» High Ambient Light Optical Projection Screens - dnp Supernova Review

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The dnp Supernova Optical Front Projection Screen was designed for use in high ambient light environments. It is advertised as delivering up to ten times higher contrast and two times brighter images than conventional front projection screens.

Based on some groundbreaking technology, the dnp Supernova projection screen has won technology awards and favourable mention at both InfoComm 2005 and CES 2006. DNP (Dai Nippon Printing) developed Supernova in Japan and the screens are manufactured at DNP facilities in Denmark.

An optical front projection screen, the dnp Supernova incorporates advanced brightness and contrast enhancing technology.

Optical System

The optical system functions two ways:

• Projected images pass through an optical lens system, which focuses and concentrates the light before it is reflected back towards the viewers perpendicular to the screen surface.
• A patented contrast enhancement filter, covering some 60% of the screen, absorbs diffuse light from sources such as windows and lighting.

The DNP Supernova screen is not a traditional projection screen rather an advanced optical lens system. Instead of reflecting light in all directions the DNP Supernova enhance the image for optimum viewing by combining the focusing abilities of a Fresnel lens with the distributive properties of lenticular lenses (diffuse the illumination in a single direction).

The Fresnel lens was invented by a French physicist as a method of reducing the bulk of lighthouse lenses. As can be seen in the illustration, the curved part of the lens is split into sections. Applying this principle DNP have developed a screen which reflects light back perpendicular to the screen.

The dnp Supernova Screen provides a typical contrast ratio of 20:1 – some ten times higher than the typical front screens contrast level. With a peak gain of 2.0 the screen is twice as bright as a conventional front screen. The half gain values are 20 inches horizontally and 9 inches vertically. The screen features an ultra-fine pitch of 0.065 mm, which provides an outstanding resolution.

Fixed or Flexible frame

There are two versions of the dnp Supernova Screen, the standard fixed screen and the Supernova Flex Screen – a motorized, soft retractable screen that is housed in a wall mounted enclosure. The Flex Screen comes with a remote and a built in microprocessor can facilitate integration into an automated control system.

The dnp Supernova Flex Screen is available in 4:3, 16:9 and cinemascope format in sizes up to 150” (cinemascope format). Supernova Screens are compatible with all standard projectors. To maximize the effect of the optical high-contrast filter, dnp recommends a projector throw of minimum 1.8:1. The Supernova fixed and Flex screens come in a good range of sizes.