2 Reasons Why Sealed Inflatable Screens Are Not Always Good
There are two main designs of inflatable screens for outdoor movie projection. In the industry, we often call them sealed, as opposed to a 'breathing screen'.
When picturing a sealed inflatable screen, think of a rubber boat or a swimming mattress.
The technology in breathing screens is similar to inflatable advertising structures. The main distinctive feature of both kinds of screens is that with the sealed screens — once inflated — you can turn the air blower off and seal the air inside.
With the breathing inflatable screens the air blower needs to be on throughout the screening, to maintain air pressure inside the structure.
Read this full comparison between sealed and breathing inflatable screens
Two reasons why sealed outdoor movie screens are not always the best choice
It might seem that the sealed design is always a plus. But what are the drawbacks of such a design?
- With time, the sealed inflatable screen will start to leak air and might begin losing its shape when inflated, right in the midst of a movie show.
- The sealed screens are more difficult to manufacture and the process requires heavier material. Therefore, sealed screens are more expensive, compared to a breathing screen.
The best application for a sealed inflatable screen
Interestingly, where the sealed outdoor movie screen shines is indoors. So, if you plan to use your outdoor movie screen most of the time indoors — go for a sealed screen, to avoid air blower noise in close quarters such as a gym or a small conference hall.
Image Source: The Northern Entertainment Co
What is the worst application of a sealed projection screen?
If you are a rental company or a traveling film fest, which means you use the outdoor movie equipment you have quite extensively or often on the go: we don't recommend buying the sealed inflatable screens. You may soon end up patching such a movie screen and sealing its leaking seams.
Also, as we have mentioned above, sealed screens require heavier fabric, making them bulky and too heavy to move them around the venue the whole time, if need be.
Conclusion
Almost for any outdoor movie application we recommend buying a non-sealed, breathing inflatable screen design. Such outdoor movie screens are lightweight, more affordable, occupy less space and can be repaired fairly easily almost in any scenario.
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