in-ceiling ambient light rejecting electric projection screen

Evanesce Tab-Tension B CineGrey 5D® Series

GREENGUARD Certified
ISF Certified Products

The Evanesce Tab-Tension B Cinegrey 5D® is an in-ceiling electric projection screen designed for integrated ceiling installations. It utilizes our CineGrey 5D® ambient light rejecting material for superb performance with the lights on or off. The tab-tensioned material provides uniform flatness over the entire projection surface with superb color saturation, contrast and black/white dynamic range. Standard controls include IR/RF remotes and a 5-12 volt projector trigger. The material rapidly drops and rises using a smooth and quiet tubular motor.

CineGrey 5D vs. Typical Matte White Projection Screen Material

Angular-Reflective Projection Screen Setup Instructions

CineGrey 5D Ambient Light Rejecting, Tab-Tension Motorized Projection Screen

Evanesce (B)/Evanesce Tab-Tension (B) – Below Ceiling Installation

How to install the Evanesce in-ceiling projection screen above the ceiling

Evanesce Tab-Tension B CineGrey 5D® Testimonial in Corona CA

Evanesce Tab-Tension B CineGrey 5D® Installation Video

Evanesce Tab-Tension B CineGrey 5D®- Electric In-ceiling Ambient/Ceiling Light Rejecting Screen

Screen Material

  • CineGrey 5D® 1.5 Gain Ambient and Ceiling Light Rejecting (CLR®) front projection material
    • Angular Reflective Material for Standard “Long” Throw Projectors. (NOT Compatible with Ultra/Short Throw Projectors)
    • Multi-layer matrix uses reflective and absorbent micro-particles eliminate up to 75% of ambient light
    • High-contrast diffusion layers (Enhances black level dynamic range and color saturation)
    • Angular reflectivity negates light scatter artifacts and is ideal for residential or commercial applications
    • See the projected image exactly as Film Director intended: ISF Certified for accurate Color Points (RGBCMY), Dynamic Range (black/white levels), Color Temperature (white point)
  • 4K/8K Ultra HD and HDR Ready
  • Black masking borders absorb projector overshoot while enhancing visual contrast
  • Available in diagonal sizes 103″,106″, 126″ and 133″ in 16:9 aspect ratio

Design, Installation and Controls

  • Disappearing “in-ceiling” design for multi-purpose media room applications
  • Below or Above ceiling access accommodates installations from within the room or ceiling space
  • Tab-tension designs maintains uniform screen flatness
  • White enameled aluminum housing is durable and moisture resistant for structural integration
  • Includes handheld Infrared (IR) and Radio Frequency (RF) remote controls, and a wall box controller for manual on-wall operation.
  • User-friendly programmable vertical drop position for easy installation (RC1 Version Only)
  • Wall box controller is detachable for a clean look while maintaining RF & IR functionality
  • Built-in selectable channels allow one RF remote programming to control multiple screens and prevent interference (RC1 Version Only)
  • 12v trigger feature allows the screen’s UP/DOWN operation to synchronize with the projector’s power cycle
    • Wired 12v trigger capability via wall box controller (RC1 Version Only)
    • Wireless 12v trigger capability via Radio Frequency remote control

Quality and Reliability

  • Fast-acting yet quiet tubular motor with superior weight tolerance and longer operational lifespan
  • GREENGUARD® and GREENGUARD® Gold (UL 2818) Certified for safe air quality emissions – CineGrey 5D®
  • Flame Retardant: Complies with NFPA 701 Standards – CineGrey 5D®
  • 2-year limited warranty, and 3-year warranty for ENR-G – Education, Non-profit, Religious and Government/Military organizations
  • Lifetime Tech Support by Elite Screens Professional Service Team through Email, Phone or Online Form.

