Perhaps the most frustrating elements in a home theater might just be the “black bars” that appear with movies formatted in Cinemascope aspect ratios viewed on widescreen 16:9 screens.
In order to solve this issue, there are a number of available options that include anamorphic lens systems that can be combined with projectors that incorporate Cinemascope processing, and screen products that offer Cinemascope aspect ratio compatibility.
The Midwest screen manufacturer Seymour-Screen Excellence offers a complete line of screens that include its popular acoustically transparent screen materials. Adding to its product line, the Iowa-based company has announced its new TAM-1T acoustically transparent motorized screen masking solution.
Screen-Seymour Excellence says the screen delivers a top-down masking solution that adjusts from 1.78 to 2.4 to eliminate those “black bars.” The screen is reportedly 30 percent less expensive than its TAM-2TB screen.
“Our True Aspect Masking [TAM] screens have become quaite popular amongst dealers designing screening rooms on the higher end of the spectrum,” says Chris Seymour, managing director, Seymour-Screen Excellence. “With TAM-1T we found a way to delvier comprehensive aspect ratio control without the somewhat costly second masking assembly. This represents a cost savings of approximately 30 percent less than the dual-masking systems. We see good opportunities for dealers to turn to TAM-1T for rooms where they are striving for the highest caliber theater experience, with the home theater budget being a relevant factor.”
The TAM-1T screen is built with the same Reference Series 3.7-inch wide frame as its more expensive TAM models, and the TAM-1T's motor system is designed to run quietly and reliably for years of long-term use.
The company also points out that the screen sits less than six inches off a wall once it is installed, and its masking is made with an acoustically transparent black fabric that complements its Enlightor4K screen material.
Seymour-Screen Excellence says the Enlightor4K screen material is ISF certified for color purity, and its gain is 0.98. Pricing starts at $8,200.
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