Projector Screen Options: From Traditional to Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR)

Q: Why should I choose an Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screen?

If your room has ambient light that cannot be completely controlled, an ALR screen is the best choice. It ensures:Bright, clear images in environments with non-ideal lighting.Vibrant colors and high contrast despite the presence of room lights.Reduced glare and reflection, which often degrade image quality on standard screens in lit rooms. An ALR screen is perfect for home theaters in living rooms or multi-purpose spaces where you can’t fully block external light.

Q: What is the difference between a High Gain projector screen and an ALR screen?

High Gain Screens: These screens are designed to reflect light more effectively towards the viewer, making them suitable for larger rooms or setups where high brightness is needed. However, they don't specifically reject ambient light from other directions, which can still cause washout in rooms with significant light.ALR Screens: In addition to being high gain, ALR screens specifically filter out unwanted light from ambient sources like windows and overhead lights, which ensures that the image from the projector remains clear and vivid in brighter environments.

Q: How do I choose the right projector screen size for my room?

The right projector screen size depends on the viewing distance and the size of the room. Here are some general guidelines:For HD content, aim for a screen width that’s 1.5 to 2 times your viewing distance.For 4K content, you can go larger, as the higher resolution allows for a more immersive experience even with bigger screen sizes.In smaller rooms, a 70-90 inch screen is usually ideal, while larger rooms can accommodate 100-120 inch screens.

Q: Can I use a projector with an ALR screen in a bright room?

Yes, one of the primary advantages of ALR screens is that they can maintain excellent image quality even in bright, well-lit rooms. The ALR technology helps reject ambient light and enhances the brightness and contrast of the projected image, making it suitable for rooms where you can't control lighting fully.

Q: What kind of maintenance does an ALR projector screen need?

ALR projector screens generally require low maintenance, but some tips for longevity include:Regular dusting: Use a microfiber cloth to gently remove dust and dirt.Avoid excessive moisture: Clean with a dry cloth or one lightly dampened with water. Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals.Check for damage: Inspect the screen for creases, tears, or other physical damage and replace the screen if necessary.

November 24, 2023

Published on November 24, 2023Updated on December 01, 2025

A projector is an essential component in creating a truly cinematic home entertainment experience with the best possible video quality.

However, it is just one of the components in the multi-element projection system. It’s not enough to just invest in a top of the line projector, also important is selecting a proper projection screen.

For the Uninitiated, What’s a Projector Screen?

The projection screen is a special reflective fabric (natural or synthetic), flat and smooth, where the images of the projectors must be displayed, ensuring a better visibility in the reproduction of these images.

That’s why looking at various projector screen options is of paramount importance.

A Common Question: Can’t I keep Projecting on a Wall?

You may continue projecting on a wall. But using a projector on a wall can have several limitations, including ambient light.

Projectors work best in dark or dimly lit environments. Even a small amount of ambient light can impact the image quality and brightness, making it difficult to see the projected image.

Depending on how demanding you are and if you want to get the most out of your projector, along with what functionality you aim for, you might need a projection screen.

Also Read: All You Need to Know About Projector Screens Sizes, Types and Setup

A Quick Look at the Types of Projector Screens

Image credit - Elite Screens

1) Ambient Light Rejecting Screen (ALR Screen)

An ambient light rejecting projector screen is also commonly referred to as an ambient light suppression projector screen.

Ambient light rejecting screens selectively reflect more of the projector's light back to the viewer, re-integrating the ambient lighting, so that it doesn't interfere too much with the image quality. As a result you get a brighter and vivid picture.

ALR projector screens are best-fit for rooms where it is difficult to control the amount of ambient light, at the same time though ALR screens tend not to support projectors and ambient lights hitting the screen in the same direction.

Remember, traditional light projection screens rely on specular reflection, which causes problems with glare and the so-called spotlight effect.

To counteract these issues, ambient light rejecting screens feature enhanced anti-glare (AG) properties which diffuse reflection to remove spotlighting.

Similar to these are CLR screens. The CLR screen is basically the same as the ALR, the key difference to note is that it exclusively rejects the light that comes from above (from the ceiling).

2) Electric Projection Screens

Operated by remote control, they have a sleek, elegant design and the single location provides convenient storage.

An electric projector screen is best for those who want the convenience of a large projector screen and have a large, semi-permanent area to dedicate to the screen. Electric projector screens can be mounted into the floor, wall or ceiling.

3) Manual Projector Screens

An alternative for those looking for a less expensive projector screen. These projection screens have a pulley at the bottom of the screen, which allows the operator to manually pull the screen up and down.

They have a controlled return feature so that the screen's can't be rolled up too quickly, which could cause damage to the screen. Similar to electric projector screens, these can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted or ceiling recessed-mounted.

However, these screens are much lighter than electric screens, since there are no motors attached. Also, since there is no risk of the motor breaking or wear and tear, they are easy to maintain.

4) Tripod Projector Screens

A portable projector screen is one of the most popular types of projector screens, as they don't limit the operator to one location.

Of these portable projector screens, a tripod projector screen is the most popular. A Tripod Projector Screen comes in two parts: the screen itself and the tripod stand that holds the screen up. They are lightweight and fold down into an easy to carry case.

5) Fixed Frame Screens

These belong to the most elite category of all projector screens. Although they can be used for commercial purposes, these screens are mostly found in the most impressive, premium home theaters.

These screens cannot be rolled up and down and are a permanent fixture in the room.

