This versatility has always made smart glass screens a popular choice within places of worship and most commonly, Churches. Many churches in the UK have been around for over 100 years, meaning their intricate internal architecture is of utmost importance to preserve for members of the community to enjoy for many years to come. This is one of the reasons Smart Glass screens are commonly picked for these kinds of venues, as when the display is not in use the glass can be switched to clear at the touch of a button to allow clarity to appreciate the interior surroundings.

Switchable Glass projection screens are also often paired with discreet mounting systems like our teardrop suspension system, allowing the screen to appear as if it’s floating in mid-air. By mounting the screens in this way, it also offers greater flexibility in movement within the environment as the projected image is too high up to be affected by passing traffic.

We recently worked on another project of this kind with long-term AV partners, Practical AV, who completed the high-end AV installation at the Holy Trinity Church in Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex. We’ve provided our smart glass screens countless times for their church installations, with their expertise ensuring the features of the church are preserved and all electrical cables are cleverly hidden.

We provided a 2667mm x 1500mm Switchable Smart Glass Rear Projection Screen for installation above the main speaking podium stationed in front of the traditional stained-glass windows. The screen was mounted using 4 cables in a suspension system for minimal disruption to the surroundings. The switchable screen was paired with a 7000-lumen WUXGA Laser Projector positioned to the rear of the screen and carefully concealed off to one side of the display. This level of lumens is ideal for the location of the screen, with the power of the projector helping to preserve the image intensity even with the stained-glass window shining light through behind it.

Alongside the installation of our Switchable Rear Projection Screen, Practical AV also installed multiple monitors to cater to the choir and side isles which could all be controlled from a central Creston Control System. They also input a Zoom-ready system, offering the ability to stream multiple cameras and all audio inputs directly onto the web so that parish members could even enjoy services from the comfort of their homes.

Our Switchable Projection Screens can be controlled via multiple methods, each with its own benefits for different types of applications. The most common solution and the option of choice in the Holy Trinity installation is the use of an RF Remote Control and receiver which can switch the glass from up to 25 meters away, ideal in an area of this size. Alternative options include wall switches, timers like the one used in our famous Harrods X Rolls Royce window display, and even voice automation when paired with smart home assistant products like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant.

We also recently worked on another exciting switchable projection project, instead in the old 18th-century chapel of the Bodmin Jail Hotel, which was recently refurbished to become a high-end dining experience. Safety glass was mounted in front of the original glazing where our Switchable Front Projection Film was then applied to create a spectacular projection display in the evenings.

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1. Main Function

The first thing to think about when choosing your Mirror TV is whether the main function of the screen will be for watching TV or using it as a mirror. The reason behind this is there are a range of mirror tints that cater to different functions with some enhancing the TV image more and others offering higher levels of reflectivity. For applications like living rooms, choosing a darker tint like our standard solution will provide the best on-screen image but offer less reflectivity compared to the other tints on offer.

For more aesthetic applications like bedrooms, dressing rooms and hotels, tints like our high and ultra-high reflective offer greater reflectivity but the image on screen isn’t as clear as with a standard tint. For these more beauty-based applications, we can also offer a full-length mirror TV that incorporates a 43” screen into a traditional full-length mirror format, which can be wall mounted or leaned against a wall.

2. Location

Are you using the mirror TV in your home? If so are you looking to replace an existing TV? If that’s the case it might be worth asking if your Smart TV is eligible to upgrade using a Mirror TV Overlay. Our Mirror Overlays are designed to be retrofit to existing smart TV’s, offering a more cost-effective solution than replacing the TV completely. All you need is a Smart TV with a flat bezel that’s also wide enough to accommodate the space needed to attach the overlay.

If you’re looking to use a Mirror TV in a hospitality setting, you might want to consider one of our Magic Mirror Displays that can be paired with an integrated PC or media player. This option allows you to create your own interface where guests can order room service, check out the hotel facilities or browse concierge recommendations for the local area to create a more personalised experience.

3. Minimalist or maximalist?

Our standard Mirror TV option offers a sleek frameless mirror TV with the glass manufactured to fit perfectly on your selected screen size. Our frameless TV’s are ideal for modern interiors, achieving a slimline look when mounted onto the wall. For a solution that feels more personal, we also offer the choice of a decorative frame from our range of carefully curated mouldings. We have curated a selection that caters to all tastes from bold, gold, baroque designs to understated, shabby chic, and can even source frames hand-picked suit your exact interior.

4. Made to measure or oversized?

A statement mirror will always be a valued staple in any interior design, whether it be an eye-catching frame or even the size of a full wall. We offer multiple options when it comes to the mirror surface itself, as whilst many choose the perfect made to measure fit, others opt to oversize the mirror for added effect. This is a great way to create a truly personal solution, as whilst a huge TV screen might be overwhelming to watch, a large mirror might be the finishing touch to your space.

We can oversize the mirror glass and give you the freedom to choose the exact position and screen size of smaller TV, with some previous customers opting for circular and even hexagonal-shaped glass. We can also provide additional pieces of our mirror glass to create entire mirror feature walls where the TV simply ‘disappears’ when not in use. This type of integration is also great for retail stores and gyms, as the screen is completely protected from traffic whilst offering a multifunctional wall space. We can also combine multiple screens to create Mirror Video Walls as used by Novotel in their reception area to advertise whilst also making the space appear larger.

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Being at the forefront of their industry, BAE Systems wanted to create a place where the latest in digital technology is used to improve productivity, starting the blueprint for their own smart factory. The result is BAE’s ‘Factory of the Future’ a place where “revolutionary technologies meet their adaptable and digitally minded engineering workforce to create incredible solutions to the problems of tomorrow”. Bringing their vision to life required contribution from a range of bright minds, from their strategic university research network to specialists in data, robotics, connectivity and 3D printing technology. This collaborative effort from their team as well as over 40 blue chip, SME companies and academic institutions, is a testament to UK innovation, creating a first-of-its-kind, fully connected, digital factory in Warton, Northwest England.

