Hi Jim,
Good to hear from you!
The main difference is aesthetic. The wider frame looks very dramatic on the wall, and the bevel adds an extra degree of elegance.
But there is one potential performance advantage. With a non-beveled frame, if one's projector is above or below the frame (like an NEC HT1000 would be if memory serves me correctly) then the frame itself could block the projector's light from reaching the very edge of the viewing surface, thus creating a small shadow at the edge. The bevel on the frame lets the frame "get out of the way" of the projector's beam.
Our Precision Series is only 1" deep (by 2" wide), so it "shadows" less than popular 1 1/2" square frames, but you could still have a minor shadow with some projector installations. Granted this isn't a big issue, since in most cases, the shadow would be extremely small. But you won't have any shadow with the Criterion Series. Also, we designed the Criterion Series extrusion so that there is a "trough" in the back which allows the surface material to be in direct contact with the beveled edge of the frame, eliminating the "crack" seen between the surface material and the frame on some beveled designs.
And of course the new extrusion is incredibly strong. We haven't gotten any complaints about the strength of the Precision Series, but we wanted to make sure our Criterion Series was as strong or stronger than any frame on the market. :cool:
David Giles
