FAQ : ACOUSTICALLY TRANSPARENT SCREENS

Since the very first movie with sound, cinemas have used acoustically transparent screens to ensure both image and sound are seamlessly synchronised. If image and sound are perceived as originating from different locations the film illusion breaks down.

The whole technical edge of the cinematic art is focused on credibility, it is most often called the suspension of disbelief . If you set up an Audio Visual system with a standard solid screen, the centre channel speaker will need to be located above or below the image. This out of alignment positioning will create an Audio + Video system, almost irrespective of screen size and you will be constantly aware that the film is being made of the two elements. This is fundamentally different to a proper movie theater where sound and image combine into a complete audiovisual experience.

Until very recently, A.T. screens suffered limitation in both Audio reproduction and video image quality.

• The screen fabric acted as an acoustical filter, inducing losses and distortion due to rear wall and speakers front panels reflections.
• Video technology has evolved towards the use of digital fixed-pixel projection systems since about 12 years ago. These designs, whilst offering the desired performance and features, induced a severe image problem when used with perforated or micro-perforated screens : The moiré effect.
• It is only very recently that these sound and image flaws have been totally eradicated, with Screen Excellence woven fabric technology.

Most of the highest quality solid screens provide an image gain of 1.0. Essentially light input from the projector equals reflected light output from the screen.

Screen Excellence screens, using the Enlightor fabrics provide a gain of 0.95 to 0.98, which is a negligible loss. Enlightor also affords images of absolute colour purity conforming to SMTP colour balance guidelines.

In many home environment A.T. screens allow light, reflected from the rear wall, to appear through the screen. This has significant shortcomings in the image contrast and precision. All Screen Excellence REFERENCE screens are fitted with an acoustically transparent rear black layer which totally absorbs light reflections. This noticeably enhances black levels, hence the overall contrast ratio and image definition.

Acoustic absorption, which never exceeds 3dB, is evenly spread over 4 octaves or even more for the Enlightor 4K. No EQ adjustment is required. As there is no reflection on the rear of the fabric itself, no distortion is created. Further information can be found in the Enlightor section of the Screen Fabrics page.

With so many advanced features the manufacturing costs are higher than entry-level basic screens. However, in comparison with nearly equivalent screens, their cost remains affordable. Compared to the benefit of having the sound origin located in the proper location and the dramatic improvement it brings to a Home Theater installation, it is well worth the minor extra cost when compared to a solid screen.

• Exclusive Enlightor fabrics- Uncompromised image and sound quality
• No moiré effect-Ideal for use with all fixed pixel projectors
• AT woven black backing fabric-eliminates rear wall reflections
• Adjustable top border-Position motorised screen at the exact height
• Wide black borders- Accurate imaging and optimum contrast
• Build quality- All screens are manufactured to the highest standards