Multi Purpose Fabric Projector Screens

A stretch fabric projector screen is a true multipurpose projector screen that has as many uses indoors as it has outdoors.

Most projector screens do not offer both front and rear projection and this is one area where stretch fabric screens have an advantage over wall mounted or electric drop down projector screens.

A fabric projector screen is made entirely of stretch projector screen fabric; cut in such a way that it displays a modern stylish end product when stretched. This style of projector screen does not have hardware such as coil springs and metal components which can be affected by the elements.

A stretch fabric screen so can be used indoors or outdoors without fear of water damage. If in the event the screen becomes dirty you launder it in your washing machine using cold water and detergent. Compared to outdoor inflatable projector screens they are much more versatile.

The better quality projector screens are also treated with a fire retardant so if in the event of fire they will not ignite, this is very important especially for screenings in public places.

Used with a simple lighting truss stand or existing structures such as walls and even trees outdoors a stretch fabric screen can be set up within minutes.

Throwing an image upwards at an angle onto a traditional drop down projector screen for audio visual applications is impossible as the screen does not provide fixing points, not so with stretch fabric screens where they can be stretched between simple eye hooks fixed to ceilings and walls.

The following are situations where stretch fabric projector screens have been used in the past, it may help you decide if a stretch fabric screen is for you:-

For hire - Rental Companies that rent out commercial Staging, lighting, sound, Audio Visual (AV) and Projector equipment

Disc Jockeys and live bands

Pool parties for music videos, sports or movie viewing

Resort Movies

Large format screenings in Libraries

Education and training purposes in Universities, Tafe colleges etc.

Musical Stage Performances in schools

Teaching Aid in schools

Drama performances in schools

Stage shows in Entertainment centres and halls

Conference and teaching presentations

Auditoriums and large venue functions in hotels

Wedding receptions in hotels and function rooms

Trade Shows for industry and commerce

Music Festivals, bands, Gigs, Discos, Dances and Karaoke

Outdoor Projector Screens – Using your Projector Outside

With home theater becoming more popular these days people now have the opportunity to make better use of their projectors and use them outdoors for those special party nights were you want to put on a movie, home video, football game or other sporting event.

Keeping the projector out of the weather is very important, as is keeping your indoor projection screen safe from the elements. You can simply hang your existing projector screen on a protected wall outside if you have one available, but what do you do if you want to have a screen out in the garden or against an outdoor structure?

Learn to Make an Outdoor Projection Screen

Making a projection screen is not all that difficult, people have used bed sheets for a low cost (and low quality) screen. You can go to the trouble of making a timber or PVC frame and buying stretch fabric or projection fabric and fixing it to the frame. Many people have made these, the problem is most are not built to withstand any great wind speed and storage after the viewing is always a problem unless you can easily knock them down.

Buy an Inflatable Projector Screen

Inflatable outdoor screens are becoming more popular, you plug them in and the blower inflates them. The advantage is that afterwards they store away easily. Wind is a problem, if you don’t tether them with ropes they will blow over. The size of the inflatable screen will dictate how much you will notice the fan motor noise, the bigger the screen the greater your projection distance will be so the less annoying the noise will be.

Wrinkles are an issue on the cheap inflatable screens, they can be quite noticeable. The manufacturers claim that the wrinkles come out after a short time but we have found this not to be the case. Aesthetically, inflatable screens are a bit of an eyesore, but if that doesn’t worry you they may suit you.

Buy a Stretch Fabric Screen

The latest innovation for backyard theater is a backyard projection screen which is a professionally cut and sewn stretch fabric screen. They are fire retardant and machine washable. Packing away into a small throw bag they are the ultimate in portable projection screens.

The unique cut of the fabric gives you a shape that is very pleasing to the eye, with plenty of fixing points the shape of the screen will morph depending on the fixing points you connect the bungee cords to.

 Screen size is flexible, if your projection distance is far you stretch the screen to the maximum, if you have a short projection distance you stretch it less. One of the real bonuses of a stretch screen is you automatically have front and rear projection, so if it is a big party people can view it from both sides of the screen without loss of picture quality.