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SI’s variable
aspect ratio screen
Transformer
Screen Innovations Now Shipping Transformer Screen
Screen Innovations (SI), known for its ambient light
rejecting screen technologies such as Black Diamond
and Slate, announced it is now shipping its unique
variable aspect ratio screen, Transformer. First
introduced as a concept screen at CEDIA in 2015,
Transformer impressed the industry with its simplistic
method of displaying multiple aspect ratios without
utilising any masking material.
“Masking has been an integral part of projection
screens for decades, because they are a simple solution
to a problem; not all content has the same aspect ratio,”
says Skyler Meek, director of marketing at SI. “However,”
Skyler continues, “they are unnecessary. Instead of
covering the screen with obtrusive draping systems or
masking panels, we have created a screen that transforms,
seamlessly changing its shape, depending on the type of
content the viewer is watching.”
Transformer aligns well with SI’s philosophy for
simplifying the customer’s viewing experience. When Zero
Edge was introduced to the industry in 2011, it offered a
new presentation for projection screens. Compared to the
traditional velvet-wrapped frame, Zero Edge eliminated the
large extrusion in favour of a smaller ultra-thin bezel, similar
to that of today’s flat-panel TVs.
In keeping with the minimalist design, in 2015,
SI unveiled Zero-G, an all-new approach for how a
motorised screen could be presented in a room. Zero-G
screens appear to ‘levitate,’ with no visible black drop
material in between the viewing surface and the cassette.
Rather, the screen is suspended by colour-matched
Dyneema cables. These innovations have culminated into
Transformer, allowing SI to modernise traditional masking
screens after nearly 3 years of development.
In addition to designing incredible displays for their
customers, SI also strives to reduce installation time and
complexity for the CI channel. SI’s engineering team looks
to deliver integrators a streamlined installation process,
with a simplified method of packing and pre-construction.
“The number one complaint I hear from our dealers is the
masking installation process is too complicated and time
consuming, sometimes averaging a full day or more. We
feel Transformer will make all masking screens obsolete,
bringing beauty and simplicity to our dealers,” said SI
CEO Ryan Gustafson.
Transformer is available in custom sizes up to 235in
(7,315 mm) wide, equating to a 254.5in (6,464mm)
diagonal in the ‘ultra-wide’ 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Customers
can also choose different materials such as Slate(ALR)
and Pure, both of which are available in acoustically
transparent varieties, allowing speakers to be concealed
behind the screen. From the factory, Transformer ships
with pre-programmed default positions of 16:9, 1.85:1,
2.35:1, and 2.40:1 with user adjustable customisations
for any of these positions. SI worked diligently to make
certain the unit remains extremely quiet, with a focus on
friction free motion wherever possible and utilising Somfy
Sonesse RS485 Quiet Motors.
The new screens will be available in the UK from
Invision UK.
Screen Innovations +1 781 762 9300, screeninnovations.com
August 2017 | 75