The Factory of the Future is designed to demonstrate how military aircraft could be built in the future, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to enable the brightest and boldest engineers to research, invest and test new technologies, build new capabilities and harness transformative ways of working. The factory has everything from robot-assisted assembly to a human-augmented intelligent workstation, designed with flexibility in mind to facilitate the manufacturing of different products in the same area.

We were lucky enough to be approached by British Aerospace to supply one of our innovative screens to display real-time data for working robotic machinery. We supplied our 55” Transparent OLED as the 24/7 transparency allowed for a constant field of vision to the other side, showcasing specially created content with a black background to maintain the highest levels of transparency even when the screen is in use. Our Transparent OLED Screen was paired with a Kinect gesture sensor which can recognise the individual worker as well as allowing them to interact with the content on screen without physically touching it.

Using Transparent OLED Displays in this kind of application can be incredibly rewarding, with the ability to see the data and the machine itself all in the same field of vision, removing the need to alternate between viewing one screen or the other. This Augmented reality window allows workers to control functions like the drive power, torque and axis position as well as connecting to a vital aspect of the factory, the Internet of Things that connects each asset and system together in real time to monitor, control and analyse performance across the site.

Arguably this kind of content is when the Transparent OLED can be showcased at it’s best, taking advantage of black colours appearing as transparent, to make content appear as if it is floating on the screen. Not only does it’s transparency make it ideal for operating machinery more efficiently, it is a great way to showcase such intelligent technology and how it works to visitors and investors. The beauty of the Transparent OLED is it’s ability to maintain transparency even when switched off, unlike competing transparent screen technologies. TOLED Screens do not require a backlight to produce an image, instead their displays are made up of millions of self-lit pixels that come together to create an image. This gives you greater control over the brightness and lighting of the screen depending on your environment, ideal in the BAE Factory of the future where strong overhead lighting is essential.

Professor Andy Schofield, technology delivery director at BAE Systems’ military aircraft facility in Lancashire, said of the project:

“The challenge is to ensure that the UK will have world-class design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities that can deliver military aircraft for the next hundred years. We need to work in areas like digital manufacturing, intelligent automation, additive manufacturing, smart structures such as the use of embedded sensors, and more intelligent infrastructure.”

Whilst Transparent OLED screens are only available in 55” screen sizes, we can also manufacture Transparent OLED Video Walls in a range of formats to create larger transparent HD displays. Popular formats include 2 x 1 and 2 x 2, offering a see-through display with no need to worry about shadows or passing traffic ruining the image.

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With celebrity sponsors like Athletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, GMR was rolled out worldwide with the aim to encourage gamers to get back into the field and use physical exercise to earn points that can be redeemed in FIFA’s mobile game. To launch the GMR in-store, Adidas approached global customer engagement agency The Marketing Store with the brief to demonstrate product education and play connected through digital retail touchpoints.

To create the unique freestanding totems that The Marketing Store had in mind, they reached out to Zhongchen Electronics to help bring their vision to life. The idea was to have a Transparent Touch Screen where a deconstructed boot and GMR insole could be clearly displayed with room for a physical POS display within the unit. We knew instantly that the best display for this project would be our Transparent LCD Display, designed for integration into custom housings and powered using a bright LED backlight. In this particular installation, not only would the backlight power the images on the screen but it also draws attention to the product itself being showcased behind the display. The images displayed used blacks & dark colours to hide the items behind the screen, switching to whites and lighter content to showcase the see-through effect.

To create the aesthetic look required to suit the Adidas brand, the totems had to be minimalist and integrate well within the décor of the store. This led to us commissioning bespoke steel frameworks to create the housing and stand for the screen, with enough small hangers beneath to stock and display the GMR product. A clever design choice here was to replace the side panels of the screens housing with clear glass to further expose the internal display from wider viewing angles. We also made sure that the custom housing had room for printed graphics eventually showcasing a large promotional design on the back of the totem, down the side of the screen and between the lower POS displays.

Another challenge within the construction of this unique solution was finding a way to hide the necessary mechanics to power the content without ruining the refined design. This was incorporated by adding a central cabinet between the POS rails where the Android Media Player powering the screen could be stored. Cleverly camouflaged with branded backlit graphics to create a professional eye-catching solution, the hidden Media Player was set to auto-run a custom-built android app which customers could interact with to explain how the technology works and how to install it. The screensaver and application utilised the contrast between black and white content to create the perfect combination of digital and physical display.

On completion of the collaborative process the interactive totems were ready for rollout, ready to launch GMR to the public. Targeting some of Adidas’ biggest flagship stores, we shipped the bespoke kiosks to stores across Europe, the US and Canada, with the displays arriving ready to use and with a comprehensive instruction guide detailing the unpacking and setup requirements. This project was completely unique with Adidas being the first to request bespoke Transparent Touch Screen Kiosks, kickstarting the opportunity for future projects to push the boundaries of how Transparent LCD Screens can be used.

Alongside our Transparent Touch Screens we offer a range of alternative transparent technologies including Transparent LCD Displays for integration, Transparent LCD Showcases ready to plug and play as well as Transparent OLED Screens that require no housing and backlight, ideal for POS and window displays.

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ISE has always been a key part of our calendar year, from exhibiting regularly over the last 15 years to working with key industry partners to create memorable displays. At the final show in Amsterdam in 2020, we had our most successful show yet despite the COVID pandemic brewing, debuting some of our unique technologies including the Mirror LED Wall and Clearvision Transparent Front Projection Screen.

In 2019 we had the pleasure of being one of ISE’s partners, alongside AV giants Panasonic, creating a huge projection mapping installation that simply could not be missed. The nHow Amsterdam RAI Hotel was transformed into a giant canvas, with 392 of its windows fitted internally with our Projection Mapping Film and 14 of Panasonic’s PT-RZ31K projectors providing the 400,000 lumens needed to create the showstopping display playing throughout the week.

