I recently installed a motorized masking system on my 120 inch Stewart screen and have it set for wide open (2.35) and 16 x 9. I purchased it from Somis Systems. I believe I was their first customer for this particular product.
Since I was their "Beta" customer, the documentation was not anywhere near acceptable but they have since remedied that (I have a copy of the most current documentation).
The company spent time with me on the phone to work through the install process since the documentation lacked clarity. My guess would be that to install the non-motorized version would take less than a couple of hours at most given the current documentation. Much of the system comes pre-assembled.
It works like a champ. Each mask currently operates independently via remote. I know they are in the process of upgrading the electronics package for the system.
If you are in the market for a motorized (or manual) masking system, check them out. Their pricing is WAY less than the competition. The retail on my motorized system was $1490. The manual system is considerably less (and is upgradeable to a motorized version).
And, of course, the apparent improvement in black level with the masks in place is dramatic.
I thought I'd chime in and offer an update on the masking systems/screens.
My efforts of late is to finalize the trim for the screens. The "fit and finish".
This is important, since the screens are also "furniture". The challenge has been to keep the cost down, and yet achieve a professional look.
I thought this would be "duck soup", but it proved to be more difficult than I originally thought. Besides a nice finish, it has to be easy to assemble.
Well, I had a breakthrough last week, which means that I shall be able to offer pictures shortly.
The delays can be agonizing, and I appologize for them. But, I am committed to building a quality product.
Now that I have the trim worked out, I can take some pictures and start uploading them. I had my upholstery guy attach the velveteen to the MDF. Turns out that he's much better at it than I am. I guess I'll stick to the engineering.
I have been using the screen in 16x9 mode, simply because my A lens is not up. But, I can say that it has been quite a pleasant experience none-the-less.
I'm using a "proprietary" 1x gain screen material (non AT). Looks good with my Panny. The screen frame can accept any screen material, AT or non-AT.
I've let you a message and a PM and I'm sure you're busy. I was hoping to catch you before the weekend, as I'd like to see if you can accomodate a curved screen. Please contact me. Thanks!
Thanks. Those prices may look good compared to the high-end screen companies' masking systems, but they are too high for me. Looks like I'll be looking at DIY.
I spoke with Don a week or so, ago about a curved screen application. He was still working on the motors for the masking systems, which is a key factor for both the flat and curved screen masking systems.
Though I do not work with Don directly (nor am I associated with Somis) I too am waiting on a masking system from them and suspect that Don will update his website, once he has a fully functioning system to offer us. Just my 2¢.
I believe any kind of "kit" would have a DIY component, because assembly and mounting of a masking system over a screen can never really be "turnkey".
Like a garage door opener... All home improvement stores sell them, and most homeowners could install one themselves - but many would not consider it "plug and play" or "turnkey".
Watch the forum. From what I've read and heard there is likely to be more than one person offering a masking "kit" in the coming months.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pkarmouche /forum/post/19340805
I believe any kind of "kit" would have a DIY component, because assembly and mounting of a masking system over a screen can never really be "turnkey".
Like a garage door opener... All home improvement stores sell them, and most homeowners could install one themselves - but many would not consider it "plug and play" or "turnkey".
Watch the forum. From what I've read and heard there is likely to be more than one person offering a masking "kit" in the coming months.
Preorder is closed and the first production run is underway.
I suggest you contact Chris if you're interested. You won't get it at the preorder price, but I guess there's no reason you couldn't be added to the first run.
I don't mind as such, but there are a couple of issues I have.
I'd rather have a thread dedicated to my system so as not to encroach on this thread.
The other issue I have is that my system is by no means a DIY system. It's a full blown commercial unit, so it doesn't belong (or deserve to be relegated to) here.
There was a thread in the main 2.35:1 section that someone else started, but it was deleted for unknown reasons. As I wasn't the starter of the thread, I was not told why it was deleted.
Chris, so as not to break any rules of AVS, you'd be better off to contact me over at DTV (see Peter's link) or shoot me an email at chris@aspectmasking.com . Shipping will be Feb 2011 by the looks of it, and yes, pricing has been set. As Peter said, pre-orders are closed, but as I'm still waiting on some deposits to come through, we may be able to squeeze you in. Shipping is the biggest killer though...
Kinda hard to do that when his web site is "under contruction" and his phone # has been disconnected.
Can't tell you how dissapointing this is.
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