Draper Screen Selection Guide

Screens come in four basic flavors; Electric, which opens and closes at the push of a button or turn of a key; Manual, which you open and close manually; Fixed Frame, which permanently hang on your wall like a picture; and Portable, which are designed for use on the road. There are a wide selection of screens within each category as well, making the right choice more challenging.

First, if you have any questions call us or email us. Screen selection is important – don’t look for your screen just anywhere. Buy carefully, after firmly establishing what you’re looking for. Hopefully this guide will help you make the right choice.

Electric Screens

Electric screens are the most expensive, and the most versatile. They are found everywhere, from home theaters to boardrooms, from auditoriums to class rooms. Electric screens are recommended in installations where it’s preferable that the screen be easy to operate, and not intrude on the environment when they’re not in use.

Electric screens come with a variety of control options. Every electric screen ships with at least a 3 position wall switch.  The wall switch connects to the screen by way of a three conductor wire. Depending on your installation this may or may not be a job requiring a licensed electrician. Consult with your installer or salesperson if you have any questions. A licensed electrician is also required to run power to the screen. It’s not expensive or difficult for your electrician to do, but get it done safely and let a professional do the job.

Other options include using wireless remote, either infra-red or radio frequency. You can also operate the screen using a 6, 12,  or 110 volt trigger switch – the screen opens when the projector or audio receiver powers on. The screen can be operated from multiple locations as well, or by a combination of wall switch, and remote control, for an example.

Moving into other control options requires you add a low voltage controller (LVC-III) to the screen. This low voltage controller accepts low voltage input, from an infra-red eye, for example, and converts it into a high voltage signal that your screen can use to operate. These LVCs can be surface mounted above the ceiling or on the wall near the screen motor. They can also be built into the screen housing itself. The advantage of having a surface mounted LVC is easy access to upgrade your control system, and easy access in the unlikely event of failure. Having the LVC built in gets you a better brain in the screen with more advanced programming options for more elaborate installations.

Draper screens come with complete instructions which take you gradually through the installation process. Remember, if you have questions contact your sales person, or hire a professional installer.

Screen Tensioning

Most electric screens are un-tensioned, meaning that they use a heavier fabric, and steadied by a wooden dowel at the bottom of the screen. Non-tensioned screens use a flexible surface bonded to a heavier backing material to provide weight and stiffness. Tensioned screens use a tab tensioning system to pull the screen surface taut, and so as a result use lighter fabrics without the heavy backing. A perfectly flat screen eliminates shadows and prevents edge curling. Tensioned screens are much more expensive, but offer the best possible mix of convenience and image quality.

The biggest question in deciding between tensioned or non-tensioned is your budget. Generally, Home Theaters and other applications were image quality is very important may opt to spend the extra money. Also, if you’ve spent a lot of money on your projector, the extra cost for a tensioned screen can be justified. The cost of a tensioned screen is significantly more than a non-tensioned screen. A tensioned screen typically costs twice as much as the identical, non-tensioned screen.

Wall, Ceiling or Above the Ceiling?

Electric screens may be mounted on the wall, on the ceiling, or suspended above the ceiling. If you’re wall mounting the screen you can generally screw it directly to the wall. If you’re ceiling mounting the screen, you’ll need two s-hooks with appropriate anchors. Use a spirit level to make sure the screen is mounted properly for either option.

Ceiling Recessed Considerations

Above ceiling installations are ideal for settings where you want the screen to disappear completely when it’s not in use. Installation is more involved, but the results can be quite extraordinary. There are a number of tensioned or non-tensioned screens designed for installation above the ceiling, but there are a few considerations – the screen still needs to be attached to something structural to provide adequate support. You also need to decide what type of opening you’d like to see in the ceiling. A slit in the ceiling is least expensive – the screen raises and lowers through the slit. More elaborate installations may have a motorized door that opens when the screen is lowering and closes when the screen is retracted.

Ceiling recessed screens are specifically designed for above ceiling installation. Draper’s Ultimate Access screens go even further – the case can be ordered and installed during construction, and the fabric installed at a later date. Some wall / ceiling screens can be used above the ceiling with the addition of a Ceiling Opening Trim kit. Contact sales for details.

Drywall and Ceiling tile can be adapted above the roof installations. The trick with drywall installations is that the ceiling joists have to run parallel to the screen. If the joists run lengthwise, against the grain, you should opt against installing your screen above the ceiling. You should never cut or modify your ceiling joists to accommodate a projector screen. If your ceiling is high enough, you may want to “box in” a section of ceiling where you’d like the screen to go, and install the screen inside the drywall box.

during construction, and the fabric installed at a later date. Some wall / ceiling screens can be used above the ceiling with the addition of a Ceiling Opening Trim kit. Contact sales for details.

