Rear projection as a general technique has inherent advantages over normal (i.e. non-optical) front projection:
> Some ambient light will pass through the screen into the projection room where it will be dissipated by general absorption and cross-reflections in the projection room
> Some remaining ambient light is absorbed or dissipated within the screen material.
> As the screen is so much darker than a front projection screen it will reflect less ambient light, thus creating better black levels in the image and better contrast
So called ‘optical’ rear projection screens are vastly superior to conventional rear