Choosing The Right Sized Projection Screen

Selecting the Right Elite Screens Screen Material For Your Home Theater

Understanding ANSI Lumens & Screen Gain

Understanding Aspect Ratio & Resolution

4K/UltraHD: What You Need To Know

GreenGuard® Certification – Improving Human Health and Quality of Life

Projection Screen to HDTV Comparison

How To Perfectly Install ANY Projection Screen

The Right Projection Screen for UST Projectors

Ceiling and Ambient Light Rejecting (CLR/ALR) Projection Screen Setup Guide

Angular-Reflective Projection Screen Setup Instructions

Recessed/In-Ceiling Electric Screens FAQ’s

Q : What is the difference between the Evanesce (tension) B and Evanesce(tension) Series?
What is the difference between the Evanesce (tension) B and Evanesce(tension) Series?

The Evanesce B and Evanesce Tension B Series’ differ from the regular series in that the B Series were mainly designed for home theater applications. With that in mind, we focused on the most popular aspect ratios and diagonal sizes used in a home theater setting. We also reduced the size of the housing and motor. By focusing on fewer models and by reducing the amount of materials used for the housing unit, we were able to cut down on production costs which we in turn passed along to the consumer. The Evanesce and Evanesce Tension were designed more for commercial applications such as conference rooms and auditoriums. Nevertheless, the screens can also be installed in dedicated home theaters. The Evanesce and Evanesce Tension feature a wider array of aspect ratios and sizes, have a faster motor, and utilize a more robust housing unit. All series come with a complete remote kit and have hardware accessories that allow for either a below or above ceiling installation (excluding Evanesce Plus).

Q : Do any of the trim pieces from the Evanesce B Series screen come off to allow installation if there is no access above the screen?
Do any of the trim pieces from the Evanesce B Series screen come off to allow installation if there is no access above the screen?

Yes, the Evanesce B allows for both above and below ceiling installations.

Q : Do any of the trim pieces from the Evanesce Series screen come off to allow installation if there is no access above the screen?
Do any of the trim pieces from the Evanesce Series screen come off to allow installation if there is no access above the screen?

Yes, our  European Style Evanesce Series screen will accommodate your installation. Please click HERE to view the user guide for installation instructions.

Q: Will I void my warranty if I cut the power cord on my Evanesce screen to hardwire it?
Will I void my warranty if I cut the power cord on my Evanesce screen to hardwire it?

No, you will not void your warranty, but cutting the cord is not necessary. Please see our hardwired connection (direct control) instructions here.

Q: Can the Elite Screens Evanesce in-ceiling screens be installed a drop ceiling with t-bar ceiling tiles?
Q: Can the Elite Screens Evanesce in-ceiling screens be installed a drop ceiling with t-bar ceiling tiles?

All of our Evanesce Series in-ceiling screens (Evanesce, Evanesce B, Evanesce Tab-Tension, Evanesce Tab-Tension B, and Evanesce Plus) include installation hardware kits for ABOVE and BELOW.  The kit includes four long vertical brackets to allow the screen to be suspended from any above structure.

Q: Where Can I find the IR codes for my Electric Screen IR remote?
Q: Where Can I find the IR codes for my Electric Screen IR remote?

Elite provides binary codes for the IR remote, see below.

SeriesUpStopDown
CineTension 2 Series1111 0000 00011111 0000 00101111 0000 0100
Evanesce / Evanesce Tab-Tension B1111 0000 00011111 0000 00101111 0000 0100
Home2 Series1111 0000 00011111 0000 00101111 0000 0100
Spectrum Series1111 0000 00011111 0000 00101111 0000 0100
Spectrum Tab-Tension Series1111 0000 00011111 0000 00101111 0000 0100
Spectrum Tab-Tension 2 Series1111 0000 00011111 0000 00101111 0000 0100
Starling 2 / Starling Tab-Tension 2 Series1101 0000 10001101 0001 00001101 0010 0000
VMAX2 Series1111 0000 00011111 0000 00101111 0000 0100
VMAX Tab-Tension Dual Series1111 0000 00011111 0000 00101111 0000 0100
binary codes for the IR remote

Elite’s V2.0 infrared remotes

SeriesUpStopDown
V2.0 infrared remotes1111 0000 0010
0101 1101 1101 1010 1001
1111 0000 0001
0101 1100 1100 0111 1000
1111 0000 0100
0101 1110 1110 1100 1001
V2.0 infrared remotes0011 00000101 00000110 0000
ZZ Type0011 00000101 00000110 0000
Elite’s V2.0 infrared remotes
Q: What is the power cable length of all Elite Electric Screens?
Q: What is the power cable length of all Elite Electric Screens?

