Projection systems, which include projector screens, are the necessary equipment used for presentations. Projector screens are particularly useful when you deliver information to large gatherings or to groups seated in rooms more than 30 feet away from you. The projector screen makes your message visible from farther away.

Projection configurations may be either front or rear. In front-projection, the projector is placed in the presentation room, with the lens aimed directly at the projector screen standing at the front. The projector screen and associated equipment are positioned depending on their types and the particular lens employed.

In rear-projection, the projector screen is still in the presentation area, but the slide projector is placed in a room or space behind the speaker. Mirrors reverse the images and reflect a correctly reading image on the projector screen in the front. Projector screens with the rear-projection setup are more professional and offer certain advantages.

1. Only the projector screen is visible. Equipment noise and heat including that from the projector screen will not be evident since it is housed in a separate area.
2. More overall lighting is possible, making it easier for the audience to see the presenter and the images on the projector screen, and take notes.
3. People standing in front of the projector screen don’t cast shadows on the projected image.

The size of your projector screen should be proportional to the setting. If you will be presenting in a larger room such as an auditorium, then a small projector screen will not be able to convey the message you want to present.

After you have decided what projector screen to use, you can choose from three ways on setting up the equipment for presentation. Projector screens can be set up fixed, mobile or connected to the television.

Fixed set up

To prepare your projector screen for a fixed set up, pull down the unit and turn on the computer. Turn on the projector screen; if needed, pull out a curtain for blackout; and access presentation material on the server or other storage media.

TV connection

Pull down the projector screen, and set up portable computer. Connect computer to TV, turn on the TV and access presentation material from server or other storage media.

Mobile set up

You need to have a portable computer. Obtain a mobile projector from a location different from the presentation venue. Set up the projector as well as the portable computer. Link up the computer and projector, and set up the projector screen. Tune focus of projection, and then access presentation material from server or other storage media.

It is recommended that the projector screen height be about one-sixth of the length from the last row of seats in the back to the projector screen in front. This ensures text and details will be visible. Ideally, the distance of the first row of seats from the screen should be equivalent to two times the projector screen height. The bottom of the projector screen, on the other hand, needs to be raised 48 inches above the floor to allow people seated in the back rows to view the projector screen.

The projector and the projector screen need to be in precise alignment otherwise, the perspective on the projected image gets distorted, and may require manual or digital correction. The key in using these presentation technologies is to plan carefully and to ensure that the audience will see your projector screen. It is best to practice with operating the equipment, including the projector screen, before participants arrive so that you become thoroughly familiar with the setup.