RE: large metalic screens

[P3D Rafael Ramirez <rafaelramirez@xxxxxxxxxx>]

>Because I was told that at NSA that they have the only roll of screen
>material left in the world, I asked about their screen. Kirk said
>there were two companies still producing large silver screens
>(neither one DaLite). One was material only and the other sold
>complete screens (frames, lacing, etc.). He also said ones was much
>brighter than the other.

Plenty of companies make large metalic screens:  Stewart (CA), Harkness(UK),
Teknicote (NY) and a german one called something like Mechaniche Weberei. 
They make screens virtually as large as you want.  Except for Stewart, who
are WAY more expensive, the others can be had for about $30-50 per square
meter (this is a VERY general and rough estimate to be used only as a
reference).  I have purchased screens from them all, except Stewart.  All
are very good, possibly with Teknicote being a little worse (the screen
wasn,t as clean as I would,ve liked).

Stewart quotes the largest gain figure and suppossely seamless largest size.
 The only metalic screen from them that I saw, one about 11x5m in
Marineland, Fl, broke in half (ripped?  excuse my english) during
instalation and Stewart refused to pay for a new one (I think they finally
did replace it for free, but only after harrassing them for a long time). 
This was some 15 years ago, though.  They also quote the largest deliveries
times, usually up to three months, while all the others have them ready in a
few weeks, although Harkness is busy at times.  Their sound-perforated
material seems to be the best.

Most of the above also make (or sub-contract) frames for their materials. 
There are also independent companies that make really good frames to be used
with other,s materials.

Smaller ones can be obtained from Da-Lite(US), Reflecta(GR), Bretford (US,
sp?) and I,m sure I,m forgetting others.

I still think that, *light permitting*, a flat screen is much superior to
any high-gain method for 3-D projection.  It reduces hot spotting and color
shifts, besides preserving polarization marginally better.  Of course if
light is a concern then the above guys have screens that go from 2.0 to 4.0
in gain (2.5 average).

rafaelramirez@xxxxxxxxxx
Global Images
Apdo. 490
E-35500 Arrecife, Spain


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