Please see this chart.
Note: These measurements are accurate for USA only, other countries may be equipped with different lengths for each model.

Series NameModel SizesLength of Power Cord
CineTension2All Size98.4″ (2.5M)
Evanesce BAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)+ with extra control box
Evanesce Tension BAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)+ with extra control box
EvanesceAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)+ with extra control box
Evanesce TensionAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)+ with extra control box
Evanesce PlusAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)+ with extra control box
Home2All Size98.4″ (2.5M)
KestrelAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)
Kestrel Tab-TensionAll Size70.8″ (1.8M)
Kestrel Tab-Tension CLRXAll Size70.8″ (1.8M)
Kestrel StageAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)
Kestrel HomeAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)
Saker150″ below98.4″ (2.5M)
Saker150″ above (150″)98.4″ (2.5M)
Saker Tab-TensionAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)
Saker PlusAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)+ with extra control box
SpectrumAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)
Spectrum TensionAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)
Spectrum2All Size98.4″ (2.5M)
StarlingAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)
Starling 2All Size98.4″ (2.5M)
Starling Tab-TensionAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)
Starling Tab-Tension 2All Other Sizes98.4″ (2.5M)
Starling Tab-Tension 292″ in CineGrey 5D98.4″ (2.5M)
VMAX2150″ below98.4″ (2.5M)
VMAX2150″ above (150″)98.4″ (2.5M)
VMAX Dual®All Size98.4″ (2.5M)
VMAX Tab-Tension DualAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)
Yard Master ElectricAll Size98.4″ (2.5M)
VMAX Tab-Tension 3All Size98.4″ (2.5M)
Q: I need to directly control an Elite electric screen. Do you have a hard wire diagram?
Q: I need to directly control an Elite electric screen. Do you have a hard wire diagram?

Yes, please click HERE for a diagram to achieve a direct control (dry contact).

Q: My projector is not triggering the screen to drop. How do I test the trigger to ensure that the screen is not the issue?
Q: My projector is not triggering the screen to drop. How do I test the trigger to ensure that the screen is not the issue?

By exposing the red and green wires of the provided trigger, connect a 9-volt battery to the bare wires according to their polarity with the screen plugged in to the wall outlet. Once the wires make contact with the battery’s terminals, the screen will drop. Releasing the voltage from the battery will make the screen rise automatically. This indicates that the trigger and screen are functioning properly. Please check with your power source’s manufacturer for further assistance.   If the screen does not drop when applying the voltage with the battery, the next step would be to test the screen’s circuit board. Do this by plugging in the provided wall box and pressing the DOWN button. If the screen drops, then you may need a replacement trigger. Please contact Elite’s service department for support by sending an email to service@elitescreens.com.

Q: I know that all Elite Screens motorized screens include a built-in 5-12 volt trigger RJ45 input port, but what if my projector does not have a 5-12 volt trigger ouput port. How can I take advantage of the automatic down/stop synchronizcation of my Elite motorized screen and my projector?
Q. I know that all Elite Screens motorized screens include a built-in 5-12 volt trigger RJ45 input port, but what if my projector does not have a 5-12 volt trigger ouput port. How can I take advantage of the automatic down/stop synchronizcation of my Elite motorized screen and my projector?

Elite Screens offers a wireless Universal 5-12 volt projector accessory (Part# ZU12V) for projectors that do not have a trigger output. Contact your preferred Elite Screens reseller or visit shop.elitescreens.com for information about purchasing this product.

Q: If I install a Motorized Screen into the ceiling, what are my possible methods of controlling it?
Q. If I install a Motorized Screen into the ceiling, what are my possible methods of controlling it?

