Carada Masquerade Constant Image Height (CIH) Masking System (& Others...)
Based on confirmation of a prototype of the CIH masking system - link - I started this anticipation thread.
Carada info: David Giles (of Carada) – much of this preliminary is extracted from his posts on the “Carada New Masking System” & subsequent posts in this thread.
*Updates*
Updates added: 2/3/2011
The world "anticipation" removed from top, since this is now a purchasable product.
Reviews
from Alan Gouger - "Carada's New Masquerade C.I.H. Masking System" - AVS Thread
Install pics (shortcut links):
- HD in Ohio - link
- Jay5298 - 3/18/2010 - link
- R Harkness - 2/3/2011 - link
- Juliio (DevilDog93) - pending
Carada
Pics - Link - http://www.carada.com/MasqueradeCIH.aspx
Prices - Link - http://www.carada.com/Category.aspx?CategoryID=19
Information:
- single motor changed to dual motor system
- CIH - Now the CIH system we're working on will do EXACTLY what you want, which is to mask your 2.40:1 screen down to 4:3. It will be a "2-way" system which means that it has two masking panels, and those panels will slide in and out from the sides so it can mask a scope screen to any desired aspect ratio, from the "native" aspect ratio of 2.40:1 (or 2.35:1, 2.37:1, or 2.39:1 - customer's choice) all the way down to 4:3.
- Pre-set image widths (via remote): "...exact control parameters aren't written in stone at this point, but we hope to have four pre-set image widths - "Wide" (fully open to whatever the native aspect ratio of the screen is), 1.85:1, 16:9, and 4:3." - David Giles
- 4 discreet settings - LINK
- Dimensions - frame:6.25" wide all the way around and 3.75" deep
Need 0.75" of 'free and clear' space above the system and
2" of 'free and clear' space on each side of the system
(this side space is necessary for installation of the side fascia).
- Jog - "But our system will definitely have "Jog" capability which is NOT true of all CIH masking systems."
- “Not a 4-way masking system has FOUR masking panels - two horizontal masks for masking top and bottom black bars and two vertical masks for masking side black bars (Stewart's $25K Director's Choice system is a good example). A 4-way masking system isn't necessary for native 2.35:1/2.40:1 screens (unless you absolutely INSIST on being able to mask the top/bottom black bars that you would encounter on the TINY handful of films on the market that are wider than 2.40:1; and I'm not aware of ANY company that makes a "scope" system with 4-way masking). 4-way systems are typically made for 16:9 screens, although they can be used in custom setups similar to what Rich Harkness is planning (2.05:1 screen with a horizontal Masquerade for masking top/bottom black bars and motorized curtains for masking side black bars).”
- The prototype's working great but we're still working on engineering/refining/sourcing several components for the production version (all sorts of new custom steel brackets, a new aluminum extrusion, cables, pulleys, slides, etc.) as well as working out our production methods.
- No adjustable rate control - per post #5 - David Giles - "The Masquerade CIH won't have "adjustable rate control" (in other words the motor will be constant-RPM) but as far as I know that is true of EVERY masking system on the market (certainly all the ones using Somfy motors-which is most of them).
- Accoustical transparent - may be available in the future
- Release date: Before/Around August 2009. It's available now (8/2009)
Wish List
- adjustable rate control (for fine/micro tuning of aspect ratio, the Rich question ) - Per post #5 - David Giles - "The Masquerade CIH won't have "adjustable rate control" (in other words the motor will be constant-RPM) but as far as I know that is true of EVERY masking system on the market (certainly all the ones using Somfy motors-which is most of them). But our system will definitely have "Jog" capability which is NOT true of all CIH masking systems."
Links:
www.Carada.com
I just saw this on the Carada Site (6/14/09):
LINK
2.35:1
"The Masquerade™ CIH Constant Image Height system brings all the MAGIC of the Cinema to your home theater! When the movie starts and the masks quietly glide open revealing your cinemawide screen in all its glory, you and your guests will relive your favorite movie moments all over again. Whether you're watching Casablanca in 4:3, the Super Bowl in 16:9, Bolt in 1.85:1, or Quantum of Solace in 2.40:1, your Masquerade CIH will perfectly frame your image. In addition to the four discreet settings, the Masquerade™ CIH also has "Jog" capability for less common aspect ratios anywhere between 2.40:1 and 4:3. Masquerade™ CIH premiering summer 2009!"
CIH link - http://www.carada.com/Masquerade-Masking-System.aspx
CIH calculator - http://www.carada.com/MasqueradeCIHCalculator.aspx
REVIEW Home Theater
http://www.hometheatermag.com/accessories/1008car/index.html
The new vertical masking system is at the end.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMRQ1ciNFz0
Other links
Variable Masking Quick Reference (from Stewart) - link
Potential Competition for the Carada CIH
CIH masking
- Somis CIH masking system - AVS link - $1490 (120" diagonal w/base motor - Somis1) - as of 11/19/10 it looks like this projected died off.
--- Somis - link - http://www.somissystems.com/product_...&products_id=1
--- "Motor upgrade kits are not currently available and are expected to be in stock as of July, 2010."
- Stewart - VistaScope & VistaScope Jumbo
- SMX PROMASK-CH - CIH masking system - link - $11,012 MSRP
- Vutec Dyna-Curve VM - link
- HTIQ CIH (Note: DIY, so your mileage may vary!) - link
4-way masking
- Stewart - Director's Choice Ultimate Masking Screen
- SMX PROMASK QUAD - 4 way masking - link - $13,775 MSRP
Manual
SMX Pro panels (fixed) - link - Sets From $299.95 MSRP
--- SMX Pro panels AVS discussion thread - link
Mike
PS - I'm no Neuromancer (RE: Oppo BDP83 threads), but I'll try to keep this thread updated.
