[wbassett]

phaseshift wrote:

Hi Everyone,
My firm has been hired by a client to develop a line of fixed and motorized film screens specifically geared towards the home theater market. These will be mainstream products; nothing too exotic and certainly not the el-cheapo junk level. As a reasonably long time member of this forum, I have contacted Sonnie and asked about getting some feedback, advice and developing a wish list as a matter of assisting with the R&D portion of this project.

That said, I am interested in learning your opinions and the hidden issues related to 4 main areas-

1. Size and formats – This is the easiest one since they are going for the HT market at the initial offering. I doubt we will have 4X3 aspect, but it is an option as a custom build if folks want that. 16:9 and 2.35:1 will be the first to hit production.
   
   I would start with 16:9 format since that is the most common and most versatile. I would though consider a 2.35:1 option for those that request that, but most are in the market for 16:9
   
2. Screen material selection- Here is where I am going to admit that I have the least experience and need the most opinions / preferences. I guess the question is more about the preferences than anything- What do you want to see in a mid priced screen and what are the things that you believe we should add if possible to give that little extra bit of performance or quality? This would be for matte white, high contrast and high gain.
   
   The newer projectors are getting brighter and brighter all the time. With that in mind gain isn't as much of an issue as it was just a year or two ago. I would go for better uniformity throughout the entire viewing plane as well as concentrate on accurate color reproduction. White and a light gray do tend to be the most popular options, but a nice neutral matte gray in the N8 Munsell shade range is also very popular with people that sometimes want to have some room lighting on.
   
   What I always look for is how well balanced the screen is to D65. The key is not altering what the projector is producing and the best way to achieve that is sticking to as close to D65 neutral as you can. If you are having the screen material made, the textile industry follows the same color standards we talk about in here so they would be able to under stand color values and tolerances and should be able to match that.
   
   a. Whatever screen material is employed, must be thoroughly inspected and I have already planned an automated inspection system using vision equipment (for holes and damage, end of roll etc…) as well as a spectrophotometer to check color and balance. This is pretty easy to automate if the budget is there.
   
   Seems like you covered the bases for Quality Assurance.
   
3. Mechanical / Assembly methods, attachment to the wall – Here is where I am looking for comments based on experience. What worked well, what you dislike etc… The mechanical design is 90% complete already; I just want to confirm that what we are doing will not be disliked. I can probably gather that from commentary.
   
   Multiple stops that are easily setup and controlled by the remote. Also a nice black border, at least 2" wide. This will allow a person to drop the screen for a 2.35:1 aspect or bring it all the way down for a full 16:9 display.
   
   Also tab tensioning or some way to prevent waves is a must. That is the single biggest complaint people have with retractable screens that are not tab tensioned.
   
   Masking systems are also something to look into. Most masking systems are only available on high end high priced screens, if one can be added to a mid level screen at a decent price, that would be a killer feature.
   
   For mounting, ensure a multi-function mount where a person can either mount it to the wall or the ceiling depending on their setup. Also some people like hidden designs that either retract into the ceiling or a soffet. Basically fit and trim items and options.
   
4. Other – the stuff I am not thinking about.

I would appreciate comments and suggestions from the point of view that I do not have – that of a consumer in the AV world. This is where I need to hear your comments, see your preference and so on. I know there are some pretty well informed folks posting here and I am not looking to displace anyone or come off as Mr. K.I.A. Please be gentle with me.

Finally, I have not cleared it with the customer yet, but I feel certain that I will be able to get at least a screen or two for a raffle / giveaway once they go into production. I bet I can make that happen.


Thanks in advance for the time and consideration.

Hope that was helpful and what you were looking for.