As well as having our own rich history in exhibiting at the event, our technologies are consistently specified by world-leading projection manufacturers, used to showcase their products at their absolute best. At previous ISE shows, Japan-based manufacturer Hitachi have favoured our Ultra Black and Pro Diffusion Rear Projection Screens as well as our Digital Glass screens on their stand, and in 2020, Optoma used our Projection Films to create a virtual bar using their Ultra Short Throw Projectors.

However, our range of projection screens and films need no testimony when the number one projector brand worldwide, Epson, chooses to use our screens to sell their products consistently at exhibitions around the world. We’ve provided solutions to suit many of Epson’s stand designs over the years including front and rear projection screens, specialist UST Digital Glass Screens and rear projection films.

This year was no different with Epson specifying our Pro Diffusion Rear Projection Film for use in the glass walkway overlooking their stand. We supplied an 11 meter roll of our Pro Diffusion Rear Projector Film, a versatile grey diffusion film that offers high contrast & brightness even in high ambient light and daylight. Offering excellent colour reproduction and 4K quality images, our Pro Diffusion film is designed to enhance and improve the quality of even low-end, budget projectors.

In this install, the projector used was an EB-L20000U Epson Compact Installation Projector, fitted with an ELPLW08 wide throw lens. This WUXGA laser installation projector offers impressive brightness, designed to industry requirements with 20,000-lumen projection, perfect for events, festivals trade shows and shopping centres. Offering backwards lens compatibility and interchangeable interface boards, the versatile EB-L20000U is also designed to slot into existing infrastructure and lets the user project from any angle.

Showcasing content that has a predominantly black background was supported perfectly by our Pro Diffusion Film with its dark grey surface colour. Displaying superior black levels our rear projection film suited the brief, with it’s self-adhesive layer making installation to the exiting glass walkway quick and easy. The optical surface of the film made the bright colours even more intense, standing off the black backdrop to create an effective display that can be appreciated from both close up and long distance.

We supplied Epson with a roll of our Pro Diffusion Film, but as well as our range of projection films being available by the meter or in 10 & 30 metre rolls, we also offer our films custom cut in a range of standard screen sizes as well as custom sized and shaped screens up to 1524mm wide. Due to it’s self-adhesive nature, our rear projection films can also be joined to create larger displays, ideal for glass partitions or walkways like the one used at ISE.

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The £50 million restoration project covered the rebuilding of the collapsed roof as well as restoring the interior features that had crumbled away over the years. With the main walls of the prison still firmly intact, the cells were combined in sets of three to create 70 luxurious suite-style rooms across the four-story property. The design throughout is meticulous, keeping just the right amount of original features within the interior to create a unique luxury space, including replicating the original suspended walkways with the addition of a chic hotelier carpet and clever interior features like the glass elevator, used to give guests a glimpse back out into the outside world.

As well as the luxury room conversions, the property also features an £8.5 million visitor attraction where visitors can experience what life was like in the prison during the 18^th & 19^th century as well as The Chapel restaurant, built in the old chapel of the prison, a champagne bar and event space. It’s in the Chapel where we found our services in need, to help in creating a truly unforgettable atmosphere for the dining experience.

The customer wanted to create a bright, inviting environment during the day that showcased the history of the building, with the option to create a unique visual experience on an evening. To bring this idea to life, we installed and supplied our Switchable Glass Front Projection Screens, giving them the best of both worlds. Each window, over four meters in height were situated around 2 and a half meters above the floor, each fitted with safety glass to protect the original glazing of the Grade 2 listed building.

Over 3 days we applied our Front Projection Switchable Film to the glass, seamlessly integrating the wiring into the interiors to preserve the authentic décor. The cables for the transformers were concealed using custom trims, as well as a specialist silicone that matched the original mortar used between the bricks to cleverly hide all the necessary electrics. During the day the film was switched to clear, using a remote which can be operated from up to 25 meters away, to let the daylight shine through, showing off the original preserved chapel windows.

On an evening, the film was turned off, returning to its opaque appearance to provide the perfect canvas for front projection. Using high powered projectors to produce images that covered not only the Smart Glass Windows but also the entire roof, whilst dining guests can enjoy view of constellations and period art works to create a truly unique dining experience.

Rajesh Joshi, CEO for The Bodmin Jail Hotel, said:

“The opening of The Bodmin Jail Hotel is a proud moment for Cornwall tourism, and is also about celebrating Cornwall’s history. Through painstaking restoration and preservation, we are returning a national heritage asset to its former glory and creating a cultural showpiece that will attract guests from across the world. Over 90 per cent of the former jail is now within the hotel and its grounds; this is luxury accommodation in a truly unique venue – there is nowhere else quite like it.”

As well as our Switchable Front Projection Screens as seen here and also in the HQ of the world-renowned Cirque Du Soleil offices, we also offer a Switchable Rear Projection Solution which is a popular choice in retail environments, used previously by Harrods & Rolls Royce. The Bodmin Jail is now open for bookings, with the hotel now looking to the future with plans to build a swimming pool and spa on-site to create a truly unforgettable experience.

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One project where our products were used to great effect was in a Volvo pop-up store installation, designed to raise awareness of the Volvo Sensus Connect, an infotainment system that can connect your Volvo to the outside world and provide you with information, entertainment and functions to help simplify your ownership. Volvo were also aiming to drive more brand engagement as well as increase footfall into their Pop-Up shop. The idea was to create an interactive window where shoppers could ‘connect’ to the brand-new Volvo V40 being showcased inside the store. Creative technology agency Knit, which were selected by Volvo to bring their idea for life, wanted to display a light pattern memory game which shoppers were able to interact with for the chance to win a prize.

