Lunette uses a 40’ curvature radius to accomplish three things; viewer immersion, picture enhancement and superior sound performance.
A curved screen reaches into the viewer’s peripheral vision creating the illusion that they are being drawn into the picture. This perceived reality is further reinforced by a curved screen’s ability to cover the center AND the right & left channel speakers. This is important because it joins the image with the sound from the three forward points of sound origin (Right, Center, & Left Channels) creating a sound stage effect that results in a more realistic association between sound and the picture. Lastly, a properly curved frame design eliminates a visual artifact known as “pincushion effect”. Pincushion effect happens when (on a 2.35:1 or other wide-angle screen) the distance to the right & left edges of the projected image are larger than the center resembling an hourglass laying on its side. This is caused by light expanding over the greater distance it travels. The further the distance, the larger the light “footprint”. On a cinemascope projection screen, light must travel a greater distance to the right/left edges than it does at the center. The distance actually causes the image to expand disproportionately on the sides creating a sideways “hourglass” image where the center of the picture is smaller than the right & left ends are. Since the right/left edges of the screen are curved forward on a “curved” screen, it allows the light to travel the same distance to any other point on the screen as it does to the center. This results in a “uniform” image that is free from distortion. With all the benefits that a curved frame projection screen has to offer, more and more dedicated home theater aficionados favor them.
The listed measurements are for general reference only. Please contact Elite Screens to verify product design and dimensions before attempting to integrate its products with any structural or furniture modification. Although a manufacturer may offer product advice, it may be taken or disregarded at the integrator’s discretion. Elite Screens will not be held responsible or be otherwise liable for faulty installations.
Q: I have a 16:9 (HDTV) home theater projector but I'd like to have a presentation that has a 2.35:1 (Cinemascope) aspect ratio on a 2.35:1 projection screen. Do I need an anamorphic lens for this? A:For the best possible results, an anamorphic lens is recommended. However, it is possible to get a 2.35:1 screen format as long as you can live with the "black bars" created when a mismatched 16:9 native aspect ratio projecto is set up to fit a wider projection screen format. It is simply a matter of personal preference.
Q: What is the advantage of having a black velvet covered frame? A: In addition to an appealing aesthetic appearance, the advantage of having a black velvet covered frame is to help absorb projector overshoot.
Q: What is the radius curvature on the Lunette Series? A: The radius curvature is 40 feet.
Q: Why is a curved projection screen better than a flat one? I like the way it looks but what about performance? A: Despite its good looks, a curved projection screen plays a valuable role in today’s home theaters. Residential cinemas are more commonly featuring the same wide “Cinemascope” screen format as one would watch when actually at a movie theater. This wider format looks great but also creates problems that a curve screen design eliminates. The curve serves two purposes. First, it has an aesthetic appeal that draws in the viewer by enhancing a sense of immersion while enhancing resolution and brightness. The curved screen, together with the anamorphic accessories will increase brightness and enhance resolution by up to 30%. It does this by eliminating the black margins that can appear on the projection surface of flat cinemascope screens. Second, it eliminates a visual artifact known as “pincushion effect” which is encountered when scalers and anamorphic lenses are used to create a 2.35:1 (Cinemascope) format. Pincushion effect is when the top and bottom center of a projected image appear to droop inward creating an hourglass-shaped picture. This happens because the light travels noticeably further to the edges of the screen than it does to the center (The further the throw distance, the larger the image), creating unsightly black margins on the screen itself. The curve design ensures that light travels the same distance to reach any point of the screen thus creating a properly proportioned image.
Q: How do you decode model #'s? A: Each Elite Screens' model number starts with the product series name. Follow by case color (if applicable, certain models only available in one color), screen material, screen aspect ratio and product series version. Lastly, extra black drop and its length (if applicable). Here is an example.
Curve235-166W Curve235: Lunette 2.35:1 Format Series -166: 166” Diagonal W: CineWhite Material (A1080: Acoustic Sound Transparent Material)
Curve150WH1 Curve: Lunette Series 150: 150” Diagonal W: CineWhite Material H: 16:9 Format 1: Version 1