Since the Spectrum’s Infrared (IR) Sensor is hidden within the ceiling, there are a few options in which to control a ceiling installed Spectrum Screen:

  1. IR Eye Extender (ZSP-EYE&12V):  With the need of line of sight, the IR signal will not be sensed by the IR receiver built within the housing of the Spectrum.  By using an IR eye extender that attaches via the Spectrums all purpose RJ45 port, the extended sensor provides a solution to this problem.
  2. Radio Frequency (RF) Remote (ZSP-RF-B, ZSP-RF-W): The Spectrum, unfortunately, does not come with an RF remote.  It does, however, have an RF receiver built into the housing.  Without the need of direct line of sight, an RF remote would be a good control option.
  3. In-Wall Switch (ZIW-B, ZIW-W, ZIW-W1):  The spectrum comes with an all purpose RJ45 port.  By routing a cable within the wall, the In-Wall Switch provides a close proximity control option.  In addition, you can create your own in-wall switch by purchasing only our ZIW-Module.
  4. Wireless 12V Trigger (ZSP-TR01):  Use your projector as a screen control option by hooking up this simple device to your projector’s output trigger port.  If your screen doesn’t have an output trigger port, the Universal Wireless 12V Projector Trigger (ZU12V) works just as well for all projectors.
Q: Does the ZPM-RT2 control kit work with other Elite Screens electric screens?
Q: Does the ZPM-RT2 control kit work with other Elite Screens electric screens?

No, the ZPM-RT2 only works on the Spectrum 2 series.
Note: Compatible only with Spectrum 2 Series with serial number 198Exxxxx and after.  Example. 198E00497

Q: Are Elite’s electric screens compatible with Harmony remotes?
Q: Are Elite’s electric screens compatible with Harmony remotes?

Most of Elite’s electric screen products are compatible with Harmony remotes and are in their database. The only electric screens series that are not compatible with Harmony remotes are the Starling and Starling Tab-Tension Series (Versions 1 and 2). New Elite Screens series may not appear in the Harmony database, but you can simply select the VMAX2 series as the IR codes are identical for all series. Click here to visit the Harmony website for further assistance with programming your remote with our electric screens.

Q: What is the power consumption and motor RPM for my Elite Electric screen?
Q. What is the power consumption and motor RPM for my Elite Electric screen?

Please click here for the motor information of your Elite electric screen.

Q: Can I increase the Top Black Border on my screen?
Q: Can I increase the Top Black Border on my screen?

No, your screen’s Top Black border has been set to deploy to its full extent. Attempting to increase will damage the motor and void your warranty with Elite Screens.

Q: Why does my electric screen no longer function?
Q: Why does my electric screen no longer function?

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.

Q: What accessories are included with my Electric Motorized Screen?
Q: What accessories are included with my Electric Motorized Screen?

Please click here to view the Electric Screens Accessories chart.

Q: Can I use my manual/electric Elite projection screen as a window shade to block the sunlight?
Q: Can I use my manual/electric Elite projection screen as a window shade to block the sunlight?

No, Elite manual and electric projection screens are not designed for use as a window curtain and should never be exposed to direct sunlight.  Prolonged exposure to solar radiation will destroy synthetic materials and such damage is not covered by our standard warranty.

CineGrey 5D® – Screen Material FAQ’s

Q: Your website says that CineGrey 3D® (AT)/CineGrey 4D (AT)/CineGrey 5D® are not compatible with ultra-short throw projectors. Can you explain what this combination will look like and why it will not work?
Q: Your website says that CineGrey 3D® (AT)/CineGrey 4D (AT)/CineGrey 5D® are not compatible with ultra-short throw projectors. Can you explain what this combination will look like and why it will not work?


The CineGrey 3D® (AT)/CineGrey 4D (AT)/CineGrey 5D® are angular reflective front projection materials that reflect at the mirror-opposite angle. If an ultra-short throw projector is used, the material will reflect the steep narrow light and reflect it upwards instead of to the viewer’s eye level.

Image shows how a UST projector with CineGrey 3D looks like in a room with ambient light.
Image shows how a UST projector with CineGrey 3D looks like in a room with ambient light.


