Matte White Materials

Active 3D– All of Elite Screens’ materials are compatible with active 3D projectors.  The system utilized by Active 3D projector setups does result in an overall loss in brightness however. When 3D mode is activated on a projector, up to 50% of the lumen output is lost. The image brightness is further diminished as the viewer is required to use dark tint glasses.  If the majority of viewing will be done in Active 3D, Elite Screens recommends a higher gain screen materials such as, CineGrey 3D® and CineGrey 5D®, to help offset lumen loss.

1. 3D Polarized Silver Screen: Elite Screens Airbright3D2 on either a fixed frame or tensioned electric “roll-up” configuration.
2. Two Projectors (DLP or LCD or Lcos), any brand ok. *Pref. matching models that have the same resolution, aspect ratio, and throw distance for the best results.

Ultra/Short-throw projectors require a flat projection surface since the projector’s light is closer to the material.  Non-tensioned screen materials may exhibit minor wave or curls which may be more pronounced if using an ultra/short-throw projector.   We recommend using a Fixed Frame Screen or a Tab-Tension screen with PVC such as our CineWhite® flexible material which will provide adequate tension throughout the entire projection surface. Please click here to learn more about the CineWhite® screen material. Our Aeon CLR®, EDGE FREE® Fixed Frame is recommended for table-top ultra-short throw projectors in an ambient light room environment. Please click here to learn more about the Aeon CLR®.

A Hot Spot occurs when a projection screen cannot evenly diffuse a strong light signal creating a noticeably brighter area in the picture. With rear-projection screens, it will appear to viewers as a bright spot marking the location of the projector’s lens behind the screen. This is a common occurrence in rear projection screens; essentially a hot spot is when you can see the projector bulb through the screen’s surface. The next FAQ provides a few things you can try to reduce the hotspot effect.

Black Backing is an important feature that prevents light penetration and increases reflectivity for sharper color reproduction.

Screen material selection will depend on various factors such as type of application, environment, and projector.  Please see the screen material selection guide for a better understanding of the materials we offer. Screen Material Selection Guide 

The percent of gain difference between 1.0 and 1.1 is 10%. A gain of 10% brightness is gained from the projector’s lumens output.   Example : If a projector has 1000 lumens you’d gain 10% if the material gain is 1.1. 1000 x 1.1 = 1100

Elite’s MaxWhite® FG and Spectra White FG are very comparable as they both are self-supporting matte white front projection screen surfaces with fiberglass backing. Having a fiberglass backing is beneficial as the embedded fiber glass improves rigidity which results in a more stiff material. Thus, the fiberglass backing provides the flattest possible surface a non-tensioned screen can offer. Additionally, the fiber glass backing eliminates any side curling non-tensioned materials are susceptible to, especially under cold temperatures. Both the MaxWhite® FG and SpectraWhite FG will provide an excellent quality image in light controlled environments. The main difference between the materials is that the MaxWhite® FG utilizes a more neutral white material for better white levels. Both the Spectra White FG and MaxWhite® FG have viewing angles of 180° (90° left and right). The wide diffusion uniformity on both the materials maintain luminance levels throughout the entire surface. The MaxWhite® FG is also offered on many more of or products, whereas the SpectraWhite FG is solely available on the Starling and Starling Tension. The Spectra White FG material is also slightly thicker than the MaxWhite® FG.

Elite Screens’ MaxWhite® and MaxWhite® FG are excellent screen materials for front projection presentations. The materials have a multi-layer weave and textured surface coating that offer perfect diffusion uniformity, color reproduction, and black and white contrast. Both have a 1.1 gain that allows for 180° viewing angles (90° left and right) and are black-backed which avoids light penetration. They are also easy to clean, mildew resistant, and GreenGuard® Gold UL 2818 certified. The key difference between the MaxWhite® and MaxWhite® FG is that the MaxWhite® FG has a fiber glass backing. This is beneficial as the embedded fiber glass improves rigidity which results in a more stiff material. Thus, the MaxWhite® FG provides the flattest possible surface a non-tensioned screen can offer. Additionally, the fiber glass backing eliminates any side curling non-tensioned materials are susceptible to, especially under cold temperatures. Lastly, the MaxWhite® FG is also flame retardant and complies with NFPA 701 Standards.

Tension material provides a flatter screen surface and for better uniformity and even light distribution without waving or curving on the projection surface. These problems could be caused by temperature variations in multiple layer materials. Newer non-tensioned materials such as our MaxWhite® or MaxWhite® FG have greatly reduced occurrences of this flaw to the point of arguably matching its flatness in some cases. Some prefer non-tensioned due to aesthetics but tension still generally has superior flatness.

The viewing angle of the MaxWhite® material is 180°.