In order to get the maximum picture quality from a laser TV, the use of a special screen is essential. A conventional white screen is not ideal for ultra-short-throw projectors (laser TVs) as it does not exploit much of the potential image. In this article, we would like to introduce you to the different types of screens and explain their advantages and disadvantages so that you can make the best possible decision for your home cinema.

Ultra short throw projectors project the image onto the screen at a very flat angle from below. This means that the light hits the screen surface at an angle, which places specific demands on the quality of the screen. Some laser TVs also offer the option of mounting the device on the ceiling, so that the image is projected from above at an equally flat angle onto a screen below. In both cases, the angled projection places special demands on the screen in order to ensure optimal image performance.

The reason why conventional white screens or even a normal wall are unsuitable for this type of projection is the reflection behavior of the screen. Normal screens scatter the light in all directions, which means that a large part of the projected light is reflected onto ceilings and walls instead of returning directly to the viewer. This significantly reduces the perceived contrast and brightness, especially in rooms with ambient light. It can also lead to annoying reflections and an overall less sharp image.

To solve this problem, special screens for laser TVs have been developed. These screens, also known as ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting), SoftFresnel or CLR (Ceiling Light Rejecting) screens, have a special coating or structure that specifically reflects the light back towards the viewer and minimizes unwanted reflections from ceilings or walls. This significantly increases the contrast and improves the image quality even in brighter rooms.

The law of reflection says:

• The incident ray, the normal of incidence and the reflected ray lie in one plane.
• The angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are equal.
• Furthermore, the light path is reversible. That is, if the light is incident from the direction of the reflected ray, it is reflected in the direction of the incident ray.

Simply put, with a conventional white screen, the projected image, and therefore most of the brightness, is reflected directly onto the ceiling. The following graphic clearly illustrates this phenomenon. For this reason, a normal white screen, which is usually used for front projectors, is unsuitable for ultra-short throw projectors. The same problem also occurs when an ordinary wall surface is used as a projection surface. In both cases, the light is not directed back to the viewer in a targeted manner, resulting in a loss of brightness and contrast.

The aim should be to reflect the incoming light beam (the image) in such a way that it is directed as directly as possible to the viewer. In this way, most of the brightness ends up at the seat, which significantly improves the image quality. To achieve this, a special screen is used. So-called CLR (Ceiling Light Rejecting) screens use microscopic optical filters that reflect the projected light specifically onto the viewer. At the same time, these filters block out disturbing light from above, for example from ceiling lamps. This leads to a significant increase in contrast and ensures that the image appears much clearer and more vivid even in brighter environments.

The following graphic illustrates how a CLR screen works and shows how effectively it uses light to optimize the viewing experience.

Another advantage of CLR screens is the special contrast-enhancing material used in their manufacture. The screen cloth is grey, which reflects less light back and therefore significantly improves the contrast. The light that is "swallowed" benefits the black level. In brighter environments, this leads to a significantly better black level, while dark lighting conditions also benefit from this effect. The result is a more three-dimensional image with deeper blacks and richer, more vibrant colors. This makes the image overall more realistic and dynamic, which significantly improves the viewing experience.

The different CLR screens for Laser TVs

There are three different types of CLR screens for laser TVs, which differ less in their functional principle than in their intended use. The basic technology remains the same for all variants - they use special optical filters to optimally direct the projected light to the viewer while blocking out disturbing ambient light. The difference lies in the type of installation and application.

1. frame canvas: This fixed screen is the most popular and most commonly used option. It offers a particularly stable and wrinkle-free surface, which ensures optimal image quality. Framed screens are ideal for fixed home cinema installations, as they are permanently attached to the wall and offer the best possible viewing experience.
2. ceiling motor screen: This screen can be extended from the ceiling at the touch of a button or remote control when required and stowed away again after use. Ceiling-mounted motor screens are ideal for rooms where flexible use is desired, such as living rooms that are not used exclusively as a home cinema. They offer a space-saving solution without having to forego the advantages of a CLR screen.
3. floor motor canvas: A less commonly used but still popular option is the floor motorized screen. It works in a similar way to the ceiling motorized screen, but is extended upwards from a housing on the floor. This solution is particularly practical when ceiling mounting is not possible or when a mobile, easily stowable screen is required. It combines flexibility with the advantages of CLR technology and is also a popular choice for home theaters in multifunctional rooms.

Each of these screen types has its own specific advantages, depending on individual needs and room design. While the frame screen is the best choice, especially for permanently installed screens, ceiling and floor motor screens offer greater flexibility for different usage scenarios.

