Seymour-Screen Excellence, the CEDIA channel brand that specializes in reference-grade woven-fabric acoustically transparent film screens and motorized masking designs, and its sister company film screen brand Seymour AV, are now shipping their Retro Masking System accessory.
The Retro Masking System is a purpose-built, custom solution to add motorized 16:9 masking to all brands’ ultra-wide (native aspect ratios such as 2.35, 2.37, 2.40) fixed-frame film screens from 100 to 300 inches wide.
The system consists of a pair of sleek housings finished in black velvet that attach to the top left and right of the screen frame. Inside each is a roll of Seymour’s sheer black acoustically transparent masking driven by a 24v DC motor. These operate in tandem via a provided wall switch (and power supply) as well as an RF remote. The system can also be upgraded to integrate with home automation.
Regardless of size, MSRP is set at $1,195, thus enabling enthusiasts to cost-effectively add a layer of sophistication to their home theater regardless of size or brand. Until now, this could only be achieved by upgrading to a new film screen and motorized system (costly) or adapting magnetic 16:9 “snap in place” masking panels. While these are effective, they are far from the experience of operating the masking via remote control or home automation.
The Retro Masking System, which is made in the U.S., is available as option on new Seymour-Screen Excellence fixed frame orders. Tight tolerances between masking and screen surface prevent mask shadowing and proprietary fabric delivers crisp masking edges. Black velvet covering of masking housing blends with frame around most fixed screens.
Last summer, the Retro Masking System was unveiled at the DIY show MWave where home theater influencer Michael Stevens (Youthman Reviews) hailed it a “A Game Changer.” Seymour-Screen Excellence later debuted the system to the CEDIA channel at 2022 Expo. There Projector Central awarded it as Best of Show, with CEDIA Daily citing it a Hot Product.
Here is a video of Chris Seymour discussing and demonstrating the system at Expo:
In recent years Seymour-Screen Excellence has expanded its offerings with many innovative solutions created by Chris Seymour. These include award-winning ambient light-rejecting screen surfaces; the channel’s first color temperature tunable white bias LED back lighting kits and single- and 4-way motorized masking systems.
In 2019, the brand’s Adjustable Ratio Theater (ART) motorized masking system was declared a CEDIA Best New Hardware Product. In 2017, S-SE, in joint-demo with Audio Excellence and Wolf Cinema, was recognized by AVS Forum as Best 2017 CEDIA Expo Home Theater Demo. Seymour-Screen Excellence can be reached at 515.450.5694 and 515.268.3369.
