Are you thinking between a manual vs electric projector screens for your home or office? Building your multipurpose room for your home cinema or gaming room is an exciting event for your family. Imagine yourself watching a movie with those large images right in the comfort of your home. There is no doubt that building a home cinema can be nerve-wracking, especially when choosing the right projector screen. Should you prefer an electric projector screen? What are its advantages or disadvantages compared to a manual projector? This article will tell you the pros and cons of manual versus electric projector screens. Keep reading.

Guide to Understanding Manual and Electric Projectors

Manual vs Electric Projector Screens: Pros and Cons between the Two

Pros of Electric Projector Screens

Here are some common facts about the advantages of using an electric projector screen.  

1. It is Ideal for Daily Use

Electric projector screens are ideal if your work requires you to review videos or movies daily. Its rolling mechanism holds up better after using it for years compared to manual screens.

2. It is Adjustable

You can place your electric projector screen above your audio-visual component rack.  You have control over its exact stop when you pull it down. The screen cannot interfere with the equipment rack once you roll it down because you know where you want it to stop.

3. It Maximizes Room Space

Since an electric projector screen is motorized, it optimizes your limited room space. You can adjust the screen height to accommodate enough space between your electronic devices and the screen.

It allows you to utilize the extra space on the wall for other uses, even if it costs a lot of money. Electric screens offer a space solution because you can attach them to a ceiling or wall.

If you want to turn it fancy, you can insert it into the roof ceiling. Some homeowners hide their electric projector screens in their furniture if not in use.

4. It Offers the Best Value

Buying a motorized or electric projector screen is the best value for your money, even if it is pricey. It offers technological advantages over the manual projector screen.

The motor may sound heavy, but overall, it gives comfort and relief because you do not need to exert extra effort when unrolling the screen.

Cons of Electric Projector Screens

Electric projector screens have lots of benefits, but they also have imperfections that buyers should watch. Read the list of their disadvantages below:

1. It is costly

Electric projector screens can be pricey compared to manual type due to their actuators and motors. Their prices could range from a hundred to a thousand dollars.

However, you can still get low prices for electric projector screens like the ABIS Electric Projector Screen 100 inches 16:9 Aspect Ratio 3D 4K. It offers a one-click simple operation, is easy to set up, and is built to last for a lifetime.

2. It Requires Additional Expenses

If you plan to buy a motorized projector screen, think about other expenses that you will spend. Since it requires an electrical configuration, you will spend money on electrical work to fit into your home theater.

3. It is Heavy to Carry and Mount

Electric projector screens are heavier to carry and mount because of their motor and electrical components. This type is not ideal for people who use the projector screen for outdoor use.

You may adjust the space to accommodate the projector screen by considering a screen that rises from the floor. It may be costly, but it offers more convenience than a wall or ceiling-mounted electric projector screen.

Pros of Manual Projector Screens

1. It is Affordable

A manual projector screen costs less than its electric counterpart because it does not have an electric motor to operate it when pulling or rolling it down. If you do not have an extra budget, a manual projector is a practical option.

Do not think about the convenience of an electric projector screen if you are on a tight budget. You can get a good quality projector screen at a lower price compared to an electric screen.

2. It is Lightweight

If you use your projector screen for outdoor presentations, you need a manual type as you do not need to mount it to secure surfaces.

You can hang your manual screen into drywall or ceiling with brackets or anchors. You will have a great time together with friends and family if you use a manual projector screen when watching movies or gaming in your backyard.

3. No Additional Expenses

 A manual projector screen does not need an electrical configuration, unlike the motorized version. You can place the projector screen in your dedicated or multifunction room without worrying about where to mount it as long as you have an outlet and it is near your electronic component rack.

Cons of Manual Projector Screens

1. No Full Control

A manual projector screen does not have a mechanism to adjust to its stopping point. It can damage the equipment on the component rack or the servers if you fully unroll it. You have to be cautious when rolling or unrolling the manual projector screen compared to the electric projector screen because you have no control of its movement.

2. Not Accurate

A manual projector screen is not accurate in terms of positioning an image compared to an electric screen. The preset image positioning tends to change its movement over time. This screen type comes in different versions. Some manual projector screens have a pull-down mechanism, which you pull out the fabric to retract to its housing. The soft-return tool allows you to pull the screen down and returns it to its housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There is a large market for projector screens where you can have many choices for your home theater. Its revenue is approximately 105.5 billion USD in 2020 and an estimate of 278.8 billion USD by 2027. Choosing a projector screen for your home depends on your budget and the purpose of its use.