The THX contrast enhancing tests, a new addition to the THX Certified Projection Screen program, is designed to improve the contrast of projected images. The Stewart Filmscreen GrayHawk RS G3 is the first gray projection screen to successfully pass the new series of tests developed by THX.
Conventional matte white screens often cause light from a front projector to scatter off the ceiling and walls, reducing contrast levels. After extensive lab testing and research, THX video engineers determined that the use of gray colored screen material can minimize the scattering of light in the room, which in turn, improves black level performance. THX incorporated this research into a new testing methodology for THX Certified Projection Screens.
"Most modern movie theaters have dark colored walls to reduce light reflections directly onto the screen. However, in a residential environment, dark colors tend to be less popular and restrictive to the homeowner," said Dr. Michael Rudd, Chief AV Architect at THX. "The Stewart GrayHawk RS G3 will provide professional installers, dealers and homeowners an option to improve black level performance in home theaters and media rooms with a brighter decor."
Stewart's GrayHawk was the industry's first gray reference screen and has become popular with custom installers and systems integrators. The new GrayHawk G3 material uses an ultra-fine optical coating that is designed and optimized specifically for 1080p source material. Additionally, the G3 optical coating improves uniformity for consistent brightness across the entire screen. This unique feature, combined with the neutral density gray base, dramatically increases black levels, shadow detailing and overall color saturation, providing the viewer with maximum resolution and superb image quality. For the ultimate in acoustic transparency, a GrayHawk G3 screen can take advantage of Stewart's Microperf X2 technology, which was the first projection screen with acoustically transparent (AT) material to achieve THX certification.
The GrayHawk G3 material is available in sizes up to 40 feet by 90 feet and can be purchased from Stewart Filmscreen representatives. For more information, visit www.stewartfilmscreen.com.
