[simpits-tech] Projection screens play a vital role more than you'dthink... list submisson

[Brian Sikkema]

Great info! I will definitely be thinking more about this myself...


------- Original Message -------
>From    : kevin at simdeck.com[mailto:kevin at simdeck.com]
Sent    : 8/1/2007 4:42:11 AM
To      : simpits-tech at simpits.org
Cc      : 
Subject : RE: [simpits-tech] Projection screens play a vital role more than you'dthink... list submisson

 
Hi Folks
 
Just following up on the thorough submmission by Rob Hommell. One aspect the article overlooked though in regards to projection is 
the crucial aspect of the screen material itself. Most think projection needs to be in a darken room - 100 - 50 lux etc to get the 
perfect picture, which is true if you are using a white surface - painted wall or matt white screen. However if one is using a 
screen that vastly manages light in a different realm then it is quite a simple solution to achieve the perfect image for 
simulation. home theatre etc in a well lit room and low end projector. This is what we do on a daily basis with our ICE Digital 
Daytime screens. 
 
Our lens screen for example at any expo when we set up one of our F1 racing simulators allows us to achieve an image without 
fault. We find this excellent in using front projection as we mount the projector above and at the rear of the car and the screen 
at the front, so thereby occupying the projection distance taken up be the car. It is our intensions to achieve the same with the 
F16, Spitfire and Helicopter sims
 
We would never consider using LCD/plasma etc as the image is far to small. Typically our images create a life size world with 
1.7m  or larger depending on the need or situation.
 
What our ICE Digital Dayime Lens screen allows is a projector image that is up to 2,000% brighter than if a matt white screen had 
been used in  a well lit environment. Many find this hard to understand as most in the world have been engrained to think 
projector lumen is the key, failing to realise that the screen is the crucial aspect to get right.
 
Feel free to browse the downloads section where you'll find numerous examples comparative shots. 
 
http://www.iceav.co.nz/default.asp?Page=Downloads.
 
The other interesting aspect is that a matt white screen / painted wall will actually discard projector resolution due to the soft 
nature of the surface. What we find in any environment including a darken room that our screens make a noticeable visual 
improvement in the sharpment. The lens screen adds a slight perceived 3D effect with the naked eye, which is increased when 
wearing standard prescription or other reading glasses etc. of course with edimensional 3d system and a low cost projector and one 
of our screen we often race in 3D in a well lit room enjoying a life size screen image. We look forward to doing this more in the 
flight sim!
 
Also in regards to using mirrors...not sure if I saw it mentioned but when folding light you'll need front surface mirrors...not 
the bathroom type which are rear surface mirrors. Also it is also possible to use tension mirror foil, which tends to be cheaper 
and lighter weight.
 
Anyone wishing to talk off offline feel free to contact me. 
 
Regards
 
Kevin Andreassend
 
kevin at iceav.co.nz
www.iceav.co.nz
 
PS enjoy reading all your techy stuff, projects and the occassional banter submissions.