Based on confirmation of a prototype of the CIH masking system - link - I started this anticipation thread.
Carada info: David Giles (of Carada) – much of this preliminary is extracted from his posts on the “Carada New Masking System” & subsequent posts in this thread.
*Updates*
Updates added: 2/3/2011
The world "anticipation" removed from top, since this is now a purchasable product.
Reviews
from Alan Gouger - "Carada's New Masquerade C.I.H. Masking System" - AVS Thread
Install pics (shortcut links):
- HD in Ohio - link
- Jay5298 - 3/18/2010 - link
- R Harkness - 2/3/2011 - link
- Juliio (DevilDog93) - pending
Carada
Pics - Link - http://www.carada.com/MasqueradeCIH.aspx
Prices - Link - http://www.carada.com/Category.aspx?CategoryID=19
Information:
- single motor changed to dual motor system
- CIH - Now the CIH system we're working on will do EXACTLY what you want, which is to mask your 2.40:1 screen down to 4:3. It will be a "2-way" system which means that it has two masking panels, and those panels will slide in and out from the sides so it can mask a scope screen to any desired aspect ratio, from the "native" aspect ratio of 2.40:1 (or 2.35:1, 2.37:1, or 2.39:1 - customer's choice) all the way down to 4:3.
- Pre-set image widths (via remote): "...exact control parameters aren't written in stone at this point, but we hope to have four pre-set image widths - "Wide" (fully open to whatever the native aspect ratio of the screen is), 1.85:1, 16:9, and 4:3." - David Giles
- 4 discreet settings - LINK
- Dimensions - frame:6.25" wide all the way around and 3.75" deep
Need 0.75" of 'free and clear' space above the system and
2" of 'free and clear' space on each side of the system
(this side space is necessary for installation of the side fascia).
- Jog - "But our system will definitely have "Jog" capability which is NOT true of all CIH masking systems."
- “Not a 4-way masking system has FOUR masking panels - two horizontal masks for masking top and bottom black bars and two vertical masks for masking side black bars (Stewart's $25K Director's Choice system is a good example). A 4-way masking system isn't necessary for native 2.35:1/2.40:1 screens (unless you absolutely INSIST on being able to mask the top/bottom black bars that you would encounter on the TINY handful of films on the market that are wider than 2.40:1; and I'm not aware of ANY company that makes a "scope" system with 4-way masking). 4-way systems are typically made for 16:9 screens, although they can be used in custom setups similar to what Rich Harkness is planning (2.05:1 screen with a horizontal Masquerade for masking top/bottom black bars and motorized curtains for masking side black bars).”
- The prototype's working great but we're still working on engineering/refining/sourcing several components for the production version (all sorts of new custom steel brackets, a new aluminum extrusion, cables, pulleys, slides, etc.) as well as working out our production methods.
- No adjustable rate control - per post #5 - David Giles - "The Masquerade CIH won't have "adjustable rate control" (in other words the motor will be constant-RPM) but as far as I know that is true of EVERY masking system on the market (certainly all the ones using Somfy motors-which is most of them).
- Accoustical transparent - may be available in the future
- Release date: Before/Around August 2009. It's available now (8/2009)
Wish List
- adjustable rate control (for fine/micro tuning of aspect ratio, the Rich question ) - Per post #5 - David Giles - "The Masquerade CIH won't have "adjustable rate control" (in other words the motor will be constant-RPM) but as far as I know that is true of EVERY masking system on the market (certainly all the ones using Somfy motors-which is most of them). But our system will definitely have "Jog" capability which is NOT true of all CIH masking systems."
Links:
www.Carada.com
I just saw this on the Carada Site (6/14/09):
LINK
2.35:1
"The Masquerade™ CIH Constant Image Height system brings all the MAGIC of the Cinema to your home theater! When the movie starts and the masks quietly glide open revealing your cinemawide screen in all its glory, you and your guests will relive your favorite movie moments all over again. Whether you're watching Casablanca in 4:3, the Super Bowl in 16:9, Bolt in 1.85:1, or Quantum of Solace in 2.40:1, your Masquerade CIH will perfectly frame your image. In addition to the four discreet settings, the Masquerade™ CIH also has "Jog" capability for less common aspect ratios anywhere between 2.40:1 and 4:3. Masquerade™ CIH premiering summer 2009!"
CIH link - http://www.carada.com/Masquerade-Masking-System.aspx
CIH calculator - http://www.carada.com/MasqueradeCIHCalculator.aspx
REVIEW Home Theater
http://www.hometheatermag.com/accessories/1008car/index.html
The new vertical masking system is at the end.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMRQ1ciNFz0
Other links
Variable Masking Quick Reference (from Stewart) - link
Potential Competition for the Carada CIH
CIH masking
- Somis CIH masking system - AVS link - $1490 (120" diagonal w/base motor - Somis1) - as of 11/19/10 it looks like this projected died off.
--- Somis - link - http://www.somissystems.com/product_...&products_id=1
--- "Motor upgrade kits are not currently available and are expected to be in stock as of July, 2010."
- Stewart - VistaScope & VistaScope Jumbo
- SMX PROMASK-CH - CIH masking system - link - $11,012 MSRP
- Vutec Dyna-Curve VM - link
- HTIQ CIH (Note: DIY, so your mileage may vary!) - link
4-way masking
- Stewart - Director's Choice Ultimate Masking Screen
- SMX PROMASK QUAD - 4 way masking - link - $13,775 MSRP
Manual
SMX Pro panels (fixed) - link - Sets From $299.95 MSRP
--- SMX Pro panels AVS discussion thread - link
Mike
PS - I'm no Neuromancer (RE: Oppo BDP83 threads), but I'll try to keep this thread updated.