Early Black Friday in cart discounts!
Free shipping on all projectors. Tax-exempt purchasing available in your cart.
Da-Lite 38696 Professional Electrol Electric Projection Screen 159x212 Matte White
Regular price
$7,194.00
Couldn't load pickup availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best motorized projector screen for a large conference room or auditorium?
For a large conference room or auditorium, the best motorized projector screen is usually a heavy-duty model with a large seamless viewing surface, reliable motor operation, and flexible installation options. The right choice depends on room size, projector brightness, audience width, and whether the screen needs to disappear when not in use.
The Da-Lite 38696 Professional Electrol is designed for this type of application. It has a 159 inch high by 212 inch wide Matte White surface with a 4:3 aspect ratio and a 265 inch diagonal, making it appropriate for large-format presentations. Its non-tensioned screen surface remains seamless up to 192 inches of height, and the black backing helps prevent light penetration for better image brightness and contrast. The wooden housing can be ceiling recessed, wall mounted, or suspended, which is helpful for permanent installations in boardrooms, lecture halls, and auditoriums.
This type of screen is best for professional venues that need dependable daily use. The tradeoff is that it is a large made-to-order screen intended for fixed installation, not for portable or casual setups.
How do I choose the right motorized projector screen size for my room?
The right motorized projector screen size depends on your room dimensions, seating distance, projector output, and the type of content you show. In general, larger rooms and wider seating layouts need a larger screen so text, charts, and video remain easy to see from the back of the room.
This Da-Lite Professional Electrol model has a 159 by 212 inch viewing area with a 4:3 format and a 265 inch diagonal. That makes it a strong fit for large meeting rooms, training spaces, lecture halls, and auditoriums where presenters need high visibility. A screen this large is especially useful for slides, spreadsheets, and mixed presentation content that benefits from a traditional video format.
Before choosing, confirm that your projector can fill a 212 inch wide image from the available throw distance and with enough brightness for the room’s ambient light level. Also verify that the wall or ceiling can support a large motorized screen case. This screen is best for professional permanent installations, not smaller home theaters or compact offices.
Is a matte white motorized projector screen a good choice for bright rooms?
A matte white motorized projector screen can work well in moderately bright rooms, especially when you want natural color, wide viewing angles, and consistent image quality across the audience. It is often a practical choice for conference rooms, classrooms, and auditoriums where people sit at different angles.
The Da-Lite 38696 uses a Matte White screen surface with black backing. The black backing helps prevent light from passing through the material, which supports better brightness and contrast. Matte white is also a common choice when image uniformity matters more than directional gain. In large professional spaces, that wide-angle performance can be more important than pushing brightness toward a narrow seating area.
The tradeoff is that matte white does not reject ambient light like specialized high-contrast or ambient-light-rejecting materials. If your room has uncontrolled daylight or strong overhead lighting directly hitting the screen, image contrast may drop. This screen is best when paired with a sufficiently bright projector and reasonable light control.
What is the difference between a motorized screen and a fixed frame screen?
A motorized screen retracts into a case when not in use, while a fixed frame screen stays permanently visible on the wall. The best option depends on whether you want the screen hidden between presentations or you want the flattest permanently displayed surface possible.
A motorized model like the Da-Lite Professional Electrol is often preferred in multi-use rooms such as boardrooms, auditoriums, and training spaces. It keeps the room visually clean because the screen can be rolled up when not needed. This model also supports ceiling-recessed, wall-mounted, or suspended installation, which gives integrators more flexibility in professional environments.
A fixed frame screen is often chosen for dedicated projection spaces where the screen never needs to disappear. Fixed frame designs are commonly favored for permanent home theater setups because they maintain a consistently taut surface.
The main tradeoff is convenience versus permanence. A motorized screen offers a cleaner room aesthetic and flexible use, while a fixed frame screen can be simpler and always ready. For shared professional spaces, a large motorized screen is usually the more practical choice.
Who should buy a 4:3 motorized projector screen instead of a widescreen model?
A 4:3 motorized projector screen is best for users who regularly display presentation content, legacy video formats, document camera output, or educational material that is still created in a traditional aspect ratio. It is especially useful in lecture halls, training rooms, and institutional environments where screen versatility matters more than cinematic widescreen viewing.
The Da-Lite 38696 Professional Electrol uses a 4:3 format with a 159 inch height and 212 inch width. That makes it well suited for slide decks, data presentations, and mixed media in professional settings. In rooms where many presenters use different source devices, 4:3 can still be a practical and efficient choice.
The tradeoff is that modern widescreen content such as 16:9 video will not fill the entire screen area. You may see unused space depending on the projector and source material. If your primary use is movies, streaming, or native widescreen signage, a widescreen screen may be a better fit. If your priority is presentations and compatibility with varied content, 4:3 remains a strong option.
What type of installation works best for a large recessed motorized projector screen?
The best installation for a large recessed motorized projector screen depends on the room design, structural support, and whether you want the case visible or concealed. In many commercial projects, ceiling-recessed installation is preferred because it creates a cleaner finished look and keeps the screen hidden when retracted.
The Da-Lite Professional Electrol is built for ceiling-recessed, wall-mounted, or suspended installation. Its wooden housing includes adjustable brackets, which gives installers flexibility in auditoriums, boardrooms, and large presentation venues. If the architecture allows it, recessing the case into the ceiling can help the screen blend into the space while preserving a professional appearance. Wall or suspended mounting may be better when structural limitations prevent recessing or when the screen needs to clear other equipment.
