When it comes to the projector screen, one of the main technical parameters manufacturers provides you with is the screen gain. For those who are not aware of this technical term, we are basically explaining what a screen gain is. If you want to know what is the best gain for a projector screen?
Then for you, we have discussed in detail screen gain, best screen gain, and the benefits of projector screen gain. Let’s have a look over them.
What is screen gain?
The screen gain is basically the level of light reflection from the screen’s surface to the viewer’s eye. The level of brightness that is reflected is measured in terms of gain, and this gives you know-how about the reflectivity the screen surface offer. The gain is a ratio of reflection from screen light with respect to light reflected from the white surface or board.
Best screen gain
If you are hunting for the answer to what is the best gain for a projector screen, then it is 1.0. Basically, that means a screen with 1.0 gain reflects the same amount of light as if it was a whiteboard. Such a light diffuses light evenly in all directions, and the amount of light is bright enough for a crisp and vivid image, visible from a wide variety of viewing angles.
There is a variety of screens available in the market with a range of gain factors. Some screens are described as a” high gain, “and some are” low gain.”
Benefits of high gain for projector screen
The projector with the best gain for the screen offers a lot of benefits. One is that it offers a good reflection that does not hurt your eyes, and you will get a clear image. Moreover, the gain of a projector screen that is high in number has reduced viewing angle and ultimately offers you a bright image.
A smaller viewing angle indicates the small area from where the audience views the screen. Thus, they have a bright screen view. Our detailed guide about how fat to sit from the projector screen is very helpful for the readers.
For very high screen gain like 6.0, there may be trouble for you. You may face the hot spotting. Such issues don’t arise with screen gain of 1 to 1.3 range.
You will find no extra color production, blurred view, and non-reflection of blue, green, and red colors. Very high gains offer noticeable color shifting.
Thus, if you want to have the ultimate experience with your projector, choose the device with the appropriate gain for the projector screen.
About Low screen gain
The first advantage is that you can view the image at any angle. Another one will be it enhance blacks, giving the better contrast and color quality.
And since the reflected light is evenly scattered, there is no danger of hot spotting. Low screen gain can work well with ambient light, if not better, like high screen gains. Low gain diminishes the reflected light.
It does not only do this to the projector’s light but also to ambient light reflection as well. In saying that, it’s still always best to use any projector in a dark room. Another downside to low gain screens is that your projector should have a high lumen. This is so images on the screen won’t be too dark, even if there’s no surrounding light.
Calculating Screen Gain
Knowing what the gain stands for is easy enough. However, you might get confused with the ratio of the gain number. The ratio number determines how much light is reflected from the light source.
I will give you an example. The standard gain ratio is 1.0. If your projector has 1000 lumens (brightness measurement). The 1.0 gain on the screen will reflect the same amount of brightness.
If your screen gain is 1.5, it will give off an even brighter reflection than the projector’s light. Therefore, a 1000 lumens projector will come out as 1,500 lumens with a 1.5 screen gain.
In the same way, a ratio gain lower than the standard will reflect less light. Going back to our 1,000 lumens projector sample. Say, you get a screen with a 0.8 gain.
That will only reflect 80% of the light source. You will only be viewing 800 lumens in a 1,000 lumens projector. So now you can understand well what the best screen gain for a projector is?
Conclusion
Now you have the solution for the best gain for the projector screen? Only you can answer for yourself. Now that you know what you need to know about screen gains.
it will be a lot easier to pick one that will align with what you will use it for. Whether in a conference room, home theatre, or whatnot.