What Makes A Projection System?

A typical projection system includes signal equipment, a projector, a projection screen, and audio equipment. For image quality, the projector and the projection screen are the two most important components. Ambient light is also a key factor that affects contrast, brightness, and perceived image clarity.

In this article, we focus on laser short throw projector technology and ALR screen technology, especially how SCREENPRO^® T-Prism helps improve projection performance in ambient light environments.

What Is A Laser Short Throw Projector?

A projector is generally composed of a light source, an optical engine, and a lens. Based on light source and lens focal length, projectors can be grouped into laser short throw projectors, laser projectors, LED projectors, LCD projectors, and DLP projectors.

In simple terms:

Laser Short Throw Projector = Laser Light Source + Ultra Wide-Angle Lens

Advantages Of Laser Short Throw Projectors

• Easy placement: A short throw projector can be placed close to the screen, reducing installation complexity.
• Large image size: It can create a large screen image while using much less throw distance than a traditional projector.
• Bright image output: Laser projectors often provide high brightness for large-format viewing.
• Long light source lifespan: Laser light engines typically offer long operating life and stable performance.
• Better living room compatibility: When paired with a proper ALR screen, it can create a more TV-like viewing experience.

What Is Laser TV?

Laser TV is a projection system that combines a laser short throw projector with a compatible ALR screen. The goal is to create a large image size with a viewing experience closer to a television, especially in living rooms and non-dark environments.

For a laser short throw projector to work effectively as a laser TV system, the screen must support bright-room viewing, maintain good flatness, and provide a larger image size than a conventional TV.

Why Does A Laser Short Throw Projector Need An ALR Screen?

Although a laser short throw projector can output a bright image, the screen surface determines how that image is reflected toward the viewer. In a room with ambient light, a standard matte white screen reflects both projector light and environmental light, which can wash out the image.

An ALR screen is designed to reject or absorb unwanted ambient light while reflecting projector light toward the viewing area. This helps improve contrast, black level, and image visibility.

Three Common ALR Screen Technologies

There are several ALR technologies used for ultra short throw and laser TV applications. The most common types include Fresnel ALR, Black Matrix ALR, and SCREENPRO T-Prism ALR.

Fresnel ALR Screen

Fresnel ALR screens use an arc-shaped optical structure. They can provide strong side-light rejection and high brightness in the central viewing area. However, the viewing angle is usually narrower, the material is less suitable for rolling, and product sizes are often more limited.

Black Matrix ALR Screen

Black Matrix ALR screens use a linear optical structure to manage ambient light and projector light. They can offer wide viewing angles and better rollability than traditional Fresnel rigid screens, making them suitable for selected fixed frame and motorized applications.

SCREENPRO T-Prism ALR Screen

SCREENPRO T-Prism is a directional ambient light rejecting screen technology developed for ultra short throw laser projectors. It uses a trapezoidal optical structure to guide projector light toward the viewer while reducing unwanted ambient light.

The key advantage of T-Prism is its balance between optical performance and product flexibility. It can be used in multiple screen structures, including fixed frame screens, motorized screens, floor rising screens, and in-ceiling UST ALR screens.

Compatible SCREENPRO UST ALR Screen Series

SCREENPRO T-Prism technology is available across several UST ALR screen structures, allowing users to select the installation method that best matches their room, projector, and design requirements.

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