In order to get the most out of the display and ensure the focus would still remain on the vehicles inside the store, they opted to use a transparent display that would give them the best of both worlds, our Clearview Holographic Rear Projection Film. The environment within an indoor shopping center was the perfect setting for using our Clearview Film, paired with a high-powered, bright projection system to create a high-quality image on screen. To grant the display interactivity without taking away its transparency, our 50” Clearview film was paired with one of our Interactive Dual Touch Foils to create a through-glass touch surface.

The game worked by showing users a pattern on the screen which they would then have to repeat by connecting the dots. If the game was won within three attempts, upon completion the user is asked to ‘follow the dots’, as they animate off-screen by triggering a series of LED lights. As the lights reach the vehicle a burst of light from under the car is triggered, with the trail of light then bouncing back to the display, telling the user they are “CONNECTED” and encouraging them to come inside & find out more.

This example is one of the most effective ways interactive window displays can be used in a retail setting, by not only engaging passing traffic but linking the display directly to products in the store to encourage shoppers over the threshold. By using our Clearview Projection film users can see through the screen even when the display is in use, offering the chance for items inside to catch the customer’s eye while they have their attention, again more likely to encourage them to shop in-store.

Our interactive dual touch foils are available in standard screen sizes from 27” to 82” and are manufactured with a self-adhesive layer, which can be retrofit to any existing glass or acrylic surface. Our touch foils work using PCAP (projected capacitive) touch technology to register any interaction by using the conductivity of the body, making them ideal for use with fingers or gloved hands. Whilst dual-touch capabilities were perfect for this particular application, we also offer single or multi-touch foils, providing up to 10 touchpoints.

Whilst our Clearview Rear Projection Film worked to great effect in this installation, the environment is not always suited to this type of projection material. The transparent nature of the film means the higher the levels of ambient lighting in the environment, the higher the power projector you would need to use to achieve a quality display and is not recommended for use in broad daylight & direct sunlight. In these trickier conditions, we offer a range of alternative projection materials from our specialist range including other self-adhesive films like our Pro Diffusion & Ultra Black which offer high contrast, and our sun readable rear projection technology Sunscreen. Our interactive touch foils can also be applied to glass windows in front of an existing LCD or LED display to allow users to engage with the content from outside the store, providing a secure display solution that can be used even outside store hours.

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We’ve created a site that caters to AV professionals whilst also providing conceptual inspiration for the use of our technology across a wide range of market sectors. With a heavy focus around the many prestigious projects we’ve worked on over the years, our goal is to inspire visitors to unlock the full potential of their projects with the use of digital and interactive displays.

Showcasing unique solutions like Transparent Touch Screens and Holographic Effect Projection Screens our range of products are designed to create more memorable experiences. Each product page features an ‘As seen in’ section, offering everything from ‘How To’ articles to case studies on some of our most prestigious projects as well as quickfire FAQ’s for instant information.

For industry specific inspiration, visit our Market Sectors pages where we recommend the best AV technologies for use in tailored environments, showing examples of how our solutions have been used previously including everything from hotels & museums to TV & film!

Our website marks the first step toward the new era of Zhongchen Electronics, by signing up to our newsletter in the footer below you’ll be the first to hear about new products, projects & events in the coming months. For regular updates keep in touch via our social media channels for all the behind the scenes information as well as informative videos and company updates.

Explore our new site and experience the magic of Zhongchen Electronics from the comfort of your own device, whether it’s choosing a new Mirror TV for your home or enquiring to become a reseller of our products. For more information about our solutions or to discuss working with us on your next project please get in touch using the contact us below or call us now on +44(0) 1226 361 306.

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Clearview Projection Film – Fondation Cartier, Paris

American artist Sarah Sze returned to the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain in Paris to hold her 2nd solo exhibition at the venue, Night into Day. Sze was intent on returning to the Fondation Cartier because of the building itself citing: “I’ve always loved this building; I think it’s a masterpiece … This time I’m using the building as a machine, an image-maker, co-opting the building as almost like a camera itself.’

‘One of the strangest, most radical things about the building is that it is a massive glass screen, a screen that you are kind of passing through.” Sze says, “It’s a gateway and then the interior and exterior are constantly flipping.” The timing of the exhibition allowed Sze to take advantage of the darker autumn nights, when the sun drops ‘the entire building will become like a mirage of spinning images, a large zoetrope’. Our Clearview film was essential in bringing this idea to life, allowing the images to appear on the windows to create a truly immersive installation.

Our Clearview Transparent Rear Projection Film allowed the exhibition to extend beyond the gallery walls, with visitors being able to enjoy the centrepiece from the garden at night and see the collection from a completely new perspective. Our holographic film was perfect for this project as it maintained the transparency of the windows whilst also providing a HD/4K surface for the projected images without taking the focus away from the installation, exactly how the artist had imagined.

Digital Glass – Expo 2020, Dubai

The UAE has pulled out all the stops to make Expo 2020 the best yet, with each of the 192 participating countries having their own dedicated pavilion for the first time in the Expos history. The huge plot is split into 3 main thematic districts; Opportunity, Mobility & Sustainability, with each offering completely unique experiences. Our focus brings us to the Sustainability Pavilion – Terra, aiming to encourage change and inspire its visitors to help protect and preserve the planet. The structure itself was designed by UK based Grimshaw Architects and is meant to meet the highest available accreditation for sustainable architecture, whist offering informative walkthrough experiences.

‘Terra’ lets visitors wander through the forests, dive into ocean depths and even see earths wonders corrupted, showing both the beauty of nature and the real impact of humans on our environment. Terra offers two paths, both are immersive experiences designed to show the beauty and delicacy of our forests and oceans and use a range of sensory techniques to create lasting, thought-provoking memories.

Zhongchen Electronics were specified by Dominion Global, the appointed AV integrators for the Sustainability Pavilion to provide specialist projection solutions for several scenarios within the exhibition. We supplied 7 of our Digital Glass Ultra Short Throw Rear Projection Screens in a range of sizes, made to measure for integration into custom built housing in both the ocean and forest environments. The screens ranged in size with the largest at 4.5 meters in width, manufactured using our unique coating techniques to create a huge seamless screen designed for both short throw and edge blending applications.

