CEDIA 2009

Stewart Filmscreen is showing several new products. AcoustiShade is a motorized window treatment that is designed not only to provide blackout in residential and commercial applications, but is also claimed to reduce noise contamination. It consists of three layers: a sound attenuating blackout layer, a decorative and acoustically beneficial face fabric, and an air space. These elements are surrounded by a frame that uses Stewart's Magnetic Blackout and Attenuation assist (MBAA) system (patent pending), which holds the blackout layer tightly to the frame to eliminate light leakage. Prices will depend on size, as the product is completely customized to fit your windows.

Stewart also announced a new screen fabric, the Studiotek 100.

An outgrowth of Stewart's 1.0 gain Snowmatte screen material, it has a smooth white surface designed for the most widest diffusion possible. This is said to produce a consistent experience across a broad viewing area and a uniform image on the screen from center to corner, limited only by the projector's capabilities. But since this will also produce significant diffusion of light back from the screen in all directions (thus enhancing reflections back onto the screen from the walls, floor, and ceiling), the screen is recommended only for home theaters that minimize all environmental reflections. Ideally this calls for very dark gray or even black surfaces, particularly in those close to the screen. Studiotek 100 is available in a full range of Stewart flat screen models (its wide diffusion makes it unsuitable for a curved screen), at prices similar to other Stewart screen materials.