Is there really a need for another CLR frame screen for ultra-short-throw projectors and aren't there already enough different models and fabrics on the market? To answer that question, let's go back almost a year, when it all started with a simple question we've asked ourselves many times: “Why is there sometimes such a big difference in the quality of CLR screens? What distinguishes an expensive CLR cloth from a cheaper one or are there any differences at all?

We have already dealt with some of these questions in detail in one or the other post in our blog. But this time, almost a year ago, we contacted several manufacturers of such screens in the Far East to get detailed information. How exactly does production work, what options and quality levels are there? Actually, it should only be an article about such canvases and their differences. At the time, we didn't know that a completely new product would develop from this. It all started with well over a dozen different test samples, some with 60 to 100 inches. At our request, we were able to determine the detailed differences in production and quality levels. Some manufacturers were not so willing to talk, others immediately showed us a whole range of possibilities. It quickly became clear that this manufactory actually produces such canvases for some well-known manufacturers.

Update: Since the end of 2023, the CLR Black STAR series has also been available as a floor motorized screen in addition to the frame screen.

There have always been three main differences:

• The structure quality of the cloth
• The material coating
• The frame used with clamping system

The structure quality of the cloth

With all the test samples, a real competition for the best screen with the latest laser TVs began in the team. The actual gain value, the coating and the structure quality were initially irrelevant. It quickly turned out that the screens, which did not have such a high-quality structure, were not only behind in terms of sharpness, but also in terms of contrast. The unclean processing led to a visibly poorer result.

The idea of ​​writing a detailed article about CLR screens slowly developed into the idea of ​​producing a CLR screen under our own name, with the best features that impressed us in the test and with the current laser TVs. It wasn't about laboratory values ​​or anything like that, but about pure seeing. In our tests we always use current models from Formovie, AWOL Vision, Hisense, LG and Samsung.

The material coating

In addition to the structural quality of the cloth, a crucial point is the respective coating. It also determines the amount of light reflected and the overall behavior of the cloth. At this point, a few months had already passed and it was slowly becoming clear where the journey should go. We tested different samples with different material coatings. With some you could immediately see differences, with others you had to take a closer look. These were types of coatings that had already been applied several times in the factory or are currently being used in production on other canvases produced for other manufacturers. We didn't take the decision lightly and in the end we were left with two material coatings with their advantages and disadvantages. However, there is no real consensus within the team. So a different approach and a different idea had to be found: couldn't the two material coatings for the cloth simply be combined?

They played this game and in turn sent us three different samples with a combination of material coatings, each with a different percentage. It was an exciting time, more than 8 months had passed from the first idea to the present point and the new sample production also took a good 28 days to reach us. Over a long weekend we tried out the wraps with our team and some friends, got opinions, it wasn't about producing the best value, but as I said, creating the wrap with the best feel. Things like brightness, contrast, black value, but also laser speckle played a role in current RGB laser TVs. Overall, the feedback was very positive for a model favored by most participants. This time, the team was unanimous. The HKW Screens CLR Black Star was born - almost!

The material coating: During production, the cloth is subjected to a high-temperature treatment, which gives it excellent light-absorbing properties. It efficiently absorbs the light, reduces reflections and stray light, thereby improving contrast and image quality.

Frame with clamping system

There weren't really any big questions here, it was precisely because of our experience with the assembly of such screens that it was clear which frame and tensioning system we would use for the HKW Screens CLR Black Star. The question of the quality of the frame and tension is particularly important with this type of canvas.

Something is bothering you?: We wanted a clear, clean frame and quickly decided not to have a logo within the frame. This has two advantages for us in production: 1) we save the cost of a logo in the frame and 2) we have a clear, clean frame. In the first case, we can pass on the cost savings directly to our customers. So a win-win situation ;)

Quality control is the be-all and end-all

The last details were discussed with the manufactory and there was also a lot of talk about the quality requirements from our side and also from the manufactory. In the end we agreed on a high quality standard. Each individual canvas is not only checked in the factory, but also photographed and the whole thing documented with a serial number. This is how we ensure that every canvas and every fabric leaves the factory in the quality described here: frame, structure and coating. We want our customers to have no surprises at home. Of course something can always happen during transport, but here too the canvas is packed with the highest quality. We will present further details in a video presentation shortly. No detail was left to chance here and you can rely on a manufacturer that can also show excellent results with other top brands.

Here are some impressions from the factory and the canvas production:

Black STAR Floor Up

Since the end of 2023, we have also been presenting the HKW Screens CLR Black STAR Floor-Up, a high-quality floor motor screen for all ultra-short-throw projectors. Like our framed canvas, this canvas is manufactured to our exact specifications and quality requirements. The high-quality scissor joint in combination with the excellent material coating and structure also ensures a high-quality viewing experience. Compared to other manufacturers, we rely on an acoustically transparent feed and have also significantly optimized the cable management within the screen box. A high-quality remote control as well as a radio trigger system are included in the scope of delivery. Available size: 92, 100, 110 and 120 inches. Available with a black or white canvas housing.

The best CLR screen?

We certainly don't claim that we have the best CLR screen on the market. With today's selection and the different manufacturers, others also offer very good canvases. But when it comes to quality in all areas and the price, we don't need to hide with the CLR Black Star. We also couldn't find any other CLR screen that suppresses the laser speckle problem in current laser TVs with RGB light sources as well as the CLR Black Star. Especially in combination with the Hisense PX2 Pro, AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro or other RGB laser TVs a real tip. We achieve the crisp selling price not through poor material quality or savings on the frame system, but above all through two points: We have the framed canvases produced in large quantities directly at the manufacturer, we do not have a logo on the canvas and we save on shipping costs through bundled shipping from the Far East our warehouse. Custom-made products are always combined with regular delivery, which also allows us to offer custom-made products at moderate prices.