Advantages and disadvantages of the CLR frame screen

Advantage	Disadvantages
+ Fairly easy installation	– Also visible when the Laser TV is switched off
+ Lasting perfect flatness	– Difficult to clean
+ Does not require electricity
+ Low purchase price
+ Perfect black level (e.g. CLR Black STAR)

Pros and cons of the CLR floor motor screen

Advantages	Disadvantages
+ Perfect integration into furniture possible	– Requires electricity
+ Not visible when the Laser TV is off	– Short lead time makes positioning and installation somewhat limited, especially when the screen is integrated, this needs to be planned carefully.
+ Can be automatically raised and lowered with the Laser TV	– Cloth material difficult to clean
+ Perfect black level (e.g. CLR Black STAR)

Pros and cons of the CLR ceiling motor screen

Advantages	Disadvantages
+ Can be installed on the wall and ceiling	– requires electricity
+ If the laser TV is off, you can't see anything (screen is simply retracted)	– More complex installation regarding advance and positioning of the laser TV
+ Tension system for a proper flatness	– Only 30 cm or 35 cm advance (depending on model and image size)
+ Extensive range of accessories	– Cloth material difficult to clean

Special canvas

In addition to the CLR screens, manufacturers such as HKW Screens and Elite Screens present the innovative SoftFresnel screens, developed by a competent team for optimal use of daylight. This special screen features a unique eight-layer optical microcomposite structure that absorbs almost all light - except from below - to efficiently direct the laser TV light towards the viewer. This significantly improves the black level, comparable to CLR screens, and increases daylight suitability and image quality even in dark rooms with 90% higher ambient light absorption and a significantly improved gain value. The SoftFresnel LUXU screen, together with the Elite Screens Daylight Extreme, is considered the frontrunner among frame screens for laser TVs, which deliver excellent picture results even in daylight conditions and make the laser TV usable during the day like an ordinary television - a truly advanced product.

Pros and cons of daylight screen:

Advantages	Disadvantages
+ Fairly easy installation	– Visible even when the Laser TV is switched off
+ High luminous efficacy thanks to higher gain	– Not quite as strong a black value as a CLR screen (but the light output is better) Advantages & Disadvantages ;) – With the SoftFresnel LUXU we almost have an identical black value to the CLR.
+ 85-90% more ambient light absorption than CLR	– More expensive due to the special structure compared to a CLR screen
+ Very good viewing angle properties (but less than with a CLR)
+ No power connection required
+ Cloth is easily washable
+ Better suited for 3D Laser TVs

Laser TV optimized canvases

Another category is the screens that are specifically optimized for laser TVs and ultra-short-throw projectors. These screens are also generally suitable for use with conventional front projectors, but their focus is on optimizing the image quality for ultra-short-throw projections. Unlike CLR (Ceiling Light Rejecting) screens, these screens do not block light from the sides or ceiling. Instead, they use coordinated fabrics to improve image performance.

A clear disadvantage of these screens is that, similar to white screens, they reflect a large amount of light back onto the ceiling. This effect can result in reduced contrast and a less crisp image, especially in rooms with ambient light. Nevertheless, many buyers accept this disadvantage as they offer an alternative to the often very limited ceiling-mounted CLR screens.

Another advantage is the greater flexibility in installation. Because such screens usually have a longer lead, the laser TV can be set up more easily and without many compromises. This makes positioning easier and allows adaptation to different room conditions without affecting the necessary distance between the laser TV and the screen.

What is particularly interesting is the possibility of mounting the Laser TV in combination with such screens on the ceiling. This opens up new design options in rooms where an unobtrusive installation is desired or where there is a lack of space. By mounting the ultra-short-throw projector on the ceiling, the device is integrated into the room almost invisibly and does not affect the use of space. This solution is particularly ideal if a discreet and space-saving installation is desired. However, it should be noted that the Laser TV must have a suitable bracket that supports the ceiling mounting and ensures correct alignment with the screen.

A popular example of such a screen is the InVideo Obsidian Vision Cinema UST, which is particularly popular with ultra-short throw projectors due to its high flexibility and image optimization. In combination with ceiling mounting of the projector, this creates a high-quality, space-saving and elegant solution for home cinema or living rooms.

This flexible installation option not only offers aesthetic advantages, but also practical solutions when it comes to integrating the Laser TV unobtrusively into the room.

Advantages and disadvantages of the optimized canvas cloths:

Advantages	Disadvantages
+ Laser TV can be installed on the ceiling or on a low board	– Worse image performance than the above screens
+ High offset allows for easy positioning and alignment	– requires electricity
+ High-quality flatness thanks to premium cloth + tension rope system
+ Improved black level
+ Cloth is easily washable