Image shows how a UST projector with CineGrey 3D® looks like in a room with lights turned off
Image shows how a UST projector with CineGrey 3D® looks like in a room with lights turned off


The image appears to look good, but is still reflecting the projector light upwards and causing a hotspot in the middle of the image. Overhead lights are being absorbed/reflected off the material while providing great color saturation, image brightness, and black levels for a contrast rich presentation. Model# AR100DHD3 – CineGrey 3D® EDGE FREE 100” Diagonal 16:9 Fixed Frame with JVC LX-NZ3B 4K HDR Laser Projector



Image shows how good a performance can be obtained using a standard throw projector with ceiling lights above

Q: Will the CineGrey 3D (AT)/4D (AT)/5D® ambient light rejecting screen material cause the “hot spot” effect?
Q: Will the CineGrey 3D (AT)/4D (AT)/5D® ambient light rejecting screen material cause the “hot spot” effect?

Elite Screens’ CineGrey 3D® (AT)/4D (AT)/5D® is a color neutral smooth surface with sparkling elements to increase screen gain in an ambient light room environment. These special characteristics incorporates a diffusion layer over a highly reflective surface which scatters ambient light while improving picture performance with a brighter image. The projector itself, however also plays a big part in creating a hot spot. Projectors highest brightness levels are focused in the center, and only about 70% to 80% in the corners. In other words, the uniformity itself is not spread entirely even across the screen, thus creating a brighter spot in the center area. To combat this, we recommend the following.

1. Reduce the projector’s light output by choosing an economy mode
2. Install the projector further away from the screen, minimum of 1.5 x the image width
3. Go with a lower gain screen

Q: I have a short throw/ultra-short throw projector, will this projector work with the ambient light rejecting CineGrey 3D® (AT)/CineGrey 4D (AT)/5D® angular-reflective materials?
Q: I have a short throw/ultra-short throw projector, will this projector work with the ambient light rejecting CineGrey 3D® (AT)/CineGrey 4D (AT)/5D® angular-reflective materials?

No, ultra-short and short-throw projectors are not compatible with CineGrey 3D® (AT)/CineGrey 4D (AT)/5D® angular-reflective materials.

Q: Can I use the CineGrey 3D®(AT)/CineGrey 4D (AT)/CineGrey 5D® material for Active 3D technology?
Q: Can I use the CineGrey 3D®(AT)/CineGrey 4D (AT)/CineGrey 5D® material for Active 3D technology?

“Yes they can be used with Active 3D projectors.”

Q: How well does the CineGrey 5D®/CineGrey 3D® (AT)/CineGrey 4D (AT) perform in a dark room environment?
Q: How well does the CineGrey 5D®/CineGrey 3D® (AT)/CineGrey 4D (AT) perform in a dark room environment?

The CineGrey 5D®/CineGrey 3D® (AT)/CineGrey 4D (AT) are great for dark room environment also, but we must understand its limitations. First of all, both materials have narrow viewing angles. So if you wish to have a wide seating arrangement after 80 degrees, you will notice a drop in brightness. Second, because they are higher gain screens they reflect more projector brightness. This may tire your eyes, so we recommend using a less brighter mode if your projector has a such setting. If that is not a problem, then these materials will work. And the best thing is, because they are angular reflective material, the projector’s light will not diffuse in all directions like a matte white material. Meaning that they will not scatter the projector’s light and create side lighting. Thus, eliminating the need to absorb it with black velvet or paint a room really dark. Third, because both of these materials are made with a neutral gray substrate, the color balance and temperature will be exceptional. The dark gray also enhances contrast and great color saturation.

Q: What are the benefits of using CineGrey 3D® (AT)/CineGrey 4D (AT) or CineGrey 5D® material in a dark room with white ceiling and walls?
Q: What are the benefits of using CineGrey 3D® (AT)/CineGrey 4D (AT) or CineGrey 5D® material in a dark room with white ceiling and walls?

