In this helpful guide, we have compared projector screen vs wall. Which one is better in terms of picture quality, projection texture, blacks, reflection, space, and budget?
People often wonder if they can use a projector without a screen. Is there any extra need for a projector screen? Does it make any difference if you opt for the wall instead of a projector screen?
This is something people are more curious about, and to end their curiosity and solve their problems, we have done extensive research to find out the answers to these questions.
The answer is simple: yes. You can use a projector without a screen. But no one will assure you of the viewing quality of the image.
There is some special coating of projector screens that is different from the wall. That coating helps to clear the visibility. That is why an image projected on the wall will never be as bright as it’d appear on the projector screen. At the same time, the wall needs to be completely white. It will provide a good surface for the projected image, but there are some drawbacks.
A wall doesn’t have the capability to mirror a light near a projector screen. Also, the exterior of the wall is not as smooth as you may think it to be. By closer vision, you’ll find out all these downsides.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive explanation of why you should use a projector screen and not the wall. But also spell out how you can make your wall effective for better display.
So, what is the difference between projector screen and wall as projector screen? Which One Is Better?
Opinions can vary from person to person when you decide to present something on one of the two surfaces. Some will prefer going for the walls, while others may prefer to use projector screens. There is no exact answer to this but your own comfort will decide which system is going to be better for you.
Anyhow, in order to conserve money or the availability of limited space for presentation, wall projection would be the safe option for you.
Advantages Of Projector Screen
There are several advantages of using a projector screen over a wall. One of the most significant benefits is the fact that there will be no shadow visible to you when using the screen.
This is specifically helpful if you try to present something just like a video game or simulation where shadows can devastate your immersion.
The difference between a projector screen and a wall can be compared with a hammer and a wrench to hammer a nail. Practically, you can use both of these things to perform a similar function, but the hammer is more effective at performing this task, while the wrench will be useful for other purposes.
1. Designed to display projector content
The screen of a projector is specially designed to work with the light coming from the projector. High-quality images will be produced by the panels to absorb light and will prevent ambient light from interfering with the presentation while having black backing. But all these benefits won’t be prominent enough with walls.
Check out our guide about projector keystone correction
2. Projector Screens have Black Backs
The most essential feature of a projector screen is its black backing. Any light passing through can be absorbed by it. It will also make it easy for you to focus on the image without any worries about what is behind the screen or what is outside the tent.
The heat generated by lighting and damaged equipment will be reflected by black backing while preventing overheating.
3. More reflective and smooth to watch
The texture of projector screens is very smooth to the touch. Focusing on presentation will be easier as you won’t need to worry about tripping or feeling rough material.
This smoothness also helps the light to reflect effortlessly from the projector. This will result in providing better image quality and experience.
4. Special projector screen coating
Unlike a simple white bed sheet or a blanket, projector screens are also painted with a special reflective coating that progresses their ability to reflect the light from the image or make the projection brighter and sharper.
Images will look faded and dull without the coating unless the lighting is kept low or in absolute pitch darkness. It will make even the weakest lights much brighter to the naked eye.
If an image is projected on a cemented white wall or a wooden wall with regular white paint on it, it won’t be striking and clear enough compared to its appearance on a traditional projector screen.
Disadvantages of projector screen
The major disadvantage of using a projector screen is the need for some additional equipment. Beams and poles are essential to install screens, which means you will also need to spend extra money on the equipment, installation services, or both.
Advantages of projecting into wall
No doubt, sharp images delivering projector screens also have some downsides. The major is their cost. Projector screens are very expensive to buy as compared to the walls, and their installation also requires the effort or services of some professional installer.
Also, more space will be required for a projector screen, which is another negative impact. That is why projecting images on the wall can be an ideal option to avoid such problems.
1. Works better for presenting games
A great perk of using a wall in place of a projector screen is its capability to present any kind of content. It doesn’t matter if you try to present a still image, simulation, or video game; walls will work in the best possible way compared to any other surface. The reason is that the images are not marred by shadows, and the wall does not move as the viewer walks around it.
Check out our guide about gaming projectors.
2. Easier on your pocket
Walls to be used as screens are a really cheaper option than projector screens. There is a need for special equipment, custom-made by professionals, as well as installation services. Above all of this expense, the projectors themselves cost very much.
