How to Choose a Permanently Tensioned or Fixed Screen:

A fixed frame or permanently tensioned screen is constructed with screen fabric stretched over a frame and permanently mounted to the wall. It does not retract like a manual or electric screen.

There are many differences between the different fixed frame screens we carry. The following descriptions will help you when you are choosing which screen is best for you:

Framing: The most noticeable difference between all the different fixed frame screens we sell is how they are framed. You will notice this by how they appear when hanging on the wall. For example, the Da-lite PermWall and the Draper Cineperm are constructed similarly. They both use silver aluminum framing which is mounted directly to the wall. Then the screen material is bordered in black vinyl and snaps directly to the framing. This leaves the framed screen with a bumpy appearance on the wall since there is no additional border or framing on top of the snaps. This is why it is the lowest priced fixed frame option. As you move up in price you have screens like the Da-lite Cinema Contour or the Draper Onyx with a beautiful 4" beveled frame which covers all the attachments of the frame to the fabric underneath. This is the most aesthetically pleasing fixed frame screen and really makes a statement when hanging on the wall.

Pro-Trim or Vel-Tex option: You can choose to have your frame covered in these velvety fabrics which reduce glare and help reduce ambient lighting around your screen making your picture really stand out.

Brightness/reflectivity: Screens differ widely in their ability to reflect light. You can measure a screen’s reflective quality with its gain rating. For example, a Da-Mat surface has a 1.0 gain whereas a High Power surface has a 2.8 gain. The brighter your projector’s lumen rating is, the lower in gain you want your screen surface to be. Don’t be fooled into thinking that no matter what, you want the highest gain possible on your screen. What you do want, is a good match between your projector, your room conditions and your screen surface.

Contrast: Most buyers are aware of the contrast rating of the projector they are buying, but have no concept that the screen they use will either complement or impair their projector's contrast performance. When choosing a projection screen, be sure that it will complement your projector’s contrast ratio.

If you are investing your very valuable time and money into setting up a home theater, don’t choose the key ingredient, a projection screen, based only on price. Talk to a professional screen dealer at TechTraderz who can help you match the perfect screen to your projector and room. A fixed frame screen is a great way to really make the look of your home theater complete, but make sure you are buying the right one for your situation. A screen will outlast several upgrades in projector technology. It’s better to plan ahead and buy your screen once. A quality projection screen is an investment that you can enjoy for many years to come.