When you look back at the history of projection, whether it be film, video or photographic, they all involve setting up a projector in front (or behind) the screen to display the projected image. The positioning of the projector would be determined by the requisite image size and the throw distance of the lens.
Over time came newly-developed projection-screen technologies that were able to complement particular projector technologies in ways that achieved the best image performance possible. Early silver screens were developed to optimise image brightness from low-output projectors; later higher-gain white screens were developed for the same reasons. It is fair to say that screen manufacturers respond to the projection technology of the day (see panel overleaf), rather than developing a new screen technology and expecting projector manufacturers to design products to match.
An excellent projection screen should maximise image fidelity for the given application — and without imparting anything of itself to the image being displayed. A perfectly projected image on the right screen can be like looking through an open window.
But sometimes — inprojection screen should be considered as part of a complete optical system, not as a standalone product. It should be carefully selected to complement the projection optics and the room aesthetics.
