Screen Research Introduces The World's First Curved, 4-Way Masking Projection Screen

September 19, 2006

Screen Research, one of the industry leaders in acoustically transparent, acoustically neutral projection screens for the home and commercial markets, has announced a worldwide exclusive – the FIRST fixed curved screen with a 4-way masking system: The TheaterCurve XMask Ultimate. It will debut at CEDIA Expo 2006 from September 14th to 17th, in Denver, CO – Booth 655. "With the launch of this unique product, we are proud to complement our curved screen line with the last and most sophisticated piece of a large portfolio of curved screens using our patented, professional-grade XMask technology," stated Yves Trélohan, CEO, Screen Research. "We are convinced that using Masking systems in high profile video projection applications is a must, so we are proud to offer to curved screens enthusiasts the widest possible choice of masking systems, no matter if they are using a traditional 16:9 projection format or 2.35:1 anamorphic system. That will bring the cinematic experience of using a curved screen to another higher level." The TheaterCurve XMask Ultimate features four, completely independent masks which form a perfect black border to the picture, no matter the picture format (1.33 to 2.70) or the projection format. Available in 2.35:1 or 16:9 native format, it can be used both with the projection in 16:9, or in 2.35:1 with an anamorphic lens. Last March, Screen Research launched an entire series curved screens, which it named its TheaterCurve™ range. First available as a fixed screen only (in 16:9 and 2.35:1 ratios), Screen Research then launched an entire series of fixed screens with side masking (2-way) in its XMask professional-grade masking screen series. Now a 16:9 or 2.35 native ratio 4-way masking version (top, bottom, and sides), the world's first in curved screen applications, is available for purchase worldwide. Screen Research's new TheaterCurve offerings eliminate the pin-cushioning effects that may be present in short focal distance applications of some anamorphic lenses. Another major benefit of using ClearPix2 with a TheaterCurve is its ability to eliminate the "audio hot-spotting" effect caused by screens that are not truly transparent to all audio signals. A traditional solid screen approach to curved screens results in the creation of a large parabolic reflector in the room, thus focusing reflected acoustical energy into a narrow hot spot in the middle of the listening area. With TheaterCurve and Screen Research's patented ClearPix2 fabric, the audio passes right through the screen unabated and any reflected energy from the back wall can pass through the screen and be absorbed by acoustic treatment placed behind the screen. Available in screen widths from 50" to 270" wide, all TheaterCurve™ models feature Screen Research's award winning ClearPix2™ acoustically transparent screen formulations. ClearPix2™ has been certified THX and ISF for its sound transparency and outstanding image qualities. XMask is a professional-grade line of masking systems for fixed screens: fully independent, patented mask movements; lateral moving and multi-format side masks; THX certified acoustically transparent masks; hand-crafted velour finish; and a full line of control systems. ClearPix2 is fast becoming recognized as the optimal acoustically transparent projection screen fabric for use in residential (home theater) applications, post-production facilities, screening rooms, dance clubs, recording studios, worship houses, and other small to medium commercial venues because of its uncompromised video quality and its lack of visual moiré and audio degradation effects (i.e., comb filtering and high frequency loss). Speakers can be placed without compromise, where the sound designer or movie's director intended them to be - behind the screen, at the actor's lips or where the action takes place. TheaterCurve fixed frame models start at $2,700 MSRP. TheaterCurve XMask masking screens with masking panels that can be made in solid or acoustically neutral masking material start at $16,500 MSRP. Screen Research's line of 1.33, 1.78 and 2.35 screens now includes hundreds of models of flat fixed screens, TheaterCurve fixed, TheaterCurve XMask Cinescope with masking, CMask fixed masking systems, motorized screens, and in-ceiling motorized screens with masking. Custom sizes, aspect ratios and models are also available.

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