360 Film – Boise State University, Idaho

After the COVID pandemic drove most of the work online Lisa Hunt, the interim director of the Keith and Catherine Stein Luminary at Boise State University, decided to use this to their advantage. The initial vision was to bring in art from around the world to open the minds of the students and young people of Idaho. However, the pandemic forced many businesses like galleries and museums to close indefinitely, leading to a variety of digital alternatives surfacing online with Hunt saying: “Museums started to release images of their artworks out of their collections with copyright clearance and with high resolution, the timing was perfect to create software that would allow us to take advantage of that data.”

The vision of the Stein Luminary says that the exhibit aims to “illuminate perspectives, transform perceptions and spark imagination.” This state-of-the-art facility’s centrepiece is the 90 feet of touchscreen, bringing thousands of high-resolution artworks from all over the world including pieces from renowned galleries like The Met and the Louvre to the people of Idaho. These global collections are showcased using content created by Downstream, specialist AV consultants for unique, digitally augmented environments, where users can explore the artwork, view pieces side by side, pan in and zoom around to thoroughly explore the details.

The Stein Luminary integrated eight 26K lumen projectors with 18 glass panel systems that were custom fitted with 360 Degree Dual Image Projection Film and a capacitive touch film to create a seamless 270 degree experience with added 7.1 digital surround sound. To create an effective interactive front projection screen, Downstream opted for using ultra short drill lenses on the projectors to keep image interference to a minimum when the screens are in use. Scalable made it possible to automate much of the projection to create a sustainable and interactive projection solution, where calibration could be scheduled during downtime to eliminate the need for human operation.

PCAP Touch Overlay – MSC Starship Club, MSC Cruises

After pandemic-related delays MSC Cruises’ newest ship, the MSC Virtuosa set sail in all its 18 deck, 1086-foot-long glory. With twenty one bars, ten dining venues, four pools and even a basketball court, each venue offers its own unique experience with one in particular starring the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea. The MSC Starship Club is more than just a bar, offering a futuristic, immersive entertainment experience.

 The Starship Club is inspired by the spaceships of the future and utilises innovative technologies to create an immersive and convincing experience. Drinks are served by Rob, the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea, after being ordered by guests from the digital cockpits around the venue. Monitors display the status of cocktail preparation while guests wait, with entertainment offered by 3D holograms, a digital art wall and the 12-seat infinity digital interactive table.

The 18-foot long touch table can accommodate 12 users at once, creating a hugely social space where guests can even use their smartphones to integrate with the experience. The Infinity Table is made up of three 75” screens, mounted on a curved, laser-cut and backlit aluminium base, each finished with an interactive glass overlay. We manufactured the interactive glass overlays using toughened glass that had an anti-glare coating to minimise reflections from the surrounding lighting, as well as protect the table from light wear and tear. Each of these overlays were fitted with a 75” Interactive PCAP Touch Foil and the glass had black painted borders to signify the non-active area.

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The Starship Club is inspired by the spaceships of the future and utilises innovative technologies to create an immersive and convincing experience. Drinks are served by Rob, the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea, after being ordered by guests from the digital cockpits around the venue. Monitors display the status of cocktail preparation while guests wait, with entertainment offered by 3D holograms, a digital art wall and the 12-seat infinity digital interactive table.

After 6 years of development, with MSC working with specialists in robotics and automation, interior design and entertainment and digital experience solutions, they began working with Ouno Creative to bring their vision for the Starship Club to life. Ouno Creative is a full-service creative agency, producing everything from immersive content to facilitating the physical experience itself. After previously working on the Farnborough Airshow, providing an Interactive Transparent LCD, Ouno Creative approached us again for a bespoke interactive solution for the Virtuosa.

The brief from MSC Cruises’ Innovation team was to create an engaging digital attraction suitable for all ages and demographics. With previous experience in this particular field, Ouno’s Infinity Table secured the win, offering everything from stunning aesthetics to untouchable user experiences. The 18-foot long touch table can accommodate 12 users at once, creating a hugely social space where guests can even use their smartphones to integrate with the experience. The Infinity Table is made up of three 75” screens, mounted on a curved, laser-cut and backlit aluminum base, each finished with an interactive glass overlay.

Due to the success of our previous interactive project with Ouno Creative, they came to us to provide the bespoke overlays needed to bring the project to life. We manufactured the interactive glass overlays using toughened glass that had an anti-glare coating to minimise reflections from the surrounding lighting, as well as protect the table from light wear and tear. Each of these overlays were fitted with a 75” Interactive PCAP Touch Foil and the glass had black painted borders to signify the non-active area.

The Infinity table allows guests to build their own interplanetary cruise and explore fantasy worlds using Ouno Creative’s incredible, purpose-built digital application. Other experiences include fast 3D-themed games, detailed interactive models, cinematic videos, stunning animations and even a ‘bio-electric field palm reader’. The detailed storylines and character precision used on the Infinity Table complements the futuristic décor perfectly to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience onboard the MSC Virtuosa.

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“Museums started to release images of their artworks out of their collections with copyright clearance and with high resolution, the timing was perfect to create software that would allow us to take advantage of that data.”

This state-of-the-art facility’s centrepiece is the 90 feet of touchscreen, bringing thousands of high-resolution artworks from all over the world including pieces from renowned galleries like The Met and the Louvre to the people of Idaho. These global collections are showcased using content created by Downstream, specialist AV consultants for unique, digitally augmented environments, where users can explore the artwork, view pieces side by side, pan in and zoom around to thoroughly explore the details. In order to bring their vision to life, Downstream partnered with edge blending experts scalable to create a seamless display using this unconventional projection system.

