In recent times, high contrast gray and black fabric projector screens have become all the rage.“Does having a dark gray or black surface really increase black levels and counter ambient light?” In the case of Da-Lite’s new ambient light rejecting Parallax projection screen surface, it absolutely does!
Da-Lite developed their Parallax series to be the perfect screen for installations where ambient light cannot or will not be controlled. For example – a shopping mall, hotel lobby, restaurant/bar, conference rooms or even a living room home theater. After all, nothing is more noticeable than a completely washed out picture, because of a ceiling light located right above a screen.
While the Parallax’s surface is black (dark grey to be more precise), it takes a lot more than just a dark color to achieve the *magical* ambient-light-rejecting powers of the Parallax screen. When our expert team atProjector Screen Store was first acquainted with the Parallax, we were extremely impressed with its dynamic rendering of colors. The blacks were especially deep, and noticeably darker than on other whiter surfaces, in a well-lit environment.
Dalite Parallax Screen Viewing Angles
Yet, the one thing that really impressed us more than anything else, was just how well it rejected light coming from above the screen. The brightness and picture quality were nearly the same, whether the lights were on or not. The Parallax’s specially designed microscopic saw-tooth surface literally zapped those light rays away. As skeptics, this was amazing to us. The Parallax surface really makes projecting in a non-optimal environment a problem of the past.
Da-Lite’s technicians explained to us, that this rejection of ambient light from above, was achieved by the unique axis of its surface coating and not by the black color.
The Parallax’s microscopic saw-tooth surface, allows the projectors light to be reflected directly to the audience, while blocking downward light. What does this unique design mean for its potential user? Well first it means, you can watch in broad daylight without compromising significant picture quality. However, it also means that you will need to have your projector mounted close to the center top position of the projection screen.
But what about short throw projector applications from above or below? Well, Da-Lite has already addressed this issue and informed us they have the same material where the axis of light-rejection is inverted, to reject all front-on light, while reflecting light coming from above or below. Currently Da-Lite’s Parallax screen surface only comes as a Fixed Frame application due to its unique design.
Final Thoughts
If you are in the market for an ambient light rejecting fixed screen and you’re OK with paying the premium for such a quality product, then I have no reservations in calling the Parallax screen the perfect screen for you. To see the Da-Lite Parallax in action, take a look at the informative video below.
In recent times, high contrast gray and black fabric projector screens have become all the rage. “Does having a dark gray or black surface really increase black levels and counter ambient light?” In the case of Da-Lite’s new ambient light rejecting Parallax projection screen surface, it absolutely does!
Da-Lite developed their Parallax series to be the perfect screen for installations where ambient light cannot or will not be controlled. For example – a shopping mall, hotel lobby, restaurant/bar, conference rooms or even a living room home theater. After all, nothing is more noticeable than a completely washed out picture, because of a ceiling light located right above a screen.
While the Parallax’s surface is black (dark grey to be more precise), it takes a lot more than just a dark color to achieve the *magical* ambient-light-rejecting powers of the Parallax screen. When our expert team at Projector Screen Store was first acquainted with the Parallax, we were extremely impressed with its dynamic rendering of colors. The blacks were especially deep, and noticeably darker than on other whiter surfaces, in a well-lit environment.
Dalite Parallax Screen Viewing Angles
Dalite Parallax Screen Viewing Angles
Yet, the one thing that really impressed us more than anything else, was just how well it rejected light coming from above the screen. The brightness and picture quality were nearly the same, whether the lights were on or not. The Parallax’s specially designed microscopic saw-tooth surface literally zapped those light rays away. As skeptics, this was amazing to us. The Parallax surface really makes projecting in a non-optimal environment a problem of the past.
Da-Lite’s technicians explained to us, that this rejection of ambient light from above, was achieved by the unique axis of its surface coating and not by the black color.
The Parallax’s microscopic saw-tooth surface, allows the projectors light to be reflected directly to the audience, while blocking downward light. What does this unique design mean for its potential user? Well first it means, you can watch in broad daylight without compromising significant picture quality. However, it also means that you will need to have your projector mounted close to the center top position of the projection screen.
But what about short throw projector applications from above or below? Well, Da-Lite has already addressed this issue and informed us they have the same material where the axis of light-rejection is inverted, to reject all front-on light, while reflecting light coming from above or below. Currently Da-Lite’s Parallax screen surface only comes as a Fixed Frame application due to its unique design.
Final Thoughts
If you are in the market for an ambient light rejecting fixed screen and you’re OK with paying the premium for such a quality product, then I have no reservations in calling the Parallax screen the perfect screen for you.