Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×

Projection screens: six high-performance surfaces

If you only think about the projector and not the projection surface, you’re only telling half the story. To round off this special report, Paddy Baker takes a look at half a dozen projection screens that between them offer high picture quality, strong performance in ambient light, pleasing aesthetic design, and discreet stowage when not in use.

dnp LaserPanel takes on LED competition

While it’s well known that LED displays are displacing projection-based solutions at smaller screen sizes, dnp denmark says that its LaserPanel is a competitive solution at 100in.

Designed for meeting rooms, smaller classrooms and residential applications, the dnp LaserPanel comprises screen, ultra-short throw projector and wallmount – the first bundled solution offered by the manufacturer in its 30-year history. The display can be mounted on the wall, with the projector above or below it, shooting from a steep angle.

With a gain of 0.9, and a half-gain angle of 25°, the LaserPanel produces a display brightness of around 300 cd/sqm from its 3,000-lumen projector.

dnp believes that the LaserPanel offers 100in high-contrast images with the same image quality as LED-backlit LCD screens, but at a lower cost per square inch.

As the solution uses a laser projector, total cost of ownership is low, due to low running costs and the lack of lamp changes.

The dnp LaserPanel is also available in a Touch version, which has a rigid screen, interactive camera and infrared pens for interactive presentations.

www.dnp-screens.com

Draper’s high-performing light-rejecting surface

Draper’s TecVision CS1200X ALR is a grey surface with excellent ambient light rejection properties. It is available on Draper’s framed and rolldown screens and also as an acoustically transparent nanoperf surface.

With an ALR rating of 20, said to be one of the best in the market, TecVision CS1200X ALR rejects 80% of the ambient lighting in the room. Suitable for environments with controlled viewing angles, the surface is described as having excellent black retention, and superior contrast that meets or exceeds that offered by any competitive viewing surface. The 1.2 gain screen is available in sizes up to 20m wide.

Draper points out that higher gain enables the end-user to save money by choosing a less bright projector, while the premium surface creates a higher profit margin for the integrator.

Users won’t see the blue tints in images that are present on many other ambient light-rejecting screens. The surface has been independently certified for colour accuracy by the Imaging Science Foundation – something that is rare for a light-rejecting screen, says Draper. ISF certification guarantees an accurate representation of colours – demonstrating that the screen is able to handle the increased contrast levels of HDR projection.

www.draperinc.com

Premium corporate offering from Sahara

Distributor Sahara Presentation Systems says that its customers are increasingly requesting a premium product for installation into the offices of major companies. One solutions that could fit the bill is Da-Lite’s Tensioned Advantage Screen with HD Progressive 1.1 surface. The tab-tensioned surface is said to give superb image results, and is 4K ready.

The built-in Silent Drive control system allows users to automatically reveal or conceal the screen into a discreet elegant ceiling recess.

The Advantage series has been designed to enable installers to fit the empty case during the ‘rough phase’ of a commercial fit-out or development. The motor, roller and screen surface, which are sensitive to dust and particles, can be installed once the area is clean.

A tensioning cable system prevents warping and ensures even lateral tension, and smooth roll technology keeps the screen completely flat. The white surface is flame retardant and mildew resistant. Thanks to its extremely low levels of volatile organic compound emission, the screen has achieved GREENGUARD Gold certification.

www.saharaplc.com
www.da-lite.com

Maximilian is smooth, silent – and safe

Screenline’s Maximilian product is designed for cinemas, theatres and large venues, and, according to the manufacturer, offers high quality at an attractive price compared to the competition.

The Polichinelle mechanism uses two stainless steel belts, rather than cables, to move the lower roller to uncover or retract the screen – a feature designed to prevent overlapping or derailment when the screen rolls up.

Movement is fast, smooth and silent. The speed of the motor, and its rates of acceleration and deceleration, are set by an electronic controller unit. This can be remotely controlled via an RS485 port.

www.screenline.it

Elite’s grey screen is high-ambient choice

Elite Screens’ CineGrey 3D is a reference-quality front-projection screen material formulated for environments with minimal control over room lighting. It is designed to enhance picture brightness, offer extremely accurate colour fidelity and improve contrast levels in environments such as educational facilities, conference rooms, media rooms and sports bars.

When ambient light cannot be controlled, matte white surfaces wash out the images; under these conditions, CineGrey3D shows a projected image with a balanced colour temperature and contrast. It is ISF certified for its abilities to maintain a flat spectral response for more defined colour and sharper contrast. The CineGrey 3D is ready for the next generation of high-performance video.

It has a pleasing ‘edge-free’ design that suits virtually any décor. Its split-frame design means it ships in a compact form; it is also easy to assemble.

According to the manufacturer, the Aeon CG3D combined with a high-quality projector presents an image that dwarfs 90in flat panels, at a fraction of the cost. Previously offered at a much higher cost, it gives integrators a price advantage that can help to win bids, as well as opening the doors to customers were previously priced out of the market.

www.elitescreens.com

Fullwhite makes images float

AV Stumpfl’s Fullwhite projection screen offers a borderless appearance with next to no spatial depth. Made from high-quality materials, the screen is intended for high-end applications.By making projected images appear to float in space, Fullwhite screens add to the overall attractiveness of their surroundings.

The core of the screen is its unusually shaped frame profile (pictured). One side of the profile is skewed to the rear of the screen by 45°, which leads to its distinctive visual appearance: a frame that is not visible, even when viewed slightly obliquely. The robust frame structure allows for widths between 2m and 60m – or even more.

Fullwhite screens can be made to measure; they are based on a modular system of basic frame parts. By adding or removing additional plug-in elements, any format can be realised. Multiple screens can also be connected to create projection walls or cubes.

Set-up is said to be simple: the same method can be used, regardless of size. The screen features different mounting solutions, which give integrators flexibility within an install environment.

www.avstumpfl.com