screen posts
With a name like Screen Excellence, you know it won't be cheap, but it'll probably be a real treat for the eyes. If you're shaking this recession off like it's your job, you'll be delighted to know that said company is now shipping its VistaCurve projection screens for those with the requisite coin. The new range is comprised of curved 1.78 and 2.37 aspect ratio models, both of which are available in sizes from 80- to 160-inches wide. They also feature the company's Enlightor 4K (EN4K) screen material formulation, which is said to be the "first and only acoustically transparent screen material that has been designed specifically for high-end Commercial D-Cinema and cutting edge residential high-end installations." The fixed frame models start at $5,800, but look, it's way better than importing Philips' Cinema 21:9 and being stuck at 56-inches.
Da-Lite's online Projection Screen Calculator makes the decision for you
Baffled when trying to choose what size screen to install in your home theater? Let Da-Lite help. The outfit has just made live its web-based Screen Calculator, which guides individuals through an "easy and clear process for selecting the right projection screen." Users will be able to determine the optimal screen size by "selecting the appropriate format the projection will be shown in, choosing the screen type and lastly picking the correct material or surface." Just don't be shocked if you suddenly start craving a Da-Lite screen when it's all said and done.
SI's CURVE Reference Fixed Frames now shipping
SI Screens is hoping to convince you that curved screens really are the way to go, as its new CURVE Reference Fixed Frames are finally leaving the docks. Designed specifically for very short-throw applications, the inward-curving 30-feet screen helps to counter the pincushion effect and provide "the most immersive experience available." There's no mention of price, but for those that have to ask, you'll probably be better off without the knowledge.Open Air Cinema brings its 16x9-ft projection screen to market
Open Air Cinema's seasonal timing on bringing out its 16x9-ft inflatable projection screen is a bit off, but who knows -- maybe picking one up now will give you something to look forward to once the ground thaws. Or, be our guest and set up what's billed as "the largest screen available for backyard use" in the snow, call the neighbors over and break out the hot cocoa. For $999, you'll get a 220-inch screen that should put an end to any arguments about who has the biggest TV, and -- mercifully -- a blower that will inflate the rig in seconds so you can spend time getting the projector (not included) set up "just so." We figure that if you're going to be outside, you might as well splurge on the largest screen, but there are also 12-foot and 9-foot versions available for $599 and $449, respectively.
Vutec introduces Vision-X DYNA-CURVE projection screen
A projection screen is a projection screen, right? Not so fast, cowboy. Vutec's hoping to help you recognize the difference with its home theater-centric Vision-X DYNA-CURVE, a high-gain fixed curved screen available with a variety of surfaces. The screen boasts an "advanced multi-aspect masking system for use with all widescreen 2.35:1 anamorphic lens projectors, masking to 16:9 and 4:3, while maintaining constant image height for movie, HDTV and standard TV formats." There's no mention of a price, but you can phone up the company with your desired size and get a presumably lofty figure thrown your way.
SI Screens ships Reference Motorized projector screen
Shortly after hearing that SI Screens was shipping its flamboyant Black Diamond projector screen comes word that its Reference Motorized model isn't too far behind. The company sounds totally jazzed to be showcasing said unit at CEDIA 2008, but folks who'd rather not wait for the expo demo can apparently get one on order right now. Each unit sports a curved décor case, ultra quiet motor and a Super Flat rigid horizontal screen tensioning system. Prospective buyers can snag one in sizes ranging from 80- to 160-inches diagonal, with screen format options including 2.35:1, 16:9, and 4:3. Now, if only these things weren't so incredibly pricey...
SI Screens ships Black Diamond projector screen
Are you serious about your projector? No, we mean serious. If so, SI Screens is asking that you place your money where your mouth is with the shipping announcement of its Black Diamond products. Said screens promise the blackest blacks and the whitest whites, though there's no details on whether it does chores when not entertaining guests. Still, for $2,599 (100-inch), it better.
Elite Screens intros mobile electric floor-rising Kestral
The VMAX Plus3 may be just the thing for home theater builders looking to set it and forget it, but what about projectionists on the run? Elite Screens' $2,199 Kestrel should be just the thing, as it comes in a highly portable package that enables users to erect a screen from the floor up with the press of a remote. Available in both 84- / 100-inch versions in either 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios, these screens boast a "mechanized cross-rising apparatus is driven by a tubular motor," and the built-in 5-12V projector trigger should come in handy as well. So much for taking the top-down approach, huh?
