SmX ProMask-Curv Screens

2 Way Masking Defined

With the PROMASKcurv, you are not just watching a movie, you become part of the movie. The curved screen with masking immerses you even more-so into the movie unlike conventional flat fixed projection screens.

Most enthusiasts that practice true constant image height use an anamorphic lens and video scaler to fill the Cinemascope screen. This combination allows you to get the maximum resolution and light output from your projector while viewing 2.35:1 – 2.40 aspect ratio films by eliminating the black bars above and below the projected image.

By stretching/scaling the projected image, the black bars get pushed outside of the pixel panel on the projector. This allows you to gain up to 30% more resolution and increase light output because your new viewable projected image is now using the full pixel panel unlike before when the black projected bars were present with 2.35/2.39 content.

The curve of the PROMASKcurv not only immerses you more into the movie but also corrects anamorphic lens distortion by reversing the bow-tie distortion caused by the anamorphic lens. Besides correcting anamorphic distortion, the PROMASKcurv also helps direct more light back to the center of the audience and keeping reflected light off the side walls. This is one of the main reasons why curved projection screens are used in most commercial cinemas around the world.

The masking panels come in play when watching movies and television that is in aspect ratios under 2.40. When watching a 2.35, 1.85, 1.78 or 1.33 projected image with a constant image height set-up, you have grey or black projected bars on the sides of the viewable screen. These annoying bars are a contrast killer and yourprojected image suffers from it.

The PROMASKcurv eliminates those unwanted projected grey or black bars by masking them off with our true black hole velvet masking panels. This greatly improves perceived contrast and perfectly frames your projected image immersing you into the movie.

Why mask your projected image?

Because the dark black frame and mask around your viewable screen perceives increased contrast and makes the projected image appear to float off the screen. The masks also give you a sharp black border around your projected image. So the blacker the frame/mask material the higher perceived contrast.

Two Independently Controlled Masks

Each masking panel in the PROMASKcurv is independently controlled. This allows the end user endless flexibility in masking. With the PROMASKcurv, you can also mask for off centered projected images with simple ease.

Small Footprint

Other masking systems are large and bulky robbing valuable wall space from your theater and sometimes compromising your viewable screen size due to wall space limitations. The PROMASK-Curv masking system frame measures a sleek 4 ” wide x 3.25″ deep on the top and bottom face and 6″ wide on the sides.

Trim Profiles

For your room design convenience, the PROMASK-Curv is available with four different frame trim profiles. Choose from SmX’s standard flat face frame, radius beveled face frame, straight beveled face frame or flush aperture mounted frame.

Integration

The PROMASK-Curv integrates into all automation systems with I/O technology including Crestron, AMX, Lutron, etc. The PROMASK-QUAD can also be controlled via IR and RF remote controls as well as IP, rs232, dry contact and wall switches.

All PROMASK masking systems come standard with IR, RF, IP, RS-232C, RS-485 (hard wired or wireless) and Dry Contact controllability.

Remote Control

The ProMask masking system is currently the only masking system on the market that offers Six standard aspect ratios with SmX’s hand held remote. Most other companies offer 1 to 4 aspect ratios by hand held remote.

The PROMASK hand held remote control sends both IR and RF commands simultaneously.

You can also choose to independently transmit IR or RF commands with our dual control remote. The IR receiver that comes with your PROMASK is capable of receiving IR signals from up to 100 feet away (direct line of sight) when used with SmX’s remote.

The ProMask-Curv remote control standard aspect ratio buttons are 2.35:1, 1.78:1, 1.33:1, 1.85:1, Custom Aspect Ratio and 2.40:1 Native Aspect ratio.

Other ProMask hand held remote functions include; Both Masks Simultaneously Jog Open, Both Masks Simultaneously Jog Close, Both Masks Simultaneously Jog Left, Both Masks Simultaneously Jog Right, Left Mask Jog Left, Left Mask Jog Right, Right Mask Jog Left and Right Mask Jog Right.

You can also use your scaler to mask with the PROMASK-Curv. Other integration options are also available, please inquire if you have a specific request.

