Claro TV: 102-inch glass screen, $45,000 and up

Take one of the best LCD projectors you can find, and instead of projecting onto a wall or screen, use a piece of custom-milled toughened glass in sizes up to 102-inches, coated with translucent holographic film. The result is the Claro TV, which can be wall-mounted or set up as a free-standing unit. The coating allows the screen to display images sent to it via the projector, while reflecting other sources of light, resulting in a mega-screen that works under almost any lighting condition. Of course, all this holographic goodness will run you £25,000 ($45,000) and up, depending on screen size. That explains why pretty much the only place you're going to find these in Harrods's showrooms for now. But if you've got the cash, one can make it into your living room now; just be careful not to trip over it. Toughened or not, this is still glass, and we'd hate to see it end up as a $45,000 sea of shards at your feet.

[Via Gizmag]

[Jayson Elliot @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Sounds like a more expensive, more breakable version of a Reversa Screen. http://www.reversa.co.uk/

A 120" Reversa screen will run you �1675 ($2978), and they can make them up to 284" if you want. (I had to put British prices because that's the first link I found, I've only ever bought smaller screens from my local plastics supply shop)
http://www.nexnix.co.uk/reversa%20screens/reversa_index.htm

We've used smaller versions of the plastic in the Reversa screen for daytime rear-projection displays, and the image is amazing. If I could find enough room to put a projector behind one at home, I'd have the sweetest home cinema ever. I swear it looks better than HDTV (if your projector is good enough).

[Gabri741 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Wow! When will they stop to enlarge screens ><

[Nelson @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

#1: Am I reading this wrong, or is this for front projection applications? The reversa seems to be for rear projection applications.

This would be apples vs oranges...

[Jayson Elliot @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Nelson -

I'm fairly sure from what I can read about the Claro TV that it is also a rear projection system. From the first Gizmag article:

"In a standard instillation (sic) the projector sits on the floor about 5 feet behind the screen, so while the bulkiness of rear projection screens has literally vanished, it actually occupies a greater amount of space."

http://www.gizmag.com/go/3271/

[Nelson @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Jayson-

Your link goes to an article on their Holographic model -- Definitely a rear projection screen. This new product seems to be front projection -- According to the Claro site (follow the link from above...), they are calling this product a "Wall mount screen" which would lead me to believe that it would work on a regular wall. It would be a bit decptive to call it a "wall mount screen" if you need to cut a huge hole in the wall so the image can be projected on the back.

(I'm not trying to be argumentative, here -- I'm just trying to figure out the huge price differential you pointed out)

[Tim @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

You wouldn't have to worry about it shattering if it were made of transparent aluminum.

=]

[IK @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Of course you could get the new DNP Super Nova and use any projector you like. Shown a CEDIA the screen, sold in the US by Screen Innovations was quite a hit.

[Jayson Elliot @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Yeah, Nelson, you're right, it is a bit unclear. I agree a "wall mount screen" would not really be a fair description if you had to use a rear projection. Of course, "holographic TV" is kind of a misleading term, too.

No worries - I didn't think we were arguing, either. I'm trying to figure this out as well. There must be SOME reason to spend $45k instead of $3k, I just don't see enough info on the Claro TV to understand.

[Nelson @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

"There must be SOME reason to spend $45k instead of $3k"

Yes - More dollars than neurons. A condition I hope to have, someday ;-) ...Providing it's due to an excess on the $ side...

I also wonder how much this alternative screen is:

http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000203051880/

[Dea Ahmed @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Hi,
We are working with the "halo" film ,it is definetly front and back projection.I have worked with the Reversa screen.The "Halo" is definetly better quality.Our engineers have also developed a two way screen and "front projection" screen with no loss of image in day light.We are developing our website and our prices will be almost half compared to other retailers.We are also testing and patenting another five products unseen the world markets.Please feel freee to e mail me with any enquiries.