The Imaging Science Foundation (ISF) provides education and training for video calibration professionals around the world. They train calibrators on the details of what makes a good picture so these calibrators can make your TV or projector looks its best. But ISF also provides certification services to display manufacturers. If a company's TV, projector or screen is capable of producing a high quality accurate image, it might earn ISF certification.
But traditionally high gain projection screens -- those that produce a bright, high contrast image even in a brightly lit room -- tend to be frowned upon by image purists, due to issues with off-axis viewing, image uniformity and "hotspotting." At CEDIA Expo 2013, in Denver, screen maker Vutec announced that six of the company's projection screens have attained ISF certification, including their SilverStar 2.2 gain screen. This means those who like the huge image and disappearing screen capabilities of a front projection system won't have to make big sacrifices in image quality, even if they want to watch TV programs or movies in a brightly lit room. SilverStar2.2 screens are also appropriate for use with 4K (Ultra HD) sources.
Vutec also announced that its SilverStar2.2 screen material is now available in a retractable (motorized) option. Previously SilverStar screens were only available in fixed mount screens, which required that the screens ship in enormous crates. With enhancements to the SilverStar screen formulation, it's now possible to ship the SilverStar 2 screen rolled up, even for fixed screen mounts, thereby saving on shipping costs. Also, it allows customers to use the SilverStar 2 screen in motorized installations, which means the screen virtually disappears when not in use. This is particularly useful in rooms that do double duty as formal living rooms with occasional (or even frequent) movie and TV viewing.
"Working with Vutec on their certification has been rewarding." said ISF founder and lead trainer Joel Silver. "The company takes video projection seriously, and when we arranged the testing in their Coral Springs, FL facility, I was amazed at the number of screens that they felt could meet the ISF standards. By the end of the first testing period we looked at nine different screen surfaces and six qualified. Even more amazing is that the six screen surfaces were in the 0.6-2.2 gain range and two were acoustically transparent."
Acoustically transparent screens are useful when you want to completely hide the speakers as they can be placed behind the screen without impacting the sound quality.
Vutec's six ISF certified screens include:
The above ISF certified screens are currently available through Vutec's Vision X authorized dealers.
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