The past few years have seen some tremendous leaps in the quality of projected images. First there was Standard Definition. Then came High Definition, 4K, and Ultra High Definition. Now there’s HDR.
HDR provides a larger color space and greater contrast for a more dynamic image.
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. There’s been a lot of talk about HDR since 2016 CES show, and you may be wondering what it is. Furthermore, you may be wondering about HDR and projection screens.
While the other terms we’ve mentioned—4K, UHD, etc., have to do with resolution, HDR has to do with color and contrast.
Basically an HDR image has a higher peak brightness point, and a darker black reference point. This expanded range between peak brightness and black level creates more contrast, and makes for a much more dynamic image. Thus the term High Dynamic Range.
In addition to better contrast, HDR also increases the size of the color space. An HDR image has a greater number of overall colors, and also a much more smooth transition between colors. The effect is to generate an image that is interpreted as much more realistic by the rods and cones in our eyes.
More accurate colors and a more dynamic image mean more pressure is placed on the projection screen to reproduce an accurate image. And, frankly, some screens are not up to the task.
Optically Seamless TecVision surfaces are 8K ready and ISF-certified so they can handle the enhanced color and contrast.
The retina is the light-sensing structure of the human eye. It contains two types of cells: rods and cones. Rods handle vision in low light and high resolution details, and cones handle color vision—reds, greens, and blues. Cones are very sensitive to even the most minute color differentials—but our cones do not see high resolution or fine details. To trick those rods and cones into thinking an image is brighter, projection screen manufacturers have played with the color mix of the white surface. Which, in turn, impacts the colors displayed on the screen.
Draper’s TecVision viewing surfaces are not only 4K ready—they’re 8K ready as well! They’re also Imaging Science Foundation certified for color accuracy. To be certified by the ISF, a screen has to have a flat spectral response—or color fidelity. In other words, the screen cannot affect the color of the image enough for the human eye to perceive.
That means TecVision, when used with an ISF certified or calibrated projector, can handle the increased contrast and additional color space of an HDR image, and deliver the colors accurately.
And you will see things the way you were meant to see them.
To check out our Optically Seamless TecVision line of premium viewing surfaces, click here.