Drywall and Ceiling tile can be adapted above the roof installations. The trick with drywall installations is that the ceiling joists have to run parallel to the screen. If the joists run lengthwise, against the grain, you should opt against installing your screen above the ceiling. You should never cut or modify your ceiling joists to accommodate a projector screen. If your ceiling is high enough, you may want to “box in” a section of ceiling where you’d like the screen to go, and install the screen inside the drywall box.

Manual Screens

Manual screens are virtually identical in appearance to electric screens. They can be mounted on the wall, ceiling or above the ceiling. Their chief advantage is cost – manually operated screens are a fraction of the cost of a similar electric. The disadvantage is that you’re manually opening and closing the screen.

Manually operated screens will come with or without an automated screen return mechanism (Autoreturn from Draper, and CSR from Dalite). These mechanisms lightly  retract the fabric into the screen case with a gentle tug on the easy use and relative gentleness on the screen material itself, Autoreturn screens are  recommended for larger screen sizes. This comes at a price though – Autoreturn screens are about twice as much as non-Autoreturn equipped screens. However, if you’re going to be opening and closing the screen infrequently, save your money. The less expensive standard screen will work.

Fixed Frame


Fixed frame screens are permanent frames with screen material stretched across them. They share the same fabrics as the tensioned electric screens, with all the resulting picture enhancements. They differ primarily in that more expensive versions have more elaborate aluminum frames for enhanced furniture value.  These screens are used typically in permanent home theater installations, or any setting where a non-retractable screen is desired.

Draper’s introductory fixed frame screen is the Cineperm, which is our most popular model. It features a 1” tubular aluminum frame. The screen material has a 2” black border that snaps to the frame. It takes minutes to set up and install, and is the most cost effective way to get our most recommended and popular fabric, Draper’s High Def Grey.

The Cineperm is a projection screen, and it looks like one. The black edges are heat bonded for secure, tear free long term reliability over stitched edging. The snaps are contained in the black edging and are virtually invisible. Best choice based on price vs performance.

The next model in Draper’s line-up is the Clarion. With the Clarion, the fabric is held in place without snaps. A decorative 2” black aluminum border runs the edges of the screen. With these types of screens we recommend adding the Veltex textile coating. Veltex hides the seams where the decorative border pieces meet, and provides a better matte surface for absorbing any light spill from the projector. The Clarion provides enhanced “furniture value” over the Cineperm, but costs about twice as much.

The Onyx is identical to the Clarion, but with a 4” beveled, extruded aluminum border. Like the Clarion, consider the Onyx if you’re looking for a permanent installation in a dedicated room. The relative “chunkiness” of the Clarion enhances larger décor, stuffed chairs for an example. It’s the most expensive fixed frame screen. The thicker edges provide better strength and stability with larger screens over the Clarion and Cineperm, and may be required for much larger screens for that reason.

You will get better long term performance from the Clarion and Onyx. The tensioning systems apply even tension along the entire edge of the screen material, where the Cineperm provides more tension at the snaps than anywhere else. It’s a small improvement, and shouldn’t necessarily impact your decision on which screen to buy.

Portable Screens

Portable screens are intended to travel. This also makes them ideal for locations where it’s not desirable to permanently mount a screen, like in a courthouse or a school where the screen may move from room to room. They come in three basic configurations; Folding, Tripod, and Pull up.

Folding Screens

Folding screens are typically larger screens made up of a box frame and T bar legs. Stage screens fall into this category. Also included can be a hard polymer wheeled travel case that the screen and frame pack into. These are ideal for photography clubs, hotels, or hall rentals. They offer the same great fabrics as other tensioned screens, and come in a wide range of sizes.

Do not buy a screen in this category if you’re looking for a small, easily portable screen. These are more suited to larger venues or as portable movie screens.

Folding screens are available with Pipe and Drape Runoffs, decorating drapery designed to enhance the appearance of your screen. These are particularly common at Trade Shows and school auditoriums. Contact sales for details.

Tripod Screens

Tripod screens are ideal for schools or other institutions where the screen is being transported room to room. Projection screens in this category haven’t changed much since you were in grade school. They’re built to last but are more bulky that modern pull-up screens. A tough black carpet case finish is available as an option on some tripod screens. Contact sales for details.

Pull Up Screens

Perfectly portable. These screens pull up from a tube and are designed to work on either the floor or a desk top. They are available in small to medium screen sizes. These screens are known for their light weight and portability. Ideal for boardroom presentation and Government / Courthouse uses, or any application requiring small size. Optional padded carry bags are available. Contact sales for details.

Wrap Up

Draper screens are designed and built in the United States. As a leading U.S. manufacturer, Draper has always made a quality product, from their first classroom screens in 1957, to a fully modern Clarion with Veltex and Eclipse/V Vertical Masking System. Starting with Draper is your first, best choice. After that it’s a matter of figuring which way to go based on the individual needs of you or your client. The choices are virtually limitless. As always, if you have questions contact us, or discuss with your installer. Keep it fun and don’t forget to keep you eyes on the big picture.

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