Front Projection

• Front projection means that the projector is on the same side of the screen material as the viewer
• Front projection is easier and usually less expensive

Rear Projection

• Rear projection indicates that the projector is on the opposite side of the screen as the viewer
• Rear projection provides better contrast and brightness than front projection when there is ambient light, especially when using the 3M Vikuiti Rear Projection Film (RPF)

Optical

Optical screens have a lens system (glass micro beads) that directs off axis (ambient) light into a black vinyl layer, while allowing projected light through to the viewing side. Due to the patented design of 3M's Vikuiti projection screen, light is focused on a single plane, which provides unparalleled off axis viewing. Optical screens also offer higher image brightness, contrast, reduced hot-spotting, and black levels.

Diffusion

Diffusion screens use a combination of particles to "stop" the light while varying tint darkens the image. Diffusion screens have no way of differentiating between sources of light that hit the screen and have contrast issues due to the fact that adding tint darkens both the darks and the lights equally. Diffusion screens typically work well with short throw projectors.