Trac Associates Projection Screen News

TRaC is pleased to announce a dramatically improved two way viewing screen that provides an equitable balance between the front and rear viewing of the screen with just one projected image.  Perfect for Night Clubs, Restaurants, Entertainment Centers, Sports Bars or venues where the objective is to have the image seen from almost 360 degrees.

For the first time, this new screen has characteristics that provide a harmonization between the viewed projected light from the front to the back.  The image brightness is almost equally balanced between the front and rear sides of the projection screen.  Image brightness is approximately 53% to the rear (projector side) and 47% to the front.  This was an intended designed criteria.  Not an afterthought.  Viewing angle on both sides is excellent.

There are many rear projection films that promote or claim “2 sided” viewing with one projected image.  Most of these screens were designed to be rear projection screens that inadvertently, bounced back some of the light in the direction of the projector.  They weren’t designed for this characteristic.  It was a natural result of projecting on a rear projection screen that resulted in bounce back light.  This characteristic was then taken to the market.  Hence, by default, a new “2-Way” projected image category.  Often, the image brightness was split approximately 80%/20% or 70%/30% between one side and the other. They may get initial attention, but didn’t hold much functionality.  They were not a market researched designed product, but merely marketed and promoted as a new feature.

This new screen from TRaC Associates opens new and viable avenues to show a projected image to customers wherever they are in viewing area. Whether in trade shows or entertainment centers, these screens provide a dual purpose.

Available as window mountable foil or framed.

Contact TRaC Associates for more information.

Small projection panels have been used for years by traveling salesmen, trainers and presenters in trade shows, corporate events, conference rooms and class rooms when a light weight, durable projection screen needs to be held in a vertical fashion on a flat surface. Today’s lightweight and bright projectors couple beautifully with small format screens allowing presentations to be used in even the smallest rooms. Portability is essential and the screen set up and take down needs to be quick and easy.

TRaC offers light weight, clear acrylic table feet that are suitable for projection screen panels (front or rear) in varying thicknesses from 3/16” to ¼”. The panels are slipped into the panel slots, stand firmly upright and are extremely stable. Weighing only a few ounces and measuring only 8” x 1 ¾” x 1”, the feet can be tucked away into the projector case with other accessories.

Contact TRaC Associates for information.

TRaC Associates has a variety of flexible rear projection screen materials that provide screen options for curved surfaces and customized shapes. Instead of being limited to a flat rectangular screen, designers can now custom cut shapes, logos or artistic figures for projected images in museums, trade shows, office lobbies and themed events.

The TransVu family provides everything from full transparency to high contrast images. The high gain rear projection PowerVu has also been used in large formats to provide a uniform “frosted” appearance on curved glass partitions in lobbies and reception areas while providing vivid projected images at the same time.

Contact TRaC Associates for further information.

A projection digital signage system using TRaC Associates window films are impervious to the high radiant daylight temperatures reached on window fronts, provide crisp clear signage images and save on maintenance costs.

A recent discussion with a realtor on the east coast highlights the issue. They had installed an LCD digital signage system in their store front window to promote their business and properties. Within the first 6 months, the unit failed, and within the second 6 months, the replacement LCD unit failed too, even though both LCD panels were proclaimed by the manufacturer to be high temperature tolerant.

Heat is the primary killer of electronics. That’s why great efforts are made by manufacturers to include fans and other cooling techniques to moderate the heat build up inside electronic display housings. However, most digital signage LCD and Plasma units are designed to be used indoors, in controlled temperature environments.

Placing them close to a sun lit window could be courting trouble… Sunshine includes radiant heat. In a window location, this radiant heat source raises the temperature of the electronic display to phenomenal temperatures. The whole external casing and the internal components heat up, similar to a warming oven. The internal fans just can’t keep up with the heat build up and the electronics suffer, causing premature device failure.

Surprisingly, turning off the LCD or Plasma unit doesn’t help. The units just heat up faster and to a higher temperature because the internal fans aren’t operating to assist in cooling the device. The electronic components get temperature cycled between the hot day time hours and the cooler night temperatures which shorten their operating life.

A projection window screen system is a solution to the problem. TRaC’s window screen materials are “passive” non-electrical components in the overall digital signage projection system. The screens are not affected by the radiant heat, UV or IR elements of sunlight and will last trouble free for years and years.

