Articles and whitepapers

Mounting Technology for Front Projection Screens (2/7/2007)

By Neil Wells, Screen Expert

Front projection screens are still hugely popular in the home market, offering large-scale displays at a fraction of the cost of a plasma/LCD. For example, the largest single plasma display is 103" diagonal (16:9) with a price tag of £50,000 and weighing at least 200kg. A good-quality projection screen and projector the same size or bigger, will cost substantially less. Rear projection systems, whilst usually giving better contrast than front projection, have to be built into a false room section, and would undoubtedly cost a lot more.

Thanks to the ever-increasing profile of HD, new technology and interior design, customers are now asking installers for specific products that enhance the projected image. These include screens with black borders and the correct aspect ratio, as well as aesthetically pleasing casings and bracketry. And these must be coupled with discreet installation in the home environment.

Screen with black borders to match room aesthetics

Types of mounting system

Projection screen manufacturers always provide their own mounting systems. Some have integral fixing holes that remain visible, some are ceiling suspendable and require bracketry from third parties, and others have brackets that can be installed separately and are usually hidden. Often the screen case can be completely hidden away by the installer building a more aesthetically-pleasing MDF or plasterboard recess that can be finished in the same way as the rest of the room.

While we work with many different brands of screen, only a few manufacturers are being innovative with their mounting systems. Projecta's Easy Install system for example, is a great innovation. The installer puts the brackets on the wall first and then hooks the screen in place and tightens locking bolts, making installation of the screen at the required height much easier. In addition, the brackets are not visible, so it looks very neat.

The Projecta Easy Install system

Our most recent manufacturing partner, OS Screens, has the 'channel fix' type of casing. This is an aluminium extruded design with a channel in the back and top to allow the brackets to be adjusted. This means that the brackets can be placed in the optimum position on the wall, giving the installer flexibility and making the installation a simpler process.

Screens by Vision have integral brackets on the ends of projection screen cases, with fixing points for either direct wall or ceiling installation, which means you now have everything you need when the screen is delivered.

The Vision Powerlock system with integral brackets

Planning and choosing a mounting system

The style of the mounting system used is usually dictated by the size, aspect ratio and type of screen. Mounting systems are often integral to the screen design rather than there being a 'universal' bracket available. Choice is currently limited, and while there may be developments on the horizon, for the time being we would look at where the screen is to be mounted and recommend a screen purchase in line with a suitable mounting system.

We work hand in hand with our clients to ensure that they are installing a screen that is the optimum choice for the room. Information is power in this case, so the following questions provide the details required to plan properly:

1. What type of projection screen is to be installed? Is it manual pull down, fixed frame, electric drop down etc?

2. Which aspect ratio best suits the potential source for the projected image? This could be 16:9 for DVD/TV, or 4:3 for PC images and games etc.

3. What are the dimensions of the room including ceiling height? These measurements are required to ensure a suitable size and comfortable viewing position. The bottom of the screen viewing area should be between 80-100cm from the floor which, depending on the aspect ratio, will affect the width of the screen.

4. What is the position and optimum 'throw' distance for the projector in relation to the screen?

5. What type of construction is the wall made of? Is it brick, thermal block, plasterboard stud wall, etc. A survey will help determine the possible position of the screen on the wall.

6. If the wall is not an option, can the screen be ceiling mounted? Installation using plasterboard fixings in the ceiling alone may not provide the strongest or safest method, since even a 1500mm-wide manual pull down screen will weigh 6-7kg. A survey with a 'joist finder' will reveal if fixing to a joist is possible. The channel fix type of screen design allows for a certain amount of latitude in fixing, with the ability to position the bracket along the case length.

7. Are there any cables in the way? The use of a 'cable finder' will help ensure that the install position will not conflict with any other household cabling.

8. For electric projection screen installations, any electrical spur to supply the screen should be installed by a qualified electrician. Systems such as the Vision PowerLock can make wiring easy and safe since the supplied 3m power cable not only pushes in and locks onto the screen case, but comes supplied with a UK three-pin plug that can go into any convenient socket.

3m power cable connector supplied with the Vision Powerlock

Thorough planning is essential, and a solution can always be found for less than ideal situations. The only issue once you are on site should be what type of fixings you use. The best installations will have all other problems covered in the planning, but I have heard of even the most experienced people being caught out by not planning for something as simple as being physically able to get the screen into the install area.

As far as on-going maintenance is concerned, brackets should not require any maintenance at all, and the screens, if treated with respect and care, should last for many years. Indeed all screens should come with a standard one year manufacturer's guarantee.

Conclusion

As an installer, always ask the questions and push for the answers before you buy the screen. Always do a site survey beforehand following the tips outlined in the planning guide above, and bear in mind that the optimum size for a screen is when you don't have to strain to see the whole picture, so do not make the mistake of installing a screen that is too big for the room.

Screen installation in dedicated home theatre room

Provide your screen sales company with as much information as possible, and they can do their best to guide you. If an off-the-shelf product does not suit your particular application, then a custom screen could be an option. Again, a screen specifier can advise you on this.

Don't expect to get screw fixings with your screens. We often get asked for guidance on the types of fixings, and manufacturers rarely include them as there is no way they can supply every type of screw or bolt for every possible application. As already mentioned, you can plan for this when you know the screen and the surface you are dealing with. And finally, rememeber that a well-planned installation will save you time and money.

Neil Wells is the Business Manager for Screen Expert, a specialist distributor of projection screens, helping clients all over the UK to specify front and rear projection screens to the highest standards.

www.screenexpert.co.uk