FAQ's
General FAQ's
Q: I am interested in getting a projection screen for my 20x20’ conference room. There is a lot of overhead light but accurate color reproduction is very important to me. I am also considering a UST projector. Is there some general guideline for getting a product that would be happy with?
There are a few good options for you to use in your conference room and yes, there is a general guideline to follow that makes selecting the screen a fairly easy task. Remember the acronym. PEG or (Purpose – Environment - Gear). Let’s use PEG to answer your question.
In the question above, it must reject overhead (ceiling light) while maintaining excellent picture/color performance I a bright room. We have a few screens that can handle this but since you are considering a UST projector, I recommend the Aeon CLR® since it is designed specifically for use with ultra-short throw projectors. If you have a preference for a motorized variety, we are intending to launch a motorized “roll-up” version next year (2019). We also have motorized ALR/CLR® variants for our standard long-throw projectors available now.
- Purpose – This will be a business environment with a focus on color reproduction. Elite has a selection of matte white or ambient light rejecting materials that are ISF certified. However, even our non ISF materials can help you achieve that superb picture quality as long as the projector is properly calibrated. Depending on preference, either a fixed-frame or retractable screen would be appropriate.
- Environment – If the environment has full control over ambient lighting, a matte white material will work well. Most business environments have overhead lighting (ceiling light) or simply put, making the whole place dark for any reason is just inconvenient. For this matter, an ambient light rejecting screen material is appropriate. Ask about Elite’s variety of ALR (ambient light rejecting) or CRL® (ceiling light rejecting®) material options.
- Gear – Since projection is a 2-piece video display, it is essential that the projector and screen’s performance specs complement one another. The projector and screen should have the same aspect ratio (screen or image shape). If the projector is a standard “long” throw, short throw “ST”, or ultra-short throw “UST”, there is a specific screen material that is best suited for your specific projector.
In the question above, it must reject overhead (ceiling light) while maintaining excellent picture/color performance I a bright room. We have a few screens that can handle this but since you are considering a UST projector, I recommend the Aeon CLR® since it is designed specifically for use with ultra-short throw projectors. If you have a preference for a motorized variety, we are intending to launch a motorized “roll-up” version next year (2019). We also have motorized ALR/CLR® variants for our standard long-throw projectors available now.
Q: What are the main aspects (ie. cost and features) that I should use in comparing the various projection screen brands?
Although there are many manufacturers that cover a variety of retail and integrator sales channels, product quality, features and pricing are still the driving critera for increased projection screen sales. The general pricing matrix that most follow is that a good projection screen equates to roughly 1/3 to ½ of the cost of a projector. Comparative features include the screen’s ability to provide clear color reproduction, contrast and a level of brightness that is suitable to the environment in which it will be used. Equally important is the product’s overall flawless quality and reliablility as well as included features such as IR/RF and Ethernet controls along with other accessories.
Q: What size of screen should I get for my room?
A: The best way to do it is to make sure the screen's diagonal size matches the distance to you first row of seating. There is not set standard size for a room, just consider the seating location of you and your guests. Your material should allow everyone to comfortably sit and watch without craning their necks back or shifting their eyes from side to side. Generally, 84" - 106" diagonal sizes are appropriate for your typical residential setup.
Q: Should I get a 1:1, 4:3, 16:9, 16:10 or 2.35:1 format screen?
It depends entirely what your intentions are but here are the general format uses to help you out.
- 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.
- 4:3 NTSC format: PC software, Commercial Presentations (if your projector is SVGA or XGA native resolution), Classroom Training, and Gaming.
- 16:9 HDTV format: Home Theater Movies and Gaming
- 16:10 format: PC software, video games, video editing, presentations from notebooks with WXGA or WUGA native output.
- 2.35:1 Cinemascope format: Strictly Home Theater movies.
Q: What is the best projection screen option for a ultra/short-throw projector?
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 with PVC such as our CineWhite®UHD-B flexible material which will provide adequate tension throughout the entire projection surface.
AKIA CLR®, EDGE FREE® CLR®3 and CLR®4, Fixed Frame is recommended for table-top ultra-short throw projectors in an ambient light room environment.
We recommend using a Fixed Frame Screen with PVC such as our CineWhite®UHD-B flexible material which will provide adequate tension throughout the entire projection surface.
AKIA CLR®, EDGE FREE® CLR®3 and CLR®4, Fixed Frame is recommended for table-top ultra-short throw projectors in an ambient light room environment.
Q: What screens do short throw projectors work with?
AKIA's non-tensioned screens are great with standard throw projectors, but just like any non-tensioned projector screen, we don’t recommend using it with an ultra/short throw projector. Non-tensioned screens are not completely flat and while it may have little, if any, perceivable effect with a standard projector’s image, it can distort ultra/short throw imagery. We recommend purchasing Elite's tab-tensioned screens utilizing the CineWhite® or CineWhite® UHD materials or any of Elite's fixed frame screens if an ultra/short throw projector is required.
Q: I have a 16:9 (HDTV) home theater projector but I'd like to have a presentation that has a 2.35:1 (Cinemascope) aspect ratio on a 2.35:1 projection screen. Do I need an anamorphic lens for this?
For the best possible results, an anamorphic lens is recommended. However, it is possible to get a 2.35:1 screen format as long as you can live with the "black bars" created when a mismatched 16:9 native aspect ratio projecto is set up to fit a wider projection screen format. It is simply a matter of personal preference.
Q: How high should I hang the projector screen?
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.
Q: WHAT IS THE MIN. AND MAX. OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURES FOR THE AKIA PROJECTION SCREEN?
