Curved vs. Flat Projector Screens: Which One To Buy? Guide 2024

Not being able to decide whether to buy curved or flat screens for your projectors? Refer to this detailed analysis of the two to understand the difference. 

We consider many things to enhance our viewing experience while watching a film on the projector screen. For example, the place where we are putting up the screen, the amount of light entering the room, the number of external noises etc. 

But do you know what affects your viewing most when watching the content on the projector screen? It is the shape of the screen. Projector screens are primarily available in two shapes. 

These are curved and flat. You’d be surprised to know how the screen’s shape affects the picture quality and the overall viewing experience. This article is for you if you cannot decide which shape to opt for.

In this article, we have discussed the flat screen and the curved screen of a projector in detail and listed some pros and cons of the screens so that it becomes easy for you to decide which suits you most.

If you ask us which screen is better, we’d rather say there is no direct answer to your question. Both the flat projector screens and the curved projector screens have their advantages and disadvantages. Some prefer flat screens over curved ones, while others opt for curved ones. One common thing in both screens is that both flat and curved screens have highly commendable features, giving you a comprehensive view.

Flat Projector Screens Vs. Curved Projector Screens

To understand which screen will suit you most, you must first weigh both screens’ pros and cons. Run your eyes through some of the primary advantages you get from installing the flat and curved screens before we walk you through their limitations. 

Advantages – Flat Screens Vs. Curved Screens

Pros Vs. Pros: Flat Screen Projectors & Curved Screen projectors

Pros: What can make you happy if you choose a Flat Screen over a curved one? Take a look at the top eight benefits of buying flat projector screens. 

1. Easy to install

The most significant advantage of using flat screen projectors is that they can be easily installed. The mounting process is straightforward. You don’t need to use any additional gadgets to install these projector screens; they work on any walls.

2. Options are Available

Be it price or size. If you have financial constraints or are looking for smaller, portable screens, we recommend you opt for flat screens instead of curved ones. Compared to curved screens, there is more variation available in flat screens. Most importantly, these screens have been available in the market for quite a long time. Therefore, they are readily available. 

3. Flat Screens are Adjustable & Portable.

The majority of people in urban areas live in small apartments. Therefore, these screens are ideal for tiny houses. And flat projector screens are adjustable and portable. They can be mounted on any wall easily.

4. Easy Set up and can be mounted on any wall

You don’t need to go through any guides to set up these screens. However, most companies offer free installation services when you buy them and ensure you do not have to go through the hassles of installation. If you are a DIY person, you’d be glad to know that these screens are straightforward to install. Moreover, these screens are lightweight and can be easily carried from one place to another.

5. Compatible with the majority of projectors

Flat projector screens are compatible with the majority of projectors because projectors are nine out of ten designed keeping in mind the specifications of a flat screen. You don’t need any special hardware or mounting device to set it up. On the contrary, if you use a curved screen, you must ensure the screen is compatible with your projector. Please note* Not all projectors are compatible with curved screens. 

6. Minimum Eye Strain

These screens are designed to give you minimum eye strain. The screens are easy on the eyes. Also, it does not harm your eyes because you use 3D glasses to watch 3D content on flat screens.

7. Easy to troubleshoot

You get pre-defined settings with flat projector screens, because of which you can easily alter the image ratio for a better viewing experience and troubleshoot when you face any technical problems. On the contrary, if you are troubleshooting a curved screen, you need to refer to the manual for reference because it requires altering the settings manually.

8. More Features compared to a Curved Screen 

If features are your primary concern when buying a projector screen, then flat screens should be your take. The features you get with a flat-screen are much more than what the curved screen offers. This is because flat screens have dominated the market for quite a while now, whereas curved screens have recently entered the show.

Pros: What can make you happy if you choose a curved screen over a flat one? Take a look at the top seven benefits of buying curved projector screens. 

1. Authentic 3D experience without the need for glasses 

One reason for the growing popularity of curved screens is that they give you an authentic 3D experience without using 3D glasses. As stated above, they are more comprehensive compared to flat screens with a typical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. You can also get a ratio of 16:9 in some recently launched screens. When it comes to 3D, any screen lesser than this will not be able to give you the same appeal.  

2. Reduces Eye Strain with the help of the latest eye care technology

Because these screens are designed to display 3D images without the se of any external glasses, many people might have a misconception that they are bad for the eyes, which is not valid. These screens are specially made with the latest technology that helps in reducing eye strain.

3. You can enjoy a multi-screen setup

You can set up two curved screens side by side and enjoy watching on a wide screen in case your screen is not wide enough. This is called a multi-screen setup. On the contrary, you can also use an anamorphic projector lens commonly known as an A-lens. These wide lenses allow you to see more light to create more comprehensive images. They can give you a 2:35:1 image ratio. If you don’t have these lenses and have just one projector screen that is not wide enough, no worries, you can take the help of wrap software that lets you crop images so that they can perfectly fit on your screens.    

