Seymour-Screen Excellence’s TRIM System Makes Motorized Masking (More) Affordable

Seymour-Screen Excellence’s TRIM System Makes Motorized Masking (More) Affordable​

(February 21, 2019) There’s nothing better than a high-end theater technology finding its way to a more affordable price point, opening access to a larger number of home theater enthusiasts. Today, we’re highlighting one such instance, complements of the fine folks at Seymour-Screen Excellence.

Seymour has unleashed an all-new fixed-frame motorized masking system called TRIM. Costing half of the company’s highly coveted True Aspect Masking system, TRIM can be applied to screens between 90- and 150-inches wide utilizing its 4K Enlightor Neo acoustically transparent screen material, as well as its 16K light-rejecting Ambient-Visionaire and Radiant White and Grey series surfaces. What’s more, TRIM is designed to be consumer-friendly, providing simplified shipping and assembly.

“For TRIM we designed our Infinite Black borders to be removable. This makes it possible to ship the entire system nestled in a cardboard box,” says Chris Seymour, Managing Director. “This significantly reduces cost because we don’t have to ship in wooden crates like we do with the TAMs which on average weigh 700-pounds and require up to 3-days to build. It also gives the option that if the velvet border gets damaged, the panels can be inexpensively repaired or replaced.”

The TRIM masking system utilizes independently controlled DC motors for both horizontal and lateral masking mechanisms that are paired with a black velvet border that measures 3.7-inches wide. Horizontal masking is available on 1.78 aspect ratio screens, while lateral masking is reserved for 2.40 cinemascope screens.

Installation-wise, Enlightor AT screens can be affixed with a grip-channel or posts, while other screen options offer grommet and O-ring attachment points.

As for pricing, MSRP lands between $5,000 and $10,000 (excluding motor/control accessories and installation) depending on size and choice of screen. Visit seymourscreenexcellence.com for more information, including dealer locations.

 

[Tony V.]

Hmmmm....Love the idea but affordable is not quite the word I would use. Thats still a lot to ask for just a motorized masking system.

Masking is certainly something I want to get but I am looking at a DIY solution as I currently just use some blackout curtains that I manually pull in on both sides.

 

[Matthew J Poes]

How about “less unaffordable”

That is a lot. At the same time, these systems are pretty complex so I get it. I too wish masking was cheaper.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Hence the (more) affordable.

I agree, guys, it’s still not cheap. I guess it’s all a matter of what you’re comparing it to. I think it’s great that a pro system has been designed that drastically lessens the cost and makes shipping/install easier. SSE is known for its quality... so this definitely ithe upper end.

I’d live to have a masking system on my 2.40:1 system.

 

[Todd Anderson]

If you're attending AXPONA, you can see Seymour-Screen Excellence's new TRIM motorized masking system in action in "Nirvana C"

Here's a recent PR release from SSE:
Ames, IA – April 10, 2019 – At AXPONA 2019, reference-grade made-in-USA film screen brand Seymour-Screen Excellence will be demonstrating its new TRIM™ motorized masking film screen outfitted with the company’s Enlightor Neo woven fabric acoustically transparent screen surface. The screen surface passes sound through unblemished from front channel speakers mounted behind it and its 1.0 gain and random weave pattern work together to deliver flawless 4K video performance making it a top choice amongst audio and video purists and mastering studios. The system will be shown with demo partner JTR Speakers at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel (Nirvana C).

TRIM is a 2-way fixed-frame motorized masking system available in 1.78 aspect ratio with horizontal masking or 2.40 with lateral masking. A derivative of the company’s flagship True Aspect Masking (TAM) systems, TRIM was created for enthusiasts that aspire to a Hollywood screening room experience yet have a modest budget. TRIM widths range from 90- to 150-inches with borders measuring 3.7-inches wide and finished in lush black velvet. The masking panels, for acoustical transparency, are comprised of a sheer black speaker grille material. Aspect ratio control is achieved at the touch of a button.

“For TRIM we designed our Infinite Black™ borders to be removable which makes it possible to ship the entire system nestled in a cardboard box. This significantly reduces price because we don’t have to incur the costs to ship in wooden crates like we do with the TAMs. We further brought costs down by opting for DC motors to drive the masking assemblies,” says Managing Director Chris Seymour, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, a minor in economics from University of Missouri-Columbia, and an M.B.A. with honors from New York Institute of Technology.

Enlightor Neo Acoustically Transparent Film Screen Surface
The purpose of the acoustically transparent film screen is to employ the best cinema practice of placing the center channel loudspeaker (and space permitting, the left and right mains) behind it. This delivers dialogue and action through the center of the film screen as intended by movie creators. The Enlightor Neo material is designed to allow the audio to pass through the screen with an almost inaudible attenuation and no comb filtering or lobing. It has no phase or frequency effect with a completely correctable flat 1.5dB level change, making it the industry's finest. When the video projector is not in use, the music enthusiasts and audiophiles can enjoy the speakers to their fullest potential as their sound passes freely through the Enlightor Neo material.

The Enlightor Neo is Seymour-Screen Excellence’s flagship acoustically transparent film screen surface and is available with all the company’s screen designs including motorized retractable.

TRIM is shipping now. MSRP ranges from roughly $5,000 to $9,000 depending on size and control options which include IR, 12V and RS-232.