What is the name of the screen in a cinema: terminology, types and technical nuances

Have you ever wondered what the correct name is for that huge screen on which we watch movies in the cinema? For most viewers, this is simply the “big screen,” but among professional filmmakers and technicians, a whole system of terms is used. From classic projection screens to modern LED panels — names depend on technology, size and even display formats.

In this article we will examine not only the official terms, but also the nuances that distinguish cinema screens from household TVs. You will find out why in IMAX special geometry is used, how the screens are arranged Dolby Cinema, and why in some halls the screens are curved. And also - what mistakes even experienced film fans make when talking about a “projector” instead of a screen.

Official name of the screen in a cinema: terminology

In professional documentation and film industry standards, the screen is called projection screen (English) projection screen). However, it is a general term that covers all types of projection surfaces, from portable home theater screens to giant installations in multiplexes.

More precise names depend on design and material:

• 📽️ Perforated screen — with micro-holes for acoustic transparency (sound comes through the screen from the speakers behind it).
• 🖼️ Fabric screen - traditional version made from special fabric (for example, Matt White or High Contrast Grey).
• 💡 LED screen - a modern alternative to projectors (used in Samsung Onyx or Cinity).
• 🔄 Tension screen — the canvas is stretched over the frame for a perfectly flat surface.

It is important to understand that projector And screen - these are different things. Projector (eg Christie 6P or Barco DP4K) forms an image, and the screen only reflects or transmits light. In colloquial speech these concepts are often confused, calling the projector a “screen” - this is a gross mistake.

⚠️ Attention: In the technical specifications of cinemas, the screen is designated as Screen System, and its size is indicated diagonally (for example, 22 m (72 ft)) or width (for example, 14 m for a hall with 200 seats).

Types of cinema screens: from standard to premium

Modern cinemas use different types of screens, optimized for specific display formats. Here are the main categories:

Screen type	Technology	Example formats	Features
Classic	Fabric cloth	2D, 3D (RealD)	Standard aspect ratio 1.85:1 or 2.39:1
IMAX	Perforated canvas + special projectors	IMAX 2D/3D, IMAX with Laser	Ratio 1.43:1, height up to 28 m
Dolby Cinema	Double-layer screen + laser projectors Dolby Vision	Dolby Atmos + Dolby Vision	Contrast up to 1,000,000:1, HDR support
LED (Onyx, Cinity)	Modular LED panels	4K HDR, 3D without glasses	Brightness up to 146 fL, no projector

For example, in IMAX screens are not just larger in size - they have a unique geometry: A curved surface that covers the viewer's peripheral vision. And in Dolby Cinema A two-layer fabric is used: the outer layer reflects light, and the inner one scatters it for uniform brightness.

Technical specifications: what affects image quality

The quality of the picture on the screen depends not only on the projector, but also on screen parameters. Here are the key characteristics:

• 🔦 Reflection coefficient (Gain) — shows how much light the screen returns to the viewer. Standard: 1.0–1.4 (For example, Gain 1.2 means +20% brightness compared to the reference).
• 🎨 Color temperature - usually 6500K (neutral white), but in premium halls it can be adjusted for HDR.
• 📏 Resolution - for projection screens depends on the projector (e.g. 4096×2160 for 4K DCI), for LED - on pixel density (for example, P1.25).
• 🔇 Acoustic transparency - percentage of sound passing through the screen (in perforated screens - up to 85%).

Interesting fact: in IMAX with Laser screens with gain up to 1.9, which allows you to achieve incredible brightness even in large halls. However, high gain has a downside - reduced viewing angle: If you sit too close to the edge of the screen, the picture may appear dim.

How the IMAX screen works: why is it so big

Screens IMAX - that's a different story. Their main feature is gigantic size and a unique projection system. Here's what sets them apart:

1. Frame format: instead of standard 2.39:1 used 1.43:1 (almost square), which is 26% more image area.
2. Resolution: films are shot on IMAX cameras with resolution up to 18K (10 times 4K!), but projected in 4K or 8K depending on the hall.
3. Projectors: two-tape is used 15/70 mm projectors (for film) or laser systems IMAX with Laser (digital).
4. Sound: 12 channel system IMAX 12.0 with speakers behind the screen and around the perimeter of the hall.

Biggest screen IMAX in the world is in Seattle Air and Space Museum - its height 27.6 m, and the width 36.5 m! For comparison: it's like a 5-story house. In Russia the record holder is IMAX at Karo 11 October (Moscow) with screen height 22 m.

Why do I sometimes see grain in IMAX?

This is a feature of film projectors. IMAX 15/70. Despite the high resolution, film grain can be noticeable on a giant screen, especially in bright scenes. In digital halls IMAX with Laser there is no such problem.

LED screens in cinemas: revolution or marketing?

