The importance of black levels in Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTRs) displays is often misunderstood…
…although it's the central feature. Understanding black levels unlocks specification problems and creates exceptional user experiences.
Looping back to Microsoft's Front Row digital canvas concept, three things stand out here: low luminance, great black levels - and a completely matt display. This is a space you could work in all day without asthenopia (eye strain).
'Brightness' is a problem word as it refers to how we see light, not its measurable attributes. The key human factor is contrast: the difference between white and black levels on the same image at the same time.
In Teams rooms and hybrid spaces, contrast is effectively a function of ambient light - whether flat panel or projection. But if we have good contrast, are we then all good? Unfortunately not.
The problem with contrast is that it's a relative. Your black levels could be, say, 300cd/m2 (nit) and so long as the white levels are 15 times higher (4500cd/m2) then you'd theoretically tick AVIXA's PISCR/ISCR standards' boxes - and design in an extreme levels of asthenopia (eye strain).
The reference here is the printed page. Think of reading a hardback book. Deep black levels from the printed ink. High resolution - nice sharp outlines to the text. But it’s not bright. The brightest thing is the white paper. You can read all day without eye strain. And this is what ALR projection - projection done properly - delivers.
This is why Microsoft turned to projection for their premium Signature Meetings Rooms and Front Row displays. And this is why ALR (ambient light rejecting) screens are used: they are black until projected light shines on them.
If you want to see ALR projection in action, please visit the Epson booth at ISE where we’ve co-designed an exciting new Front Row display using dnp Supernova technology.
Posted: 19th January 2023