How to choose the right retractable monitor?

A retractable LCD monitor for use in aircraft and the like is supplied with power from a power supply that is secured in a fixed off-monitor location on the monitor's housing. The power supply also provides power for a motor assembly that controls a pivoting of the monitor between open and retracted positions. This configuration allows for a compact monitor assembly that can be stowed screen up within a restricted space housing, thus protecting the display from damage by passengers and presenting a pleasing appearance, while still pivoting the monitor by more than 90° to its open position. The motor that is used to pivot the monitor to the open position remains coupled to the monitor pivot mechanism during the retraction cycle, providing a back-emf that resists a spring force used to retract the monitor, and thereby cushion its retraction.

A game machine has a display part connected so as to freely enable storage within a seat on which a player sits. The game machine has a display part for showing game images generated according to a game program and player input, an input reception part for receiving input from the player, a control part for executing the game program according to predetermined external input, including input from the input reception part, a seat part for enabling the player to sit, a storage part for storing the display part formed in the seat part, and a connection rod for connecting the display part to the storage part such as to freely enable storage thereof, of which one end is fixed to the seat part and the other end is connected to the display part.

Arthur Holm is launching its first 24-in 4K motorized retractable monitor during ISE 2018, held next month in Amsterdam.

The DB2 has 20° of adjustable inclination, the housing is made from solid aluminium and the operation button is placed on the top of the screen. The monitor provides a 2mm. double-sided anti-reflective black edged glass.

The motorized retractable monitor with fixed tilt is configurable by way of a secondary LCD 2.2-in display, and by remote control, being able to be configurable and operational without having to remove the monitor from the furniture. When the display is connected to the AH ERT interface, the intuitive addressing system facilitates the address configuration easier due to a single accessible push button.

The unit provides embedded speed and protection pre-sets to restore factory values and an auto-check diagnostic and internal protection functions as well as an auto calibration mode for mechanical speeds and safety parameters .It is firmware upgradeable through a USB port. A safety system detects obstructions (in this eventuality the unit stops). The adjustable mechanical parameters are operational via AHnet or ISD for calibration and mechanical adjustments.

Adjustable parameters of brightness, contrast and backlight are available via RS- 422. An auto calibration mode is available for mechanical speeds and safety parameters.

So, your screen, cheap or expensive, if it is non-tensioned (cheap ones aren't) will likely have or develop waves.

All of this matters because of throw distance. Think about what is going on with a short throw or ultra short throw projector. These projectors throw an image at a very sharp projection angle. This creates a requirement for an absolutely flat screen surface. Any waves or bends to the screen cause severe distortion. Especially towards the edges and the top of the screen.

The solution to this problem is adding more distance between the projector and the screen. The further away the projector is from a wavy screen the less impact the waves on the screen will have on the projected image.

So, yes, you can use short or ultra short throw, but you can't use an inexpensive roll-up screen. In fact, you may need a several thousand dollar screen to accommodate a short throw solution.

Of course, you can always opt for using a wall or a fixed-frame screen to save money. But, if you absolutely have to use a retractable monitor for room design reasons and don't have the budget for a good tensioned model, you will want to place the projector as far from the screen as possible. In that case, it may make sense to go with a more affordable roll-up screen and put the savings into paying an installer to mount a more conventional projector at the back of the room where minor waves and ripples in the screen surface won't be an issue. Just make sure that the projector you select has the appropriate lens to handle a high shelf installation if that's what you've got in mind. Many projectors require a projector mounted near the ceiling to be inverted as they would for a ceiling mount.

Paul Vail has been a professional audiovisual engineer since 1999. He works day-to-day for a commercial integrator and runs his own residential installation company, AV Integrated, out of Chantilly, VA, covering the greater Washington D.C. area. He has been the moderator of the ProjectorCentral Big Screen Forums from their inception more than ten years ago and has installed hundreds of projectors over the years, from entry level basement setups to 4K simulation systems using the latest in 3-chip DLP technology. He enjoys helping others learn about how to get the most value for their money, and setting realistic expectations and goals for the setup they are working toward. You can submit your question for Paul and ProjectorCentral Q&A by clicking here.