Projecting on a matte white screen material in a dedicated Home Cinema, typically requires a dark room environment for a great theatrical experience. Matte White materials diffuse light in all directions since that is their nature. This means that light will scatter everywhere in the room. That is why a dedicated Home Cinema room should try to have as much black walls and light absorbing materials to reduce the amount of scattered light. This scattered light eventually reflects back to the projection image and degrading the contrast ratio, color, and black levels which affect the fidelity of the picture. The CineGrey 5D’s CLR/ALR technology allows the projector’s light to reflect back at the mirror opposite end. This greatly reduces the amount of light scatter and instead focuses the light to the viewer’s sweet spot. In addition, the black microscopic layers improve black levels and color purity to increase the contrast ratio vs a matte white screen material.

Q: I have a new UST projector in my multi-purpose room with very good light control. Considering to buy a StarBright CLR®/CLR® 2/CLR® 3 or CineGrey 3D/5D® screen. What is the difference?
Q: I have a new UST projector in my multi-purpose room with very good light control. Considering to buy a StarBright CLR®/CLR® 2/CLR® 3 or CineGrey 3D/5D® screen. What is the difference?

CLR®/CLR®2/CLR®3 and CineGrey 3D/5D are Ceiling Ambient Light Rejection Screen fabrics, however the CLR fabrics are especially designed for Ultra Short Throw (UST) Projectors to reject ambient light. The CineGrey 3D/5D are typically made for standard “long-throw” projectors and require the projected light (angle in) to reflect (angle out) at the same angle to the viewer’s eyes, “sweet spot”.

Q: How about using any “CLR/ALR” (Cinegrey®3D/5D or Starbright CLR®/CLR® 2/CLR® 3) with a ceiling-installed UST/ST projector?
Q: How about using any “CLR/ALR” (Cinegrey®3D/5D or Starbright CLR®/CLR® 2/CLR® 3) with a ceiling-installed UST/ST projector?

Ceiling mounted UST projectors will not even work with Starbright CLR® materials because the material is specifically orientated to reject “ceiling light” or any type of lighting from above. This means that the screen will reject any overhead light, even from a compatible projector. Theoretically, you could invert the Starbright CLR® material to match with an inverted UST projector but the alignment will still not likely align properly with the human eye to deliver the ideal “sweet-spot” picture performance.

Q: I have a high lumens output projector but my room has ambient light/ light colored walls/ceiling. How will the CineWhite® and CineGrey 5D® perform? Is the CineGrey 5D® a silver or grey screen? How does the screen color affect grayscales?
Q: I have a high lumens output projector but my room has ambient light/ light colored walls/ceiling. How will the CineWhite® and CineGrey 5D® perform? Is the CineGrey 5D® a silver or grey screen? How does the screen color affect grayscales?

Our CineWhite® material is an excellent screen material that is highly recommended when you have either a really high output (+3000 lumens projector) and/or are able to control the light in your media room (i.e. a dedicated home theater). However, under conditions when a lower output projector, uncontrolled ambient light, or light colored walls and/or ceiling, the CineGrey 5D® has four key features that result in a better overall viewing experience. Video review of the CineGrey 5D® by AV expert Andrew Robinson

  1. The CineGrey 5D® material has an ambient light rejecting surface. The material has an angular reflective material that incorporates a diffusion layer over a highly reflective surface. This causes direct light from the projector to reflect squarely into the viewer’s field of vision while the outer contrast layer enhances image quality while absorbing indirect ambient light.
  2. The CineGrey 5D® contains elements of a silver screen despite its dark appearance. These both work to enhance the contrast ratio and color reproduction in either a well lit or a dark room. With most standard white materials, the image will become washed out when ambient light is present. The ambient light reflecting properties allow the CineGrey 5D® to maintain the image quality even under conditions where there is a high amount of light. In light controlled rooms, there are still certain reflective surfaces that may interact with the projected image such as the colors of the walls/ceiling. The grey/silver properties of the CineGrey 5D® reduce the impact the reflective surfaces, such as light colored walls and ceiling, have on the screen image. Although a white surface is recommended in completely controlled designs, the difference in grayscale between the CineGrey 5D® and CineWhite® surfaces are so slight that they may not be noticeable to most human eyes.
  3. The CineGrey 5D® is a 1.5 gain screen material that improves the image quality when active 3D projectors are used. There is approximately 50% loss of brightness when 3D is activated and there is even more brightness (aka lumens) being lost when the tinted shutter glasses are worn. The 1.5 gain of the CineGrey 5D® reflects the image at 1.5 times the original brightness of magnesium carbonate which is the standard industry control for creating a 1.0 gain white projection screen.
  4. The CineGrey 5® is also a polarized material that allows for true 1080P 3D content when using a passive 3D projection system (i.e. dual projectors with an AFlex5D passive 3D video processor). The CineWhite® material is not polarized and thus the only 3D content that can be displayed on that surface must be from an Active 3D projector. In general, passive 3D is easier on the eyes as the viewer is able to see the image with both eyes at the same time rather than the left/right split that occurs during Active 3D.
Q: I am interested in improving image performance (brightness, color, contrast, etc.) for projected images in a church sanctuary with high levels of ambient light. A salesperson recommended using a brighter 4700 lumen projector. Would this offer more noticeable improvement than using CineGrey 5d® screen material?
Q: I am interested in improving image performance (brightness, color, contrast, etc.) for projected images in a church sanctuary with high levels of ambient light. A salesperson recommended using a brighter 4700 lumen projector. Would this offer more noticeable improvement than using CineGrey 5d® screen material?