Elite Screens introduces VMAX Plus3 projection screen
If you've got wads of Benjamins just roasting a hole in your pocket and you're desperately in need of a new projection screen, Elite Screens may have just the thing. Announced this week, the outfit has made official its VMAX Plus3 (prior iteration pictured) electric projection screen, which is designed for "large presentation halls, auditoriums, churches and community theaters," but we're confident it would seem right at home in a serious home theater. The unit is available in 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios and is constructed from Elite's proprietary MaxWhite 1.1 gain synthetic weave material. You'll also find direct wired (Ethernet) / wireless options (IR and RF) for control, a side access panel in case the motor ever needs to be removed and a price tag starting at $1,778.
DNP's Supernova Epic Screen now shipping
DNP -- the very same folks that developed the daylight-friendly Supernova Flex Screen -- is all set to begin shipping out its newfangled Supernova Epic Screen. Clearly aimed at high-end home theater enthusiasts, this particular projection screen promises to provide "widescreen reproduction of movies in all aspect ratios displaying superior high-contrast images in 100-percent neutral color." Additionally, the unit's motorized masking system is "fully adjustable from closed to 2.40:1 settings," and it even combats retro-illumination so you don't have to. The Supernova Epic is available in standard sizes up to 156-inches (though custom orders are welcome), and while pricing has yet to be divulged, we're taking that as a sign of unaffordability.
[Via AboutProjectors]
[Via AboutProjectors]
Pittsburgh's Heinz Field to get $2.4 million HD scoreboard in 2007
Oh boy, there's yet another contender in the "world's largest" HDTV race, and per usual, it's at a sports-related venue. This time around, Pittsburgh's Heinz Field is getting ready to see a high definition makeover as it seeks to replace the aging SD screen that has stood since the stadium opened in 2001. The new HD display, which will be manufactured by Daktronics, should be fully installed and ready to go for the 2007 Steelers' season, and will reportedly enable an additional 3,600 ticket holders who can't see the current board due to a viewing angle snafu to get a glimpse of those beautiful HD replays. Notably, no details were present about the exact resolution, screen size, or any other specifications of the sure-to-be-mammoth board (as is the case on the forthcoming screen to be built in the Washington Nationals Baseball Stadium), but it won't be too long before we'll get to gaze at this bad boy in person, anyway.DNP unveils daylight-friendly Supernova Flex Screen
While the Claro TV fights off the dimness so often associated with watching front-projection in broad daylight, and Planar's Xscreen claims to work without the gargantuous pricetag, now there's yet another firm in the mix of miracle-working screens. Germany's DNP has unveiled the Supernova Flex Screen, which claims to deliver "ten times" the contrast and "double" the brightness compared to standard screens when used in daylight. Available in both fixed and retractable versions, and in widescreen sizes up to 120-inches (100-inches for 4:3 versions), the Supernova is reportedly compatible with all LCD, DLP, and LCoS projectors. It also sports an "ultrafine" .0065-millimeter pitch along with a "high-contrast filter" that allows the projected image to be reflected by the screen while it absorbs incidental light from other sources. While we've no idea how much DNP plans to charge for this daylight-friendly device (nor if it actually works as claimed), we shouldn't have to wait around too much longer to find out.
Trak-kit flat-screen solution

So you just got a flat-screen a need a way to hang. But you don't want that same style that your buddy down the street is using. You need something unique. Well, Trak-kit has your ticket friend. Their system allows people endless possibilities for their flat-screen TVs. If you can dream it, Trak-ket can build it for you. They say the only limitation for length is the signal in the cables, but they even offer a solution for this. Since HDMI cables start to loss signal after 50 feet, Trak-kit can utilize a Crestron Cat-5 system to extend this to 500 feet. The track can even be hid in your ceiling for a truly, custom install package. Plus, you can hang your front/center speakers on a custom bracket and don't worry about the extra weight; Trak-ket can hold up to 500 pounds. They have some cool demos here that really show off the versatility of the system. The only downfall we can see is that is is not powered by remote; yet. They are working on it and should be available in '07.
[via ApartmentTherapy.com]






























