Projecta Introduces VariVision Electrol, unique intelligent Home Cinema Projection Screen

Projecta, a world leader in development and manufacture of professional projection screens, is introducing its revolutionary new VariVision electrol Home Cinema screen. Combined with an LCD or DLP projector, this provides an excellent alternative to large screen televisions or plasma screens, as it offers the largest possible high quality picture at an attractive price. The screen can be removed from view entirely when not in use; an important selling point for design-conscious Home Cinema owners.

Intelligent new Home Cinema Projection Screen

The VariVision is an intelligent, high quality, electrically operated screen which automatically adapts to the chosen picture ratio, accommodating standard 4:3 TV/Video, 16:9 widescreen and 1:2,35 cinemascope formats. Further options can be programmed by the user. This is made possible by a unique patented horizontal masking system. This smart system retains the center of the image in the same place, regardless of the chosen ratio. At the same time it places a black frame around the image, which boosts the perceived resolution. The VariVision is available in 160, 180, 200 and 240 cm width, with Matte White S and High Contrast S screen fabric for a crystal-clear, radiant image (see www.projectascreens.com for details). In keeping with the 'lifestyle' image of Home Cinema, the VariVision is housed in an attractive aluminum casing, which closes entirely when the screen is not in use. The screen is operated with a discrete infrared remote control and can be attached to either the ceiling or a wall. The living room can be turned into a sports arena, cinema or concert hall, literally within seconds.

Sound and vision: home projectors

LCD projectors
LCD projectors are closely matched to slide projectors, in which a bulb shines through a coloured panel and into a lens that displays the image. Where projectors are concerned, the coloured panel is a transparent LCD panel. The colour is normally very good but contrast and black levels can often be quite poor. The individual pixels on lower-resolution models may also be visible as tiny squares.

Budget LCD projectors employ a single colour panel to cope with images, while better models sport three for red, green and blue light. These so called 'three-chip' projectors offer better viewing quality. The Hitachi PJTX100 (£1,200) is a reasonably priced single-colour LCD projector that can display an image of up to 300in and comes with sufficient connection options to suit the average home-cinema buff.

DLP projectors
Digital Light Processing projectors use a panel covered with tiny mirrors to display an image. These reflect light onto the screen to make the picture. This system can produce far greater contrast and deeper blacks, and doesn't suffer from visible pixels or the tiny gaps between them.