There are many ways to tell the CineGrey 3D and 5D models of ambient and ceiling light rejecting projection screens apart from one another. The most obvious difference is that the CineGrey 3D® material is sacrifices some brightness in order to have a wider half-gain cone. This gives it a slightly matte appearance to its “silver” material when compared to the CineGrey 5D® which is glossier due to its more reflective surface features. The CineGrey 5D® has a brighter reflective capability at the expense of having a slightly narrower half-gain cone. To answer the question as to “which is better”, the answer is “Whichever performs in the way that you prefer.” We have had demand from customers on both sides of this discussion so our best solution was to serve them both.
Here are the links used in the discussion that are for some favorite UST projector-friendly screens:
- CineGrey 3D® and CineGrey 5D® Sweet Spot Video – https://elitescreens.com/elitetube/ALR_CLR_SweetSpot_VideoWeb.mp4
- Video of training meeting: The Various Types of “ALR” – https://elitescreens.com/elitetube/CLR_UST_DR_TrainingVideo_Web02.mp4
*The discussion below is based on actual chat transcripts with the omission of any personal/confidential material to protect the customer’s privacy. An example in this case is to change the contact’s identification name/number to “Customer” or a generic name.
[20:38] Customer: Hi there, I was wondering how to tell the difference between the Cinegrey 3D and 5D material? [20:39] Rick has joined the conversation [20:40] Rick: the difference in the two is that the Cinegrey 5D is glossier than the Cinegrey 3D. The Cinegrey 3D is a thick material that is 1.2 gain. as for the 5D it is a 1.5 gain. [20:41] Customer: so if the screen is not very glossy then it is probably a 3D? [20:43] Customer: The reason that I ask is that I have a screen in a demo room that I purchased a while back that is supposed to be a Cinegrey 5D but I have noticed that some of the other (cheaper quality) screens on Amazon seem to be outperforming it. [20:44] Customer: or at least coming in very similar [20:46] Customer: When I looked up the original purchase the screen is listed and sold as a Cinegrey 5D screen but when I search for the model number online I am not getting conflicting information with some sites showing it as a 5D screen and others as a 3D screen. [20:47] Rick: what is the model that you have. [20:48] Customer: ER135DH3 [20:48] Rick: thank you. [20:48] Customer: https://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Elite-Screens-SableFrame-ER135DH3-Fixed-Frame-Projection-Screen-135-16-9-Wall-Mount/8879741/product.html
[20:48] Customer: It is listed as a 5D [20:49] Rick: this is the first gen Cinegrey 3d. the newer models should be ER135DHD3 and for the 5D it should be R135DHD5 [20:50] Customer: So it was sold with the wrong info? [20:51] Rick: this website must of just gotten the information to input on their website. that model is an old version we used to have. [20:52] Customer: ouch! so the actual 5D screens should perform a lot better then correct? [20:53] Rick: yes, the 5D has a higher gain to combat ambient light for rooms that have little to no control of lighting. [20:54] Customer: I cant believe I got ripped off and only just realized this LOL no wonder customers are leaning towards cheaper screens. [20:55] Customer: Ok so if I need to replace my existing screen then I should look for the R135DHD5? [20:55] Rick: correct. [20:55] Rick: https://elitescreens.com/front/front/productdetail/product/38
[20:56] Customer: Ok I am definitely going to have words with Overstock! [20:56] Customer: Thanks for your help [20:56] Rick: you’re welcome.
