Page 18 - 2022-08-01 Sound & Vision

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angle The Connected Life

Big Screen Duality

BY JOHN SCIACCA

When I began this series of columns earlier this year, I had no idea it would system with a motorized 115-inch UST projectors have specially
turn into a four-part, treatise on the evolution and current state of choosing screen concealed behind a valance designed optics and lenses that
a big screen TV for your media room or theater. For those who have hung that rolls down in front of the OLED. enable them to project a 100-inch
with me, a sincere thank you, and I hope you found the journey worthwhile! The projection experience (diagonal) or larger image from
For the rest, here’s a lightning recap of those previous columns to catch always feels more special and cine- a position that is very close to
you up. Part one, “Big Screen Decisions,” dealt with the emergence of matic because of the significant the screen—usually less than a
larger and more affordable big-screen displays and recent advances in jump in screen size. Further, having foot away. In a typical setup, the
performance that have resulted in 85-inch-and-larger sets being not only a “regular” display means I don’t projector sits below the screen and
affordable but commonplace. Part two, “Big Screen Design,” discussed sweat lamp hours on my projector fires nearly straight up. To maximize
ways to incorporate these new giant flat-panel displays into your room and or power cycling if my 6-year-old picture quality, UST projectors are
offered tips on how to avoid having a décor-killing black-hole up on the wall wants to watch YouTube, my o en paired with a screen that uses
when the TV’s not in use. Part three, “Big Screen Dilemma,” addressed the 15-year-old wants to play Xbox, or if a special ambient-light-rejecting
seemingly eternal quandary of whether a direct-view display or a projection I just want to flip on the set to check (ALR) material with a lenticular
system is the right choice for you. the news or weather. surface to ensure a bright image,
Another bonus with this option even in sunlit rooms with no light
Concluding this tetralogy, I am large family room totally open to is that you only need one audio control. The screens usually have
going to address two additional other rooms with an entire wall of setup for both systems. So instead lower gains (below 1.0) to avoid
solutions that straddle the divide windows. of having to double your audio hotspo ing and tend to deliver nice
between wanting a fantastic, Going with a dual display budget to assemble two systems— black levels. Higher performing
cinematic experience in a non- system—a large, direct view TV for or seriously compromise one of specialty screens are also available
dedicated/light-controlled room— regular “day” viewing, and a sepa- the two—you can invest in one from Stewart Filmscreen, Screen
options that don’t require the wallet rate cinematic projection screen really good system and enjoy the Innovations, and others.
melting budget you would need to that rolls down for event viewing— best sound regardless of which A/V cabinet manufacturers have
buy a new MicroLED video display gives the best of both worlds. display you’re using. Of course, also developed innovative options.
like Samsung’s The Wall or Sony’s In my home, I have a wall- having a receiver or processor that Salamander Designs makes
Crystal LED. mounted 65-inch OLED that is can handle dual display outputs a ractive UST model-specific
used for 90% of our viewing. It is (preferably both in 4K HDR) greatly cabinets that conceal the projector
OPTION 1: THE DUAL DISPLAY bright enough to compete with simplifies connections and opera- and all of your electronics. Aegis

This solution is close to my heart as ambient light during the day and tion and, fortunately, it’s a feature AV takes the idea a step further
it’s what I did in my home 14 years big enough for an enjoyable movie that’s becoming more common. with its customizable Andromeda
ago and I’ve never regre ed it! experience, but not so big that it The downside, of course, is you cabinet that conceals everything—
Say you’re like me; you’re dead- dominates the wall. But, when we are buying two video displays. But, including a motorized projection
set on having a large, cinematic want to enjoy a movie at night or for those want to have their cake screen up to 120 inches (diagonal).
sized experience, but just don’t host an event like a Super Bowl and eat it too, it’s a terrific option. To And for those who want to
have a room for it. In my case, a party, we have a video projection quote Ferris Bueller, “It is so choice. eliminate wall clu er, Elite Screens
If you have the means, I highly and others offer freestanding
recommend picking one up.” motorized screens that rise up
from the floor. (See our review of
OPTION 2: ULTRA-SHORT Elite's Kestrel system in this issue.)
THROW PROJECTION
A large screen ascends magically
Ultra-short throw (UST) projection on command, ready to grant
is a relatively new option in the your wishes for a terrific theater
world of home theater, but one that experience, and then disappears
has been steadily gaining traction. when the movie is over!
And with well-known projector
manufacturers such as Hisense,
THE AUTHOR
Samsung, LG, Sony, Epson, and
others offering models, there are For the past 20 years, John Sciacca
has worked as a custom installer in
plenty of price and performance
South Carolina. In his free time, he
options to choose from, including
enjoys drinking craft beer and
cu ing-edge features like high-
watching movies on his 7.2.6
dynamic range (HDR) and powerful surround system.
laser-light sources.

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18 August September 2022 soundandvision.com