What is the best material to rear project on in a shopping mall?
Details
While setting up an interactive rear projection screen on the window of our Immersive Lab at the Bay Centre, we used the opportunity to experiment with a multitude of rear projection materials. Throughout these experiments, we documented each material and compared them so that we would have a resource to use for future projection-based projects.
1. Tracing Paper (1’ rolls)
Overall impression (Bad/Okay/Good/Great): Good
These diffused the light quite evenly and did a good job at blocking the projector beam. The image could be viewed from any angle, though the viewing experience was slightly localized and appeared brighter directly in front of the viewer and darker on the other side of the screen.
The game was playable in broad daylight, but definitely appeared brighter and more clear in the evening when there was no direct sunlight.
The small width of the rolls was not ideal, as there were gaps visible between the rolls.
2. Window Frosting Film
Overall rating (Bad/Okay/Good/Great): Bad
On paper this seemed like the ideal low-cost solution, but unfortunately it was not thick enough to sufficiently block or disperse the projector beam. When looked at straight on, the projector beam was visible and the rest of the screen looked dark in comparison. It was too transparent to be ideal.
One plus of this material was that it was very consistent and almost seamless.
3. Cheesecloth
Overall rating (Bad/Okay/Good/Great): Okay
This material was recommended to us for rear projection, and is apparently popular for uses in small theatre productions.
The image was visible, but due to the nature of the material it wasn’t possible to make out much detail. The holes in the material produce a distinct styistic effect, and the projector beam is visible when looked at directly. I would not recommend this except in a situation where this stylistic effect is desired.
4. Swimsuit Lining
Overall rating (Bad/Okay/Good/Great): Good
This material was recommended to us as well.
On first test, it produces a bright and clear image. It also seems to sufficiently block the projector beam. However, as we are primarily testing materials that can be stuck to a mall window, we haven’t yet tested it at a large scale.
5. Tracing Paper (3’ rolls)
Overall rating (Bad/Okay/Good/Great): Good.5
The screen quality was the same as the 1’ tracing paper rolls, but this one looked considerably nicer as there were less gaps in the screen. It also took considerably less time to set up.
6. Elite Screens Rear Projection Screen (IRP5x20V2)
Overall rating (Bad/Okay/Good/Great): Great
This screen was overall the best and most professional quality, though surprisingly not by a large margin. The material is matte and consistent, and only two pieces had to be used. By lining these up carefully, it is almost possible to give the appearance of being one singular large rear projection screen.
The consistency of the material and lack of gaps that light can shine through are big positive factors, but the distribution of light was slightly better on the tracing paper, which was slightly more opaque.
As seen in the pictures, the image is brighter directly in front of the projector beam, which isn’t ideal. From certain angles the corners of the screen become too dark to make out detail in.
This screen is made for single use, with a plastic backing that can be removed to reveal adhesive. However, when setting up the screen, we discovered that we didn’t have to take off the plastic backing and could instead apply the screen to the window like a cling. When applied with a squeegee and warm water with a very small amount of dishsoap, this works very well and makes the screen reusable.