watching from the side or middle.
On the other hand, black screens have absorbing properties, so you may not get the desired picture quality from the side.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Black Projector Screens
- Impressive color quality.
- Mind-blowing contrast and black levels.
- Low reflections, your room will be dark.
- Perform well in outdoor conditions.
- Expensive.
- Limited Verities.
- Not able to provide sharp and clear images from all angles.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of White Projector Screens
- Midrange price tag.
- Clear view from all angles.
- Vast varieties.
- Faded colors are available if you have a cheap white screen.
- Muted contrast and blacks.
- Reflect more light in the room; your room will not be as dark as you want.
- Not perform well in outdoor condition.
Black Vs. white projector screens – Which One You Should Choose
It depends on your needs; if you are a guy who wants to explore the projector display from different angles by slightly compromising the colors, contrast, and black, you should go for a white screen. Also, if your budget is not that good, you have to go for a white projector screen.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy top-notch color, contrast, and black levels within a cave or outdoors, you should go for a black projector screen. Black screens are made to mitigate the muted contrast, colors, and black levels even in modest ambient.
Frequently Asked Questions- FAQs
What can I use instead of a projector screen?
You can use a bare wall, screen paint, sheets, etc.; we have made a detailed guide about DIY projector screen. Let’s have a look.
Why white screens were standard projector screens?
About 15 to 20 years ago, there were no black screens for projectors; almost all people used white screens or sheets for projectors, which is why it was a standard, but now it is not a standard; we have multiple colors like black, gray, etc.
Do I need a projector screen?
Not at all; you can get your work done even with a sheet, paint, or even on a bare wall, but if you have spent lots of bucks on a 4k projector, you have to spend a bit more on the projector’s screen to get a mind-blowing visual experience.
Wrapping Up: Black Vs White Projector Screen
We have done several experiments to find out the actual difference between black and white projector screens; you just need to skim the whole blog post to make the buying decisions.
As per results, black screens are not that mature, but the future is bright; every projector geek must have a black screen to enjoy realistic colors, contrast, and black levels.
We believe the market will flood with black projector screens with multiple varieties and price tags.
Related: 4K Vs. 1080P Projector
