PROMASK

4 Way Masking System

Meet the SmX PROMASK

The PROMASK is the supreme sleek 4-way projection screen masking system by SmX. The PROMASK starts as a native 16:9 (1.78:1) viewable projection screen and allows you to mask your viewable screen down to every possible aspect ratio without being confined to a projected constant image height or constant image width.

 

The PROMASK uses silent technology techniques to make it the quietest, rattle free masking system on the market.


 

Why you need a masking system

Almost all HD projectors project a native 16:9 (1.78:1) image. The idea screen to start with would be the same aspect ratio as the projector which would be 16:9.

 

So lets say you have a 16:9 aspect ratio HD projector and a 16:9 aspect ratio projection screen. Most HDTV broadcasts will fill your 16:9 screen so you will be fine if you are only going to watch those few channels or few movies that will fill your screen.

 

However, if you plan on watching any major released movies they are most likely going to be in a 1.85:1 or 2.35:1 aspect ratio. This means the projected image is now wider than your conventional 16:9 projection screen. You are now going to have black or dark grey projected bars above and below your projected image due to sizing the 2.35:1 AR projected image inside a 16:9 AR screen.

 

Now lets say you want to watch standard definition television or DVD's that are in the 4:3 (1.33:1) aspect ratio. Now your 4:3 projected image is not as wide as your conventional 16:9 aspect ratio screen and you are now going to have black or grey bars on the sides of your projected Image.

 

The PROMASK eliminates those annoying black and grey bars by masking off those un-used areas. The PROMASK masking panels are a true-black hole audio transparent velvet that match the hand upholstered frame of the of the PROMASK. The matching panels give every aspect ratio you project on your screen a perfectly sized masked frame.

 

Why is it important to mask your projected image?

Because the dark black frame and mask around your viewable screen perceives increased contrast and makes the projected image appear to float off the wall. It masks also give you a sharp black border around your projected image. So the blacker the frame/mask material the higher perceived contrast.

Four Independently Controlled Masks

Each masking panel in the PROMASK is independently controlled. This allows the end user endless flexibility in masking. With the PROMASK, you can mask for off centered projected images (horizontally and vertically) with simple ease. You can also independently drop the bottom mask to view subtitles and menus while maintaining the other masks in their position.

Other screen companies use a thin transparent lighter color material for their acoustically transparent masks. The SmX PROMASK masking panels come in a special formulated acoustically transparent velvet that matches the frame of the PROMASK. This match assures a seamless transition between various aspect ratios and the native viewing of your screen.

 

The acoustical transparency of our masks perform just like typical speaker grills meaning inaudible loss of attenuation throughout the audio spectrum.



Sleek Compact Frame Size

Other masking systems are huge and bulky robbing valuable wall space from your theater and sometimes compromising your viewable screen size due to wall space limitations. The PROMASK masking system frame measures a sleek 4" deep by 4" wide. This is almost the same width of most standard fixed frame projection screens.

Trim Profiles

For your room design convenience, the PROMASK is available with four different frame trim profiles. Choose from our standard flat face frame, radius beveled face frame, straight beveled face frame or flush aperture mounted frame.


Integration

The PROMASK integrates into all automation systems with I/O technology including Crestron, AMX, Lutron, etc. The PROMASK can also be controlled via IR and RF remote controls as well as IP, rs232, dry contact and wall switches. You can also use your scaler to mask with the PROMASK. Other integration options are also available, please inquire if you have a specific request.

Projection Screen Materials

The PROMASK accommodates all our solid and audio transparent projection screen materials. The projector screen material attaches to the PROMASK with a modified lace and grommet method.


Assembly

The PROMASK masking system can ship fully assembled or partially assembled. It comes in a large wood crate by freight delivery in the USA. The PROMASK comes with everything necessary to make assembly and installation an ease.

 

 

Build Quality

SmX hand builds each PROMASK projection masking system to order right here in the USA. We start off with the highest quality smart technology electronics and bench test all parts before building your masking system. We use silent technology motors (SMT) for all our PROMASK masking systems. Our motors are silent and run 20% to 30% faster than the other masking systems currently on the market.

 

We acoustically insulate all the hollow cavities of the PROMASK frame and treat the entire masking system with our acoustic insulating and isolation techniques to make the PROMASK the quietest "rattle free" masking system available.

 

If you ever had the chance to see how bulky and noisy some of the current masking systems on the market are, you will appreciate our techniques.

 

We use linear motion techniques for our masking panels that put zero stress on the motors. These stress free techniques ensure the maximum performance life of each motor in the PROMASK. These methods also assure a lifetime of jam free use with the PROMASK.

 

Structurally engineered and insulated mask rollers assure no waves/sags in your masking panels for life.


Masking and Frame Trim

Most other screen companies use cheap black flock as the black masking trim on their frames. The PROMASK frame comes hand upholstered with our specially formulated True Black-Hole velvet to ensure a true to life black hole frame around your projection screen.

 

We don't use a regular off the shelf velvet, our velvet has no sheen to it like conventional velvets do. Not having a sheen, means not having the ability to reflect light. When you over-scan your projected image and mask it, you want to make sure the masking trim absorbs all light hitting it. The SmX true black hole velvet trim makes all the other screen companies flocked trim look grey in comparison.

In a dark room with no light hitting the trims, the following trims below look pretty close to the same. However, once light hits the trims below, the leading screen companies black flock turns grey while our true black hole velvet stays black. Remember, you want the blackest possible masking around your projected image to improve perceived contrast.

The following comparison picture was shot with a camera and flash. The SmX true black-hole velvet (on the left side) and the leading screen companies black flock trim (on the right side) were side by side when the picture was shot.

 

SMX TRUE BLACK
VELVET TRIM 		LEADING SCREEN COMPANY
BLACK FLOCK TRIM

 

Notice how the leading screen companies flock trim reflects all the light from the camera flash and turns it grey, however the SmX true velvet trim absorbs all the light from the camera flash due to it's lack of sheen.

Do you want a grey trimmed frame around your screen or a true black one? Besides our true black hole velvet, SmX also offers exotic wood veneered finished frames as well as other colored velvets.

 

Sizing

Our PROMASK masking systems range in sizes from 80" wide up to 20' wide. Since every PROMASK is custom made to order, custom sizes and configurations are quickly and easily produced.

 


 

5 Year Warranty

The SmX PROMASK masking system is backed with a 5 year warranty against manufacturer defects.


Real Testimonials

Here at SmX we listen to what real people like yourself are saying about our products on public forums. There are many forums/message boards in many languages discussing the greatness of the SmX products. A simple Google search using "smxscreen" should bring up many results.

There is currently an official SmX Screen thread at the worlds biggest A/V website/forum called AVS. To read what real live people just like yourself are saying about our products, CLICK HERE.


Pricing / Availability

For questions on pricing, please EMAIL US or call us toll free at (888) 810-6906

 

From SmX to You

SmX boasts impeccable craftsmanship using only the highest quality raw materials. Your SmX PROMASK will come nothing short of pure perfection and we stand by this commitment. SmX understands one of the most important pieces of your theater is the projection screen and rest assure your SmX screen will be a showpiece of your theater.

 

Projectors and DVD players are always upgraded but a good high quality projection screen will last a lifetime. Your one time investment in your SmX projector screen will outlive the surrounding technology in your theater. You owe yourself the best in life, investing in an SmX projection screen will assure you made the best decision.

 
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