"Screams quality and is put together very very well"

I have an SMX Pro-Curv -- and it was very straight forward to put together. It just screams quality and is put together very very well.

Additionally, Ruben's CS/support is second to none.

Johnsteph10

Link to original online testimonial

"Blows them all out of the water"

Just wanted to chime in here- I just set up my 14' wide ProMask-Curv masking system- I have had the screen research, stewart, and da-lite Hipower before this screen- In every way this blows them all out of the water-

First using the black velvet on the screen soaks up more light than any other screen- the masking system is very quiet and works perfectly-
I just had my system( Sim HT-5000) ISF calibrated by jeff Mierer(UMR on avs)- He loved the screen- Said it was much better than the stewart and we noticed that even at 6-8' you could not notice the weave in the screen-
Jeff is also THX certified and we did my full audio setup( active ATC all around, with JL gotham and Danley DTS-20 subs)- We could not tell the difference in measurements between before with the speakers in front of the screeen and now with the speakers behind the screen-

I highly rec. this screen and Ruben is great to work with - I would be happy to answer any questions- gary

bebop86

Link to original online testimonial

"ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!"

IMO, the SMX is the smart choice!!! I recently bought a SMX Pro Curve 130" wide AT screen from Reuben --- ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! Both video and audio --- my eyes & ears rate it "TWO THUMBS WAY UP" !!!!

Reuben was fantastic to work with, and I appreciated his attention to detail, his timely responsiveness, and his willingness to "educate" this HT "newbie." ...Even my non-technical wife & kids immediately noticed the improvement in the picture quality.

ArtieR

Link to original online testimonial

"Screen is excellent for both audio and video"

ProMask-Curv with CineWeave screen surface....I have to say that screen is excellent for both audio and video.

W. Jeff Meier
AccuCal
http://www.accucal.org/

Link to original online testimonial

"SMX was the first time I thought that AT screens were there."

Well, I will say it. I didn't think the Stewart was all that great when I saw it at Cedia. As the Stewart guy told me, if you get far enough back then you don't see the perfs. I was at about eight feet already. SMX was the first time I thought that AT screens were there. I am not sure about the effects on sound quality, but SMX wipes the floor with Stewart. Do I think the Stewart is a bad screen? No, but I do think the new SMX is much better.

Ericglo

Link to original online testimonial

"Just a gorgeous piece of work"

I've been lurking on this site for the better part of two months now, mainly learning about the ins and outs of front projection systems. I had been living with a 70" Sony rear projector for the better part of 4 years, and finally decided (actually, interestingly enough, it was my wife who suggested it) to put in a front projection system. The vast amount of information from all of the users of this site is astounding, and certainly very helpful for a FP newbie like me. I figured it was about time to give a little back to this community, so here goes.

Initially, I visited a number of HT dealers in my vicinity, but was less than impressed with their offerings. Nobody seemed to have a properly set up system, and all seemed like they wanted to sell me on a particular product, instead of letting me decide what worked best for me. I eventually decided to check out AVSforums, which was a revelation-- just a ridiculously good source of information on all things HT.

After doing a lot of reading/researching, I decided to leap right into the deep end and go whole hog on a FP system: Anamorphic lens with an automated slide, 2.40 CIH screen with variable automated side masking, and a high quality projector. With the help of Jason at AVS (many thanks to Mr. Turk), I initially elected to go with a JVC RS2 and a Panamorph UH380 with an M380 transport. Those initial choices were relatively easy. However, choice of screen was more difficult-- just a lot of options out there. After a bit more reading, I learned about pincushion with anamorphic lenses and decided to go with a curved screen to minimize this issue. I ended up considering two screens-- Stewart's CineCurve and SMX's ProMaskCurv. After researching these two and considering Ruben's extreme attention to detail in his home theater and in his other screens, I decided to go with the SMX option, sight unseen. In retrospect, I am extremely glad that I made this decision.

In comparing the two, the ProMaskCurv has a smaller footprint than the Cinecurve-- 4" shorter in height and 6" less in width. They both provide multiple aspect ratios and good automated controls with multiple options (IR, RS232, etc). The SMX screen material seems to be one of the finest acoustically transparent screens out there with good uniformity and reasonable gain-- I didn't find as much information on AVS regarding Stewart's acoustically transparent screens. I was not planning to put speakers behind the screen at this time, but I might in the future, and a perf screen would also allow me to acoustically treat the wall behind the screen if needed. Both are pricey, but the SMX less so. Plus, Ruben seemed like a great guy to work with-- which turned out to be an understatement. Decision made...

The screen took about a month to make and arrived in a well constructed crate:

Unfortunately, I was so excited in uncrating and assembling the screen that I forgot to take photos. Suffice it to say, much like Ruben's other screens, this thing was extremely well packed. The screen was partially assembled and in four parts. All four parts were securely bolted to the innards of the crate, wrapped in foam wrap with plenty of space around each piece. The frame was in two "C" shaped pieces for the sides with a vertical support bar and two straight (well, actually, slightly curved) pieces. Everything (including the vertical support bars which end up behind the screen) was wrapped in fine, "black hole" velvet. The masking system was already installed in the "C" shaped pieces making assembly of the screen very easy. I basically laid the pieces on a padded floor, slid the straight pieces into the slots on the "C" shaped pieces, and secured everything together with the included hex screws (4 connections, 4 screws per connection). Everything was clearly labeled "top", "bottom", "left", and "right". Really idiot proof. Total assembly took about 15 minutes. Once together, the screen was nearly seamless-- just a gorgeous piece of work. Even my wife, who is not HT inclined, was wowed.

