Yes, they do exist! This past weekend, CCLAY was gracious enough to let me hold one in my very own hands (heavy little sucker!), and gave me a very impressive demo using his G11.
Of course, the G11 by itself makes an amazing picture. I was amazed at the pixel fill factor and the ability to sit up close without the worry of screen door. Sliding the Panamorph 1/2 way into view, you could easily see the 30% increase in brightness on the split screen. The contrast and colors seem to improve as well. I can imagine it making an even greater impression on an LCD projector image. If it looked this good in a semi-dark room with a home-made screen, this certainly says a lot.
There is quite an offset of the image from lens center, when adjusted for 1.78:1, but if the screen is placed in the image location and the projector is level (with no added internal offset), there is virtually no barrel distortion to worry about. Even with an offset setup as we had, due to the temporary screen, the distortion couldn't have been more then a 1/2 inch or so at the centers. This would easily absorb into a screens black borders. The reduction of spillover light was another nice benefit. There may have been some non-linear focus problems, but they did not seem evident while watching movies. Of course, I was only there a couple hours, but I was quite pleased.
And then there was HDTV! Something I never imagined could look that good. In some ways it looked better than DVD. I just may have to break down and get my own satellite setup. It's really sad there is such little programming available.
At least the Panamorph is not a hoax. It's real. I have faith now that someday one will show up at my door. For such a simple looking instrument to provide all those advantages, I really can't see it just going away. Shawn, wherever he is, may actually pull through some day. I can only hope anyway
. Otherwise, someone will take over the operation and pull through for him. Either way, let's face it, this thing just has too much potential to simply die out altogether.
And gee, tomorrow is the last shipping day for my group according to the latest schedule
Anyway, thanks again Chris for the great demo. You're welcome to stop by here anytime you come this way. Just let me know. BTW, get one of those Superbit versions for the ultimate picture on an ultimate system. Even on my LCD I can't see a flaw anywhere (granted, I can't get as close as you). The detail is astonishing on TFE
.
Carey
Of course, the G11 by itself makes an amazing picture. I was amazed at the pixel fill factor and the ability to sit up close without the worry of screen door. Sliding the Panamorph 1/2 way into view, you could easily see the 30% increase in brightness on the split screen. The contrast and colors seem to improve as well. I can imagine it making an even greater impression on an LCD projector image. If it looked this good in a semi-dark room with a home-made screen, this certainly says a lot.
There is quite an offset of the image from lens center, when adjusted for 1.78:1, but if the screen is placed in the image location and the projector is level (with no added internal offset), there is virtually no barrel distortion to worry about. Even with an offset setup as we had, due to the temporary screen, the distortion couldn't have been more then a 1/2 inch or so at the centers. This would easily absorb into a screens black borders. The reduction of spillover light was another nice benefit. There may have been some non-linear focus problems, but they did not seem evident while watching movies. Of course, I was only there a couple hours, but I was quite pleased.
And then there was HDTV! Something I never imagined could look that good. In some ways it looked better than DVD. I just may have to break down and get my own satellite setup. It's really sad there is such little programming available.
At least the Panamorph is not a hoax. It's real. I have faith now that someday one will show up at my door. For such a simple looking instrument to provide all those advantages, I really can't see it just going away. Shawn, wherever he is, may actually pull through some day. I can only hope anyway
And gee, tomorrow is the last shipping day for my group according to the latest schedule
Anyway, thanks again Chris for the great demo. You're welcome to stop by here anytime you come this way. Just let me know. BTW, get one of those Superbit versions for the ultimate picture on an ultimate system. Even on my LCD I can't see a flaw anywhere (granted, I can't get as close as you). The detail is astonishing on TFE
Carey