Lumene Plazza HD 240C

Lumene Plazza HD 240C, manual projection screen

Installing a projection screen does not necessarily require a motor or a remote control. For a living room or a dedicated theater room, a manual model remains a serious option, provided the screen fabric and mechanism are up to the task. Lumene, a French screen manufacturer, places the Plazza HD 240C in this category, with a screen treated against wear and a slim housing that blends into both wall and ceiling installations.

Four layers for a stable screen

The screen is made up of four superimposed layers. A matte white reflective surface forms the visible face, then a fiberglass core is placed between two PVC layers. This fiberglass provides dimensional stability that limits rippling, a common flaw in entry-level roll-up screens. The total thickness reaches 0.64 mm.

Three surface treatments complete this construction. The anti-yellowing treatment preserves the white shade over time, the anti-dust treatment reduces particle adhesion, and the anti-warping treatment reinforces the action of the fiberglass against deformation. On a screen that is regularly rolled up and unrolled, these are the details that determine real longevity.

Neutral gain and wide viewing angle

The screen gain is 1.0. The screen reflects the projector’s light without amplifying or reducing it, which delivers faithful color rendering and uniform brightness across the entire surface. The screen does not exhibit hotspotting, that bright halo that sometimes appears in the center of high-gain screens.

Its 160° viewing angle widens the usable viewing area. A viewer seated at the end of the sofa enjoys an image close to what is perceived from the center seat. The trade-off of a 1.0 gain lies in its lack of brightness boost: you need a properly sized projector and a room where lighting remains controlled.

Which projectors for this screen

The screen supports matrix projectors, both LCD and DLP. Standard-throw and long-throw models work without reservation, and short-throw projection also remains possible.

Ultra-short-throw projectors, however, are not suitable. This type of device sends light at a very shallow angle and requires a specific screen treated to reject this stray light. A matte 1.0 gain screen like the one on the Plazza HD would diffuse the image unevenly in this configuration. For a projector mounted on the ceiling or placed on furniture at the back of the room, on the other hand, the screen operates within its intended use.

Framing the image with black borders

Black borders frame the usable surface: 47 mm on the sides, 40 mm at the bottom. This dark outline clearly defines the image and enhances perceived contrast, as the eye distinguishes dark areas better when they are bordered by a black frame rather than a light-colored wall.

At the top, the screen has a 500 mm black band, the extra-drop. This extra fabric lowers the image position without affecting the projector adjustment, useful when the housing is mounted high under a ceiling or above a window. The back of the screen is blackout: no light passes through it, which allows installation in front of a light source.

A slim housing and a manual mechanism

The white lacquered metal housing features a slightly glittered finish that sets it apart from the usual smooth cases. Its slim profile allows it to fit into tight spaces, against a narrow wall or against a ceiling. Three mounting positions are provided: wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or suspended, and the housing can also be recessed into a carpentry enclosure.

Deployment remains entirely manual. You pull the screen down, an automatic locking system holds it in the chosen position, and a robust spring ensures retraction. The absence of a motor simplifies installation and eliminates any need for electrical power, at the cost of the remote control offered by motorized screens.

At 12.8 kg on the scale for a housing 256 cm wide, the Plazza HD 240C requires two solid anchor points. A second pair of hands proves valuable during ceiling installation, as the operation involves screwing while supporting the housing overhead.

Technical Specifications

Screen

• Format: 16:9
• Projection surface: PVC WMat-ST
• Optical characteristics:
  • Gain of 1.0
  • Viewing angle 150°
  • No hotspot
• Finishes:
  • Blackout black backing
  • Black borders
• Compatible with matrix projectors (LCD, DLP)
• Simple and effective automatic locking system

Surface Treatments

• Anti-yellowing
• Anti-dust
• Anti-warping

Housing and Installation

• Material: white lacquered aluminum
• Compact design for limited spaces
• Robust spring for optimal durability
• Easy and quick installation
• Mounting options: wall or ceiling

Dimensions

• Usable image area: 234 × 132 cm
• Housing (W × H × D): 256 × 8 × 8 cm
• Black borders:
  • Lateral: 47 mm
  • Bottom: 40 mm
  • Top: 500 mm
• Packaging (W × H × D): 269 × 17 × 14 cm

Weight

• Net: 12.8 kg
• Gross: 15.8 kg