June 17, 2009
Stewart Filmscreen AcoustiShade Blocks Sun and Noise
Source: CE Pro Newsletter
Stewart Filmscreen has ventured outside its comfort zone with its new AcoustiShade window treatment product that blocks both sunlight and noise.
The AcoustiShade custom roller shading system is among a handful of Stewart product announcements at InfoComm 09. Although InfoComm is a commercial audio/video tradeshow, Stewart president Grant Stewart says both residential and commercial applications suite the AcoustiShade.
"We want to take the screen out of the dedicated home theater into media rooms and other rooms and this works perfectly for that," Stewart says.
Stewart had been looking into the blackout shade market for a few years, according to Don Parenta, director of sales North America Commercial Division. "We tried to come up with something unique," he says.
That's where the noise blocking comes into play. The AcoustiShade is the first window treatment that controls both incoming light and distracting noise coming through windows, according to the company. The AcoustiShade system is designed to cut exterior noise entering the room as well as trap unwanted sound inside the room. It's comprised of three main elements:
* A sound-attenuating blackout layer intended to keep light and exterior noise from entering the display area
* A perforated decorative fabric that reduces resonance
* An air space that Stewart says has proven acoustical benefit
Stewart has two patents pending for its AcoustiShade system. One of them, the Magnetic Blackout & Attenuation, offers a single motor rolling baton system aimed at creating a tight seal.
More New Products at InfoComm
Stewart has been quite busy during the first day of InfoComm. Here's a rundown of the other product the company introduced at the show.
Cabaret Screen — This is an addition to Stewart's line of exposed electrical retractable screens. The Cabaret Screen comes with a new housing and a removable aluminum valance that's available in various finishes.
Media Décor — The Media Décor is a motorized art deployment system for decorating boardrooms when the display isn’t in use. Stewart says the Media Décor can be custom designed on site.
Visionary Grande — This is a large-format, electronically-controlled retractable solution that supports screens up to 18 feet. Parenta says it has a winch lifting system for easy installation.
