The electric ceiling-recessed screen is the most elegant solution for conference rooms, home cinemas and reception areas. When not in use, it disappears completely. The room retains its original appearance. When needed, it lowers silently at the touch of a button.
What is a recessed electric screen for the ceiling?
In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know before making a purchase.
Screen size
The size is determined by the distance between the projector and the screen, and by the size of the room. The basic rule is:
- For small meeting rooms (up to 20 square metres) — a screen 180–220 cm wide.
- For medium-sized conference rooms (20–50 square metres) — a screen 240–300 cm wide.
- For large audiences and auditoriums — a screen wider than 300 cm.
For home cinema set-ups, the aspect ratio is usually 16:9 and the screen width is 200–250 cm, depending on the distance to the sofa.
Type of track
The choice of fabric depends on the lighting in the room:
- Standard white canvas — suitable for dimly lit rooms with controlled lighting
- ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen — blocks out ambient light and ensures a bright image even in partially lit rooms. Ideal for conference rooms that cannot be completely darkened
- Acoustically transparent fabric — allows speakers to be mounted behind the screen. Recommended for home cinema set-ups with a surround sound system
Tab Tension
With built-in models, tensioning is particularly important. After being rolled up and unrolled repeatedly, a standard fabric panel may develop slight ripples. The tensioning system keeps the fabric perfectly flat every time it is unrolled.
We strongly recommend that you choose a model with a drawstring in the following cases:
- A home cinema where picture quality is a priority
- Reception areas where a wavy canvas is not acceptable
- Installations using an ultra-short-throw projector
Control and Automation
All built-in electric screens support various control methods:
- Remote control — standard on all models
- 12V trigger — Automatic lowering when the projector is switched on. Recommended for home cinema use
- RS-232 / IP control — for integration into building automation systems
- Somfy motor — compatible with Somfy automation systems
Black Top — the finishing touch
Black Top is a black strip at the top of the screen that covers the space between the ceiling and the top edge of the screen when it is unfolded. Without Black Top, a light-coloured strip remains visible. With it, the installation looks complete and monolithic.
We recommend Black Top for all suspended ceiling installations.
Installation — what you need to know
The installation of a built-in electric screen is a specialised task which requires:
- Precise measurement of the opening in the ceiling
- Concealed wiring for power and control
- Correct connection of the 12V trigger to the projector
OP Systems has completed numerous projects for home cinemas and conference rooms featuring retractable electric screens. Our team designs, supplies and installs the systems — from the initial measurements right through to the final setup.
Which models do we recommend?
In our shop, you’ll find built-in electric screens from KAUBER and DA-LITE — two of the most reliable manufacturers in the industry.
👉 Browse our range of built-in electric screens in our shop
Do you need some advice?
Or read our article on screen selection.
Not sure which model is right for your room? Contact us at 02 444 26 26 / 0887064722 — We’ll help you choose the right size, type of fabric and installation method.
