I Need a Screen for my UST (ultra-short-throw) Projector

Regardless if it is a Standard “long throw”, Short throw or UST projector, it’s important to match it with the right material. In this case, a customer is bringing home the big screen to match his new UST projector and reached out to Elite for advice on getting the right screen.

Article on UST, Short-throw, and Standard “Long” throw Projectors – https://elitescreens.com/front/front/techtip/slug/7
Video – UST & Screen compatibility – https://elitescreens.com/elitetube/UST_Compatibility.mp4

*The discussion below is based on actual chat transcripts with the omission of any personal/confidential material to protect the customer’s privacy. An example in this case is to change the contact’s identification name/number to “Customer” or a generic name.

Transcripts:

[15:40] Rick: Hello, how may I help you.
[15:43] Dan: Hey there, I need help finding a screen for my UST (ultra-short-throw) projector.
[15:44] Dan: I have an LG UST projector which is awesome, and want to use it for my media room
[15:44] Dan: I need to use a 120” size projection screen in a 16:9 aspect ratio. Maybe a touch larger
[15:46] Rick: There are quite a few options to choose from here. Since you are using a UST projector, you must use either a tensioned of fixed frame material. The screen must be perfectly flat or the ultra-short-throw image will be distorted. Here is a list of recommended products:

Manual tab-tension (around $300 – $500) – non-electric roll-up screen with tab tensioned material.
Motorized tab-tension (around $500-$900) electric roll-up screen with tab tensioned material.
Fixed frame projector screen (around $200-$500) primarily home theater applications
CLR/ALR (ceiling/ambient light rejecting) feature negates washout effects of normal room lighting
Yard master(2) Portable free-standing screen with front-rear projection capabilities
WhiteboardScreen dry erase writing board/projection screen combination.

[15:46] Dan: Cannot do a fixed screen…
[15:47] Dan: What’s the difference with a tension screen? why does that make a difference
[15:48] Rick: standard screens are not completely flat. You may not detect this with the naked eye and you will be able to enjoy a video without having any kind of distortions if you are using a standard “long” throw projector. With an UST projector the close proximity and angle of the projected light will cause image distortion and shadowing. The slightest variation in distance between the projection surface and projector lens will cause image distortion against the rest of the picture. You will need a flat surface that only a tensioned screen material can provide. This screen here is ideally suited to what you are looking to have with your UST projector.
[15:48] Rick: CineTension 2 https://elitescreens.com/front/front/productdetail/product/74
[15:51] Dan: Could i “get away” with a traditional screen?
[15:52] Rick: I strongly advise against it. It must be a properly tensioned material. This video says more on the subject. https://elitescreens.com/elitetube/UST_Compatibility.mp4
[15:54] Rick: A regular (un-tensioned) material will not provide your projector with sufficient flatness for a good picture, here is an article on the various types of projectors and materials that are suitable for them – https://elitescreens.com/front/front/techtip/slug/7
[15:54] Dan: The screen will cover a window, any suggestions as to which one? CineGrey vs CineWhite?
[15:55] Rick: It’s okay to hang a projection screen in front of a window as long as you have blackout shades. True projector screens are finely made and direct sunlight is very harmful to the material. Is this still for a 120” sized 16:9 screen?
[15:55] Dan: Yes, that’s right. 120”.
[15:55] Rick: That said, using either a Cinegrey or Cinewhite material will be fine. I recommend Cinegrey 3D/5D materials for heightened levels of ambient light but if that’s not a concern, matte white is fine.
[15:58] Rick: Here is another one of our screens that has been upgraded to CineWhite material and now is compatible to UST projectors.
[15:58] Rick: CineTension B Series TE125HW2B-E24 it is a 125” (16:9) screen https://elitescreens.com/front/front/productdetail/product/361
[15:59] Rick: We do have a manual version in a 16:9 format but the size is 100″.
[16:01] Dan: This one is 120 and motorized…
[16:01] Dan: STT120XWH2-E14
[16:01] Dan: would that work?
[16:08] Rick: This is the spectra white version, the tension only assist the material to reduce some curling. There is a disclaimer about UST projectors on both the product page and the material page – https://elitescreens.com/front/front/productdetail/product/294
[16:08] Rick: I recommend the TE125HW2B-E24 that I mentioned earlier.
[16:08] Rick: This material is fully stretched.
[16:09] Dan: is the viewing area has a 61.3 inch height with the extra 24 in drop included in total height?
[16:11] Rick: Yes, that is correct.
[16:12] Dan: Alright, I’m getting one, thanks!
[16:25] Rick: Great, thank you for choosing Elite Screens.