Cinema LED is a groundbreaking direct-view display technology, but like the conversion to digital cinema projectors, it will take time to become widely adopted. A major challenge has been acoustics because LED screens are solid walls that block sound from coming from behind them. This requires exhibitors to install speaker systems specifically designed for LED screens, positioned above and below the display. Additionally, speakers are placed on the side walls to bounce the sound off the center of the LED screen, which often results in lower audio quality.

Additionally, until DCI allowed scaling, LED screens were only made in specific sizes, such as 7 meters, 14 meters, or 20 meters. Furthermore, the initial LED screens cost more than an equivalent traditional cinema screen. However, with the introduction of the Tricorne Premium LED, it is now possible to place speakers directly behind the screen since it is fully acoustically transparent—similar to a traditional screen—restoring realistic cinematic sound. Moreover, the Tricorne Premium LED can be scaled to various sizes in both flat and scope ratios, allowing it to fit almost any auditorium size. It can also be curved. It truly represents the future of cinema in terms of return on investment.

• First in the world: The first DCI-certified fully acoustically transparent cinema LED screen

• True cinematic sound: Allows speakers to be positioned behind the screen

• Brilliant visuals: Supports superior image quality and unmatched contrast ratios

• Flexible use: Eliminates the need for projection booths, creating space for additional seating, event hosting, and multi-functional venues

The initial cost is higher than that of traditional projection systems, but overall ownership expenses are lower due to decreased maintenance and fewer replacements of consumables. The adoption of cinema LED screens is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade and become the standard for next-generation theatres.

The cinema LED screens are highly competitive because:

• Long lifespan: Operates for up to 100,000 hours
• Low maintenance: Requires minimal consumables, such as laser components, compared to traditional digital cinema projectors
• Energy efficiency: LED screens are energy efficient because they only consume as much power as the scene demands, unlike traditional projectors where the light source constantly runs at a set power level, making them less energy efficient.
• High ROI: Unlocks new revenue streams through multifunctional use (corporate events, live concerts, gaming, etc.)

LED screens transform theatres into multi-purpose experience centers and bright-environment screenings (with lights on). They can be used for:

• Corporate meetings and conferences
• Concerts and live performances
• E-sports tournaments and gaming events
• Educational lectures and community events
• Dine-in cinemas where ambient lighting is needed to serve food and beverages

This versatility makes LED screens appealing to cinema investors seeking to increase revenue.

• Superior image quality: There is no optical image distortion, allowing a uniform viewing experience from every seat. Cinema LED cinema screens offer theoretically infinite contrast with high dynamic range (HDR), unmatched when utilizing GDC’s SR-5520 IMB, the world’s first DCI-compliant media server to meet the strict requirements for HDR and HFR.
• Acoustic transparency (with Tricorne LED): Speakers are installed behind the screen for optimal sound
• No projection booth required: Enables more flexible auditorium design, reducing construction costs
• Low maintenance and fewer consumables: Reduces long-term costs
• Multi-use potential: Expands cinema revenue beyond movies
• Future-ready technology: Aligns with global trends in immersive entertainment

A fully acoustically transparent cinema LED screen is a DCI-certified display designed with a perforated surface that allows sound to pass through without distortion. This technology enables speakers to be placed directly behind the screen, providing both visual brilliance and superior sound quality comparable to traditional silver screens.

In contrast, a partially acoustically transparent cinema LED screen has limited perforation zones, allowing sound through only specific areas. It does not provide the same level of audio clarity or flexibility in speaker placement. These designs typically position only certain speaker channels (such as the center or dialogue) behind the screen, while others are placed elsewhere—often compromising sound quality and leading to less ideal speaker positioning.

The technology is becoming increasingly mainstream as innovations overcome previous barriers like sound transparency and cost. The market is rapidly expanding in Europe, the Middle East, the USA, and China, supported by government policies. As exhibitors recognize the value, fully acoustically transparent cinema LED screens are expected to play a major role in shaping the next generation of cinematic experiences.