Also Read: The 7 best materials to use for creating your Outdoor Projection Screen

Our Top Recommendations for Projector screens

1) Elite Daywalker Series Projector screen

Image credit - Elite Screens

DayWalker Series is an ALR fixed frame projector screen that leverages Elite’s Edge Free technology. The global design shares a resemblance to a giant-size flat panel TV display. The DW comprises an ultra-thin trim as a set-up option to further enhance the overall appearance.

2) Elite Aeon CineGrey 3D Fixed Frame Projection Screen

Elite Aeon CineGrey 3D Fixed Frame Projection Screen

Image credit - Elite Screens

Elite’s Aeon CineGrey 3D front projection screen with ambient light rejection is formulated for environments with minimal control over room lighting. Elite’s innovative edge-free design makes this fixed frame projection screen stylishly sleek for an exciting home theatre experience.

The lightweight and easy to assemble split-frame along with a fully tensioned screen surface delivers a stunning viewing experience.

Elite’s CineGrey 3D projection screen material is specially designed to enhance picture brightness, colour fidelity, and improved contrast levels. Accurate colour representation along with 4K Ultra HD (UHD), Active 3D, and HDR support ensures that Elite’s 92” fixed frame projection screen is ready for the next-generation of high-performance video in home theatres.

3) Elite Aeon CineGrey 5D Fixed Frame Projection Screen

Image credit - Elite Screens

The Aeon CineGrey 5D® is a ceiling ambient light rejecting fixed frame screen with an EDGE FREE® design for a minimalistic appearance.

The CineGrey 5D® front projection material is the optimal solution for rooms that have little or no control over incidental light. It is the best fit for family rooms as well as lecture halls, boardrooms, sports bars, training facilities and other business environments.

CineGrey 5D is superior to traditional white or gray materials in its ability to maintain a sharp, bright image irrespective of ambient light. The angular reflective material incorporates a diffusion layer over a high reflective surface.

This causes direct light from the projector to reflect squarely into the viewer’s field of vision while the outer contrast layer boosts image quality while absorbing indirect ambient light.

4) Elite Saker Tab Tension for UST (Ultra Short Throw Projectors)

Image credit - Elite Screens

Elite Saker Tab Tension MaxWhite® FG Electric Motorized 16:9 Projection Screen incorporates a tab-tension system with MaxWhite Fiberglass material to maintain flatness all across the projection surface. Standard features comprises a wireless 5-12 volt trigger, IR/RF remote control package, and a detachable manual keypad switch.

Bottomline

We hope that this round-up offers an informative breakdown for the projector screen options available.

As discussed, there are many types of projection screens to choose from, just check which one best fits your budget and which will provide you with the best image. Our experts are here to help you choose the best one that fits your bill!

Published on November 24, 2023Updated on December 01, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why should I choose an Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screen?

If your room has ambient light that cannot be completely controlled, an ALR screen is the best choice. It ensures:

Bright, clear images in environments with non-ideal lighting.
Vibrant colors and high contrast despite the presence of room lights.
Reduced glare and reflection, which often degrade image quality on standard screens in lit rooms.

An ALR screen is perfect for home theaters in living rooms or multi-purpose spaces where you can’t fully block external light.

Q. What is the difference between a High Gain projector screen and an ALR screen?

High Gain Screens: These screens are designed to reflect light more effectively towards the viewer, making them suitable for larger rooms or setups where high brightness is needed. However, they don't specifically reject ambient light from other directions, which can still cause washout in rooms with significant light.
ALR Screens: In addition to being high gain, ALR screens specifically filter out unwanted light from ambient sources like windows and overhead lights, which ensures that the image from the projector remains clear and vivid in brighter environments.

Q. How do I choose the right projector screen size for my room?

The right projector screen size depends on the viewing distance and the size of the room. Here are some general guidelines:

For HD content, aim for a screen width that’s 1.5 to 2 times your viewing distance.
For 4K content, you can go larger, as the higher resolution allows for a more immersive experience even with bigger screen sizes.
In smaller rooms, a 70-90 inch screen is usually ideal, while larger rooms can accommodate 100-120 inch screens.

Q. Can I use a projector with an ALR screen in a bright room?

Yes, one of the primary advantages of ALR screens is that they can maintain excellent image quality even in bright, well-lit rooms. The ALR technology helps reject ambient light and enhances the brightness and contrast of the projected image, making it suitable for rooms where you can't control lighting fully.

Q. What kind of maintenance does an ALR projector screen need?

ALR projector screens generally require low maintenance, but some tips for longevity include:

Regular dusting: Use a microfiber cloth to gently remove dust and dirt.
Avoid excessive moisture: Clean with a dry cloth or one lightly dampened with water. Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals.
Check for damage: Inspect the screen for creases, tears, or other physical damage and replace the screen if necessary.

Q. What are the elite manual screens of a projector

Elite manual projector screens are high-quality, non-electric pull-down projection screens designed for home and professional use. Available in sizes ranging from 71 to 180 inches, they are known for their reliability, ease of installation and affordability. They support different aspect ratios such as 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9.

The screens are made of a durable, matte white material with a gain factor of 1.1, which provides a 25% or higher brightness and 100% uniform diffusion. They are also flame retardant and meet several international indoor air quality and fire safety standards.

Elite manual screens are suitable for a variety of settings, including living rooms, conference rooms, classrooms and even outdoor areas like beer gardens. They can be installed on walls or ceilings and are available with optional wall spacers for flexibility. The screens are designed with a slow retraction mechanism to prevent damage to the roller mechanism and come with a 2-year limited warranty and lifetime tech support.

They are ideal for those who want a high-quality projection experience without motorised control and are compatible with standard long-throw projectors with support for features like Active 3D, 4K Ultra HD and HDR. As someone who has used them for a long time, they offer a great balance of quality, durability and affordability for personal and professional use.