V6 info

[NBPk402]

Are these AT screens, and what is the gain?

[AVSCraig]

Are these AT screens, and what is the gain?

You should start with the very first post in this thread.

[NBPk402]

So how does this compare to the XD Screen? Does it have more gain too?

[lygren]

So how does this compare to the XD Screen? Does it have more gain too?

@ellisr63; we have not benchmarked the V6 vs. the XD, but reports from others indicate that the XD has somewhat higher gain than the V6; about 0.85-0.9 while ours has about 0.8 (which is also our specified gain). Compared to the Screen Excellence Enlightor 4K that is listed at 0.9 gain by the manufacturer it is reported to have a slightly better gain, but not verified at our end. We have, however, benchmarked it vs. Screen Research 4K AT fabric, and the V6 has about the same gain as their 1.0 listed fabric. So; the V6 has a pretty decent gain, but is not a class leader in such regards.

Still, although we would have been able to increase the gain another 10% alternating the buildup of the layers somewhat, it would have been at a cost of AT which is really at reference levels on the V6. The advantage of the very fine front woven layer, which is also the main "barrier" in terms of acoustical transparency, is quite significant - we´re basically able to replicate the coating of a regular PVC fabric thus ensuring sharpness and the ability to be seated very close to the screen without being bothered by the weave. Also, moiré, even at very high resolutions, is effectively taken care of by using such a finely woven random structural buildup. Still, even though gain is quite on par with some of the very best alternatives out there, the AT is very good.

Finally, the integrated black backing of the V6 fabric ensures no loss of contrast as well as no light bleed between the reflecting and black blocking layer, which is very important in terms of contrast performance with highly contrasted objects in dark surroundings. Even the slightest distance between the backing layer and the reflective is very damaging to contrast performance in such regards, and what we found in our 4. generation of fabrics, tensioning two layers of fabric is very hard. Therefore, on the V6, the black backing is bonded as an integrated part of the fabric.

Also, compared to knitted fabrics, spandex for example, or variations as such supplied by other manufacturers, the front weaved layer, a method that is also patented, is what provides the added sharpness (and density) to the V6. We do use knit as well, but as the second layer, adding to the reflection rather than reflecting alone - thus providing added gain while still leaving the sharpness to be detailed by the front weave. Although one might consider such a layout reductive in terms of sharpness, we have carefully designed the setup to improve rather than reduce the sharpness.

I strongly recommend that a sample is tested in terms of reviewing the V6, and as such, as large a sample as possible as I´d recommend you be seated at least 1m from the screen fabric to properly be able to review the totality of the reflection as such, enabling the performance the combination of layers make out.

AVScience will soon be able to supply the new "PRO XXL" version of the V6 @ 3x8m / 118" x 295" for large installations as well. This fabric is also flame retardant which is a requirement for most commercial installations. We are also working on a new modular motorised masking frame, at first a 1-way 16:9->2.40 and a 2-way 2.40:1->16:9 top down masking system. Somfy motors and sturdy quality, but still rather "basic" buildup as we have found in the past that masking systems that uses too many components are too easily stuck etc. Hopefully the new masking system will be available within 2017, but the new "PRO XXL" version of the V6 will be available in the US quite shortly! Please remember that AVS is also able to supply universal grip rails that can be used to retrofit just about any existing frame with the V6 fabric too.

[lygren]

To further detail the buildup of the V6, please review the attached image. On the left side, the second layer is not included, only primary (ultra)weaved layer and the black backing. On the right side all three layers are included (please disregard the vertical holes @ second layer used at the ends to maintain tension while bonding). Using only the weaved front layer, the gain would have been too low. Still, density and structural performance is very good for the weave alone. Adding the second knitted layer, the gain is increased significantly, but at a very slight cost of AT since knitted fabrics are very efficient in such regards - but still maintaining the structural performance provided by the primary weaved layer (i.e. high density, random surface pattern and high sharpness). If the weave is not used, the knit is still quite finely structured, but without the random buildup of the weave sharpness suffers; it simply "softens" too much. The combination of these layers is what we have patented and makes out the core for the stellar performance found in the V6 both in regards to image -but not the least audio quality.

Again, reviewing a sample or better still; seeing (and hearing) it full size is recommended!

[lygren]

Attached is a (direct side-by-side) comparison pic of the UltraWeave V6 vs a regular coated PVC non-AT fabric. Combining such a (random) textural quality and the acoustical transparency (1,5dB on average) offered from the V6 is possible using the patented multiple layered system, allowing for a second layer to compensate for the loss of light introduced by increasing the density / resolution of the front weaved layer. 