Additionally, the projector is usually ceiling mounted 6’ to 20’ back inside the store front. Projectors have fans too, but the unit is operating in the “human friendly” temperature controlled room, not in the hot show case display area around the store front window. So they can operate as per the manufacturer’s specifications and your expectations.

Another advantage of a ceiling mounted projector is that it is out of harms way. It can’t get handled by a curious shopper or bumped by store cleaning crews. Power and video cables are above the ceiling, preventing them from getting snagged during normal store activities.

Today’s variety of projection films from Trac Associates include daylight viewable, high contrast, white and even transparent image options. So whether you need outside viewable signage or inside special effect images, you can design a system of high reliability, high visual impact and long life.

Contact TRaC Associates for assistance.

Many retail establishments are looking to incorporate digital signage displays into window store fronts to attract prospective customers but want to avoid permanent installations due to the changing retail needs, seasonality and other possible window locations. TRaC Associates (www.tracassociates.com) offers a variety of window projection screen films and foils that can be moved from one window location to another, without the necessity of calling in expensive and professional “licensed and bonded installers” to make the change.

TRaC’s window screen offerings include the daylight viewable GlassVu, the high (20) gain PowerVu and 3 versions of TransVu window films. All are selectable to fit the appropriate ambient lighting and desired image size, format and desired application appearance.

Most window projection screens must be adhered to the glass or acrylic clear substrate. Removal of permanent screen materials may result in damages to the screen and leave adhesive residue on the glass. TRaC’s window projection screen options can be used with simple “clip strips” and flown (like printed posters) just behind the window glass or actually attached to the window with “suction cups” that can be easily detached so the screen can be moved to another window location. There is no loss of projection screen investment or additional cleaning costs of the window.

Additional savings costs are both before and after relocation installations. Permanent installations require ceiling projector installations and cable pulling for power and video feeds. Temporary installations do not require licensed and bonded installers. Temporary set ups only need to comply with normal safety standards of providing a power cord/video cable to the projector and content source.

Additionally, with today’s wireless technologies, the video content can be sent from a central source to almost any location of the projector within the wireless receivers and transmitters receiving and transmission range.

Do you need an in store transportable digital signage system? Wish to avoid expensive install costs for ceiling or wall fixtures and permanent power or video cables to LCD panels or plasma displays? Want to move the system when and where you need it?

Consider a reuseable projection screen film or foil that can be relocated, coupled with the portability of a small, light weight projector and a compact laptop or DVD.

Call TRaC Associates for ideas. (503) 657-6599 or toll free (877) 382-8948

Interactive windows are forging ahead in the digital signage retail industry. TRaC Associates’ variety of film projection screen screens for windows and acrylic panels couple the projected image with the ViP interactive technology offered by Brookview Technologies.

Whether you are looking for high contrast images, bright colors or even transparent displays, TRaC offers a wide selection of options. Below is a brief explanation of BrookView Technologies interactive touch films and how they can be used with projection films.

Please contact TRaC for the projection films at this web site and Brookview Technologies for the interactive touch film capabilities.

Page from Brookview Technologies web site is shown below. Contact: Michael Gaffney at www.brookviewtechnologies.com

Interactivity Specification
Detection Method: Projected Capacitance technology using horizontal vertical wires

Position accuracy: Approximately 3 mm absolute, 1 mm relative. No drift

Alignment: Software drivers provide a calibration facility

Sensitivity: Adjustable by software. Can be programmed for different thickness of glass and even use with gloved hands. Functions with non-metalise, single construction glass 16mm thick.

Speed of response: Depends upon glass thickness. Typically 50 to 100ms

Output: RS232C communications to a 9 pin D female

Software Compatibility: Drivers are available for Windows Operating Systems

Temperature range: Better than -10 to +70°C

Humidity Controller: 0% to 95%. Unaffected by condensation

Light Transmission: Typically better than 85%.

Product Construction

Digital signage, projection and media content come together in a solution from MultiMedia Communications. TRaC Associates amd MMC work together to provide the best of projected video imaging with full content creation and distribution to off site locations throughout the country. TRaC provides a variety of projection screen materials that enable projected images to be used outside conventional wisdow with content designed and distribution experts like MutiMedia Coportation to deliver factual and eyecathing imagines to clients and customers.

