The major difference between the rear and front projection. Front projection reflect the the light and Rear projection diffiuse the light. This is the only one things. We talk a lot about in our today article.

Because there are lots of people out there. Who wants to use the projector for the home theatre and event or stage. 

But they are confused about which projection method is perfect for them.

Both the projection types have their advantages and disadvantages. So it would be better. We know one by one what these projection types are. 

And also about these pros and cons. And also know about the difference between them by comparing. 

Read Also: Projector vs TV: Which is best for home entertainment?

What is front projection?

In the front projection, the projector is positioned inside the viewer seating area. The front area of the screen. 

The projector can hang up with the ceiling. Or put it over the AV chassis, or it might be put over the table.

Then the projector projects the projection light over the screen. And then light reflects towards viewers. 

It is called front projection. In the front projection, light is reflected by the screen.

What is rear projection? 

In the rear projection, the projector is positioned behind the projector. Opposite from where the viewer seating area is situated. 

And in the rear projection light transmits towards the viewers. Not reflected like front projection. This way rear projection works.

If you want to do the outdoor rear projection. Then you can follow this thread. Or you want recommendations on rear projection. Follow this chat.

Read Also: Laser projector vs Lamp vs LED: What is best and the difference?

Front vs Rear projection: Comparison and Difference.

So let’s see what is the difference between the front projection and rear projection.

Need a special screen

For the front projection, you will need a normal screen. Which is backed with the material. 

Which doesn’t let the light fall on the other side of the screen or let transmit the projected light. Through the screen.

This type of screen is normal in commercial and domestic projection. 

Even on the normal smooth white wall, you can do front projection easily. And you will get a good image quality. For more information check out my article on projector screen vs wall.

But here the screen need is different for the rear projection. For the rear projection, you will need a special screen. 

Which transmits the light or let’s pass the light from the screen to the audience. So the audience can see the projection. 

Space

There is different space needed for both projection types. Honestly, for the rear projection, you will need more space than the front projector. 

In the rear projection, you will need the space different for the projector placement. And different for the viewers sitting. 

While for the front projection. The audience and the projector can be in the same space. 

The front projection setup needs less space. It will be optimal for you. If you have a space issue for the projection.

Ambient Light 

In the front projection. You will need the dark environment to ensure that you have a good image on the screen. 

Because in the presence of ambient light. Front projection can’t provide you with the best image quality. The front projection will suffer from ambient light.

For the ambient light rear projection will be the optimal choice for the projection. 

Because with the rear projection you will get better contrast and colour saturation.

Brightness 

The rear projection screen transmits light through the screen. The reason why you get the bright image in the rear projection. 

As well, the rear projection projector is positioned behind the screen. For this type of projection setup. 

We can make an isolated environment. And put a projector and screen inside that. So there will be less loss of brightness. And we go to a bright projection.

In the front projection. Brightness depends upon projector output and screen gain. 

If these things are good then the image will be bright. When you use the front projection in the absence of ambient light. 

Not ideal for the ambient light projection (The image will be viewable, not good. Depending upon lumens and gain).

Read Also: How to make projector brighter or increase brightness?

Viewing Angle 

In the front projection, the viewing angle is mainly affected by the projector screen gain. 

The better or more the projector screen gain you have. The better viewing angle you will get in the front projection. 

And for better visuals, it also depends upon. Where is the audience sitting? 

It’s off the reflective angle or inside the reflective angle (reflective angle depends upon the reflective angle your screen provides 160 or 180 degrees).

And in the rear projection. Your viewing angle depends upon the type of projector screen material. 

And screen light diffusion ability. How your projector screen material diffuses the projected light. Specifically, if you have dark screen material. Then it will give you a better viewing angle.

More about viewing angle. You can read it here.

Contrast

Front projections don’t survive in the ambient light. The image created in the front projection will be washed out. 

If you use the rear projection. It will give you a better contrast than the rear projection. 

Ambient light coming from a different direction on the screen doesn’t affect the image. 

Because of the ability of rear projection of control illumination of the light path.

Home Theater

Front projection vs Rear projection: Which is better for the home theatre?

If your home theatre room is a completely ambient light control room. And your room has dark paint. 

Its curtains are dark. The front projection is king for the home theatre room. You don’t need to go with the rear projection.

But some people have rec rooms with a projector. In this case, you should go with the rear projection. 

It will give you the maximum performance of the projector. But make sure you have enough space. For the projector and the screen.

Read Also: Short throw vs Long throw vs UST projector: Difference & Best.

Feel and Look

The big problem with the front projector is that. No matter where you are doing the projection on the stage, office, and home theatre. 

When someone comes between the projection. You will see the shadow of that person or object on the screen. It can be irritating for some people. 

And during the front projection, people put the projector and speakers in front of the screen with the viewers. Because of that, the front area of the projection becomes Helter Skelter.

And on the other hand, if you are doing the rear projection. You will position all your equipment. Behind the projector screen. 

Your front area will be clean and look good. You can put the projector and speakers behind the projector screen. 

No projection equipment in front of the projection screen. And no worry about someone who comes in the area of the projection light. 

Rear projection: Pros and Cons. 

1. Pros
2. According to the M2DART rear projection improves brightness and resolution characteristics.
3. During the rear projection. You can easily walk around the projection. Rear projection will eliminate the shadow.
4. The front area of the rear projection is clean. No helter skelter area in front. Which is good. Because the projector and speaker will be situated behind the screen.
5. If you are using the acoustically transparent projector screen. Then you can put your projector and speaker behind the rear projection screen.
6. Rear projection is an enemy of ambient light. If you are using the rear projection your projected image quality in the presence of ambient light is better than the front projection.
7. Rear projection also cancels the projector fan noise.
8. You can use the rear projection for the advertisement. At your shop.

1. Cons
2. During the rear projection make sure you find your perfect place from where you can sit or stand. And see the screen. Because rear-projection doesn’t have a good viewing angle.
3. And there are chances you may see some hot spotting on the screen.
4. If you are using the rear projection film screen. It might don’t let the projection light spread over the screen properly.
5. You will need a special projection screen for rear projection.

Front projection: Pros and cons. 

1. Pros
2. Front projection should be the optimal choice. If you are thinking of setting up the projector screen (In certain conditions).
3. You can do a front projection on any smooth white surface. 
4. Front projection is perfect when you don’t have much space between the projector and screen.
5. The front projection has a better viewing angle. Then rear projection.

1. Cons
2. Front projection is not good for the rec room. If you are using it as a home theater. 
3. Front projection can’t survive in the presence of ambient light. The reason why you get a less bright image than the rear projection.
4. The front projection front area is a helter-skelter.
5. Projection is placed where viewers are seated. So, it’s obvious thing, fan noise can bother them.

The bottom line of the pros and cons of the rear projection. Both the projection type.

Can Be used for movie production. Because of that filmmaker. Can shoot the movie scene under the roof.

Conclusion: Front projection vs Rear projection.

So which is better: front projection or rear projection? No projection method is good or bad. 

It depends on the environment, place, and you. The environment is full of ambient light or not. 

Which type of place here you gonna do projection it’s big or small. And in which aspects you give more attention. 

The need for a special screen, space, ambient light, brightness, viewing angle, contrast, home theatre and feel & look.

If you are sure what you expect from your projection method. Then you can easily choose. In the comparison of the front projection vs rear projection.

See you next time…

References.