The way the screen is attached is really unique. The SMX is already cut the the right size and grommets are placed along the edges of the screen. The screen is then attached to the frame with rubber O-rings looped over grommet pegs on the back side of the screen frame, passed through the screen grommet, and then looped back over the peg. I found this was easiest to do with the hemostat that Ruben so cleverly included with the frame. It took me about 30 minutes to attach the screen. I really like the way of attaching the screen, as it perfectly tensions the material without me worrying if i've pulled it too tight or left it too loose. Again, idiot proof.

brain sturgeon

Link to original online testimonial

"AT screens like SMX produce top notch image quality."

Cathan

Link to original online testimonial

"I've got a 110" SMX screen in my HT and it's great."

The great thing about an SMX screen (and why that's what I have) is an AT screen allows your screen to go past your speakers, so you can use the full width of your room for the screen.

stanger89

Link to original online testimonial

"Jaw-dropping image"

My 'original' dealer said he would not install an AT screen unless the customer asbsolutely insisted upon it because it would 'degrade' the audio. Guess what happened? Because of those comments (after doing extensive research on AVS) I ended up not choosing them because of their single-mindedness. Ended up with an SmX ST 2:35 screen and have absolutely NO regrets. The JVC RS20 throws a jaw-dropping image off of it. If you have doubts check out the many screen shots posted, or even better, if you can, demo one in person.

queendvd2

"Really top notch"

I'd also look at SMX for AT screens as they are really top notch.

Johnsteph10

Link to original online testimonial

"I drool over the SMX 4 way masking system"

As someone who will be doing 4 way masking and a zoom method, I drool over the SMX 4 way masking system.

R Harkness

Link to original online testimonial

"The design of the SmX screens is excellent"

rolette

Link to original online testimonial

"Phenomenal!"

I just put on my first movie last night on my 120" SmX screen, played from an HDX-1000, and it looked phenomenal!

CJO

Link to original online testimonial

"Loving it"

RS2/Panamorph Lens and Sled with an SMX 2.40 AT screen. 10ft wide and loving it.

Side note:
A buddy of mine and forum member Doug has a second home here in Havasu and has the RS2/Pannie combo with the new SMX curved screen/motorized masking system. WOW, is that nice! Masking off for any AR with a push of the button is SWEET.

CCLAY

Link to original online testimonial

"My SMX screen is great and I just can't see the quality being better"

First I firmly believe AT can be done without sacrificing quality. My SMX screen is great and I just can't see the quality being better (not to say other screens might not work better in different situations). There's no interaction between the screen's and the projector's structure (moire), no sharpness loss I can detect, nothing. You can't tell it's AT unless you're within a few inches, maybe a foot or two of the screen.

stanger89


Link to original online testimonial

"I am very pleased with the picture and the sound is amazing"

I am using a 10' wide SmX screen. I am very pleased with the picture and the sound is amazing coming through the screen.

T.Wells

Link to original online testimonial

"I have a 2.37:1 SMX screen and absolutely love it."

I have no issues with it whatsoever and only see the weave from the primary seating position with the 3 can lights above the screen on full (front row is at 11').

jamis

"SMX is a good place"

If you need to put your speakers behind the screen, you need a audio transparent (AT) screen. SMX is a good place to go for that.

reconlabtech

Link to original online testimonial

"Top rated among AT screens"

I'm using the "early" SMX acoustically transparent screen; 120" wide 16:9. This material was available for DIY's a few years ago. Gain is 1.1 and it works great with my RS1. Now you have to buy a full screen system to get that material, but it's top rated among AT screens, especially with their newer material. No audio EQ is required.

I really like hidden speakers, sound coming from the screen, no compromise center speaker placement (doesn't have to be mounted high or low) and the ability to use identical L,C, and R speakers. It also removes the large audio reflecting surface from the front of your theater. You can treat the wall behind the screen with sound absorption to good effect.

erkq

Link to original online testimonial

"New screen looks really good"

Cineramax was showing his pj with SMX. The new screen looks really good and I saw no perfs at more than a couple of feet distance. The Barco modded pj was probably the best image, but it will cost you.

Ericglo

Link to original online testimonial

"Quality - Just amazing"

An extremely satisfied customer. I order 2 SMX acoustic screens - 103" diagonal and a 110" diagonal a couple of months ago with total ease and I believe I got a great deal!

Service - Dealt directly with Ruben and it was a pleasure. Originally I had ordered one of the screens as 115" and changed my mind last minute to the 110" (after production was started) and Ruben was very accommodating.