Please contact TRaC associates for specialty projection screen material options at this web site and MultiMedia Corporation for full solution offerings at www.mmcom.com

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Below is a clip from Multimedia’s web site.

Since 1974 MultiMedia Communications (MMC) has provided a wide range of consulting and creative services to business, industry, medical, financial and educational institutions.

MMC is a full-service multimedia production and marketing company specializing in the development and creation of information delivery systems and interactive kiosks. We employ a full-time team of top notch professionals including graphic artists, animators, videographers, editors, writers, technical production staff and account executives. Our state-of-the-art production facility is located in Natick, Massachusetts. All work is performed on site; this assures quality and attention to detail.

MMC has several interconnecting divisions: Digital Signage Development, Technical Consulting, Internet Services, Presentation & Design, Corporate Meetings and Production Services.

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Web page clip from www.mmcom.com

Heads are turning

Now you can turn any glass window or glass storefront into an ultra sharp, high-definition television screen. People will stop dead in their tracks to watch it, you will generate more traffic and increase sales with our new LumaGlass projection system.
LumaGlass, a member of our HoloView™ line of screen products, is perfectly viewable even under extreme lighting conditions. Your picture is always bright and crisp.
LumaGlass is available in varying degrees of transparency, and a wide range of sizes. The most transparent film allows your customers to look through your LumaGlass window and see the products inside.
Lightweight and durable, LumaGlass is the perfect partner to our Snap!Tv information delivery system. It’s ideal for store displays, expositions, convention arenas, fashion shows, trade show exhibits, museums and virtually any place you have a glass wall or window that you want to turn into a high-quality television screen.

Our unique LumaGlass product provides unprecedented picture quality. It will deliver stunningly vibrant images even in extreme bright light conditions.

Our new DualHoloView product has the ability to be used in both front and rear projection applications.

LumaGlass is a film-like product with an adhesive backing that can easily be applied to windows, Plexiglas, or any other transparent surface. It is available in multiple opacities, from semi-transparent to high-contrast black opaque in your choice of format: a thin film, similar to a photo transparency; or a rigid material, less than one-quarter of an inch in thickness. All are seamless products with no pixels or visually impairing distractions.

Weighing less than 3 ounces and available in sizes up to 140″ diagonally per sheet, LumaGlass sheets can be seamlessly joined together to form extremely large displays. LumaGlass can also be hung from ceilings to create spectacular, floating imagery. It is simply the best digital signage product available.
• LumaGlass can be cut to any size
• The contrast is 250:1
• The horizontal & vertical viewing angle is 90 degrees
• The film thickness is 0.3mm

Example of a transparent rear projection screen

Contact:

MulitMedia Communications, LLC

81 Speen Street

Natick, MA 01760

Tel: 508 653-3392

TRaC Associates offers a wide option of window projection screen films and surfaces for digital signage. A.R.T. Dart in Seattle has incorporated these offerings into many of their digital signage solutions for their clients desiring to have active and interactive window displays for capturing the attention of retail customers.

Please contact TRaC on this web site for product descriptions or A.R.T. Dart in Seattle for comprehesive design assistance in developing a digital signage solution.

Below is a snap shot of A.R.T. Darts offerings on their web site.

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PROJECTOR DISPLAY SYSTEMS
DartVU (TM) projector-based display solutions offer vibrant and noticeable messaging and video via high-contrast, window-mountable display screens (combined with the playback vehicle of your choice and applicable projector–also available from A.R.T.). Lightweight and durable, these products are ideal for retail settings, trade shows, window displays, museum installations, and any other application where the attention of your audience is paramount. Free-standing, window, or ceiling-mount options are available in screen sizes from 40″ to 120″ (inquire for custom sizes).

GlassVu is the most advanced rear projection display available. With a contrast ratio of 500:1, the GlassVu offers unprecedented imagery in full daylight.

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TransVu is the newest in the DART line of high quality projection displays. With no distracting lines or pixels and available up to 100″, it is the premier transparent display on the market (available in transparencies of 25%, 50%, or 75%).

Artistic Resources & Technology, LLC
1900 W. Nickerson St., Suite 116-130
Seattle, WA 98119
(206) 686-7879
Email: cs@artdart.com

TRaC Associates provided a daylight viewable dynamic digital signage projection window screen for a Candanian library to replace static posters. The “Window TV” consisted of coupling the day light viewable screen technology of the GlassVu film with a commercial projector to enable flexibility and daylight viewability of content on the library window to outside viewers. Foxchapel Marketing and Design worked with the London Library for the design and installation.

