12 Volt Screen Triggers

With three different basic types of screens out there (fixed wall, pull-down, and motorized), only those buying a motorized screen need to concern themselves with the 12 volt trigger issue. A 12 volt trigger allows the projector, upon power up and power down, to automatically drop and raise a motorized screen. The key points though are: Most motorized screens do not come with the matching 12 volt trigger interfacing except as an option, which can cost an extra couple hundred dollars or more. Further, there are other options, as some motorized screens offer infra-red or radio frequency remotes (often optional, although, of note, Elite Screens motorized screens all come with both IR and RF remotes). The bottom line is, even if your projector lacks a 12 volt trigger, you can still at least have the option of selecting a screen that will allow you some form of remote ability to open and close, so lack of a 12 volt trigger isn't a deal breaker. Lastly, for many, a remote makes more sense than using a 12 volt trigger, in that for the 12 volt trigger you need to run a cable from the projector to the screen, increasing your installation effort and costs.

Of the 20 projectors considered, these do not have 12 volt triggers, (the rest do): All JVC projectors, Panasonic PT-AE2000U, Sanyo PLV-Z2000,

Home Theater Projector Interfacing Ratings

Excellent: Optoma HD81, HD81-LV - maximum

Very Good: Everyone else, except:

Good: JVC DLA-RS1, DLA-RS1x, DLA-RS2 (for lack of a standard computer input)