Fresnel
Uses concentric directional structures. Often chosen for stronger on-axis brightness and multi-directional ambient-light control, with more sensitivity to viewing position.
PILLAR GUIDE
ALR screens for ultra-short-throw projectors
Ambient light rejecting (ALR) is a category, not one single surface. For UST projectors, the microstructure matters because the image light arrives from a very different direction than it does with a conventional long-throw projector.
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What a UST ALR screen is trying to do
A UST optical screen should preferentially send the projector's steep upward light toward the audience while absorbing or redirecting a meaningful portion of room light. The result can be visibly stronger perceived contrast than a plain wall in a lit room.
This is why “ALR” alone is not enough. A screen made for a ceiling-mounted long-throw projector can reject the wrong light direction when paired with a UST projector.
Lenticular
Uses fine horizontal ridges that favor light coming from below while rejecting much of the light from above. Often provides a broader seating cone.
Matte white / basic gray
Can work well in controlled lighting but does not selectively manage UST light and ambient light in the same way as an optical ALR surface.
Three mistakes to avoid
- Buying by ALR percentage without understanding where the room light comes from.
- Chasing the highest gain without checking seating width and hotspot risk.
- Choosing the screen before measuring projector offset, console depth and wall height.