Screen Innovations already “reinvented the battery” for its new line of Nano motorized window coverings. Now the company is taking the same technology to its video projection screens.
Debuting at CEDIA 2017, SI’s new Solo screen takes the same Wi-Fi rechargeable motor found in Nano, and applies it to a very portable video screen – based on SI’s rollable Zero Edge models – that can go anywhere you might want to watch a flick.
And that means anywhere. Thanks to a variety of mounting options, the Solo can be slapped onto the side of an RV with magnets, clamped to a window using high-quality suction cups, or dangled from a ceiling-tile grid.
In more elegant environments, the Solo can adhere to a horizontal mullion (window divider), barely noticeable because of the housing’s slim form factor and SI’s many color options – from various shades of metallic to wood tones to white and a few bold colors for good measure.
SI is building a powder-coating operation at its facilities in Austin, Texas, to paint and protect the metal cassettes.
“Solo will revolutionize how people perceive and use screens,” says Michael Bridwell, VP sales and marketing for SI. “No longer is a screen something you stick on a wall that blocks a view behind it, or sits in one spot for that matter. Move it around, travel with it, and bring it with you where you’re going, without having to sacrifice image performance.”
SI offers two flavors of the portable screens – Solo is the out-of-the-box product available in 80- and 100-inch sizes, with a clear anodized housing and Slate screen material.
Solo Pro offers 12 color options and a choice of five screen materials including Slate for brighter spaces and AT (acoustically transparent) for installing in front of speakers. Sizes can vary up to 120 feet in 16:9 aspect ratios.
Control & Power
In developing both the Solo screens and Nano shades, SI worked with Somfy to develop a small, rechargeable batttery that is charged inductively. Simply snap a magnet to the metal housing, leave it in for a few hours, and you're good to go for a couple of years.
The screen can be controlled via remote control (included) or integrated with third-party control systems. In addition, like SI shades, the new SI Solo can be controlled using Somfy's cloud-enabled MyLink app.
How do you Solo?
SI is launching a marketing campaign for the roll-out of Solo (get it?), inviting users to share their Solo stories with the hashtag #HowDoYouSolo. At CEDIA 2017, SI is giving away four Solos. Integrators simply drop off a business card at booth #2220, and must be present to win.