Projection Screen Surfaces

The PROMASK-Curv accommodates all SmX’s solid and audio transparent projection screen materials. The projector screen material attaches to the PROMASK-Curv with a modified lace and grommet method.

Assembly

The PROMASK-Curv masking system ships in a large wood crate. The PROMASK-Curv comes with everything necessary to make assembly and installation an ease.

Screen Sizing

SmX’s PROMASK-Curv masking systems range in sizes from 80″ wide up to 20′ wide. Since every PROMASK-Curv is custom made to order, custom sizes and configurations are easily manufactured.

Black Hole Mask Panels

SmX is proud to offer the absolute blackest light absorbing mask panels in the industry.

The purpose of a masking system is to mask off those annoying black bars or the unused portion of your projection screen while viewing projected content. It is extremely important to have the absolute blackest masking to do the job and here is why.

When you are watching dark projected content such as night scenes and in movies or television that is masked off, the lighter colored mask panels  are still visible. If the purpose of having a masking system is to mask of the projected black bars but you can still see them, then the masking system is not serving its purpose. SmX’s black hole audio transparent and solid mask panels are completely non existent in dark scenes thus maximizing perceived contrast.

Why does this matter? The projectors unused projected black bars get masked off by these mask panels. Even though the projector is not suppose to be projecting light in this unused black area, light still gets through. In order to effectively take advantage of the perceived increase of contrast that masking offers, the mask panels need to completely absorb that strayed light and disappear.

SmX’s Audio Transparent Mask Panels are not only the blackest in the industry but are also the most acoustically transparent with only a 1.5 db roll off at 20kHz unlike other masking panels that have a 4 – 5 db roll off at 20 kHz.

Mask Panel Detail

Another important feature of a masking screen is how close the mask panels are parallel to the screen surface and how thick the mask bars are. The further the mask panel is spaced away from the screen surface the more it creates unwanted shadowing to the projected image. The thickness of the mask bar also determines shadowing as well.

The ProMask mask panels ride 1/16″ parallel away from the screen surface and have low profile beveled mask bars to eliminate any possible shadowing.

Build Quality

SmX hand builds each PROMASK-Curv projection masking system to order in the USA. They start off with the highest quality smart technology electronics and bench test all parts before building your masking system. They use silent technology motors (SMT) for all our PROMASK-Curv masking systems. Their motors are silent and run 20% to 30% faster than the other masking systems currently on the market.

SmX acoustically insulate all the hollow cavities of the PROMASK-Curv frame and treat the entire masking system with their acoustic insulating and isolation techniques to make the PROMASK-Curv the quietest “rattle free” masking system available.

If you ever had the chance to see how bulky and noisy some of the current masking systems on the market are, you will appreciate SmX’s techniques.

SmX use linear motion techniques for their masking panels that put zero stress on the motors. These stress free techniques ensure the maximum performance life of each motor in the PROMASK-Curv. These methods also assure a lifetime of jam free use with the PROMASK-Curv.

Structurally engineered and insulated mask rollers assure no waves/sags in your masking panels for life.

The Finished Product

Most other screen companies use cheap black flock as the black masking trim on their frames. The PROMASK-Curv frame comes hand upholstered with SmX’s specially formulated True Black-Hole velvet to ensure a true to life black hole frame around your projection screen.

SmX don’t use a regular off the shelf velvet: their velvet has no sheen to it like conventional velvets do. Not having a sheen, means not having the ability to reflect light. When you over-scan your projected image and mask it, you want to make sure the masking trim absorbs all light hitting it. The SmX true black hole velvet trim makes all the other screen companies flocked trim look grey in comparison.

In a dark room, with no light hitting them,  trims look pretty close to the same. However, once light hits the trims, the leading screen company’s black flock turns grey whilst SmX’s true black hole velvet stays black. Remember, you want the blackest possible masking around your projected image to improve perceived contrast.

Do you want a grey trimmed frame around your screen or a true black one? Besides our true black hole velvet, SmX also offers exotic wood veneered finished frames as well as other colored velvets.

5 Year Warranty

The SmX PROMASK-Curv masking system is backed with a 5 year warranty against manufacturer defects.

Pricing / Availability

For questions on pricing, please EMAIL US or call us on 01825 750858.