I did several searches and couldn't come up with much information on the latest versions of the HTIQ manual masking systems. I was one of Don's very first customers when he came out with his first masking system. I really liked it and used it with my old screen. When I switched screens I sold my HTIQ system.

That brings to my current situation. I have a stewart lexus 110" screen and was thinking of adding the manual system to my set up. It would appear that Don has made some nice changes.....old system required you to set all four corners into postion....I kept getting up and adjusting up and down...didn't mind, but this newer design improves on that with the pull down system. I wanted to get some real world feed back from other members. Do the bars stay perfectly level or do they bow out a little? How difficult is it to install for the now DIY person. I have to admit I spent a fair amount of time with Don on the phone to get it installed...but that's a me issue and not a design issue. Anyone go from a manual to an electric model? What are your thoughts after the change? Any feedback is appreciated...thanks


Ron

Surprised no one has this masking system. How about the electric version? Any feedback on the potential for the bars to bow out?

I've been communicating with Don about the electric version. I'm close to purchasing but I'd like to see an installation manual before I commit. I'd love to hear about others' experiences...

Hi guys-
Thought I'd respond from a technical standpoint.

The manual and electric masking systems use a MDF load bar which will not bow for screen widths up to 96 inches (110 inch diagonal).

The manual systems use a locking mechanism (pin) to keep the masks in place after adjustment.

The motorized ones use a DC gearmotor to adjust the masks, and is controlled with either an IR remote or RS232.

Best-
Don

Don does that mean that for a Stewart Lexus frame for 110" diag screen the width is 99 inches....I'd need to use a custome order to accomodate the additional frame inches?


Ron

Ron-

A 110 inch diagonal 16x9 screen is about 96 inches wide. Many DIY'ers build their own screens and don't have screen frames. So, yes, in your case, the masks, load bars and rollers need to be a little longer (a couple of inches).

If there are alot of 110 inch screens out there, I should probably make the masks wider. Rollers and MDF are readily available at these lengths.

Best-
Don

Don:

Do you have an acoustically transparent option for those of us with CH solutions with speakers behind the screen?

That's the last detail that's needed on an otherwise wonderful product.

Best,

John-

I tried some black linen that is acoustically transparent, and although it did absorb light , it wasn't nearly as good as the black velveteen that I normally use.

I would like to spend more time investigating some other materials, but have more important tasks right now. Perhaps I should find a shop that could poke holes in the velveteen? ;)

I do see a real need for the AT material for CIH setups. This could move up to the front burner soon.

Stay tuned!

Don

John... I would like to spend more time investigating some other materials, but have more important tasks right now. Perhaps I should find a shop that could poke holes in the velveteen? I do see a real need for the AT material for CIH setups. This could move up to the front burner soon... Don
Don, I suggest you investigate the Harkness black acoustically transparent material described in the following pdf: http://www.harkness-screens.com/ds/black_masking_sound2000_ds.pdf. Their USA office arranged to have a sample shipped to me which was delivered in 2 to 3 weeks. If you contact Harkness USA they will probably arrange to have whatever size you need shipped to you. If necessary, send me a PM with your mailing address, and after CES I will ship you the sample they sent me so you can test it when you have time. My sample is folded - not rolled. Best regards, ET

ET-
Thanks for the suggestion. Looks like a great material. I will contact them on Monday. Any idea what they charge for this stuff?

Best-
Don

I would also be very interested in hearing more feedback on the HTIQ system.

I am currently working on building my acoustically transparent (SMX) screen and a false wall. It will be a 2.35:1 screen in a constant height setup with an anamorphic lens. The size is 50" X 118". I would like a four-way system that includes variable side masking to achieve 16:9 and 4:3 ratios. Does HTIQ make a system for this size screen?

The HTIQ web site is a bit lacking in the specifics of how the system is built, how much room it takes, and if it can be built into a false wall for an acoustically transparent screen. I too would like to see an installation manual.

Any feedback from anyone out there with either the manual or the motorized version?


- Scott