If you’ve decided a retractable patio screen is a right fit for your home, the next step is choosing the right one. There are plenty of different materials, types of mesh, and even designs to choose from. It can be hard to choose, but the screen you decide on will be part of your outdoor living space for a long time. Look at this guide to figure out what features to look for.

How to choose the right retractable monitor with microphone

Want to make sure you have the right screen for your outdoor space? Consider these things when you make your choice.

What are its uses?

Are you interested in a retractable patio screen simply to keep bugs out? Do you also want extra shade or protection for other critters? Depending on what you want to use it for, certain types of screens will be a better fit. Most screens do protect from insects and offer some degree of shade.

Retractable screens are ideal for keeping bugs out while letting you enjoy the view and maximum ventilation. On the other hand, sun-blocking screens are darker, but keep your patio cool, however, offer less of a breeze.

Maintenance and installation

Retractable screens don’t often require much maintenance, although it’s a good idea to wipe them down and apply silicone spray every 6 months just to keep them moving smoothly.

Aesthetic options

While a retractable patio screen should do its job, it can also offer beauty and elegance to your outdoor space. Depending on the style and material you use, you’ll have a variety of options. Look for a motorized retractable monitor with motorzied adjustable tilt that matches the appearance of your outdoor living spaces.

Conclusion

Patio screens have undergone vast improvements in recent times. Now, there are convenient, durable, and attractive patio screens that retract when you’re not using them. There’s more to choosing a screen than just picking the one encloses the opening. Use this guide to help you determine which features are most important for your screen, and your outdoor living spaces.

Six months ago we did a story on a newly designed, commercial aircraft retractable monitor with its developer and designer, Yukio Sugimoto. If you have a technical bent you may remember that his product was an engineer’s dream, instead of the mechanical nightmare that historically plagues these devices. In all fairness, the restrictions and requirements on retractable monitors are moderately onerous, especially considering the fact that they must operate with power that is subject to dropping out… not to mention issues like the video display retract necessity under loss of power or in emergency situations. (Editor’s Note: There is a qualification test requirement (RTCA DO-160 currently version “F”) which says that avionics equipment must withstand 250 milliseconds of power interruption and this poses some difficulty to electro mechanical equipment like retractable monitors. The real FAA requirement issue is: How does one design the monitor to close when airplane power is lost? With loss of power, the first generation retractable monitor systems that use mechanical springs and other additional parts, like clutches and control mechanisms, have generated a lot of problems in, resulting in lower reliability units.) This also explains the high mechanical parts count and resultant weight increase, not to mention stored energy springs to facilitate zero power retractions. As we noted in the earlier article, the ACS patent pending solution involves storing energy in capacitors – that’s the simple answer but it is a circuitry design solution as well! 

When we got wind of the retract we wondered like you probably did – the market for retractable units must be dropping, in part because of their past reliability issues with retracts – perhaps the highest MTBF of any IFE LRU. We asked Richie about the demand for retracts. “Here is where we are ahead of the market and our answer is buried in airline operational cost increases… our product will be an airline cost saver!” He went on, “Keeping those operational costs down is the name of the IFE game today, and our retract is a game-changer, especially for value driven airlines and airlines that are seeing a lot of onboard passenger use of their own entertainment devices (PED’s). Let’s face it, it costs an airline a lot of money to install and pay for the recurring costs (maintenance, content, and fuel) of a multiple displays while many watch their own PED movies or work on laptops instead. Look at it this way, both retractable overhead and seatback devices can do an approved job of delivering the safety briefing but as an airline, which would you rather pay for, especially if the overhead units cut the maintenance costs by 80 per cent!” While the market for retractable monitors is falling off, no one knows the effect of personal, carry-on devices. There is an argument for pay-per-click revenue in seatback solutions but the ACS team pointed out that on any flight under 1 ½ hours or so, that revenue model falls apart, not to mention the challenge of showing full-length movies. Subtract the 30 minutes lost after take-off and before landing and the model might even extend to longer flights. “The message is simple,” noted Richie, “airlines that want to cut costs and airlines that fly in short haul markets need to take a new look at retractable monitors… not to mention routes where passengers bring their own devices! The costs are unbeatable – overhead monitors have a 9 to 1 display advantage. One monitor can serve 9 passengers.”

