Grandview ALR Dynamique screen and ultra-wide projector – A stunning and large image easily now also in a bright room

Hairlight a problem

One of the most significant differences between a video projector and a television relates to the source of the image/light seen by the viewer. In a video projector, the light is produced by the projector’s lamp, whereas in a television the entire screen is itself a source of light. In itself, the screen is capable of reflecting light very effectively, but that’s where the problem lies. The screen actually reflects other light than just that produced by the video projector. For this reason, even though the high light output produced by the video projector enables a bright image even in a bright room, the shadow light reduces contrast especially in the dark part of the picture.

The effect of the floodlight can be reduced by, for example, designing the projection screen so that only the light coming from the projector is reflected back as well as possible, but the light that enters at an angle is not. The typical placement of a video projector is more or less directly on the fabric, while the sufficient width of the viewing area nevertheless poses significant challenges regarding the attenuation of the floodlight.

The solution

If the light source (the projector) were positioned clearly outside the fabric and viewing area, and its angle were known with the greatest precision, then the glare would be easier to control. Only light arriving from a specific direction would be reflected back.

This is now possible with the so-called ultra-short throw projectors that have arrived on the market, and with Grandview’s new fabric type.

Ultra-short throw projectors are able to project the image from a distance of only 20-40 cm from the fabric and below its edge. The projector is therefore positioned “outside” the fabric and at a steep and relatively accurately predictable angle and direction with respect to the fabric, from which it usually does not reflect any other light (diffuse light).

The Grandview ALR Dynamique fabric is designed to reflect only light arriving from the front direction forward. In contrast, light arriving from other directions is intended to be dimmed. This is also the abbreviation for the fabric’s model designation: ALR, which loosely translates as Ambient Light Rejection.

We placed the Grandview ALR Dynamique fabric next to the regular basic curtain fabric from Grandview. As you can see from the photo, the difference is absolutely huge. The photo of the basic curtain fabric on the right is completely unusable in normal room lighting. In the photo of the ALR Dynamique fabric, the dark shades are reproduced much better.

The Grandview ALR Dynamique fabric has a surface area of 221 x 124 cm, or 16:9 aspect ratio with a diameter of 100 inches (also available in 120-inch size). The fabric is a solid-frame fabric, meaning the fabric is definitely straight and assembled ready to hang on the wall. The width of the black frame is only 12 mm. The fabric with the frame is wrinkled.

According to the manufacturer, this fabric is intended for ultra-short throw projectors only. The recommended throw ratio for the projector is 0.3, which means that for this projector, the fabric is about 35 cm away. Suitable projectors include the Optoma GT 5500+ (Read the test here).

Good

+ Excellent light output and contrast even in bright sunlight
+ Noise light attenuation

Bad

- White level in a dark space
- Price for reservations