4. You can enjoy sharper and deeper images on these screens

If you are worried about image quality, you can rest assured that curved screens deliver sharper and more in-depth images compared to flat screens.

5. Delivers Wider images 

If you don’t mind investing more in curved screens to improve the viewing experience, you’d be surprised to see how the anamorphic lens makes the images wider. The best thing about using these lenses is that you don’t need to use multiple screens to create more comprehensive images. Just a big size curved screen with a set of anamorphic lenses would be good to go.

6. Can work with multiple projectors at the same time

If you have invested in a giant-sized curved screen, you can use multiple projectors to fill in the screen. Using a minimum of two projectors on big curved screens is best because one projector is not enough. You might have to wrap the images in case you are just using one projector on an enormous curved screen.

7. Pincushion effect can be eliminated in curved screens

If you are worried about the pincushion effect, the good news is that the pincushion effect can easily be eliminated on curved screens. Because of the screen’s shape, the edge of images is closer to each other than on a flat screen, because of which the pincushion effect is considerably low. It can be eliminated if you can alter the settings a little bit.

Limitations: Flat Screen Projectors Vs. Curved Screen Projectors

Cons: What can disappoint you if you choose a flat screen over a curved one?

1. You need 3D glasses to enjoy 3D movies on flat screens

The biggest con of flat screens and the sole reason behind why curved lenses are emerging over time is that with flat screens, you need additional glasses to experience the 3D effect, which involves an additional cost. Because of the shape, you don’t need additional glasses to watch 3D content on curved screens.   

2. Pincushion effect is unavoidable in flat projector screens

Because the corners of the screen are far from the lens, the pincushion effect is unavoidable in flat projector screens. This effect makes the images you see on the screen pinched at the center. This effect is negligible in curved screens because of the screen’s shape. In curved screens, the corners of the screen tend to be closer to each other than on flat screens because of the curve.

Cons: What can disappoint you if you choose a curved screen over a flat? 

1. Lesser options are available compared to flat projector screens

We had discussed before that flat screens entered the entertainment industry much before the curved screens. Due to this, you get N number of choices on flat screens. Be it size or price. They are readily available in online stores and off counters. Curved screens have just started flourishing; therefore, fewer options are available.

2. More expensive than flat screens

Curved screens are a little more expensive than flat screens because of the technology with which it has been built. Furthermore, if you are looking for options in price range or size, there are not too many options available.

3. You need to follow guides and alter the settings to troubleshoot

Troubleshooting a curved screen projector requires a bit of technical knowledge. You can take the manual for reference because you might have to alter the settings manually. Because these screens have recently entered the market, the projectors do not have pre-defined settings for curved screens. 

At the same time, most projectors have pre-defined settings for flat screens because they have been designed keeping in mind the application of flat screens. 

Also, you might have issues with the compatibility of the screen if your projector is old. 

Note: Not all projectors are compatible with curved screens. Therefore, we recommend you always check your projector’s specifications before you invest in a curved screen.

4. Installation is not very easy

You require additional gadgets and mounting devices to install the curved screen. The process requires proper technical knowledge, so we suggest you seek professional help installing a curved screen in your house or office. Also, please note that curved screens come with their own set of limitations. They are heavier than flat screens and, therefore, difficult to move. They cannot be mounted just anywhere like flat screens.

Related: Best Motorized Projector Screens, Best ALR Projectors Screens

How do you keep the screen shape intact for flat and curved screens? 

Apart from all these differences, there is one more difference between curved and flat screens. You must attach the screen to a frame to correct the tension in flat screens. The image quality suffers if the screen is not fitted in the frame correctly.

To keep a projector screen flat, you should start from the center and then move towards the edges while you fit it in the frame to ensure the tension is correct and there are no wrinkles on the screen. On the contrary, if you are thinking of making a curved screen at home to save money, you can make good use of a soft board or plywood that is flexible. To make it look professional, try coating the side with a suitable primer and the board with projector paints.

Final Takeaway: Flat Vs. Curved Projector Screens

Therefore, we can say that whether you are buying a curved screen for your projector or a flat screen, both screens have their limitations and advantages. From the above comparison, flat screens have more features than curved screens and lesser cons, but curved screens are emerging with time. This is because of the excellent image quality it offers. 

However, if you are looking for budget-friendly options in projector screens, then you can still consider investing in flat screens instead of curved ones. We hope we have been able to clear your mind regarding flat and curved screens and have answered all your doubts here in this article. If you still have queries, you can ask a professional dealer or let us know your queries, and we’d be happy to answer.

Related: fixed Vs. Motorized Projector Screens