Native 16:9 projector still produces gray bars when the aspect ratio of media is wider than 16:9. With the movies of 2.37:1 aspect, as much as 33 % of vertical resolution is NOT in use. In addition to the resolution lost, this also affects 33 % loss to the total brightness.
In order to get the gray bars in use, the image can be expanded vertically
so that every pixel on a 16:9 panel becomes active. This picture processing is
done electrically with an external video processor. Also the latest projectors are capable of doing this vertical expand. Unfortunately, now the picture geometry becomes distorted
Anamorphic lens optically returns the original picture geometry, bringing this resolution and brightness lost back to the picture. The formed
2.37:1 ‘Cinemascope’ setup is also the way every real movie theater presents the motion pictures. Now, when the
picture gets wider it also gets larger, unlike in case with 16:9
setup.
NOTE! Latest Philips and Oppo Blu-ray players are able to shift the subtitles from black bar to the picture area.
"I just wanted to let you know that I recieved the lens a day or two ago and
set it up with my projector. The image is stunning! The pixel structure is
removed almost completely from my viewing position, the colors looks more
saturated and everything is smooth and filmlike! It even passed the toughest
scrutiny of all, the wife test! My wifes first comment when seeing the
picture with the lens was "Wow! That looks really good!". Needless to say, I
am ecstatic!"
Thank you for a wonderful product!
"Next I moved the lens into place and watched the same scene this time
with no zoom and feeding the projector a squeezed image. WOW the difference
was amazing! The picture was brighter (not that the zoomed image wasn't
bright enough) and screendoor was not an issue unless I got within 5ft of
the screen with a perfectly focused image. The clarity of the image and 3D
feeling was wonderful...all I wanted and more! So far I have watched
Gladiator, the Battle of Britain, Jaws the Blue Max all in their full 2.35
to 1 glory.
Overall I think this may be the best investment I have ever made for
my theatre."
