What is Aspect Ratio? You'll often hear home theater and front projection enthusiasts refer to it as 4:3, 16:9 or 2.35:1, but what does this mean?

Aspect Ratio refers to the relative shape of the viewing area or screen based on a ratio of width to height. 

 For example; a 1:1 aspect ratio means that for every 1 unit of horizontal measurement, there is 1 equal unit of vertical measurement. Likewise, a 4:3 aspect ratio means that for every 3 units of measure for height, there will be 4 equal units of measure for width.

The most common question is “What screen should I get for my projector?”  The easy answer is “The same format your projector has.”  A “format” or “aspect ratio” is the actual shape of your screen and this variety exists to suit a multitude of needs.  The “native” aspect ratio is the actual format your projector was built to feature.  Although most projectors have variable aspect ratio settings, the pixel settings of a native format will always assure the best performance levels.  Here is a list of the most common aspect ratios along with brief descriptions and recommendations on what projectors are best with what screens.

Square: 1.0 to 1.0 or 1:1 - A 1:1  aspect ratio provides a perfectly squared screen format for overhead projectors (OHP) and is commonly used in Educational/Classroom environments.  Choose this screen format if you are using a native SVGA/XGA Projector and definitely use an OHP or 1:1 slide projector for your presentations.

NTSC or Video Format: 1.0 to 1.33 or 4:3 - The 4:3 or NTSC  aspect ratio matches the same screen shape as the traditional (Non-High Definition) television sets  or computer (SVGA, XGA, UXGA) resolution.  The dimensions of 4:3 are identical to the field of vision for a pair of human eyes.  Despite its longevity, this format is being phased out in favor of 16:9 and 16:10 aspect ratios for tv and projectors  in both home add commercial design.  Select this format screen if you are using a native SVGA, XGA or UXGA projector for your presentations.  This is also ideal for either older or lower cost commercial projectors as they may likely have a native NTSC format.

Wide Format: 1.0 to 1.6 or 16:10 - The 16:10 aspect ratio (aka. 8:5) is  the most popular aspect ratio for the latest WXGA or WUXGA notebooks and has largely surpassed 4:3 in popularity by gaining up to 90% of that market in 2008.  As of late 2012 however, the 16:10  has been losing market share to 16:9 (HDTV) as it is the latter is the typical format of today’s tv programming and video games.  Choose the 16:10 screen if you use a native wide screen notebook as your media player or a wide format XGA (UXGA) projector.

HDTV Format: 1.0 to 1.78 or 16:9 - The 16:9 aspect ratio (aka. 1.78:1 or “HDTV” High Definition Television) was developed by SMPTE  as being the geometric mean of the full range of US and European standard aspect ratios at the time.  The HDTV format was determined to accommodate high definition performance within the most optimal results in visual perception. Today, it is the most widely used format in television and gaming design.  As of 2009, 16:9 is also the most common format in stand-alone monitors.  Finding either a residential or even commercial projector in a 16:9 native format is not only easy but likely on today’s projector market.

Cinemascope or Anamorphic Format: 1.0 to 2.35 or 2.35:1 - The Widescreen Cinemascope format (commonly called the 2.35:1 aspect ratio) has become the established medium for movie theater or “Big Screen Cinema” presentations that may  vary from 2.35 to 2.40 and even wider formats.  The immersive properties are aesthetically pleasing and especially favored in dedicated home theater installations. This format is ideal for use with widescreen home theater projectors or 16:9 projectors using anamorphic lenses to create the full cinematic effect.

What is the Right Aspect Ratio for you?

Tip:

A 16:9 aspect ratio screen is most common format available today for two reasons. First, today's HD broadcasts and home theater cinematic content is mastered in HD, meaning that its aspect ratio is 16:9. Second, 16:9 can accommodate both 4:3 and 2.35:1 aspect ratios with the least amount of masking - aka, those black bars at the sides and bottom of the screen.

If you’ve just purchased a video projector, you may be wondering whether (or not) it’s necessary to purchase a screen as well, or if a bare white wall will suffice?

The goal is to get as clear a projected image as possible. High definition quality is key, if you want the ultimate viewing experience. Therefore, you should be aware of the difference(s) between projected images on a wall versus a screen.

What (if anything) is the difference between a screen versus a wall when using a projector? While you can use a bare wall to project images, the quality is not as good as when you use a screen. A wall does not reflect light as well as a screen, which can negatively affect the clarity of the images being projected. A wall surface is also not as smooth as a screen and can distort or blur projected images.

Now that you know there is a difference between images projected on a wall versus a screen, let’s take a closer look at this in more detail below.

We’ll discuss how they’re different and which is better. We’ll also look at which paint color is best when using a projector on a wall and if ‘projector paint’ is a good alternative. We’ll even outline how to make your own video projection ‘screen’!

So, if you’re ready to learn more about the difference(s) between a wall and a screen when using a video projector, then let’s started!

Projection on Wall Vs Screen – Which is Better?

Is a Projector Screen Better than a Wall? I would say the answer is ‘yes’, a projection screen is better than a bare wall.

A screen provides the best quality and highest definition possible. Light reflection is the key and a wall simply cannot match that of a screen. An ultra-smooth surface is what reflects light best and since most walls have flaws, cracks or bumps, projection screens are far superior in this aspect.

Projector screens also have a special coating on them which increases their light reflecting abilities. A typical wall doesn’t have this coating (unless you plan to sand it, prime it and paint it with a special ‘projector paint’ beforehand). Therefore, images projected on a bare wall, even if its white, won’t be near as clear or bright as those shown on a projector screen.

Does a Projector Screen Make a Difference?

Based on the information above, I would agree that a projector screen does indeed make a difference when it comes the quality and clarity of the images presented.

The two contributing factors which affect how a projected image appears on a wall (as opposed to a screen) include both the color and the texture of the wall. If the color of the viewing area is too dark or unreflective and the wall is bumpy or flawed, the projected image will be poor or ‘blurry’.

If you absolutely must use a wall instead of a screen, you need to ensure that it’s as smooth as possible. Taking sandpaper or a power sander to the wall will likely be necessary.

Priming the wall and then painting it with projector paint is also recommended. Outlining the projection area with a dark frame will also help. We’ll discuss this in more detail below under the subheading entitled How to Make Your Own Projection Screen.

Can You Use a White Wall for a Projector?

While you can use a white wall instead of a screen for a projector, it’s not ideal and won’t give you the best picture quality possible.

Projection screens come coated with optical enhancers that increase light reflection. A plain white wall, unless it’s painted with special projector paint, doesn’t reflect enough light to create the high definition images which are indeed possible with a projector.