Tribal Screens - FAQ Home Theater Projection Screens

Frequently Asked Projector Screen Questions

Why should I buy a Tribal Projector Screen?

Is there any difference between the Movie, Sport and Game Screens?

Should I buy a white screen or a gray screen?

What should I do if I have a lot of ambient light in the room?

What is screen gain?

Can't I just use a plain wall for my projector, why do I need a screen?

What makes your screen material different from others?

What about your screen framing?

How do I install the screen?

Will Tribal Screens work with my projector?

How do I care for the screen surface?

What if I move locations and want to take the screen with me?

Will Tribal Screens work in commercial applications?

Q: Why should I buy a Tribal Projector Screen?

A: As projection screen specialists our mission is to design the highest technically performing screens for your home theater. With years of experience in the projection screen manufacturing business you can trust our commitment to video imaging excellence. We take pride in our quality craftsmanship, image optimization and progressive technology. Continue reading our FAQ page for more unique information about our screen materials and products.

Q: Is there any difference between the Movie, Sport and Game Screens?

A: Tribal Screen's Movie, Sport and Gaming Screens are all the same screen. All of them have the exact same framing and screen material options. Each screen has the option of two different screen materials, either the Diamond Series White or the Platinum Series Gray material. The reason we have separated the names of these screens is so various types of users will be able to associate their viewing habits with our Tribal Screen products. Go to the Screen Materials page for more information on which screen surface is best for your application. All screens are compatible for multiple types of video content, such as movies, sports and gaming.

Q: Should I buy a white screen or a gray screen?

A: Buy a white screen if you intend to use it for cinematic conditions where there is minimal ambient light. A white screen will give you the best color reproduction and true whites. In a controlled lighting environment with little ambient light you will be able to run your projector with lower lumen output and save bulb life. This can be cost effective over the long term. Buy a gray screen if you intend to use it with some lights on or with moderate amounts of sunlight. The gray screen is going to give you better black levels and increase your perceived contrast. You will use more lumen output from the projector but will get a better image with ambient light than with a white screen.

Q: What should I do if I have a lot of ambient light in the room?

A: Tribal Screens has produced our Platinum Series Gray Screen material as a solution for increasing your video quality in ambient light. The gray surface of this screen actually absorbs ambient light, therefore improving the contrast ratio of your projected image. When you have ambient light environments and you want the best projection image possible use our Platinum Series gray screen material.

Q: What is screen gain?

A: One of the most often quoted properties in a home theater screen is the gain. Gain is the measure of reflectivity of light compared to a screen coated with magnesium carbonate. Magnesium carbonate evenly distributes light in every angle from light hitting its surface; therefore this substance is given the standard designation of 1.0 gain. Tribal Screens is committed to Premium Quality Screen Materials that measure light reflectivity based on the magnesium carbonate standard. Our Diamond Series white screen material is a 1.0 gain white screen that evenly reflects light in every direction. Our Platinum Series gray screen material is a 0.8 gain material that evenly reflects light in every direction but with a light absorbing component that actually reduces the light energy being reflected from the screen. This is important in higher ambient light environments where you want to absorb ambient light and create better contrast with darker blacks.

Q: Can't I just use a plain wall for my projector, why do I need a screen?

A: Most textured walls in a home are not evenly controlled to directionally disperse light. Light reflection off of a painted textured wall surface creates inconsistencies in reflection and variable gain throughout the video image. Painted walls also have varying degrees of reflectivity based on the color of paint, consistency of color and type of paint used. Tribal Screens has a created a screen surface that uses Texture Rich Top Coat PVC for evenly reflecting light in every direction giving you consistent gain for the maximum Viewing Angle of 180 degrees. Every seating position in the room will see bright clear video images. We also control the color of our screen materials for accurately reproducing picture fidelity. Our Diamond White screen material, in a controlled lighting environment, reflects color with complete accuracy. Our Platinum Gray screen material reflects deeper saturated colors and improved contrast in conditions with some lighting.

