Q: If I install a Spectrum Motorized Screen into the ceiling, what are my possible methods of controlling it?
A: Since the Spectrum’s Infrared (IR) Sensor is hidden within the ceiling, there are a few options in which to control a ceiling installed Spectrum Screen:
IR Eye Extender (ZSP-EYE&12V): With the need of line of sight, the IR signal will not be sensed by the IR receiver built within the housing of the Spectrum. By using an IR eye extender that attaches via the Spectrums all purpose RJ45 port, the extended sensor provides a solution to this problem.
Radio Frequency (RF) Remote (ZSP-RF-B, ZSP-RF-W): The Spectrum, unfortunately, does not come with an RF remote. It does, however, have an RF receiver built into the housing. Without the need of direct line of sight, an RF remote would be a good control option.
In-Wall Switch (ZIW-B, ZIW-W, ZIW-W1): The spectrum comes with an all purpose RJ45 port. By routing a cable within the wall, the In-Wall Switch provides a close proximity control option. In addition, you can create your own in-wall switch by purchasing only our ZIW-Module.
Wireless 12V Trigger (ZSP-TR01): Use your projector as a screen control option by hooking up this simple device to your projector’s output trigger port. If your screen doesn’t have an output trigger port, the Universal Wireless 12V Projector Trigger (ZU12V) works just as well for all projectors.
Q: I have an auditorium that is 100' long. How do I determine the maximum seating distance?
A: The maximum seating distance will depend on the content being displayed. See below for an explanation.
Video: The maximum viewing/seating distance cannot exceed 8x the height of the screen viewing area and the minimum seating distance cannot be closer than the width of the screen viewing area. This is known as the 1w8h rule.
Computer Data: The maximum viewing/seating distance cannot exceed 6x the height of the screen viewing area and the minimum seating distance cannot be closer than the width of the screen viewing area. This is known as the 1w6h rule.
For example, if a 200" diagonal 16:9 format which has a viewing area of 98"h x 174"w was going to be considered for this installation for video content, the 1w8h rule would be applied to determine if the screen is withing range.
98" Height x 8 = 784" / 12 (convert back to feet) = 65 feet.
The maximum seating distance in this case would be sufficient for a room that is 100' long.
Q1: How can I extend my RJ-45 accessory such as my 5-12 v trigger, 3-way wall switch, and IR "eye" sensor?
A: You can extend the length of your cable using the ZSP-12V-50B. This 50 feet RJ-45 cable includes an extender plug coupler to allow you to join connections to your existing accessory.
Q2: Does my electric Elite Screen have input relays to connect to a Crestron System?
A: Yes, your electric Elite Screen can be given an outsource command for deploy/retract via a 3rd party control relay or through IR commands. Please see the IR commands HERE Please see the Direct Control PDF HERE
Q3: How do I adjust the vertical limit of my screen?
A: Please click HERE and select your screen for the adjustment instructions.
Q4: I need to directly control an Elite electric screen. Do you have a hard wire diagram?
A: Yes, please click HERE for a diagram to achieve a direct control (dry contact).
Q5: Do you have a pin assignment layout for your RJ45 circuit board port
A: Yes, we do have a color coded pin assignment diagram for our RJ45 port. Click here for PDF.
Q6: Is it important to have masking on my screen?
A: Yes, it is important. Black Masking borders help absorb light overshoot from your projector and provide a professionally matted presentation. It also helps increase the picture focus point.
Q7: Should I use a standard top masking or an extra drop masking border?
A: It depends on how high you want to hang the screen. If you are planning on a high ceiling or in-ceiling installation, use a product with an extra black masking border like E24 (24" drop) or E30 (30" drop) model. Aside from that, our general product lines will accommodate your typical home or commercial presentation room ceiling heights. All of our manual and electric screens are suitable for wall or ceiling installations All of our electric wall/ceiling screens have adjustable vertical limit switches to help you achieve the perfect drop setting.
Q8: Wha are the differences between a Synchronous and a Tubular Motor?
A: Tubular motors run faster and have a greater lift capacity. Synchronous motors are slower but are also quieter and more energy efficient. Since synchronous motors are smaller, they also have less torque, so we only use them in our smaller standard priced models.
Q9: Which is better for my retractable screen casing, Aluminum or Steel?
A: Aluminum casings or "cans" are resilient to moisture and are generally used with higher quality screens. They also have a sliding track for the hanging brackets to allow versatility with your installation. Steel casings have a more simplified design with fixed end cap attachments. They provide excellent protection to you screen material but are geared for functionality without excessive spending.
Q10: How could I setup my Screens IR receiver to work with my learning remote control system (such as AMX, Crestron and Logitech, or others)?
A: Our IR remote controls have been evaluated and entered in to the databases of some Universal remote control manufacturers. Please contact the manufacturer of your remote to inquire about your remotes ability to function with ours.
Crestron and AMX are partners of ours and they do have our IR codes in their products.
Q11: How would I synchronize the up/down function of my electric screen with my projectors power cycle?
A: To ensure that your projector can support a trigger application, please be sure to: a. Reviewing your projectors user manual. b. Contact the manufacturer of your projector. If you do find that your projector supports a trigger application, connect the Elite Electric Screen Trigger Adapter cable from your Screen to your projector's trigger port (Please consult a professional installer for further details on wiring and installation). Since Elite Screens only provides the screen 5-12 volt RJ-45 adaptor, you will need to contact your projectors manufacturer for the trigger adaptor of the projector. Most projector manufacturer trigger ports use a mini jack plug and adaptor that may be obtained at most local electronics stores. Please consult with your dealer or projector manufacturer for further details concerning this trigger adaptor and installation.
Q12: How high should I hang the projector screen?
A: As a rule, it is recommended to ensure that the center of the screen is in alignment with the eye level of those seated in the first row of a graduated Home Theater seating layout. This will provide the best levels of ergonomic stability, and will not negatively affect the vantage point of the following rows as their increased distance from the screen will provide a comfortable viewing position as well.
Q13: Where do I place the center support bar for a fixed frame screen?
A: Center support bar for larger size fixed frame screens goes inside the top of the groove located on the back of the frame.
Q14: I just purchased an Elite electric screen and need to adjust the drop. How can I achieve this?
A:All Elite electric screens have been set to factory settings that are not designed for adjusting. If an adjustment is necessary we can walk you through the procedure or send you the instructions, however they will be used at your discretion and Elite Screens is not liable for any damages that may result from over-adjusting. Vertical limit adjustment is not recommended since the damages can be permanent and irreversible. Adjusting the vertical limit also voids the standard Elite Screens warranty.
Q15: What is the maximum distance that I can extend my 3-Way Wall Switch using the RJ-45 cable?
A: The maximum distance is 300 feet of extension RJ-45 cable.
