PVC vs Fiberglass Screen: 4K Ultra HD Projection Test Comparison

As the presentation carrier of the projection image, the choice of its material has a crucial impact on the projection effect. PVC screen and fiberglass screen are two common projection screen materials, each with different characteristics and advantages. This article will reveal to you which screen is more suitable for 4K ultra HD projection through actual test comparison.

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1. Material and appearance
(I) PVC screen

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a common plastic material with good flexibility and processability. The surface of PVC screen is usually smooth, the appearance is simple and generous, and the color is mostly white or off-white. Its texture is relatively soft, easy to store and install, and suitable for a variety of installation methods, such as curling, frame, etc.

(II) Fiberglass screen
Fiberglass screen is made of glass fiber as the base material and is treated with a special coating. It has a unique grid structure, and a subtle grid texture can be seen on the appearance. This grid structure makes the fiberglass screen have a certain degree of air permeability, while also maintaining a high degree of flatness and stability. The color of fiberglass curtains is usually white or light gray, but its surface texture is different from that of PVC curtains, which makes it more delicate and high-end.

2. Projection quality
(I) Resolution restoration
Under 4K ultra-high-definition projection, the details and resolution of the picture are crucial. It was found through actual measurements that PVC curtains can restore the resolution of 4K pictures well, with high picture clarity, and details such as lines and text can be presented more accurately. However, due to the relatively smooth surface of PVC material, slight reflections may occur at certain angles, which may have a certain impact on the contrast and color saturation of the picture.
In contrast, fiberglass curtains perform better in resolution restoration. Its grid structure can effectively reduce the scattering and reflection of light, making the details of the picture richer and the lines sharper. In 4K pictures, even tiny textures and color gradients can be more accurately presented through fiberglass curtains. In addition, the surface treatment process of fiberglass curtains enables it to maintain a relatively stable picture quality at different angles, and the contrast and color saturation are relatively high.
(II) Color performance
Color is an important part of the projection image. For 4K ultra-high-definition projection, accurate color reproduction can bring a more realistic visual experience. PVC screens are quite standard in color performance and can meet the needs of general home theaters and office scenes. It can well restore common colors, such as basic colors such as red, green, and blue, but when dealing with some complex color combinations and subtle color transitions, a certain degree of color difference or color deviation may occur.
Fiberglass screens have more advantages in color performance. Its special coating and material can reflect and absorb light more accurately, thereby achieving a wider color gamut coverage and more accurate color reproduction. In the 4K projection image, whether it is bright colors or soft tones, they can be presented more naturally and vividly through fiberglass screens. Especially in the playback of some high dynamic range (HDR) content, fiberglass screens can better show the layering and details of colors, making the picture closer to the real world.
(III) Contrast
Contrast is one of the important indicators for measuring the quality of the projection image. It determines the light and dark levels and detail performance of the picture. In actual measurements, the contrast performance of PVC screens is average. Due to its smooth surface, the light reflection is relatively concentrated, which makes it easy to overexpose in bright areas, while the presentation of dark details is relatively insufficient. This may lead to a lack of layering in the overall picture, especially in some high-contrast scenes, such as the starry sky and night scenes, where the light and dark transition of the picture is not natural enough.
In contrast, fiberglass screens perform well in terms of contrast. Its grid structure can effectively absorb excess light and reduce light scattering, thereby improving the contrast of the picture. In 4K projection images, fiberglass screens can better show the details of bright areas and the layers of dark areas, making the light and dark contrast of the picture more distinct and the layering stronger. Whether it is bright sunlight or deep darkness, it can be accurately presented through fiberglass screens, bringing more shocking visual effects to the audience.

3. Viewing angle range
(I) PVC screen
The viewing angle of PVC screens is relatively narrow. When the audience deviates from the center of the screen by a certain angle, the brightness and color of the picture will drop significantly, and the contrast will also decrease. This is mainly due to the light reflection characteristics of PVC material. In scenes where multiple people watch, such as home theaters, if the audience positions are widely distributed, some viewers may see poor picture quality.
(II) Fiberglass screens
Fiberglass screens have a relatively wide viewing angle range. Due to its grid structure and special coating treatment, light can be evenly reflected in a wider range, allowing viewers to see a clearer and more accurate color picture in a larger angle range. Even at a position far away from the center of the screen, the brightness and contrast of the picture will not drop significantly, and the color can maintain good consistency. This is a great advantage for scenes where multiple people need to watch, such as home theaters, to ensure that every viewer can enjoy a high-quality projection picture.

4. Installation and maintenance
(I) PVC screens
PVC screens are relatively simple to install and are suitable for a variety of installation methods. It can be installed in a curled style, which is convenient for storage and use, and is suitable for places with limited space; it can also be installed in a frame style and fixed to the wall or ceiling to make the picture more stable. PVC screens are also easier to maintain. Their surface is smooth, and dust and stains are not easy to adhere to. When cleaning, just wipe them with a clean soft cloth. However, if it is exposed to direct sunlight or humid environment for a long time, it may cause aging, deformation and other problems.
(II) Fiberglass curtain
The installation of fiberglass curtain requires certain skills and experience. Due to its grid structure and relatively high flatness requirements, it is necessary to ensure that the curtain is flat and tight during installation, otherwise the picture may be distorted or the grid texture may be uneven. It is usually recommended to use professional installers to install it to ensure the installation effect. In terms of maintenance, fiberglass curtains are relatively sensitive. The coating on its surface is easily affected by scratches and stains. When cleaning, you need to use special detergents and soft cloth to avoid wiping hard to avoid damaging the coating. In addition, fiberglass curtains also need to avoid long-term exposure to harsh environments to extend their service life.

5. Price and cost-effectiveness
(I) PVC curtain
The price of PVC curtain is relatively affordable and suitable for users with limited budgets. Its price range generally ranges from a few hundred yuan to thousands of yuan, and the specific price depends on factors such as the size, brand and quality of the curtain. Because it is simple to install and easy to maintain, it has a relatively high cost-effectiveness and can meet the needs of general home theaters and office scenes.
(II) Fiberglass screens
The price of fiberglass screens is relatively high, usually several thousand yuan or even higher. This is because its material and production process are relatively complex and the cost is high. In addition, its installation and maintenance also require a certain amount of investment. However, considering the advantages of fiberglass screens in terms of image quality, viewing angle and stability, its high price is worth it for users who pursue high-quality projection effects. If you have a sufficient budget and have high requirements for projection quality, fiberglass screens are a good choice.