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.

Here is a quick video on Pin cushion and curved projection screen.

The curve screens are for enhancing the performance of Cinemascope projection.

• (2.35:1) Curved screens work with the anamorphic lenses and scalers to eliminate 33% of “pixel waste” on the black bars.
• Curved screens properly format the anamorphic image with optimal contrast (effects of the black framework perfectly framing the image)
• Curved screens only real claim to enhance 3D is that their curvature helps eliminate hot-spotting on higher gain (3D) materials
• Curve screens also eliminate the pincushion effect

 
The “immersion” factor on a curved 16:9 screen is mostly a myth.

• Immersion comes from the wide-angle (Cinemascope) presentations where your peripheral vision is picking up movement from the sides of the screen while you are focused on the center picture.
• 16:9 format is popular for TV sets because your eyes can easily take in the whole image without extra stuff happening off to the sides.
• This is why theaters are 2.35-2.40 and TVs are still 16:9. 

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.

VMAX 128 U W X 2 -E20

128: 128" Diag.

U: Black Case (X: White Case)

W: MaxWhite Screen Material

X: 16:10 format (V: 4:3 / H 16:9 / S: 1:1 )

2: Version 2

-E20: Extra Black Drop 20"

A. The reasons why a customer would prefer the slower synchronized motor over the tubular is as follows:

• The synchronized motors are silent. Many consumers prefer that all of their home theater gear operate silently.
• The synchronized motor consumes considerably less power per operation than a tubular motor making it more of a green-conscious product.
• Because the synchronized motor is produced at a lower cost than the tubular motor, we can forward the savings on to the consumer by providing a more aggressive price point.
• Because of its slow speed, the synchronized motor generates less heat allowing it to enjoy a long operational lifespan.
• Lastly, the synchronized motor has a drop speed that is roughly equal to a projector’s power cycle.

A.Yes, Elite’s electric screen products are compatible with Harmony and in their database.
 
Please visit the Harmony website for further assistance with programming your remote with our electric screens.

http://myremotesetup.com/easyzapper/New/Main.asp?WebProcessAction=Start&ReturnUrl=%2FEasyZapper%2F.%2FNew%2FProcSpice%2Flanding.asp&ClassId=PrSpice.ProcSpice&RelativePath=ProcSpice%2F#

A. It depends entirely what your intentions are but here are the general format uses to help you out.

1) 1:1 format: If you use traditional Slideshow/OHP (Overhead Projector), Document Camera, and commercial projector presentations. These are most commonly used in schools, government facilities, and houses of worship.

2) 4:3 NTSC format: PC software, Commercial Presentations (if your projector is SVGA or XGA native resolution), Classroom Training, and Gaming.

3) 16:9 HDTV format: Home Theater Movies and Gaming

4) 16:10 format: PC software, video games, video editing, presentations from notebooks with WXGA or WUGA native output.

5) 2.35:1 Cinemascope format: Strictly Home Theater movies.

A: Many people are using SVGA Projectors for videos and gaming with good results.  Here are some ideas for selecting your Projection Screen.

 Step 1: Choose a screen that is somewhere between the $100 to $400 price point (excluding size factors). As a rule of thumb, try to keep the cost of your screen to about 30% of your projector's cost for the sake of proportional spending.

Step 2: Choose a 4:3 or 16:9 format screen, depending on how much time you will be involved with TV, gaming or movies that have various formats from 4:3, 16:9, and 2.35:1.

Step 3: MaxWhite or CineWhite is the best choice for you.  But you may also consider high contrast gray material to improve your black levels if you are watching presentation with an SVGA projector with a low contrast ratio at about 2000:1 with a high output that exceeds 1500 lumens.  Contrast gray is primarily used to improve black levels but the diminished light return should always be considered.

A: Although the sky's the limit when it comes to getting a home theater projector, there are 3 basic qualities that define the typical mainstream consumer product.

1. Price point is at or below $4,000 USD

2. Your Projector's Contrast Ratio is higher than 2500:1

3. Your Projector has a 16:9 (HDTV) Native Aspect Ratio

Matte White is the most widely used material because of its superior versatility and it is recommended over high gain or contrast gray surfaces.  It has a wide diffusion uniformity for maximum visibility and will get satisfactory results with virtually any front projection array.  It is recommended over high gain material because high gain concentrates the diffusion into a narrow viewing cone with sharp color enhancement which is great for a dedicated home theater environment but not preferred for a multi-purpose room due to its limited visibility angle.  Contrast gray material enhances black level contrast for older DLP and entry level LCD projectors but also does this at the expense of diminished light return which means it should be used only with high output projectors.

Front projection should generally be used in a setting with controlled lighting or no ambient light at all.