For businesses with tight budgets and homes with limited budgets, buying a projector screen and its setup can be out of the question.
Instead, walls are easy to afford and install. They do not cost much to rent or borrow, which keeps you safe from spending money if the projector isn’t yours or the current one is not compatible with your screen.
3. Projection on the wall saves some space
Depending on the resolution settings and brightness level, the size of a projector always varies. Due to this, sometimes it becomes difficult to predict the required space you are going to need for your projector screen.
It can be a reasonable problem if you share presentation space with other peers because they might not have enough room to sit contentedly.
However, when you use a wall, you won’t need any additional space. As a projector can be placed against it, it will be easy to work perfectly. We all know that projector screens are better than walls when displaying content. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it will be your decision which one is best for your needs.
Disadvantages Of Projecting Into Wall
Here are a couple of reasons to decide whether you should use a projector without a screen or not. The main two reasons are:
- The color of the wall and how reflective it is.
- The uneven texture of walls.
Reflective Properties
A special coating is used on projector screens to improve the reflective properties. †While this property is absent in a typical wall. Therefore, the projected image on the wall will never be as bright as it would appear on the screen. Although, a completely white wall will compensate for this to some extent.
Texture Of Walls
If the surface of the wall is uneven it can possibly be problematic with the projected image. A wall seems to be flat and smooth, but most of the walls aren’t as smooth as they appear at first glance.
Does a projector screen make a difference?
The screen of your projector doesn’t need to be extremely expensive or difficult to install. The reality is that most of the screens you buy from an office supply store are ideal choices. Therefore, we don’t think it is safe to say that a projector screen does not make any difference.
It is better to claim that among different types of screens, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
It is a common perception that walls are the best choice for most people because they are very cost-effective and provide pictures more suitable for large gatherings. A projector screen is an ideal option for people who want dramatic and attractive presentations.
Projector Screen vs. Wall
Using walls for projection requires intensive labor effort that involves loads of reflective paint, smoothening of walls, and sanding to make it primed. This is totally the opposite of simply buying a ready-made projector screen. A projector can be in the form of a square for a 4:3 aspect ratio or a rectangle for a 16:9 aspect ratio while reflecting the screen sizes and shapes of CRT TVs as well as HDTVs.
In contrast to this, you can leave your wall without any frame, and the image will be placed anywhere on it without doubting that everything will line up.
Painted Versus Ready-Made
A ready-made projector screen is better as you won’t need to paint it yourself. You will also spare yourself material and labor costs through their mass production. A gallon of high-quality screen paint will definitely cost the same as a high-end screen of the projector. So, does it make a point?
People who go for choosing walls to use have high expectations of saving money instead of additional DIY labor above their expenses to watch something decent with the investment for the projector.
Convenience Versus Quality
Being a film connoisseur or a gamer with an average income, you will probably be looking for quality. In such a case, the projector screen is not a brainer over the wall. If you belong to an upper-class family, then you might even spend extra dollars to turn your wall into a separate projector screen while keeping the projector screen.
If it is very hard for you to afford a screen, then you may buy a projector and screen combo or use something else from a wall to a bedsheet to binge-watch Netflix on your projector by using an account you borrowed from a friend.
Walls Are More Space-Saving
However, some screens are more economical than purchasing a can of reflective paint to convert a wall into a screen, but people who don’t mind the low quality of the projection may find wall screenings more practical.
They may have some confusion about sanding the wall smooth and whether buying a gallon of reflective paint is worth it since a wall is comparably space-saving to the cumbersome projector screen around.
Checkout our guide about Curved Projector Screen vs Flat
Conclusion: So, Projector Screen Vs Wall?
After extensive research on this Projector Screen vs Wall subject, I have found some answers to your questions. Yes, you can absolutely use a projector without a screen but also expect some downgrade in visual quality.
This downgrade is tolerable for many people. However, people obsessed with 60 fps frame rates or 4K resolution prefer buying a screen to enjoy a full cinematic experience from their favorite games and movies.
You will experience a bad Google-based machine translation vs. a careful translation from a pro translator in case of projection to a wall. Something will always be lost in that translation.
