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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SCREEN RESEARCH INTRODUCES “INTEGRATOR” FRAMES
I-frame and J-frame give installers more installation options
at more competitive price points
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March 17, 2005 — Bellingham, WA – Screen Research, makers of high-quality acoustically transparent (AT) and acoustically neutral home theater projection screens, has announced the availability of two new frame styles — dubbed the I-frame and J-frame — designed to give professional system integrators more flexibility in their installations. They are also a lower cost option that makes Screen Research’s patented micro-fiber based acoustically transparent screens competitive with most solid screens on the market. These new frames are available immediately through their North American distributor, StJohn Group — http://www.stjohngroup.com/.
Screen Research designs and supplies complete projection screen systems, which require installation by a professional, in order to guarantee the product’s reliability and performance for the customer. Consequently, Screen Research does not provide its projection screen material without the associated frames, cabinetry or adapted structures.
However, professional residential and commercial installers are increasingly asked to tailor their designs to meet their customers’ particular needs. To respond to this need, Screen Research has developed these two new frames specifically for this purpose.
The new frames can be used with both ClearPix1 and ClearPix 2 acoustically transparent projection screen fabrics. Both also employ the use of Screen Research’s patented Pi-grip self-tensioning screen system, which uses no snaps, grommets or Velcro that can cause edge distortion.
Pricing for complete systems starts at $1,225 MSRP for the I-frame and $925 MSRP for the J-frame.
I-FRAME
The I-frame is a durable aluminum extrusion over which the ClearPix fabrics are stretched.
When ordering, the installer specifies S for “shallow” or D for “deep” orientation (depending on how the installer wants the frame oriented in the installation) and the frame and fabric are shipped ready to assemble.
The screen fabric is then fastened on the back of the extrusion with the Pi-grip. Acoustically transparent and THX certified black backing material specially designed to kill light leak and to improve contrast ratio is also attached in this manner, if needed.
The I-frame would typically be used in situations where the installer wants a completely frameless screen, that could be hung on the wall like a picture frame, or mounted behind a proscenium, for example.
See or download photos of the I-frame here:
http://teamsync.cebiz.net/2052D474495F4836AA47CCF2832FCCA8
J-FRAME
The J-frame is also an aluminum extrusion, but a much smaller and simpler design. It is a holding channel for the ClearPix fabric and Pi-grip and is intended to be screwed to an existing frame (i.e. a home made wooden frame, a solid proscenium, or an existing metal frame from some other screen supplier.)
Unlike the I-frame which comes cut to size, the J-frame comes in lengths of 45.2″ (1.15m) for the appropriate size of screen that has been ordered. The installer must then cut the lengths of J-frame to the exact size during installation and screw the pieces to an existing frame of some sort.
See or download photos of the J-frame here:
http://teamsync.cebiz.net/3EBEC167F3C84BDBBC8BBFA4BBBC3989
If acoustically transparent and THX certified black backing material is required, for absorbing the 3% or less light leak, then dealers order a kit with two rows of the J-frame extrusions.
I-FRAME & J-FRAME TALKING POINTS
– Integrator frames offer installers additional options for mounting ClearPix acoustically transparent fabric.
– I-frame allows frameless screen look and can be oriented two different ways to accommodate installation demands. Comes cut to size.
– J-frame is not self-supporting and must be attached to a wall or some other structural member along its entire length. Extrusion pieces are delivered as a batch of bars of similar length and must be cut to exact size during installation.
– Significantly lower cost than Screen Research’s Supreme and Classic aluminum frames. Lower pricing offers the installer more flexibility in bids or proposals.
– BOTTOM LINE: With price points competitive with solid screens from most manufacturers, there is no longer a reason not to purchase an acoustically transparent screen and put speakers where they belong — behind the screen.
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BACKGROUND
PROJECTION SCREEN MATERIAL
All Screen Research screens are available with THX ULTRA and ISF Certified ClearPix2 projection screen material for unmatched video and audio performance. Unlike common perforated screens, the acoustically transparent ClearPix screens do not introduce the comb filtering associated with perforations and as such require no compensation equalization for speakers placed behind them.
In addition, the absence of perforations eliminates the moire interference patterns that plague perforated screens when they are used with fixed-pixel projectors (DLP, LCD, LCOS). As a result, home theater designers who use these popular projectors can now place the center loudspeaker where it belongs — behind the screen and at the proper height for optimum sound and image coherence.
New ClearPix1 material is also available in all fixed screen models. While it offers all the visual and aural benefits of ClearPix2 material, it is does not carry the THX or ISF certification, and is designed for the value-conscious consumer who appreciates the well-documented benefits of locating the center channel behind the screen.
FIXED AND RETRACTABLE MODELS, MOTORIZED AND FIXED MASKING SYSTEMS, & LE WING
Screen Research offers the ClearPix2 fabric in fixed and electric retractable models, in standard and custom widths, and in matte white (0.95 gain) or pearl grey (0.75 gain). The fixed models employ a patented frame design. Instead of using snaps or Velcro, the screen fabric is stretched evenly via a self-tensioning system. A spring tension insert grabs the fabric and locks it firmly into the frame with no bowing or creasing. The Supreme frame’s luxurious velour finish eliminates distracting stray light reflections.
The Classic — a black anodized aluminum frame – offers a lower cost option than the Supreme velour frame. And two new integrator frames — the I-frame and the J-frame — offer even lower cost options for installers integrating Screen Research screen material into existing frames or custom-built framing.
Screen Research also offers a full complement of motorized screens with masking, professional-grade fixed masking systems — called XMask — and Le Wing, the world’s first integrated, fully retractable motorized screen and speaker system.
BROCHURE AND HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHY
This press release, along with product literature and high-resolution photos are available for downloading from the StJohn Group web site. The Screen Research web site contains detailed product and technical information as well.
AVAILABLE NOW
Designed and engineered in France, Screen Research screens and masking systems are distributed and marketed in the Western Hemisphere by StJohn Group, Inc. Qualified consumers who wish to purchase will be directed to an authorized dealer. Contact StJohn Group for details.
ABOUT SCREEN RESEARCH
Screen Research is a company made up of scientists and business professionals with years of experience in technology and A/V design. Its main goal is to provide solutions to unresolved technical problems in the projection video screen market.
It has specialized in acoustically transparent video-projection screens of the highest quality, specifically designed for today’s modern fixed pixel projectors (LCD, DLP, L-COS, etc.). Its products are distributed worldwide and have been quickly recognized and awarded for bringing significant improvements to existing screen and projection technologies.
ABOUT STJOHN GROUP
StJohn Group is a distribution and marketing company specializing in products and services for the custom integration (CI) market. The company currently is the exclusive North American distributor and marketer of Screen Research acoustically transparent projection screens and Artcoustic on-wall loudspeakers.
The company’s two founding partners — industry veterans John Caldwell and Kevin Leja — together have more than 50 years experience in virtually every facet of the consumer electronics industry. StJohn Group is pioneering a New School approach to products and marketing strategies — one that will help move CI dealers closer to the mainstream of the home design market.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
Sales:
John Caldwell
Phone: 805-647-3779 • Fax: 805-856-2212
E-mail: john@stjohngroup.com
Administration:
4396 Saddlestone Drive
Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: 360-756-2205 • Fax: 360-647-1087
E-mail: info@stjohngroup.com
Web sites:
http://www.stjohngroup.com
http://www.cebiz.net
http://www.artcousticusa.com/
Press Portal & Extranet:
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