Quality - Just amazing. I have them setup with 2 JVC RS10 projectors and the picture quality is superb. The acoustic feature of these screens, the velvet and the frame build really stand out.

Thanks Ruben and look forward future dealings!

imadlakkis

Link to original online testimonial

"Almost 2 years and it leaves me nothing to be desired"

I've had mine up now for almost 2 years and it leaves me nothing to be desired. I suppose I would pop for an inexpensive CMS device if one should happen to come my way, but I don't ever sit there and wish I had one. I use a 10 ft wide SMX AT 2.40 screen with a pretty neutral gain, 1.16 I think, and this combo is great. BTW, I have a 9 ft wide 2.35 Firehawk that will go into the AVS classifieds if I can ever get my act together and take the time to actually post it.

Chris
CCLAY

Link to original online testimonial

"Serious high quality"

SMX builds some serious high quality frames and an excellent material.

Nasty N8

Link to original online testimonial

"Image-wise and musically it is second to none"

The SMX is incredible simple as well to put together, and the fit and finish is second to none.

Being built in the US it is easier to support I would think. Image-wise and musically it is second to none. The impression of over 800 professionals with the Barco Superkontrast at CEDIA was overwhelmingly positive.

CINERAMAX

Link to original online testimonial

"It is simply awesomeI"

had a nice long phone conversation with Ruben and shortly thereafter a screen-fairy (much more rare than the more common tooth-fairy) delivered a beautiful gift to my house. I went with SMX 120" wide 2.37:1 AT curved with 40ft radius. Thanks Ruben, it is simply awesome.

SoTech

Link to original online testimonial

"Couldn't be happier."

129" wide 2.37:1 SMX screen at 11' with an AE3000 projector.

Couldn't be happier.

jamis

Link to original online testimonial

"Does it right in terms of support, simplicity, and performance."

Couldn't agree more. Ruben does it right in terms of support, simplicity, and performance.

Bryan
bpape

Link to original online testimonial

"Perfect sound to picture match and I am amazied"

Smx challenged everything we thought we knew about AT screens and HF losses. People from different continents tested and reported their findings on his AT material and those finding upset a few people that had spent big $$$ on brand name AT screens.

I am, was, still am the type of guy that will remove a speakers grill cloth just in case. So for years I was listening to my own speakers with no grill. You can't imagine the stress I went through when it meant that my speakers were going to be permanately behind a grill (being an AT screen).

In the end, I hired an RTA and even when my ears told me there was no difference, it was nice to see the RTA display showing similar results.

Look, there has to be some losses, however I really enjoy my SACD and DVD-As as well as all of my motion picture soundtracks.

In fact I enjoy DVD/BD more now because of the near perfect sound to picture match and I am amazied with how flat my grey scale tracks with the colorimeter. I won't go back to a solid screen.

Mark Techer
CAVX

Link to original online testimonial

"Gorgeous screen!"

...the SMX screen frame is a work of art.

Love my SMX ProLine.
jamis

Link to original online testimonial

"Meticulous attention to detail and bullet-proof construction"

What else would I expect from SmX but meticulous attention to detail and bullet-proof construction.

Great picture, great sound, killer price.

I know that most people think that having an AT screen is a "luxury" but after you experience it, it's a necessity. Seamless panning, coherent, pinpoint imaging.
I cannot imagine not having one.

Milt99

Link to original online testimonial

"All i can say is its awsome"

Im a 2:35:1 curved SMX owner.. Pro-Line screen...and all i can say is its awsome, picture from my HD81 is clean and clear
and vibrant colors.. bought a stewart, returned it before unboxing once i saw the SMX live in person.. now im happy to be a owner

BocaPimp

Link to original online testimonial

"The picture is amazing"

I'm currently using the SMX screen with my HD81 Projector + Panamorph UH380 lens @ 2.35:1 with my Klipsch THX Ultra2's behind it.

This was my first AT screen and i have to say there is nothing in this world that could convince me to do it differently in the future. The picture is amazing, the sound comes right through no problem, i really have no complaints.

I was pretty bummed that i wasnt going to be able to do AT because i couldnt afford one of the Big Boys screens...then i came across SMX. There is no question in my mind that SMX is superior in every way to the big boys...at a fraction of the cost.

Needless to say, im a very happy customer and i've recommended SMX to everyone i know that is building or thinking of building a home theater.

If you are considering it, just do it!! You wont have any regrets i assure you!

dseliger

Link to original online testimonial

"Once you go AT, you'll never go back"

I was also in on the first shipment of the SMX screen material more than a year ago. I must say, it looks great and it's held up well. I was concerned about it relaxing or sagging after time, but it is as tight as the day I mounted it.

I've paired it with an Optoma HD72. It has all the pop you could want and once you go AT, you'll never go back.

I'm not an industry professional or reviewer, but I've seen many different screens and setups. The SMX has to be the best deal going right now.

Grammar Police

Link to original online testimonial

"Very Happy"

Been using the following for just over a year. We've been very happy with the setup.

Marantz 15S1
SMX Screen (130"x54") gain 1.16
Panamorph UH440 (throw ratio 2.1)

simonpaw

Link to original online testimonial