Is Gray background better than white background for projector screens?

Question

I am getting this projector

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824248045

and I am wondering should I get a gray screen or a white one. Is there any difference between the two>

Answer 1

I did some quick looking around and found that a white background was the easier to find but there are some comparable gray screens.  I would recommend going to http://www.projectorpeople.com/screens/s... for more info.

Answer 2

Grey is recommended when contrast ratio is low or there is a desire to improve blacks.

The review of this projector at Projector Reviews suggests a grey screen. See the link and the section on screen recommendations.

Answer 3

I took a look at the specs for your projector.  I have the Mits. model HC3000U.  It is very similar to the projector you have chosen.

The Mits 1500 has 1500 lumens which is relatively bright.  You are have to consider a couple of things with this projector.  The ambient light in the room and the size of the screen.  If your room has windows or you plan on watching video with lights on then you will need a gray screen.  If you can control all of the light, with blinds or whatever, then you can use the white screen (1.0  gain for most even light distribution for wide viewing angles).  

The screen size needs to be around 110 inch diagonal or less for the amount of lumens from this projector.  You will get a nice crisp image on a 110 inch but if you go bigger you will be spreading the light of the projector over to large of a surface area and get a weak image.  The smaller the screen size the brighter your image will be so consider a 92 or 100 inch screen.

I have a Tribal Projector Screen.  I bought it online and love it.  It is a fixed screen with 1.0 gain white material.  I can walk completely off axis and not detect any brightness difference in the image.  I am very impressed.

Answer 4

The correct screen should be determined by the ambient light in the room, the seating arrangement and the specs of the projector being used. Without that information any suggesstion is a "shot in the dark".

High gain (white or glass beaded etc.) improves brightness. High contrast (gray or silver)improves contrast. There are other factors to consider.