Custom frames
Harkness Screens™ manufactures a range of custom frames to meet the presentation needs of project consultants and Pro-AV consultants for large format cinema venues, theme parks, convention centres, and more.
Frames are generally used to mount screens in a desired location, but they have evolved over time as presentation requirements have become more complex. Today, Harkness designs and manufactures custom frames to meet a variety of customer requirements such as to
- Support large behind-screen speaker systems
- Support large format cinema screens
- Allow screens to move out of the way when not in use
- Curve to direct light or create an immersive experience
All Harkness frames are engineered and constructed using the highest quality materials and manufacturing processes to ensure outstanding presentation as well as safe, fast, and easy installation.
Wrap-round Frame System
The wrap-round frame system involves wrapping a projection screen around a frame. It can be used in a wide range of applications from AV to cinema.
The frame is made from prefabricated sections of round tubular steel that are bolted and clamped together. The standard frame can be made to any size up to 27 metres wide and 12 metres high. Up to 8 metres wide can be wall mounted and above this size we recommend mounting on vertical 'ladders'. The depth is 500mm. The normal frame depth is 150mm (this can be reduced to 100mm on smaller units). Larger units are available via custom design. The picture size is identical to the frame size.
Wrap-round frames can be flat or curved on the horizontal axis, and can also be supplied with a raked screen. A tilting arrangement (mechanical or electrical) can be incorporated on wall mounted frames.
The wrap-round frame only supports front projection surfaces. The surface needs to be webbed and eyeleted and can be perforated or non-perforated. The surface is easily mounted on the frame. It needs to be placed over the frame's screen rail and then laced to the frame's lacing bar.
Speaker mounting platforms can be incorporated within the frame, if required.
Large Format Systems
Harkness Screens™ manufactures special frames and screen surfaces for large format cinema.
Each is designed and manufactured to meet precisely the requirements of the specific project, enabling the maximum possible screen size to be obtained.
Deep Curve/Circular Frames
The wrap-round frame design can be used to construct free-standing frames that comprise part, half or complete circles. These are used with simulators or circle-vision attractions.
The maximum recommended height is normally 5m.
Flying Frame System
The flying frame system is designed to be suspended from cables above stage areas so that it can be raised or ‘flown’ above the proscenium arch when not in use.
The flying frame system consists of a fabricated steel lattice structure. Flying frames can be wrap-round or lace-in type. Ancillary equipment, such as masking systems, is also supported within the frame so that the entire unit can be raised above the proscenium arch when not in use. Depending on size, the system will be raised and lowered by electric hoist, manual winch or counterweight system.
The frame can be made to any size up to 20 metres wide and 10 metres high. For a lace-in flying frame, the maximum picture size is a 300mm reduction on both dimensions of the frame.
For the wrap-round flying frame, the image is the same size as the frame, as the screen is wrapped over the outer rail and laced to the frame behind the frame.
Lace-in flying frames can be supplied with fixed or moving masking systems, or a combination of both, which can be electronically or winched operated. Moving side masking systems of the full close over type are recommended for flying frames to ensure maximum protection of the projection surface when the unit is in the raised position.
Speaker mounting platforms and top walk-boards can be incorporated within the frame.