Traditional projection screens are gradually giving way LED panels, which are used in formats Samsung Onyx, Cinity And Luxury LED. Their main advantages:

• 🌟 Brightness: to 146 fL (10 times brighter than home TVs), allowing you to watch movies even in daylight.
• 🎭 Contrast: ∞:1 (absolute black color, as in OLED).
• 🔄 No projector: The image is formed directly by the pixels, there is no distortion from the lens.
• 👓 3D without glasses: Some models support autostereoscopic 3D (for example, Cinity Glassless 3D).

However, LED screens also have disadvantages:

• 💰 Cost: installation costs 5–10 times more expensivethan a projection system.
• 📺 Pixel size: at close range the “grid” may be visible (especially in cheap models with pitch P2.5).
• 🔧 Service: LED modules require regular calibration and replacement (service life is approx. 100,000 hours).

The world's first cinema with an LED screen opened in 2017 in Seoul (Lotte Cinema World Tower). Became a pioneer in Russia "Karo 11 October" with a hall Onyx.

Common mistakes: what is confused with the screen in a cinema

Even experienced film buffs sometimes use terms incorrectly. Here are the most common mistakes:

⚠️ Attention: If you say "screen Dolby Atmos", this is as incorrect as saying "TV Bluetooth». Dolby Atmos is an audio technology, and the screen may be compatible with it, but it is not Atmos itself.

• 🎥 "Projector" instead of "screen" - the projector projects the image, and the screen displays it.
• 🔊 "3D Screen" — 3D is created by a projector and glasses (for example, RealD or Dolby 3D), and the screen can be normal.
• 📺 "Cinema TV" - TVs are not used in cinemas (except for small halls with Sony Digital Cinema).
• 💡 "Laser screen" - a laser projector can be (for example, Christie 6P), but not the screen.

Another myth: "The bigger the screen, the better". In fact, a screen that is too large in a small room can cause discomfort (e.g. IMAX in the front row you have to throw your head back). The optimal ratio of screen size and distance to the viewer is calculated using the formula:

Минимальное расстояние (м) = Ширина экрана (м) × 1.5
Максимальное расстояние (м) = Ширина экрана (м) × 3

How to choose the best seat in the hall, taking into account the type of screen

The type of screen directly affects where it is best to sit. Here are recommendations for different formats:

Screen Format	Top ranks	What to consider
Classic (2D/3D)	2/3 of the total number of rows	Avoid the first row (your neck will hurt) and the last row (you won't be able to see small details).
IMAX	Center of the hall, rows 5–8	In the front rows the immersion effect is strong, but your eyes will get tired. In the rear, detail is lost.
Dolby Cinema	Rows 3–6	The screen is smaller than in IMAX, but brighter. Optimally - the middle of the hall.
LED (Onyx)	Any rows	There is no distortion at the edges, but pixels may be visible in the first row.

For IMAX there is a special rule: the distance to the screen should be equal to its height. For example, if the screen height 12 m, sit down on 12 m from him. In most halls these are rows 4–6.

Look at the uniformity of the illumination (are there any dark spots)

Evaluate brightness in dark scenes (blacks should be “deep” in Dolby Cinema)

Check if pixels are visible (relevant for LED)

Make sure the sound is coming from all speakers (in IMAX, the bass should “press” into your chest)

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FAQ: answers to popular questions

Why in some cinemas the screen is not white, but gray?

Gray screens (eg. High Contrast Grey) are used to improve contrast in rooms with insufficient darkness. They absorb scattered light, making the black color deeper. However, in completely dark halls there are white screens (Matt White) give a brighter picture.

Is it possible to buy a cinema screen for home?

Yes, but it's expensive. For example, perforated screen Stewart Filmscreen size 3x2 m will cost 150–300 thousand rubles., and professional models for home theaters (for example, Screen Innovations) - from 500 thousand rubles.. An alternative is projection screens for offices (for example, Epson or BenQ), but they will not provide the same quality as in the cinema.

How is an IMAX screen different from a regular screen?

Main differences:

• Large area (up to 1000 m² against 100–200 m² for standard ones).
• Curved diving surface.
• Special projectors with resolutions up to 8K.
• Sound system IMAX 12.0 with speakers behind the screen.

However, not all theaters labeled “IMAX” meet the standards—some use regular screens with a marketing attachment.

Why does the screen appear brighter in Dolby Cinema?

B Dolby Cinema laser projectors are used Christie 6P with brightness up to 31 fL (2 times brighter than standard) and double-layer screens that distribute light evenly. In addition, technology Dolby Vision Supports high dynamic range (HDR), which makes colors richer and dark scenes more detailed.

Will LED screens replace projectors in cinemas?

Unlikely in the next 10 years. LED screens are expensive to install and maintain, while projection systems (especially laser) remain more versatile and cheaper. However, for premium lounges (for example, 4DX or ScreenX) LED is becoming the standard due to its flexibility and image quality.