Alternative Methods of Hanging a Projector Screen

Front projection systems using liquid crystal display or digital light processing technology are fixtures in board rooms, conference rooms and classrooms, across most fields of business and education. For a relatively low cost, they are able to add an additional visual element to meetings and training sessions. Projectors have best results when their displays appear on a properly matched and mounted screen, and when necessary, using an alternate technique to hang them can make a space work to your advantage.

Wall mounting is a traditional option for projector screens. Fixed screens need to be attached to the wall, almost like a very large picture. While they offer very good image quality at a reasonable price, they also have a key drawback -- you have to have a big screen on your wall all of the time. Wall-mounted pull-down screens are a bit more unobtrusive. These hang from hooks or brackets mounted high on the wall, and the screen is only visible when you pull it down to use it.

Projection screens can also be mounted in cabinets, which makes them more unobtrusive. One option is to use a wall-mount cabinet with a whiteboard inside. Another is to use a cabinet that sits on the floor and conceals a screen. When you need the screen, it pops up from the cabinet to let you project.

For many applications, the most unobtrusive mounting option is to use a drop-down screen that is recessed into the ceiling. Installing these requires you to cut a hole in the ceiling to accommodate the screen enclosure and will also require you to run power and a control wire if it is an electric screen. Once the screen is installed, however, you won't notice it when it's not in use unless you glance at the ceiling.

If you don't always need to have a screen in a specific room, or if you need to move your screen from place to place, temporary mounting options may be your best choice. You can buy legs for a fixed screen that bolt on to either side of its frame and support it as a freestanding element. Alternately, you can buy an easel device for a pull-down frame that will support it and keep the screen at a proper tension. These options require floor space and are much bulkier than an installed screen, but are also much more flexible.