Screen Shopping Now Easier with our Screen Search Tool

March 18, 2010 on 7:12 pm | In Uncategorized | No Comments

With so many options available, finding the right projection screen for your needs can be very difficult on your own. We hope to make the search a little easier with Focused Technology’s exclusive Projection Screen Search Tool.

Start your search by selecting one or more of the sub-categories under the type of screen (Motorized, Pull Down, Portable, or Fixed Wall) that you need for your application.

Here are some brief explanations of each sub-category:

Motorized Projection Screens:

Wall Mounted: – Wall mounted electric projection screens are the most common type of motorized screen available. All screens under this category can be mounted to a wall, and most will have brackets to mount to the ceiling as well.
On-Ceiling (Visible): – On Ceiling, or ceiling mounted electric projection screens will all come with brackets that allow for mounting to the surface of your ceiling. The casing of the screen will be visible.
In-Ceiling (Recessed): – Recessed electric projection screens can be hidden in the ceiling for the cleanest installation possible. While most screens in this category will come with everything you need to recess your screen into the ceiling, some models like the Draper Targa and Da-Lite Cosmopolitan can only be recessed by purchasing a ceiling trim kit. You can find pricing and other information for these trim kits under the accessories tab for each of these screens. Please be sure to read the description of the screen to verify whether or not you’ll need the kit.
Hard Wired: – Select this option to see only hard wired projection screen options. Hard wired screens are wired directly to the power in your wall similar to a ceiling fan and are controlled by an included wall switch that must also be wired to the motor. Optional remote controls are available under the accessories tab for each screen. This is the most common wiring option.
Plug-In: – Select this option to see only plug-in projection screens. Plug-in screens are plugged in to a standard power outlet and operated by an “in-line” switch on the power cord or by an included remote control.
Tensioned: – Select this option if you want to view only tensioned projection screens. Tensioned electric screens provide a flat viewing surface for the best picture quality. Tension is applied to the right and left hand sides of the screen by two wires that run through loops sewn on the sides of the fabric.
Large Venue: – Select this option to view only models available in large sizes to accommodate auditoriums, large church sanctuaries, or lecture halls.

Pull Down Screens:

Wall Mounted – Wall mounted pull down projection screens are the most common type of manual screen available. All screens under this category can be mounted to a wall, and most will have brackets to mount to the ceiling as well.
On-Ceiling (Visible): – On Ceiling, or ceiling mounted pull down projection screens will all come with brackets that allow for mounting to the surface of your ceiling. A special “T-bar Scissor” or “Twist Clip” accessory will need to be purchased if you’re mounting to a false (tiled) ceiling. The casing of the screen will be visible.
Safe Retract: – Select this option to view only screens that come with a safe retraction option. Named as “CSR” (Controlled Screen Return) by Da-Lite and “AutoReturn” by Draper, all safe retraction screens have a built-in braking mechanism inside the casing that assists with the return of the fabric back in to the housing of the screen. This is a great option if you have tall ceilings or if you’re not able to reach the screen casing when retracting the screen.
Tensioned: Tensioned pull down screens offer a slightly flatter image than a standard pull down screen.
Large Venue: – Select this option to view only models available in large sizes to accommodate auditoriums, large church sanctuaries, or lecture halls.

Portable Screens:

Tripod: – Select this option to view only portable screens that set up on to a tripod stand. Tripod screens are fairly light weight at smaller sizes, fairly easy to setup and travel with, and are inexpensive compared to other portable screen options.
Ultra-Light: – All models in this category are the lightest weight models you can find in their respective sizes. While slightly more expensive than tripod projection screens, all of our ultra-light models are much easier to set up and are much lighter and more compact making them easier to travel with.
Table Top: – Select this option to view only table top projection screens. Table top screens are very lightweight and portable, but only come in very small viewing sizes.
Inflatable: – Choose this option to see only inflatable projection screens. Inflatable or “blow-up” screens are great for outdoor events.
Large Venue: – Select this option to view only models available in large sizes to accommodate auditoriums, large church sanctuaries, or lecture halls. Most options in this category come with a folding frame and a durable shipping case.

Fixed Wall Screens:

Unfinished Frame: – Unfinished frame permanent wall projection screens come with a 1″ thick aluminum framing that is attached directly to the wall. The screen surface is attached to the front of the frame with snaps that are sewn in to the black border around the viewing area of the screen. This is a popular choice for churches, nightclubs, or if you plan to build your own framing for the screen.
Finished Frame: – Finished frame permanent wall projection screens come with a black powder coated or optional black velvet finish frame. The frame is hung on the wall similar to a picture frame and the viewing surface is attached to the back (wall side) of the frame by snaps or Velcro attachments. A finished frame projection screen looks much cleaner and more professional than an unfinished version and it’s a much more popular option for home theaters.
Built-in Speakers: – Fixed frame screens with built-in speakers are a great 2-in-1 option for your home theater.
Large Venue: – Select this option to view only models available in large sizes to accommodate auditoriums, large church sanctuaries, or lecture halls.

Once you’ve selected the style and sub-category, you can refine your search by room size, budget, brand, or viewing option.

Room Size:

Narrow your options down by seeing all models that fit into your room size. Keep in mind that some screens are available in a wide range of sizes and will show up in more than one room size option.

Budget:

Choosing a budget will help to narrow down your options. All of our screens are listed in a budget range relative to the type of screen that they are. For example, you’ll see a “low budget” pull down projection that costs $45 in the same group as a “low budget” motorized screen that costs $500. As with room size, the pricing on some screens can vary depending on the size you choose, so you’ll see them appear in more than one budget option.

Brand:

Do you have a favorite screen manufacturer? Choose to see all of the options from Da-Lite Screen Company, Draper Inc, or Encore Screens.

Front/Rear Projection:

If you need a translucent screen for rear projection, you can really help narrow down your choices by selecting “rear”.

We hope that you’ll find this new tool helpful in your search for the right screen, but we know that it can never substitute our professional help over the phone. If you need any help at all, please call us at 1-888-686-05510 to speak with one of our screen experts.