A native 16:9 projector still produces gray bars when the media’s aspect ratio is wider than 1.78:1. For movies in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, around 33 % of the image’s vertical resolution is lost as well as there is a dramatic 33 % loss in total brightness.
In order to restore the brightness and resolution, the image can be expanded vertically so that every pixel on a 1.78:1 panel becomes active. This picture processing can be done electronically either with an external video processor, or with some of the most recent projectors which are capable of doing this vertical expansion. Unfortunately, the picture geometry now becomes distorted.
Our anamorphic lens optically restores the original picture geometry. It not only looks much larger than when shown on a 1.78:1 screen, it now feels like film, not video. Shouldn’t you be watching your movie in original 2.40:1 ‘Cinemascope’ the way the director meant you to see it. Just like at a real commercial movie theatre.
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 2.40
to 1 glory.
Overall I think this may be the best investment I have ever made for
my theatre."
