There are different ways to change a projector screen’s size.
In this article, we’ll explain in detail how to make a projector screen smaller or bigger.
I’ve also included a section on how to make a projector screen smaller without moving it.
Maximising the viewing experience on a projector screen is crucial in a limited space.
Hence, let’s discuss in detail several techniques to change projector screen size, and in some cases, without physically moving it.
How to Make Projector Screen Smaller or Bigger?
The easiest way to make a projector screen smaller or bigger is by physically moving the projector forward or backwards from the screen. Other options include optical zoom, digital zoom, keystone correction, automatic adjustment, and more.
Let’s go through each of these techniques one by one.
1. Physically Moving the Projector
As mentioned above, moving a projector physically is the easiest way to make the projector screen smaller or bigger.
When you move a projector near the screen, the screen size decreases. On the other hand, to increase the projector screen size, move it away from the screen.
It is a useful method for a casual projector setup. Here, you can place the projector on a coffee table or a stool. Later, you can move the projector till you get a suitable screen size.
When you move a projector physically, it upsets the focus on the projection screen. Therefore, whenever you move a projector forwards or backwards, you must immediately adjust its focus.
Also Read: How Big is a 100-inch Projector Screen with Dimensions
You can adjust the focus through the focus dial above the projector lens. Several smart projectors also come with automatic focusing. It’s possible due to a camera located next to the projection lens.
However, the same is not possible if the projector is ceiling mounted. You can not move the projector forward or backwards as you please.
Thus, in this case, if you want to know how to make the projector screen smaller without moving it, move on to the following techniques.
2. Adjusting Zoom
Depending on your projector, it may offer optical or digital zoom.
Most budget projectors have digital zoom, whereas costlier models feature optical zoom.
Digital Zoom
In simple terms, digital zoom increases or decreases the projected image size.
While it’s not the best type of zoom; however, it gets the job done when you can’t move a projector physically.
For example, when you zoom in on a projected image, the image can get pixelated or blurry at times.
Conversely, the projected image looks smaller and less visible when zooming out.
Depending on the projector, you can zoom up to 120-150% of the projected image. At 150% zoom, you’ll get a bigger projector screen; however, the image quality diminishes.
Similarly, you can also reduce the digital zoom and watch the projection image get smaller to make it fit your projection screen.
You can adjust your projector’s digital zoom through the remote control or from the settings menu.
The digital zoom works well when you’ve correctly set the focus and keystone adjustment.
Optical Zoom
Optical Zoom is the most preferred zoom in a projector. A projector’s optical zoom works like the lenses in a point-and-shoot or DSLR camera.
As a result, a projector with optical zoom comes with several lenses within the projector. When zooming out or zooming in, the projector’s optical lenses physically move, making the screen size bigger or smaller.
Compared to digital zoom, optical zoom doesn’t degrade the image quality of your projection.
Due to mechanical equipment and additional lenses, the overall setup for optical zoom becomes costlier. Hence, you’ll find optical zoom-in projectors upwards of $700.
Also Read: 7 Best Projectors under $1000
Along with optical zoom, the projector might also include digital zoom. Thus, if optical zoom doesn’t offer you the right projector screen size, you can also pair it with digital zoom.
3. Masking with Black Border
Suppose the projected image bleeds slightly over your projection screen, and you can’t decrease the image size. In that case, you can use the masking technique.
Let’s say your projection screen is slightly smaller, and the projected image doesn’t fit into it correctly.
In this case, you can cover the projection screen edges with black masking tape or black cloth.
You can buy a black felt-based masking tape from Amazon. Later, cover the entire edges of the projection screen with this tape.
What the felt-based tape does is it absorbs the additional light from the projector and doesn’t reflect it. Thus, you can get clean borders on your projection screen with a nifty hack.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make the projector screen smaller without moving it?
Suppose you can’t move the projector screen physically. In that case, you can make the projector screen smaller by using your projector’s digital or optical zoom feature.
How do I resize my Epson projector screen?
Most Epson projectors come with a ‘Wide’ and ‘Tele’ zoom feature. The Wide button or zoom ring makes the projected image bigger. In comparison, the Tele button or zoom ring makes the projected image smaller. You can also change it through the remote control or settings menu.
Conclusion
I hope this article helped you learn about how to make projector screens smaller or bigger.
Making a projector screen smaller or bigger is a simple task that you can do in under 5 minutes.
If you have any questions or issues, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below. I’ll answer them as quickly as possible.
Thank You!