Operating Temperature: +32°F to +113°F ( 0°C to +45°C)
Storage Temperature: -14°F to +158°F ( -10°C to +70°C).
Storage Temperature: -14°F to +158°F ( -10°C to +70°C).
Screen Material FAQ's
Q: HOW DO I CLEAN MY AKIA SCREEN PROJECTION SCREEN MATERIAL?
All AKIA Screens projection materials 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.
Q: HOW DO I DETERMINE THE DIRECTION OF THE CLR 3/ CLR 4 MATERIALS?
Q: I HAVE A ULTRA-SHORT THROW PROJECTOR WITH YOUR CLR/CLR 2/CLR 3 FIXED FRAME SCREEN AND I SEE THAT THE PROJECTOR DOESN'T FILL THE SCREEN COMPLETELY WITH THE SCREEN TOTALLY FLAT. ONE SIDE EDGE APPEARS TO NOT FILL CORRECTLY. I ALSO REALLY HATE THE HALO OF REFLECTED LIGHT THAT SURROUNDS THE SCREEN
In our experience it has to do also with the flatness of the wall. Not all walls are completely flat and the uneven side can cause the screen to pop out/stick out on the corner and not allow the projector to properly fill out the edges. Projector manufacturers usually have small legs at the bottom that allow the projector to adjust the projection image to offset this.
The halo effect is possibly normal but some projector manufacturers have a masking option in their menu to eliminate light bleed outside the area.
The halo effect is possibly normal but some projector manufacturers have a masking option in their menu to eliminate light bleed outside the area.
Q: I WANT TO PURCHASE AN ULTRA-SHORT THROW PROJECTOR. YOUR WEBSITE SAYS THAT CINEGREY 3D®/CINEGREY 5D® ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH ULTRA-SHORT THROW PROJECTORS BUT IT DOES NOT SAY WHAT IT WILL LOOK LIKE. CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT THIS COMBINATION WILL LOOK LIKE AND WHY IT WILL NOT WORK? HOW NOTICEABLE IS THE DIFFERENCE IN QUALITY?
The CineGrey 3D®/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. As you can see from the picture, the image looks foggy and unwatchable due to the projector’s light being reflected in the wrong direction. The material is reflecting and absorbing and treating it as ambient light.
This image shows how a UST projector with CineGrey 3D looks like in a room with ambient light.
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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.
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Image above shows how good a performance can be obtained using a standard throw projector with ceiling lights above: 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 |
Q: How do I alleviate screen creases?
A: The Portable Folding Frame screen material is folded so that it can fit into a smaller package to decrease freight cost. If you notice crease lines on the material upon opening the box, there are a couple of things that can be done to alleviate them. The easiest method would be to allow the material to stretch on the frame. Over time, the creases will alleviate to a
minimal.
If after a few days you do not see any improvement, the second method in alleviating them would be the use of a hairdryer. Set the dryer on medium heat and blow on the material from its back side from about 3 feet away, concentrating only on the crease lines. Do not apply excessive heat as this will cause for the material to deform. You may need to repeat this process for a couple of consecutive days depending on the severity of the creases
minimal.
If after a few days you do not see any improvement, the second method in alleviating them would be the use of a hairdryer. Set the dryer on medium heat and blow on the material from its back side from about 3 feet away, concentrating only on the crease lines. Do not apply excessive heat as this will cause for the material to deform. You may need to repeat this process for a couple of consecutive days depending on the severity of the creases
Material when first unpackaged
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Material when fully tensioned on frame
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Q: I notice that the materials on non-tensioned projection screens may curl at the sides while tensioned materials seem to flatter. What causes this curling?
A: Curling is commonly caused when a non-tensioned screen is in a room temperature below 65°F, but will maintain a relative state of flatness between 65-85°F (18.33°C-29.44°C). Curling does not distort the image.
Electric Screens FAQ's
Q: Can I increase the Top Black Border on my screen?
A: 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 AKIA Screens
Accessories FAQ's
Q: What is the frequency of your RF remote?
A: The frequency of the RF remote is 433MHz
Q: How do I sync my RF remote to my AKIA electric screen
A: If your RF remote control does not work with your screen, try the following to get in synced. See below for instructions. Make sure new batteries or working batteries are in your RF remote control before proceeding with the steps.
- Unplug your screen from the power outlet
- Hold the UP button on your RF remote
- While holding the UP button, plug the screen back to the power outlet
- Wait 5 seconds and then release the UP button
- Now you can use your RF remote
Installation FAQ's
Q: How would I synchronize the up/down function of my electric screen with my projectors power cycle?
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.
Q: How high should I hang the projector screen?
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.
Q: Where do I place the center support bar for a fixed frame screen?
A: Center support bar for larger size fixed frame screens goes inside the top of the groove located on the back of the frame.
Q : HOW DO I ADJUST THE VERTICAL LIMIT OF MY SCREEN?
A: Unfortunately, we no longer provide limit switch adjustments. The screen is already deployed to its complete factory setting. We do not recommend making any vertical limit adjustments to the screen, as improper adjustments will affect the projection image, damage the unit and void your warranty. Over/false adjusting the drop will permanently damage the screen and will be unable to repair.
Warranty Service FAQ's
Q: Where can I locate my screen serial number (S/N)?
A: Your serial number can be found on both ends of the packaging box stickers, as well as on the screen itself. Reference the list below on where to locate your serial number depending on the type of screen:
- Manual Screens --> end cap and weight bar
- Motorize Screens --> end cap and weight bar
- Tripod Screens --> rear side of casing (left hand side)
- Fixed frame Screens --> rear side of frame (bottom frame)
- Indoor Outdoor Portable Fast Fold Screens --> rear side of frame
- Tripod Lite --> weight bar