Many of the clients that reach out to us for a professional home theater installation have one thing in mind: a huge screen. The promise of large, high-resolution images is one of the main reasons they want to upgrade their entertainment systems. But choosing the right screen takes a lot more than just finding the biggest available model. In this blog, we guide you through the process, so you know what to look for when enhancing the movie-watching experience in your McKinney, TX home.

SEE MORE: How to Prepare for your Home Theater Installation

Size

One of the perks of using a screen instead of a television is that you can go big without putting a huge dent in your budget. Unfortunately, many people get carried away and end up with a display that is too large for the room. There are two main things to consider when choosing the size of your screen: site lines and seating distance.

• Site Lines: Site lines refer to the view you'll have of the screen. If it takes up the entire wall, rather than remaining a few feet of the ground, people in the front row will struggle to see the bottom of the screen.
• Viewing Distance: Even with the latest 4K technology, your eyes are going to be strained when watching the screen from too close. You'll also have to keep moving your head around to follow the action. Your AV professional will help you figure out how big your screen should be considering your room's length.

Screen Material

When you imagine a home theater screen, you're probably envisioning a white canvas. But that's not the only option available. You can also opt for gray or black screens designed to absorb ambient lighting, perfect for home theater installations in rooms with a lot of windows.

Another thing to take into account when choosing your material is whether you want a perforated screen. A perforated screen has tiny holes which let sound through so you can have speakers placed behind your screen for a more discreet home theater installation.

Style Restraints

You should also take the room's overall style and purpose into account. If you’re designing a dedicated home theater with a lot of space, you should opt for a fixed screen. You can then decide what kind of framing you’d like it to have. We recommend a black frame that makes your images look brighter while keeping them from leaking out of the frame.

If you’re installing your theater in a multi-purpose media room, you should invest in a retractable screen that disappears when not in use. Make sure you get one with third-party control capabilities so you can manage your entire system from the same device.

When it comes to your home theater installation, your screen should be your first consideration. 21st Century AV can evaluate your room and help you figure out what makes the most sense for your space. To get started, fill out our online contact form or call us at (972) 757-4002.