Map direct and indirect light
A ceiling fixture above the screen is a different challenge from a sunlit side window. Identify which light actually lands on the screen during your normal viewing hours.
Match rejection direction
Lenticular UST screens are strong candidates when the problem is overhead light and the projector sits below. Fresnel screens can reject more off-axis light directions but often narrow the useful seating cone.
Keep enough projector luminance
ALR improves contrast retention; it does not generate lumens. As image size increases, the same projector output is spread over more area. A screen cannot overcome extreme direct sunlight.
Use simple room control too
Blinds, curtains, dimmable lighting, darker surfaces near the screen and moving a lamp can sometimes create a larger improvement than chasing a few percentage points in a published ALR figure.
Use PET Crystal Classic as a reference point.
It is a 0.6-gain, 160° listed-viewing-angle, 85% ALR fixed-frame UST screen.
Check current PET Crystal offer →FAQ
Will an ALR screen make a projector look like a TV in direct sunlight?
No. ALR can improve contrast retention, but direct sunlight can still overwhelm projection.
Is side light harder than ceiling light for lenticular UST screens?
It can be. Many lenticular UST designs prioritize rejecting light from above, so strong side light should be evaluated specifically.