A brighter projector (higher lumens) will help with image brightness but it does not help with color contrast or black levels. Since the projected image performance is important here, a contrast-enhancing material such as CineGrey 5D® is essential. White materials will reflect all of the light in the room; the projected light, indoor lighting, and sunlight through windows and doorways, everything. Because of this, the ambient lighting will still spoil image performance even with a bright projector. Ambient light rejecting (ALR) screens such as CineGrey 5D® filter out indirect light allowing your projected image to be what your audience will see instead of the extra glare. In addition to that, the screen’s filter layers enhance black levels and color contrast. This means that shadows, textures and slight variations in color shading in the projected image can be easily seen. Without an ALR material, such detail and clarity will not be visible. As you can see from the photos below, a bright projector does not enhance contrast.

ezFrame CineGrey 5D® Series

Q: What is the difference between Elite’s CineGrey 3D® and CineGrey 5D®?
Q: What is the difference between Elite’s CineGrey 3D® and CineGrey 5D®?

For a complete side-by-side comparison, please Click Here.

Q: Why choose an “ALR” screen like CineGrey 5D® over CineWhite®?
Why choose an “ALR” screen like CineGrey 5D® over CineWhite®?

Although matte white materials such as CineWhite® are ideal for environments where room lighting can be controlled, the image is easily washed out by ambient light. Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) materials such as the CineGrey 5D® are suitable for environments where there are high levels of indirect (ambient) light. This material trades off on the wide diffusion uniformity of white materials in favor of a brighter (angular reflective) image. Elite’s CineGrey 5D® incorporates a diffusion layer over a highly reflective surface which scatters ambient light while improving picture performance with a brighter image. This includes color neutrality with enhanced black levels and improvement over Active 3D presentations.

Introducing CineGrey 5D, an ambient light rejecting 2D/3D material

Q: Isn’t the regular matte grey material the best for enhancing contrast? If not what material should I consider and why?
Q: Isn’t the regular matte grey material the best for enhancing contrast? If not what material should I consider and why?

Matte grey was an earlier effort by projection screen manufacturers to enhance projector performance when projectors had limited performance ranges in need of a little help. Matte grey materials added a darker shade to projected images that would enhance black levels to a degree. The down side is that a projector with a high lumens output and interior light control was required. The next generation materials we offer now are CineGrey 3D / CineGrey 5D. The CineGray materials are ambient light rejecting. This means that the new materials will give you flat panel display brightness even with high levels of interior lighting. The old matte grey materials are washed out by interior lighting. Also, the Cinegrey series of ALR and ceiling light rejecting (CLR) screen materials give reference grade quality that is world class certified by the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) for its professional grade abilities to provide accurate color rendition, contrast, and black/white dynamic range. The CineGrey 3D® has a wider diffusion range while the CineGrey 5D® is brighter. Comparing either CineGrey 3D/5D materials to the old matte grey is like comparing a couple of souped-up Ford Mustangs to a Model T.

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