The Stein Luminary integrated eight 26K lumen projectors with 18 glass panel systems that were custom fitted with 360 Degree Dual Image Projection Film and a capacitive touch film to create a seamless 270 degree experience with added 7.1 digital surround sound. To create an effective interactive front projection screen, Downstream opted for using ultra short drill lenses on the projectors to keep image interference to a minimum when the screens are in use. Scalable made it possible to automate much of the projection to create a sustainable and interactive projection solution, where calibration could be scheduled during downtime to eliminate the need for human operation.

The ambition of this project is impressive and is truly a testament to all that brought it to life, but the power of the exhibit and its immersive, interactive and sensory experiences could be under appreciated without the impact of a quality projection screen. We supplied eighteen 2673 x 1487mm pieces of our 360 film for the project. Our 360 Dual image projection film offers excellent contrast and resolution in front projection applications and is compatible with capacitive touch films. Supporting ultra-short throw projection our 360 Projection film is ideal for this kind of up close and personal application, displaying HD/4K images and showing an improvement in quality with even the most powerful projectors.

President of Boise State University, Dr Marlene Tromp said:

“You are not going to want to miss this, you might think, I can take my iPad and pull up all the great artworks of the world,” Tromp said. “But imagine being in a space where you can see those images in an unprecedented level of quality.”

Our 360 film is manufactured with a self-adhesive layer making it easy to apply to glass or plexiglas, ideal for the 18 custom glass panels that had capacitive touch films applied to the rear. Our 360 projection film can be manufactured in custom shapes and sizes to suit your project requirements like this one. The most exciting feature of our 360 film is its dual image capabilities, producing an image visible on both sides of the screen. This dual image technology offers a great solution for maximising display space at a fraction of the cost, offering the potential for both front and rear projection. Our 360 degree technology is also available in the form of a rigid dual image projection screen with an extremely narrow bezel for sleek and minimalist projection applications.

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The UAE has pulled out all the stops to make Expo 2020 the best yet, with each of the 192 participating countries having their own dedicated pavilion for the first time in the Expos history. The huge plot is split into 3 main thematic districts; Opportunity, Mobility & Sustainability, with each offering completely unique experiences. Our focus brings us to the Sustainability Pavilion – Terra, aiming to encourage change and inspire its visitors to help protect and preserve the planet. The structure itself was designed by UK based Grimshaw Architects and is meant to meet the highest available accreditation for sustainable architecture, whist offering informative walkthrough experiences.

Zhongchen Electronics were specified by Dominion Global, the appointed AV integrators for the Sustainability Pavilion to provide specialist projection solutions for several scenarios within the exhibition. We supplied 7 of our Digital Glass Ultra Short Throw Rear Projection Screens in a range of sizes, made to measure for integration into custom built housing in both the ocean and forest environments. The screens ranged in size with the largest at 4.5 meters in width, manufactured using our unique coating techniques to create a huge seamless screen designed for both short throw and edge blending applications.

First, we take you on a trip “Under the Ocean”, where visitors can explore coral reefs and get up close and personal to whales & sea life. Three of our Digital Glass screens are cleverly placed together as part of the whale vortex tunnel, to create the convincing illusion you’re really under the water, seeing whales move from “window” to window even looking up to see them swimming above you whilst hearing them communicate. Our Digital glass screens were the perfect choice for this application, offering a HD/4K image from a wide range of viewing angles meaning it could still be appreciated without the need to view it head on.

Next, we go “Under the Forest” where audiences can explore the concept of the “wood wide web” exploring areas of our forests that are unseen and often forgotten yet highly at risk from our actions. Visitors can learn about the vast amount of tiny wildlife that keep these systems in balance, with our screens showing the microscopic creatures found in a mere square meter of topsoil at a huge scale. Whilst all of our large format rear projection screens have been used here in controlled lighting conditions, we can offer screens with an anti-glare surface which are ideal for brighter or busier lighting environments.

Our ultra-short throw digital glass screens are completely customisable in size with acrylic options up to 8000mm x 3000mm and rigid glass screens up to 5000mm x 2500mm that can be manufactured ready to fit existing frameworks and housings. We can also create bespoke shapes made with holes for mounting for a seamless integration into experiential environments.

Expo 2020 is running until the 31^st March 2022, with different events and experiences on offer throughout the coming months. If you can’t make it to Dubai to experience the Expo in person, why not take the virtual 360 tour from the comfort of your own home? Click here to visit the Sustainability Pavilion and be sure to go under the ocean & forest to check out our digital glass screens in action!

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Pro Diffusion & High Gain Rear Projection Films

One of the most common environments where a projection screen is affected by daylight is in window display applications. We offer multiple solutions all suited to different levels of high ambient lighting, with consideration for the location and budget always factored into our recommendations. Pro Diffusion is our most cost-effective rear projection film for window installations that can perform in high ambient lighting and daylight. Dark grey in colour, this self-adhesive film can be easily applied to existing glass surfaces offering high contrast, brightness and excellent colour reproduction, designed to get even the most from budget projectors. Our Pro Diffusion technology can also be manufactured in a rigid acrylic screen format and is our biggest selling rear projection screen worldwide.

Our High Gain film is best suited to entry level applications where budget is key. Whilst offering a cost-effective solution for window projection applications, it doesn’t perform to the same standard as pro diffusion in brighter lighting conditions. Instead, in projects where your screen will be viewed indoors or at night-time, High Gain is the best value for money and quality. This light grey self-adhesive film is also quick and easy to apply, offering a high brightness image even when using lower powered projectors.

Both rear projection film technologies have little restriction on size, with pieces of film able to be joined together to create larger displays with only slightly visible join lines. Both our Pro Diffusion and High Gain films can also be manufactured as an Interactive Projection Film with thru glass single, dual or multi touch technology.