• MaxWhite: Standard matte white textured material

• MaxWhite FG: Matte white textured material with Fiber Glass backing for enhanced rigidity

• CineWhite: PVC tension reinforced variant of matte white

• AcousticPro1080™: Acoustically sound transparent matte white weaved material

 

 Elite Screens suggests the following Projection Screen types

 1. Wall / Ceiling / In-Ceiling - (Manual and Electric)

 * See Manual, Manual SRM, Spectrum, VMAX2, Home2, CineTension2, Osprey Tension Dual, Evanesce, and Evanesce Tension

2.  Wall only (For dedicated home theater) - Fixed Frame

* See SableFrame, ezFrame, Cinema235, and Elite Prime Vision Fixed Frame

3.  Outdoor, Portable Business, or Recreational Presentations (Floor Pull Up or Folding Frame Screens)

* See QuickStand, QuickStand Drape, ezCinema, ezCinema Plus, Tripod, Tripod Pro, and MicroFlip

4.  Indoor, Electric Floor Rising

* See Kestrel, Kestrel Tension, Raptor, Raptor Tension, Raptor Module,and Raptor Module Tension

A: The SableFrame only has models with our CineWhite screen material and the frame design on all of these series vary.  See picture below for details

A: Elite Screens Electric screens stocked in the US warehouse only support 110V 60 Hz, if you need 220V screen, we can arrange a special order to directly ship from our factory to you within 45-60 days. Or we can ship from our US warehouse stock with the 220V/110V transformer ( Model ZTF220, Note: this model only supports VMAX and Spectrum series up to 150" Diagonal, all other series are not compatible)
If you require a customer size screen, please fill out the form located at: http://www.elitescreens.com/csr.htm

Please download the Screen Compatibility Table HERE

A: No, Elite Screens understand the need to hardwire your electric screen and therefore will not void your warranty.

A:  All Elite Screens projection materials with the exception of the StarBright™ 7 and the StarBright™ 4 can be cleaned with mild soap and water using a soft terry cloth. For stain removals, stronger cleaning agent may be used. Please use with caution as strong cleaning agents may remove the coating screen material and cause permanent damage.

StarBright™ 7 material is to be cleand with a very soft cloth and mild soap and water.  Do not rub the viewing surface or permanent damage will occur.

StarbBright™ 4 (WhiteBoardScreen™) is cleaned with the included spray bottle and the high density eraser.  For deep cleaning, we recommend using a low alcohol product and wiping it off with the high density eraser.

A: As a rule, it is recommended to ensure that the center of the screen is in alignment with the eye level of those seated in the first row of a graduated Home Theater seating layout.  This will provide the best levels of ergonomic stability, and will not negatively affect the vantage point of the following rows as their increased distance from the screen will provide a comfortable viewing position as well.

A: The adaptor can easily be made by using a CAT-5 networking cable and a RJ-45 networking connector. See image below and please note that the RJ-45 is exclusively designed to be compatible with only a  projector’s trigger output. Any other type of device’s trigger output that you choose to  utilize with our product is to your own discretion and is not covered under warranty should there be any malfunction. Please contact Elite Screen’s technical support department for further information.

Circuit board layout of CineTension2, Home2, VMAX2, Spectrum, Kestrel series screens

 Download and print this drawing

A: To ensure that your projector can support a trigger application, please be sure to:
a. Reviewing your projectors user manual.
b. Contact the manufacturer of your projector.
If you do find that your projector supports a trigger application, connect the Elite Electric Screen Trigger Adapter cable from your Screen to your projector's trigger port (Please consult a professional installer for further details on wiring and installation). Since Elite Screens only provides the screen 5-12 volt RJ-45 adaptor, you will need to contact your projectors manufacturer for the trigger adaptor of the projector. Most projector manufacturer trigger ports use a mini jack plug and adaptor that may be obtained at most local electronics stores. Please consult with your dealer or projector manufacturer for further details concerning this trigger adaptor and installation.

A:  Elite Screens Electric screens stocked in the US warehouse only support 110V 60 Hz, if you need 220V screen, we can arrange a special order to directly ship from our factory to you within 45-60 days. Or we can ship from our US warehouse stock with the 220V/110V transformer ( Model ZTF220, Note: this model only supports VMAX and Spectrum series up to 170" Diagonal, all other series are not compatible)
If you require a customer size screen, please fill out the form located at:
http://www.elitescreens.com/csr.htm

A: Our IR remote controls have been evaluated and entered in to the databases of some control system companies including AMX and Crestron. Please contact the manufacturer of your control system to inquire about the ability to for the system to function with our Electric screen products. 

A: Yes, Elite Screens can make custom size screens.  
Please visit http://www.elitescreens.com/csr.htm to order a customer size screen.

A: The ratings on our electric screens vary from series based on the motor they utilize.  Please see chart below for these ratings.

A: There are a few possible things you could check:

1. Make sure your wall plug has power and that the screen is properly plugged in.
2. If the screen works well with the wall switch but not with the remote controls, ensure that fresh alkaline batteries are installed in the remote controls.
3. Check your screen’s internal fuse. (Please call our Tech Support for location of fuse before tampering with the screen.)
4. Our Home2, CineTension2, Kestrel, Raptor and VMAX Plus 3/4 screens feature a tubular motor equipped with a Thermal Relay.  This feature will automatically shut off the screen should your motor become too hot, thus preventing overheating of the motor.  To correct this, simply leave the screen alone for 20-30 minutes and try again.

A: All Elite electric screens have been set to factory settings that are not designed for adjusting. If an adjustment is necessary we can walk you through the procedure or send you the instructions, however they will be used at your discretion and Elite Screens is not liable for any damages that may result from over-adjusting. Vertical limit adjustment is not recommended since the damages can be permanent and irreversible. Adjusting the vertical limit also voids the standard Elite Screens warranty.