Fox Chapel’s press release is shown below. Please contact them for application details or TRaC Associates for more information on the GlassVu and other window projection screen films.

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Contact: Walter Hanisch
Foxchapel Marketing & Design
Phone 519 473 9200
Fax 519 463 3496
www.foxchapel.ca

Foxchapel Marketing & Design awarded eye catching marketing contract for London Library
London design firm specializing in digital marketing

works with Library staff to provide a unique solutionto support their new

strategic marketing campaign entitled “My Library”

PROJECT PROFILE
The Management of The London Library determined that the present static display facing into Galleria’s central atrium needed to be replaced. The Library expressed a desire to utilize a more technically advanced and effective marketing solution.

CHALLENGE
The solution had to be economically viable and user friendly. After consultation it was determined that the direction the Library wanted to follow required a creative and unique solution to compliment their present forms of communication. Foxchapel was commissioned to provide a solution that would encompass the Libraries requirements.

SOLUTION
Foxchapel worked closely with management and staff to determine the specific requirements and after consultation with its team of professional offered several solutions to work within the Libraries budget. With a few adjustments a final direction and action plan was agreed upon. Foxchapel will be providing a complete turn key solution that is designed to be user friendly and upgradeable as the Libraries needs grow. Foxchapel will be installing up an impressive 60″ diagonal Window TV image screen, powered by a media digital player and projector, allowing for the broadcast of the Libraries important messages. Installation is scheduled to coincide with the Libraries launch of their re-branding campaign.
ABOUT FOXCHAPEL
Foxchapel integrates multiple media to reach out to your clients and strengthen your brand. With our extensive background in re-fom1ing how organizations touch their customers Foxchapel provides a complete range of design and marketing services by selecting creative teams uniquely suited to your project.

Projection films for window signage, trade shows and special effects are becoming extremely popular. TRaC Associates offers four different versions (transparent, bright white, high contrast and 2-sided viewing) that have an adhesive backing for ease of installation. Mounting to glass or acrylic is as simple as applying a window treatment film.

Unlike glass, a clear acrylic substrate needs to be chosen with certain characteristics.

1) Acrylic Material

Not all acrylics should be used for the mounting of films. It is important is to choose a manufacturer and brand that is a cast acrylic (as opposed to extruded) for visual clarity and additionally, an acrylic that is fully “cured” or annealed.

Inexpensive acrylics are usually extruded, and the chemical components of the acrylic continue to leak or “outgas” from the acrylic over time. Even after you have mounted a film with its water activated adhesive to the acrylic surface and it looks perfect, air pockets can appear throughout the film, giving it a spotted appearance over a few hours or a couple of days.

To avoid this, check with the manufacturer or their distributor to ensure the acrylic you are choosing is

a) cast

b)fully cured or annealed

c) will not outgas.

Need an easier approach? We have tested and recommend the following cast acrylic for the mounting of projection films. This manufacturer has distributors throughout the country.

Manufacturer: Cyro Industries Go to www.cyro.com to find a local distributor in your area.

Brand: Acrylite GP

2) Acrylic Size

Depending on your application, you may want to suspend or fly the acrylic with the projection film without a frame. This is easily done with a variety of hanging hardware elements from sources like Arakawa. So if you want the mounted film on the acrylic to appear to “float” in the air, plan to size the acrylic a little longer on one or more edges ( 1”-1 ½”) to leave room for the hanging grippers or hardware that you wish to use.

Secondly, it’s a good idea to oversize the acrylic slightly on all four sides so when the film is mounted to the acrylic, it is inset about 1/8” to 1/4 “ in from all the edges. This protects the edges of the film from being scraped or lifted off the acrylic when the acrylic projection screen panel is handled in installation or shipping.

3) Cleaning Acrylic and the Mounted TransVu film

Use soap and water to clean the acrylic and the mounted film if it gets fingerprints or smudges with a soft cloth. DO NOT use Alcohol based cleaners or Ammonia based cleaners. Both can damage the acrylic and/or the mounted film. Obviously, avoid abrasive cleaners too.