Automatic projector screens are often referred to as motorized projector screens and offer a great way to save space and hide the projector screen with the push of a button when not in use. They are available with a wide range of features and are compatible with different projector models.
With so many models available, it can be confusing looking for the best screen to suit your circumstance. Let’s take a look at some of the things to consider before you make a purchase, and later in the article, we have made a buying guide showcasing our top picks for the best automatic projector screens to suit a range of applications.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ease Of Installation
As most projector screens extend downwards, there are two main types offered on the market: wall mounted or ceiling mounted. Many models offer both methods of installation, and ceiling-mounted projector screens are considered the easier to install of the two.
Another option is to go for a projector screen that raises from a sturdy base instead of dropping downwards. The advantage of these types of projector screens allows them to be easily placed in any room (on a table or sideboard) without the need for installation.
Positioning Your Automatic Projector Screen
Before purchasing a pr21ojector and screen, you’ll always want to check if there are any objects that will impact the line of sight between the projector and the screen. Ceiling objects such as ceiling fans or light fittings may mean you cannot install your projector on one side of the room, which may impact the positioning of the projector screen or size you buy.
Installing your projector off-axis with the screen may result in hot-spotting which is where glare or other bright spots are visible on the screen. Another issue is ‘off-axis light loss’ where the furthest side of the screen receives less direct light from the projector and will appear darker.
Many modern projectors compensate for a tilted projector installation with a feature called ‘keystone correction’, allowing a slight correction of the image projection area, usually adjusting the bottom or top of the screen with a range between 10-15 degrees.
More expensive projectors will allow for horizontal and vertical keystone correction, allowing you to install your projector screen off-center from your projector. Another feature to check for is lens shift, which allows you to adjust the image projection side-to-side.
Viewing Angle
The viewing angle impacts how far from the center seating can be placed without the viewing experience becoming distorted or blurred.
While not a major concern for smaller home cinema setups, the viewing angle should be considered if you have a smaller room with seating placed on the sides of the room. Another consideration is when using an automatic projector screen for a larger audience, for example in an auditorium where seating may extend to the sides of the room.
Many modern projectors allow for keystone correction -/+ 15 degrees in the horizontal plane, but this mainly impacts the viewing angle when seating is positioned in the center, correcting only the tilt of the projector.
There are some downsides to using keystone correction or lens shift features. Viewing a screen outside of the correction threshold may result in the image appearing skewed, distorted, or blurred. It is always best to place the seating centralized to the projector and screen for the best viewing experience.
Screen Size
Of course screen size plays an important role when choosing the right automatic projector screen for your viewing environment and most people want the biggest screen they can fit in a room or space. However, if a screen is too large, it can easily become overwhelming in an indoor theatre space.
You should always check what is the optimum size recommended by the projector manufacturer and choose a screen to suit. For most indoor home cinemas, a screen size of around 100”-150” (diagonal) is ideal and won’t feel too huge while watching your favorite movies or TV shows.
If you’re planning to use your projector outdoors, perhaps consider buying a separate larger screen for exclusive use outdoors.
Buying Guide – Top 5 Automatic Projector Screens
Choosing the right automatic projector screen for your situation will depend on a few different factors, from screen size and installation ease to other considerations such as your budget and type of projector. Here are our top picks based on a few different criteria:
- Best indoor automatic projector screen – Zueda Auto Motorized Projector Screen
- Best budget automatic projector screen – Kshioe Motorized Projector Screen
- Best automatic projector screen for best image quality – Elite Screens VMAX2
- Best automatic projector screen for easy installation – Vividstorm S Pro
- Best large outdoor automatic projector screen – Khomo Gear Jumbo Protector Screen
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
1. ZUEDA Auto Motorized Projector Screen 100 Inch  |
|
Check Price |
2. Kshioe Motorized Projector Screen With Remote Control  |
|
Check Price |
3. Elite Screens VMAX2 120-inch Motorized Projector Screen  |
|
Check Price |
4. VIVIDSTORM S Pro – 84-inch Portable Folding Indoor Screen With Floor Stand  |
|
Check Price |
5. KHOMO GEAR Jumbo 20 Feet Inflatable Outdoor And Indoor Theater Projector Screen  |
|
Check Price |
1. ZUEDA Auto Motorized Projector Screen 100 Inch – (Best Indoor)
The ZUEDA Auto Motorized Projector Screen measures 100 inches diagonally and offers a 16:9 view Size of 87″W x 48.8″H, making this screen ideal for indoor home cinema settings. It is also excellent for people with seating placed on the sides of rooms as it boasts a PVC screen catering to a 160 degree viewing angle.
It has a solid metal casing finished in brushed aluminum and offers easy wall or ceiling mounting options. The motorized projector is whisper quiet and the screen can be easily revealed or stored with the click of a button on the included remote control.