Sunscreen Rear Projection Technology

For a fool proof daylight projection solution, our sunscreen is the obvious choice. Manufactured with an optical light rejecting filter, this sun-readable screen is projected onto at a 26°+/-5° for an optimum viewing effect performing at an impeccable standard even in direct sunlight. Our Sunscreen technology can be manufactured in custom sizes, offering a more versatile alternative to high brightness LCD technologies. Available as both a film that can be applied directly to any glass surface or a rigid rear projection screen for housed applications, our sun readable technology blocks out more than 85% of external light offering 4K/HD image quality even in harsh lighting conditions.

Our Sunscreen film can also be manufactured with touch capabilities, offering a thru glass touch experience that can still be used in direct sunlight in standard sizes up to 65”.

Ultra Gain Front Projection Screens & Films

Whilst we offer multiple rear projection solutions for tricky lighting conditions, projecting from behind the screen isn’t always a viable option due to space available or the location of your display. Luckily, we have also developed a range of front projection film and screens that are designed to excel in brightly lit environments. Our Ultra Gain film is manufactured with a highly reflective surface to produce exceptional brightness and contrast even in high ambient light and daylight. Available as both a film and rigid acrylic screen, we offer solutions in standard sizes from 32” upwards ideal for glass partitions, shopping centres and transport stations.

ALR Front Projection Screen

Although our Ultra Gain technology offers a solid projection solution for daylight applications, it’s beaten by the versatility of our Ambient Light Rejecting Front Projection Screen. Our ALR screen combines a high contrast projection layer with a unique optical filter that blocks more than 85% of external light. This front projection screen, whilst similar to the Sunscreen rear projection technology, is designed specifically for use with UST projectors with a 0.4 lens and shorter, with no need to worry about movement between the lens and screen due to the impressive short distance between the two.

Outperforming more expensive LCD/LED panels, the ALR screen reproduces images with no hot spotting and without reliance on high gain to combat high ambient lighting. These versatile screens also support edge blending technology, allowing the potential to create huge modular projection walls using multiple projectors.

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Rear Projection Touch Screens

With demand increasing rapidly for a large format touch display, our Rear Projection Touch Screens offer the benefit of an uninterrupted display in comparison to competing LCD video wall technology. With the potential to create touch screens in sizes up to 8m x 3m and supporting ultra-short throw projection, our digital glass displays are incredibly popular with museums, retail, and TV studios. These rear projection screens are manufactured to distribute light evenly across the screen offering a high brightness and contrast display even in brightly lit areas.

Interactive Touch Tables

Whilst interactive whiteboard technology has long since been the go-to for collaborative education and creative efforts, touch tables offer a more unique interactive solution suited to many environments. These interactive tables have 10-point touch technology to allow multiple users to interact at one time, making for a great sales pitch or brainstorming activity. Whilst these touch tables would be at home in any meeting room or corporate space, they have many benefits for smaller agencies or retailers that wish to offer a more one on one, personalised service to customers. Our interactive touch tables come with a built in PC, Wi-Fi and loudspeakers with optional upgrades including wireless charging points, keyboards, and webcams.

Transparent Touch Screens

Transparent Screens are still very much a thing of the future and are still fairly uncommon, offering all the more reason to include them in your next project. We offer two main interactive transparent displays both suited to different conditions, the Transparent LCD Display, and the Transparent OLED Screen. Our Transparent LCD technology can be manufactured as just the screen or integrated into a display case with multi touch capabilities. Transparent LCDs require a backlight in order to produce an image on screen meaning they are often integrated into display furniture, appliances and POS/POI displays as housing if often necessary to create the best quality display. We can offer interactive transparent LCD screens and display cases from 23” up to a huge 98” with 4K image quality. Our Transparent LCD Screens can even be integrated into a freestanding kiosk format for more mobile POS displays, or can be combined with oversized backlights for a floating signage effect like in Nikes House of Innovation.

Alternatively, Transparent OLED screens have no need for a backlight and remain transparent even when switched off. These HD displays showcase content that appears to almost float in mid air making them an ideal display tool for retail, window displays and visitor attractions. Despite only being available in 55” screen size, these screens can be joined together in 2 x N formats to create stunning transparent video walls.

Interactive Switchable Glass

Switchable Glass is in high demand in the corporate and residential industries and its compatibility with projection makes it a versatile choice for retail, product launches and visitor attractions. By combining these unique screens, that can be switched from frosted to clear on demand, with one of our interactive touch frames, a new opportunity for engagement is created. With standard screen sizes up to 134” they offer the perfect presentation space that can quickly disappear to reveal whats behind the screen.

Our Switchable Glass Screens can be controlled via remote control, voice activation and can even be switched using a timer, a great tool for more immersive attractions. For more discreet screen solutions, interactivity can be granted to modular switchable glass walls and partitions up to 1500 x 3000m, offering a touch display that blends into its surroundings when not in use.

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1. Transparent Projection Screens

With both front and rear projection options, our range of transparent screens are ideal for special effects applications or in projects where the clarity of the screen must be preserved. Our Clearview rear projection film and screens are the perfect low-cost alternative to competing holographic technologies, producing a 2D peppers ghost visual effect. These holographic screens are favoured by Hollywood acting as an alternative to CGI technology, with our transparent screens featuring in blockbusters such as Marvels Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 and Transcendence. These holographic effect screens have also been featured in multiple high-profile awards shows, providing a backdrop for Halsey’s performance at the MTV EMA’s and not only bringing a holographic Bob Hope back to life, but also creating a versatile stage set at the 83^rd annual Oscars celebration.

Not only can our transparent projection screens be used for special effects, but they also produce a 4K/HD vibrant image even in brightly lit environments. This functionality makes them a great solution for indoor window displays or glass partitions that wish to display a combination of holographic effect and normal video content, or in applications that want to maintain visibility and clarity of the projection surface 24/7.