How to choose the right retractable monitor?

A retractable LCD monitor for use in aircraft and the like is supplied with power from a power supply that is secured in a fixed off-monitor location on the monitor's housing. The power supply also provides power for a motor assembly that controls a pivoting of the monitor between open and retracted positions. This configuration allows for a compact monitor assembly that can be stowed screen up within a restricted space housing, thus protecting the display from damage by passengers and presenting a pleasing appearance, while still pivoting the monitor by more than 90° to its open position. The motor that is used to pivot the monitor to the open position remains coupled to the monitor pivot mechanism during the retraction cycle, providing a back-emf that resists a spring force used to retract the monitor, and thereby cushion its retraction.

A game machine has a display part connected so as to freely enable storage within a seat on which a player sits. The game machine has a display part for showing game images generated according to a game program and player input, an input reception part for receiving input from the player, a control part for executing the game program according to predetermined external input, including input from the input reception part, a seat part for enabling the player to sit, a storage part for storing the display part formed in the seat part, and a connection rod for connecting the display part to the storage part such as to freely enable storage thereof, of which one end is fixed to the seat part and the other end is connected to the display part.

Arthur Holm is launching its first 24-in 4K motorized retractable monitor during ISE 2018, held next month in Amsterdam.

The DB2 has 20° of adjustable inclination, the housing is made from solid aluminium and the operation button is placed on the top of the screen. The monitor provides a 2mm. double-sided anti-reflective black edged glass.

The motorized retractable monitor with fixed tilt is configurable by way of a secondary LCD 2.2-in display, and by remote control, being able to be configurable and operational without having to remove the monitor from the furniture. When the display is connected to the AH ERT interface, the intuitive addressing system facilitates the address configuration easier due to a single accessible push button.

The unit provides embedded speed and protection pre-sets to restore factory values and an auto-check diagnostic and internal protection functions as well as an auto calibration mode for mechanical speeds and safety parameters .It is firmware upgradeable through a USB port. A safety system detects obstructions (in this eventuality the unit stops). The adjustable mechanical parameters are operational via AHnet or ISD for calibration and mechanical adjustments.

Adjustable parameters of brightness, contrast and backlight are available via RS- 422. An auto calibration mode is available for mechanical speeds and safety parameters.

So, your screen, cheap or expensive, if it is non-tensioned (cheap ones aren't) will likely have or develop waves.

All of this matters because of throw distance. Think about what is going on with a short throw or ultra short throw projector. These projectors throw an image at a very sharp projection angle. This creates a requirement for an absolutely flat screen surface. Any waves or bends to the screen cause severe distortion. Especially towards the edges and the top of the screen.

The solution to this problem is adding more distance between the projector and the screen. The further away the projector is from a wavy screen the less impact the waves on the screen will have on the projected image.

So, yes, you can use short or ultra short throw, but you can't use an inexpensive roll-up screen. In fact, you may need a several thousand dollar screen to accommodate a short throw solution.

Of course, you can always opt for using a wall or a fixed-frame screen to save money. But, if you absolutely have to use a retractable monitor for room design reasons and don't have the budget for a good tensioned model, you will want to place the projector as far from the screen as possible. In that case, it may make sense to go with a more affordable roll-up screen and put the savings into paying an installer to mount a more conventional projector at the back of the room where minor waves and ripples in the screen surface won't be an issue. Just make sure that the projector you select has the appropriate lens to handle a high shelf installation if that's what you've got in mind. Many projectors require a projector mounted near the ceiling to be inverted as they would for a ceiling mount.

Paul Vail has been a professional audiovisual engineer since 1999. He works day-to-day for a commercial integrator and runs his own residential installation company, AV Integrated, out of Chantilly, VA, covering the greater Washington D.C. area. He has been the moderator of the ProjectorCentral Big Screen Forums from their inception more than ten years ago and has installed hundreds of projectors over the years, from entry level basement setups to 4K simulation systems using the latest in 3-chip DLP technology. He enjoys helping others learn about how to get the most value for their money, and setting realistic expectations and goals for the setup they are working toward. You can submit your question for Paul and ProjectorCentral Q&A by clicking here.