Features
- 100” overall diagonal screen size
- Fully automatic and motorized
- Remote control included
- Suitable for LED, LCD, and DLP projectors
- Stain and wrinkle resistant screen
- 160-degree viewing angle
PROS
- Excellent viewing angle offers diverse and off-centered seating configurations
- Easy to use remote control
- Quiet motor when opening and retracting screen
- Ceiling or wall mounting options
CONS
- Not the largest on the market
- Very strong PVC/Vinyl smell when unboxing (remains for a few days after installation)
2. Kshioe Motorized Projector Screen With Remote Control – (Best Budget)
The Kshioe motorized projector screen is an excellent option for those looking for an automatic projector screen on a tight budget and this projector is an absolute bargain!
Measuring 92 inches diagonally, it offers a 16:9 format screen with a viewing area of 80 x 45 inches. It comes with a wireless remote control and when the screen is open provides a 160-degree viewing angle, making it ideal for smaller home cinema rooms.
Features
- 92 inch 16:9 motorized projector screen
- Dual wall; ceiling installation
- Matte white screen
- Black-backed screen material eliminates light penetration
- Washable screen surface (damp cloth)
- Remote control
PROS
- Very affordable
- Quiet motor
- Good sized screen for most indoor home cinema applications
CONS
- Does not include installation instructions
- Metal casing dents easily
3. Elite Screens VMAX2 120-inch Motorized Projector Screen – (Best Image Quality)
For those looking for the ultimate viewing experience, you can’t go past the Elite Screens VMAX2. Boasting a MaxWhite FG, 120-inch fiberglass-backed screen that is textured screen making it ideal for HD and active 3D projections.
The ultra-quiet synchronous motor operates smoothly and has a low power output, retracting the screen via remote control into a durable metal casing that can be wall or ceiling-mounted.
Features
- 120-inch screen with 2-30 inches variety of screen drop options
- Active 3D, 4K/8K Ultra HD, and HDR ready
- Fiberglass backed screen for added stiffness
- Uniform screen diffusion for precise definition
- GreenGuard GOLD Certified
- 180-degree viewing angle
- Remote control
- 2-year warranty
PROS
- Easy-to-clean screen, and mold and mildew resistant
- Excellent 2-year manufacturers warranty
- Compatible with 4K/8K ultra HD
CONS
- Not compatible with Ultra/Short-throw Projectors
- Difficult to have repaired out of warranty period
- Motor retracts screen very slowly
4. VIVIDSTORM S Pro – 84-inch Portable Folding Indoor Screen With Floor Stand – (Easiest Installation)
The VIVIDSTORM S Pro is by far the best automatic projector screen that requires no installation. It has an 84-inch screen with a light-rejecting filter that provides exceptional performance rejecting unwanted ambient light from the screen.
This projector is truly plug-and-play and only requires to be mounted onto the floor or a table, allowing this motorized projector screen to be portable and used anywhere. The screen extends upwards from the sturdy metal base, and when closed seamlessly sits in the metal base.
The eye protection feature also allows for a more pleasant and comfortable viewing experience, producing deeper colors while reducing eye strain.
Features
- Silent tubular motor
- Motorized pop-up mechanism
- UST ALR screen material
- 84-inch diagonal screen size
- 16:9 Aspect Ratio – Standard View Area :73.23W x 41.18H (inches)
- Support 8K/4K Resolution Ultra HD; Active 3D Ready
- Remote control
PROS
- No installation required, just plug-and-play
- Portable and extends in just 1 minute
- 170-degree viewing angle
CONS
- Only compatible with ultra-short throw laser projectors
- High entry price
5. KHOMO GEAR Jumbo 20 Feet Inflatable Outdoor And Indoor Theater Projector Screen – (Best Outdoor)
This is sure to bring family and friends together on movie night and will definitely get the film buffs excited! With an overall size of 20 feet, this inflatable projector screen is perfect for the backyard cinema.
It requires no fuss, no screws or installation, and is the perfect solution for when you do not have a fixed mounting stand, as it inflates easily in just 5 minutes using a high-powered automatic pump.
It offers a white projection screen size of 13 feet by 8 feet with an aspect ratio of 16:9. It comes with a storage bag and can be deflated in less than 5 minutes, making it very portable and one of the biggest and best automatic outdoor projector screens for household use!
Features
- Projection screen size is 13 feet by 8 feet
- Front and back projection options
- Less than 5 minutes to inflate or deflate
- High-powered pump and storage bag included
PROS
- One of the largest screen sizes available
- Doesn’t require installation to a frame or mount
- Quick and super easy to set up and takedown
CONS
- It may be too large for many projectors
- Poor reflectivity
- The projector will need to be at least 5000 lumens
- Fan requires to be left on to keep it inflated
Final Thoughts
It’s important to consider all of the factors mentioned above before purchasing an automatic projector screen. First, look at the specifications of your projector and the size of your room as this will impact what projector screen will be best for you. Also, consider if you want your screen to be portable or fixed and easily hidden with the push of a button.
With so many different makes and models of projectors available, it’s also very important to check that your projector is compatible with the screen type you are considering, as not all are made to suit universal models. Now you can go forth and create the dream home cinema or backyard experience for yourself, friends, and family…just don’t forget the popcorn!
You May Also Like: Paint For Projector Screen
