Rear Projection: The method of transmitting light through the surface of the
substrate. Light sources can be from a projector, traditional
lighting fixture (ellipsoidal's, fresnel's, parcan's) or from intel-
ligent moving lights. The light source is on the opposite side
of the viewer, thus the viewer is looking at transmitted light
through the projection surface. There are several types of rear
projection screens ranging from very bright, narrow viewing
areas to very even, wide viewing areas. Several factors must
be considered when deciding which rear projection screen to
use such as the type of projector being used, the brightness
of the projector, projector placement/distance relative to the
screen surface, ambient light level, viewing cone needed and
color of the screen.
Advantages of Rear Projection:
Bright, crisp and high contrast images
Ambient light less of a concern as compared to front
projection because color is typically grey or black (does not
reflect as much light as a light colored surface).
No need to worry about shadows cast from projector.
Screen tends to disappear when image is not projected due
to darker color.
Disadvantages of Rear Projection:
Projector placement behind screen - Space limitation.
Some hot spotting may occur depending on screen sur-
face used.
37Projection Surfaces