[lygren]

So, new PRO XXL production run is now in stock and we are very pleased with the quality of this production run! What new with this run is;

1. Now available up to 118" x 295" "XXL" size + 118" x 78" "cutout". Due to production limitations these are the only sizes available right now, but AVScience might be able to cut smaller portions off of the "XXL" 118" x 295" upon request.
2. Fire retardant to better suit commercial installations (screening & studio)
3. Improved packaging to make it more suited for world wide (re)shipping(s)
4. Still, exactly the same layout and specs as the current V6 - why change a winning formula?? Still superbly matte, i.e. no speckle, randomly laid out ultra fine weaved front layer replicating a regular PVC coating, D65 neutral within 2% of reference and acoustical transparency averaging at a mere 1,5dB loss.

We´re also working full speed on the new modular motorised masking system, first two prototype is being build right now - one in full steel at the frame factory, as well as one 3D printed at our offices. As soon as we have a working prototype ready I´ll post more info. Also, the masking roller being used, Somfy powered and quite "rugged", looks very good! Will be available in either 1-way 16:9->2.40:1 and also possible to close all the way down to protect the screen while not in use - as well as a 2-way 2.40:1->16:9 using two separate rollers / motors. Width up to 5m / 16 ft in 16:9 and 7m / 23ft in 2.40:1.

[AVSMike]

Looking forward to learning more about the masking system. Will it work with other frames or only with DreamScreen?

[lygren]

Looking forward to learning more about the masking system. Will it work with other frames or only with DreamScreen?

Mike, although the masking system is quite general, basically a standard Somfy roller system, we have made the frame custom designed to fit the masking roller. So, it would basically be the other way around; the frame would fit just about any "masking roller", but in general not the other way around... I will share new details shortly, but I do think we have indeed figured out a solution that is very cost efficient and stabile - but I guess proof is in the pudding yet...

[jjcook]

I'm looking forward to seeing the new masking system!  Once I get my room remodel finished (slower than slow) I will be ordering V6 to replace the Falcon HD screen I have since sold.

[AVSMike]

Keep in mind, that not only can you buy V6 as a DIY fabric, You can buy a complete screen now, here in the US.

[lygren]

We will be showing the new MotoMask V2 masking system at CEDIA 2017 in San Diego 7.-9. of September for anyone interested, in combination with the new XXL revision of the UltraWeave V6. The frame will be a 16:9 native, 1-way masked screen that enables both 2.40:1 masking as well as totally closing down the masking fabric to protect the screen when not in use. Image size is about 15 1/2 feet wide... More info coming soon!

Please see a short video from our initial 3D-printed prototype here: . The frame displayed at the show will be our first solid steel made prototype, but based on our testing thus far it should work wonders!

So, again, modular system, you can purchase and install the frame + fabric first and later on install the masking roller system. Somfy top grade motor that allows control through just about any system out there (Crestron etc.), but a basic Somfy RF (RTS) remote is included that would allow you to set top, 2.40:1 and shut.

[lygren]

So, a couple of pics further detailing the back of the frame. The roller moves up and down through custom tracks on each side.

Also, I have attached a couple of 3D outputs of the specific frame that will be displayed at CEDIA, it´s going to be MASSIVE - but since the feedback we got on last years CEDIA were just that; doing a 14 ft. 2.35:1 native screen at that time - folks wanted it even LARGER and also motorised masking that did not cost half a house. We listened! Please note that for the 2.40:1 native screen (2-way masking to 16:9) the max width can be as much as 23 ft. However, since we are doing the masking from the top down, not the sides, there will be no adjustment possibilty for this masking solution other than fixed 16:9 and 2.40:1. So, for most US installations where ceiling height is not the limitation I would presume the 16:9 native 1-way masking would be the most prominent alternative. This solution will also allow for full closing of the masking fabric to protect that fabric while not in use, a feature that is not available for the 2.40:1 native 2-way system. So, basically, the 2.40:1 native alternative is more of an alternative used if ceiling height limits the size too much, which is a very common issue in Europe.

Shipping is also a crucial factor in terms of cost on these large items and therefore both the frame as well as the masking roller is dividable allowing all frame- and masking sizes to be shippable by express / air.

[AVSCraig]

We will be showing the new MotoMask V2 masking system at CEDIA 2017 in San Diego 7.-9. of September for anyone interested, in combination with the new XXL revision of the UltraWeave V6. The frame will be a 16:9 native, 1-way masked screen that enables both 2.40:1 masking as well as totally closing down the masking fabric to protect the screen when not in use. Image size is about 15 1/2 feet wide... More info coming soon!

Please see a short video from our initial 3D-printed prototype here: . The frame displayed at the show will be our first solid steel made prototype, but based on our testing thus far it should work wonders!

So, again, modular system, you can purchase and install the frame + fabric first and later on install the masking roller system. Somfy top grade motor that allows control through just about any system out there (Crestron etc.), but a basic Somfy RF (RTS) remote is included that would allow you to set top, 2.40:1 and shut.

Looking forward to seeing this at Cedia !!

[AVSMike]

How long before you will have the native scope version masking screen?