2. Switchable Projection Screens

Switchable technology offers the best of both worlds appearing as a frosted privacy screen when switched off, and when an electric current is applied becomes transparent. There are lots of ways this technology can be used, in retail Switchable Projection Film is mostly incorporated into window displays or used in product launches to build suspense and add a sense of opulence to the event, like in the launch of the Rolls Royce Dawn at Harrods. Switchable film also acts as a great out of hours advertising space as well as a theft deterrent, perfect for smaller businesses wishing to get the most out of their location.

Switchable projection screens are also a firm favourite for places of worship, where the screen ‘disappears’ at the touch of the button so the aesthetic of the architecture can be maintained and appreciated when not in use.

3. Ambient Light Rejecting Screen

Many people have the misconception that the lighting in a room must be controlled in order to create a successful projection display. This however, thanks to Zhongchen Electronics technology is not true! We offer multiple projection screen solutions designed to perform in brightly lit environments, even producing a film that can perform in direct sunlight. In spaces that don’t experience direct sunlight but do suffer from high levels of artificial light or daylight, our Ambient Light Rejecting Screen is unphased, filtering out ambient light to produce imagery in even 4K quality. Our ALR screens are manufactured with a high contrast optical projection layer and light rejecting filter, outperforming LCD/LED panels that are more expensive yet not as well equipped to excel in these conditions.

With a filter that blocks out more than 85% of external light, these ALR projection screens also support ultra-short throw and edge blending technology. Their UST compatibility even makes them ideal for environments with limited space, packing the same punch as if the screens were joined together in larger video wall type formats, that can be created with the help of edge blending software like Scalable.

4. 360 Degree Projection Screen

There are many benefits to using a 360 projection screen, most of which apply to a wide range of environments. The key feature of using our 360 degree projection technology is that the image appears on both sides using only a single projector. Not only is this a benefit from a budget point of view giving you twice as many screens for the price of one, but it also helps you utilise your space better. Whilst this is less popular for advertising, due to one side of the screen producing a mirrored image, these screens thrive in immersive environments like museums and visitor attractions offering a display that can be appreciated from all angles.

5. PVC Rear Projection Screen

Our PVC projection screens are most popularly used in two ways, ceiling suspension and tensioned applications. The flexible nature of the screen material makes them perfect for ever changing environments due to their light nature and rollability, allowing them to be easily packed and reused without effecting the quality of the screen. Our PVC fabric projection film can be used to great effect in spaces with high ceilings like atriums, museums and shopping centres where the screen is suspended from the roof, offering an arial 4K/HD display that even appears animated in the right conditions.

We also commonly see these PVC projection screens used in tensioned formats, with sizes available up to 10 x 3m and options for edge blending and seamed large format solutions. The dynamic nature of this projection film allows us to produce stunning curved screens at a scale that cannot be achieved with LED or LCD technology. We can manufacture our PVC screens to fit bespoke steel framework systems ready to integrate straight into film sets or attractions, translating onto camera with superior quality. Our most recent PVC screen project was for the BAFTA and Oscar nominated Netflix film, ‘The Midnight Sky’, acting as a key part of the set in many of the movies most anticipated action scenes.

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LED Window Displays

Whilst window displays are designed to attract customers, many stores still heavily rely on the light coming from the shop front to illuminate the space, meaning any form of digital signage needs to support this. With traditional LED displays, a screen covering the entirety of the window would have blocked any light and view into the store, however, our unique LED solution provides the best of both worlds.

Our Transparent LED Screens offer a retrofit solution that fits directly behind your window, creating an eye catching display without blocking the view. Offering a brightness up to 5000cd per m2 and transparency up to 85%, our Transparent LED’s fit together modularly to create holo-effect LED walls on a massive scale. These displays are available with a range of pixel pitches, offering a solutions that can be appreciated from up close or at long distance. We find the Transparent LED screens to be most popular in applications that lack the expected floor space for window displays or in buildings with heavily glass-based architecture, with these transparent screens easily fitting into the frame of the window with a minimalist finish that offers maximum impact.

These screens we’re used to great effect at the Golden Horseshoe Casino, who used our Transparent LED Screens to entice passing traffic. The atrium lacked floor space and needed a solution where the view from both sizes wasn’t restricted. They chose to use a mixture of holo effect and striking content using the brand colour palette on both transparent screens, creating a display that was eye catching without being overwhelming.

Mirrored LED Screens

With the Magic Mirror becoming increasingly popular across the entertainment and retail sectors, it might be difficult to see how this can be improved with LED technology. Whilst standard Mirror Displays are incredibly effective, the larger the displays become it can be harder to ensure the image has the same impact across the screen especially in certain lighting environments. In video wall applications that experience high ambient lighting, a Mirror LED screen is ideal.

Our Mirror LED walls are available in pixel pitches as small as 0.9mm, creating a large format display that can be highly reflective as well as high in brightness and quality. In LED screens each pixel is individually lit making the contrast against the reflective overlay much stronger, whilst balancing the image out across the display to combat glare and reflectivity from other light sources. These screens are perfect for integration into retail, events and hospitality industries, offering a range of mirrored coatings to suit the individual application.

Outdoor LED Displays & Perimeter Systems

Perhaps one of the most commonly seen types of large format display are outdoor LED displays. These are usually found as billboards like in the infamous times square or in sports stadiums, outdoor concerts or events. Our outdoor LED screens offer superior contrast and viewing angles, coming complete with a control system and basic operating software that’s straightforward to use. Available in pixel pitches from 4mm to 20mm, these displays can be seen from miles around and are built to withstand all weather conditions with their IP65 waterproof rating.

Specifically designed for sporting events, our LED Perimeter systems offer the best in game day advertising. Boasting 6000nit brightness our perimeter displays are unphased by sunlight, making them a reliable solution for TV broadcast applications. These quality LED systems are shipped in a programmable module format with rear access for easy service and maintenance and can be joined to fit perimeters of any length. Our LED Perimeter was chosen for use in a prestigious football match between Manchester United and Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia. The game featured some of United’s finest including Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, with our perimeter system providing bright, full colour video advertising to the 65,000 fans throughout the match.

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