Acoustic Screens

Projection Screen Buying Guide 2026 - Acoustically Transparent Screens

Perfectly combined sound and picture with an acoustically transparent screen

The acoustically transparent screens available on the market are ideal for discerning film lovers: not only is the picture convincing, so is the sound – creating a harmonious overall experience, just like at the cinema.

And it's not just film lovers who get a taste for it – anyone who likes a tidy, well-organised room will also be delighted, because an acoustically transparent screen gives you every room design option you can imagine.

Advantages:

• Flexible use
• Optimal sound distribution possible
• Dialogue, music, effects and every other sound seem to come straight out of the picture
• Centre speakers can be perfectly matched with the L/R channels
• No vertical offsets on the front axis
• Large image sizes possible, depending on the screen type
• The area around the screen can be used for audio, e.g. below the screen
• No obstacles between the audience and the action on screen

Disadvantages

• Slight loss of sound and possible loss of picture quality due to the perforation of the fabric

What are the differences?

There are different ways of making a screen fabric acoustically transparent.

Screen fabric with micro-perforation

• Small holes across the entire screen surface
• Minor loss of picture information
• The picture looks slightly darker and a little less sharp if you sit close to it – larger holes in the fabric intensify this effect
• Greater seating distance = larger perforation / shorter seating distance = small perforation

Acoustically transparent woven fabric

• Small holes woven into the fabric allow the sound to pass through while ensuring optimal picture quality
• Higher purchase price
• The fabric itself is heavier and lies flatter

There is a difference, but it is mainly visible in still images. The decision therefore depends above all on the screen quality you want for your home cinema.

Both types are available in different colours/contrast levels – if you would like to learn more about contrast screens, click here or read our guide.

In any case, we recommend placing the speakers at a reasonable distance from the fabric rather than just 1–2 cm behind it, so that the sound can spread optimally and isn't blocked directly by the screen – otherwise the effect of the acoustically transparent screen is lost.

Placement options

We'd like to introduce two placement options. Of course, setting up a home cinema is always an individual matter and can't be generalised, but this should give you a rough idea of some of the possibilities.

Speakers behind the screen

Many people set up their screen so that the speakers stand in front of it: floor-standing speakers are often placed beside the projection surface and the centre speaker below the screen. This looks neat and coherent, but the result is not as good as placing them behind the screen.
The sound centre of the centre speaker lies below the picture, leaving it little room to unfold, and because of the height difference between the floor-standing speakers and the centre speaker, these elements don't form the desired unit.

An acoustically transparent screen can be the solution

• Place the screen a little away from the wall
• Behind the screen, set up a sideboard or another surface for your centre speaker
• Position your centre speaker so that it sits centrally behind the screen when the screen is extended
• Position the floor-standing speakers behind the screen at the same height as the centre speaker

Result:

You get a rounded, harmonious soundstage that sounds as if it is coming straight out of the picture.

Our trained specialists will be happy to advise you on ideal placement and setting up your home cinema.

Note:

Physically, it is NOT possible to find a solution with 0% sound impairment, as fabric in front of the speakers will always have some effect – but an acoustically transparent screen combined with a high-quality sound system is the right step.

Likewise, a moiré effect cannot be ruled out 100% with an acoustically transparent screen. It occurs when two grids overlap and can cause irregularities in the picture. Optimal alignment of your projector to the screen is important to prevent this effect.

As with all screens, other factors also play a role here – you'll find more information in our screen guide.