Acoustic-Transparent ALR Screens: Full Surface vs Perforated Border
Learn the difference between a fully acoustically transparent projector screen and an ALR screen with a perforated lower border, including the Vividstorm S Pro P design.
“Acoustic” can describe very different screen designs. A fully acoustically transparent screen lets speakers sit behind the image area. The Vividstorm S Pro P’s published feature is narrower: a 0.4 mm perforated lower black border intended to let sound pass from a speaker placed behind that border.
Why the distinction matters
If your center channel must sit behind the projected image, you need a surface designed for sound transmission across the image area. If your soundbar or center speaker sits below the picture but behind the black border, a perforated lower border can solve a different, simpler layout problem.
What perforation can affect
Any hole pattern can alter sound and optical behavior. The right design depends on aperture size, open area, speaker distance and whether perforations are in the image area or only in a masked border. Do not assume the same acoustic performance from every “perforated” screen.
When the S Pro P feature is useful
- Center speaker or soundbar positioned behind the lower black border.
- Furniture layouts where the screen needs to rise in front of audio hardware.
- Buyers who want to keep the picture area non-perforated.
Vividstorm S Pro P
72–120″ options at the linked merchant; 0.6 gain, 170° published viewing angle, floor-rising motorized design and perforated lower border.