Because this is a large motorized screen, proper support and alignment are important. Installers should confirm available ceiling depth, mounting points, power access, and projector placement before ordering. This type of screen is best handled as part of a planned AV installation rather than a quick retrofit.
Is a non-tensioned motorized screen good for professional presentations?
Yes, a non-tensioned motorized screen can be a good choice for professional presentations, especially when the screen material is designed to remain seamless at the required size and the application focuses on slides, video, and general presentation content rather than critical reference imaging.
The Da-Lite 38696 Professional Electrol is a non-tensioned model with a Matte White surface that remains seamless for viewing heights up to 192 inches. That matters because seams can be distracting on large screens. In auditoriums, conference rooms, and training spaces, a smooth large-format image and reliable motorized operation are usually more important than the added edge control that some tensioned screens provide.
The tradeoff is that tensioned screens are often preferred when users want the flattest possible surface for demanding visual applications. For most professional presentation environments, though, a high-quality non-tensioned screen like this one offers a strong balance of performance, durability, and installation practicality.
What features matter most in a large venue motorized projection screen?
The most important features in a large venue motorized projection screen are screen size, surface material, seamless construction, mounting flexibility, reliable motor operation, and control options. In larger rooms, those factors have a direct impact on visibility, ease of installation, and long-term usability.
This Da-Lite Professional Electrol includes several of those key features. It offers a 159 by 212 inch viewing area for large audiences, a Matte White surface for broad viewing angles, and black backing to reduce light penetration. It also supports ceiling-recessed, wall, or suspended mounting, which helps it fit a range of architectural conditions. The included three-position Decora-style switch provides straightforward operation, and the heavy-duty design is intended for permanent professional installations.
For buyers comparing screens, it is also important to match aspect ratio and screen width to the projector and content type. A large venue screen should not be selected on size alone. The screen, room lighting, projector brightness, and installation method all need to work together for a successful result.
Can this motorized projection screen be used with modern 4K projectors?
Yes, this motorized projection screen can be used with modern 4K projectors. Screen compatibility is primarily about the screen surface, size, and aspect ratio rather than whether the projector is 4K. A quality Matte White surface can display 4K content effectively when paired with a properly aligned projector.
The Da-Lite 38696 Professional Electrol uses a large Matte White viewing surface with black backing, making it suitable for professional projection systems that need good image clarity and wide audience coverage. For 4K use, the more important question is whether the projector has enough brightness and appropriate throw distance to fill a 212 inch wide screen in your room. In large venues, projector output and lens selection are often the deciding factors.
The main limitation is aspect ratio. This screen is 4:3, so native widescreen 4K content may not fill the entire screen area. That does not prevent use with 4K projectors, but it does affect how the image is framed. It is best for users who prioritize presentation versatility over full widescreen display.
How long does a made-to-order motorized screen usually take to ship?
Made-to-order motorized screens typically take longer to ship than stocked AV products because they are built to specification and prepared for freight-safe delivery. Lead times vary by model and configuration, but buyers should expect a production window before the screen leaves the factory.
For the Da-Lite 38696 Professional Electrol, the stated lead time is generally 7 to 14 business days after the order is placed. That is an important planning detail for schools, corporate installations, and auditorium projects where the screen may be part of a larger construction or AV deployment schedule. Because large motorized screens are often integrated with projector mounting, cabling, and room finishing work, it is smart to coordinate delivery timing with the installer.
The key takeaway is that made-to-order screens are best purchased as part of a project timeline, not as a last-minute accessory. Buyers who need a specific installation date should allow time for manufacturing, shipping, and professional installation.
**Please note all screens are made to order. Please allow 7-14 business days for shipment after order is placed.
The Da-Lite Professional Electrol delivers cinema-quality projection in any environment. This motorized screen features a generous 159x212 matte white surface that eliminates glare while maintaining exceptional image clarity across wide viewing angles. Ideal for boardrooms, auditoriums, and professional venues, the Electrol's smooth, controlled descent and ascent ensure flawless presentations every time. Built with Da-Lite's trusted engineering, this screen combines durability with refined aesthetics. Transform your space into a premium presentation environment that commands attention and impresses audiences with every showing.
The Da-Lite Professional Electrol is a heavy-duty motorized projection screen designed for large venues and high-end installations. This screen features a robust wooden housing with adjustable brackets, allowing for versatile ceiling-recessed, wall-mounted, or suspended mounting options. The Matte White surface provides exceptional clarity and remains seamless for viewing heights up to 16 feet. A standard black backing prevents light penetration to maintain superior image brightness and contrast. The case is finished with a professional black paint that blends seamlessly into dark architectural environments. Each unit includes a three-position Decora-style switch for precise and effortless operational control. This non-tensioned model is perfect for auditoriums, large conference rooms, and professional presentation spaces. Its high-performance motor ensures smooth and reliable deployment every time. Experience the standard in large-format projection technology with this elite screening solution.
Key Features
| Viewing Area | 159" H x 212" W |
| Diagonal Size | 265" |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 (Video Format) |
| Surface Material | Matte White |
| Case Type | Wooden with Black Paint Finish |
| Voltage | 120V AC / 60Hz |
| Mounting Options | Ceiling Recessed, Wall, or Suspended |
| Control Switch | Three-position Decora-style |
| Seamless Height | Up to 192" |
Customer reviews
Be the first to write a review
No reviews yet
No reviews match the selected filter.
Customer reviews
Be the first to write a review
No reviews yet
No reviews match the selected filter.