Q: What makes your screen material different from others?

A: We use Texture Rich Top Coat PVC Screen Material on every screen surface. Texture Rich Top Coat PVC screen material is superior to other screen materials because it evenly reflects light in every direction giving you highly uniform reflectivity for the maximum viewing angle of 180 degrees. Optimizing High Definition Resolutions up to 1080p can only be achieved through Texture Rich Top Coat PVC technology. Every seating position in the room will see detailed image clarity for exceptional video viewing. Our PVC material is supported with a Black Fiberglass Interlace Backing. Other companies PVC screens do not have this fiberglass backing and are translucent. These types of screen material allow light to escape through them resulting in significant decreases in brightness. Our fiberglass backing does not allow any light to escape through the screen material. All of the projector light is reflected off of the surface of the screen giving you bright crisp video images. The fiberglass backing also gives the material greater strength for superior tensioning. This prevents the screen from sagging and producing distorted images.

Q: What about your screen framing?

A: All of our frames are 3 1/8 inch hardened aluminum. The interior edge of the frame is beveled towards the screen material so that you don't get any shadowing on the screen from the frame. Other screen companies sell square frames that can create shadowing on parts of the screen material. All of our screens are wrapped in 'Eclipse' Black Velvet for absorbing projected over scan light on the screen frame. 'Eclipse' velvet absorbs this over scan light and creates a perfectly clean edge of light reflecting only from the screen material.

Q: How do I install the screen?

A: Mounting the Screen is quick and easy resulting in a flush mount solution that perfectly frames your video images. Using only a screwdriver, level, tape measure and an Allen wrench (provided) even first time users will find the installation to be quick and easy. Use our 'Picture Perfect' Screen Calculator for more information of setting up your projector and screen.

Q: Will Tribal Screens work with my projector?

A: The simple answer is yes. Tribal Screens will reflect light from Any Projector you use. Now, if you really want to get into the details you must look at some of the specifications for your projector to make sure it will optimally work with our screens. First, we sell only 16:9 aspect ratio screens. Most home theater or home application projectors have a switcher in them to switch between 4:3, 16:9 or 2.35:1 aspect ratios. Our screens will work with all of these aspect ratios but projectors that have a native aspect ratio of 16:9 would be best. Another aspect to consider is the brightness of your projector. Tribal Screens are only sold in 3 sizes to optimize the varying lumen outputs on projectors. We do not sell 'oversized' screens that will not perform well with underpowered projectors. Tribal screens wants you to have a bright crisp image and make it simple by limiting the sizes of screens available to only those that are optimum for most projectors. Use our 'Picture Perfect' Screen Calculator for more information of setting up your projector and screen.

Q: How do I care for the screen surface?

A: Our screen materials are made of PVC with supporting fiberglass interlace that prevents sagging or wrinkling so the image does not distort. Screens can be washed using distilled water and a soft cloth. All screens are non-flammable and safe for residential use. We use mildew resistant protection on the screen material to ensure long lasting use.

Q: Are projectors and screens better or worse than flat panel TVs?

A: Front projection systems offer you a full immersion video experience. The same way a surround sound system immerses you into the audio portion of a video, a projection screen that is 92" to 106" in diagonal will immerse you visually in the viewing experience. This video immersion experience is why projection systems are preferred over smaller flat panel TVs.

Q: What if I move locations and want to take the screen with me?

A: Tribal Screens are Easily Assembled, even for a new user, and easily disassembled. The four framing pieces that make up the exterior of your fixed frame screen are easily released at the corners using only an Allen wrench (provided). Also, the screen material may be laid flat and rolled up for easy storage or transport.

Q: Will Tribal Screens work in commercial applications?

A: Tribal Screens are specifically designed for residential use but many of the properties of our screen materials would be good solutions for commercial applications. For higher ambient light environments like conference rooms, classrooms, retail stores, etc., the Platinum Series Gray screen material would be a good projection system solution.

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