If you’ve decided a retractable patio screen is a right fit for your home, the next step is choosing the right one. There are plenty of different materials, types of mesh, and even designs to choose from. It can be hard to choose, but the screen you decide on will be part of your outdoor living space for a long time. Look at this guide to figure out what features to look for.

How to choose the right retractable monitor with microphone

Want to make sure you have the right screen for your outdoor space? Consider these things when you make your choice.

What are its uses?

Are you interested in a retractable patio screen simply to keep bugs out? Do you also want extra shade or protection for other critters? Depending on what you want to use it for, certain types of screens will be a better fit. Most screens do protect from insects and offer some degree of shade.

Retractable screens are ideal for keeping bugs out while letting you enjoy the view and maximum ventilation. On the other hand, sun-blocking screens are darker, but keep your patio cool, however, offer less of a breeze.

Maintenance and installation

Retractable screens don’t often require much maintenance, although it’s a good idea to wipe them down and apply silicone spray every 6 months just to keep them moving smoothly.

Aesthetic options

While a retractable patio screen should do its job, it can also offer beauty and elegance to your outdoor space. Depending on the style and material you use, you’ll have a variety of options. Look for a motorized retractable monitor with motorzied adjustable tilt that matches the appearance of your outdoor living spaces.

Conclusion

Patio screens have undergone vast improvements in recent times. Now, there are convenient, durable, and attractive patio screens that retract when you’re not using them. There’s more to choosing a screen than just picking the one encloses the opening. Use this guide to help you determine which features are most important for your screen, and your outdoor living spaces.

Six months ago we did a story on a newly designed, commercial aircraft retractable monitor with its developer and designer, Yukio Sugimoto. If you have a technical bent you may remember that his product was an engineer’s dream, instead of the mechanical nightmare that historically plagues these devices. In all fairness, the restrictions and requirements on retractable monitors are moderately onerous, especially considering the fact that they must operate with power that is subject to dropping out… not to mention issues like the video display retract necessity under loss of power or in emergency situations. (Editor’s Note: There is a qualification test requirement (RTCA DO-160 currently version “F”) which says that avionics equipment must withstand 250 milliseconds of power interruption and this poses some difficulty to electro mechanical equipment like retractable monitors. The real FAA requirement issue is: How does one design the monitor to close when airplane power is lost? With loss of power, the first generation retractable monitor systems that use mechanical springs and other additional parts, like clutches and control mechanisms, have generated a lot of problems in, resulting in lower reliability units.) This also explains the high mechanical parts count and resultant weight increase, not to mention stored energy springs to facilitate zero power retractions. As we noted in the earlier article, the ACS patent pending solution involves storing energy in capacitors – that’s the simple answer but it is a circuitry design solution as well! 

When we got wind of the retract we wondered like you probably did – the market for retractable units must be dropping, in part because of their past reliability issues with retracts – perhaps the highest MTBF of any IFE LRU. We asked Richie about the demand for retracts. “Here is where we are ahead of the market and our answer is buried in airline operational cost increases… our product will be an airline cost saver!” He went on, “Keeping those operational costs down is the name of the IFE game today, and our retract is a game-changer, especially for value driven airlines and airlines that are seeing a lot of onboard passenger use of their own entertainment devices (PED’s). Let’s face it, it costs an airline a lot of money to install and pay for the recurring costs (maintenance, content, and fuel) of a multiple displays while many watch their own PED movies or work on laptops instead. Look at it this way, both retractable overhead and seatback devices can do an approved job of delivering the safety briefing but as an airline, which would you rather pay for, especially if the overhead units cut the maintenance costs by 80 per cent!” While the market for retractable monitors is falling off, no one knows the effect of personal, carry-on devices. There is an argument for pay-per-click revenue in seatback solutions but the ACS team pointed out that on any flight under 1 ½ hours or so, that revenue model falls apart, not to mention the challenge of showing full-length movies. Subtract the 30 minutes lost after take-off and before landing and the model might even extend to longer flights. “The message is simple,” noted Richie, “airlines that want to cut costs and airlines that fly in short haul markets need to take a new look at retractable monitors… not to mention routes where passengers bring their own devices! The costs are unbeatable – overhead monitors have a 9 to 1 display advantage. One monitor can serve 9 passengers.”