Sony Black Screen ChromaVue HCS-W80

[Chuck]

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/-/-/-/BB_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=tv_TVDepartmentAccessories_FrontProjectionAccessories&ProductSKU=HCSW80

Why can't I find any reviews of this fancy new technology? It appears that they are now on sale, so where are all the reviews?

Sooo tempting. I hardly use my Sanyo Z-2 projector because of ambient light... Not the brightest of bulbs.

[JonMarsh]

It's been reported that this screen technology is specifically tuned to the light spectra of specific Sony projectors- the model you link to is designed for the HS51.

The way it's been described in the past, it works by blocking all colors except a narrow spectrum for the RGB ouptut of the projector; this enhances the ability to cope with higher levels of ambient light, and why it's called a black screen. But while it's described as having a peak gain of 1.7, there's no explanation I've seen about how or why it achieves that, whether it's merely reflective, or retro-reflective like some DALITE models.

Like other high performance screens, it's expensive. It's my experience that many folks aren't prepared to spend the equivlant of the cost of their projector on the screen- this model is around the price of your Z-2.

With the right characteristics, it might even be of interest to a CRT projector owner. But with as little info as Sony is providing (typical, I hate to say, for them) (I've owned a number of Sony products, including projectors), it's not likely folks will want to take a $2K leap of faith.

Just my 0.02.

~Jon

[Dean McManis]

I remember talking with Mr. Stewart about my Grayhawk screen, and he said that their screen material was specially coated with a film that rejected stray light (like a polarized lens) to reduce contrast loss due to stray light. And I could definitely see an improvement in that regard with the screen once I had it set up.

-Dean.

[Orbiter0007]

daylight digital projection

I had a chance to see the new daylight projection screens from ICE AV today in NZ. They were reviewed in our national newspaper NZ Herald yesterday and got glowing reports, so I thought I had better see them for myself. Well I was totally impressed and yes they work in a full lit room. Interestingly it did not make any difference whether the room lights were on or off ! When they showed me web site, word docs etc the picture was extremely bright. The typical movies I saw the picture was very good. They said their screens are rated at 20 gain, I also saw their dual image screens, new matt mirror screen, plus the tension and motorised versions...excellent pictures.
here is the newspaper article .. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?...ectID=10328747 also they have a web site www.daylightdigital.biz I had a look on their web iste and their is an extensive white paper so it seems they are prepared to share their tech info more than Sony. Apparently they have already a number of commercial installations in New Zealand with Blockbuster Video, United Video, a number of gyms in the cardio theatres of Les Mills plus home theatres have the screens installed.
They said their screens perform better than the Sony black screens.
John Brownly

[JonMarsh]

That's very interesting, John! Thanks for posting and sharing the links!

Wonder if something like that would make my CRT projectors usable in moderate low light conditions? Something to think about and investigate.

~Jon