Highly Recommended Award

Our Highly Recommended designation is earned by products offering extraordinary value or performance in their price class.

Elite Screens, a major player in the projection screen industry, designed the Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR electric floor-rising projector screen specifically for use with ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors. UST projectors have become increasingly popular due to their space-saving design and unique installation requirements. With the growing number of UST projectors entering the market each year, users have been seeking solutions to meet their specific installation needs. One such solution is the introduction of electric floor-rising screens, which can be hidden away when not in use. This approach allows for a clean, minimalist aesthetic that has been well-received by UST enthusiasts.

Elite Screens has long been recognized within the enthusiast community for delivering excellent performance and value across its range of screen models. The Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR is no exception, offering outstanding price-to-performance value with its large size and impressive CLR screen capabilities.

Traditionally, UST projectors have relied on CLR (ceiling light rejecting) and ALR (ambient light rejecting) screens. Many of these screens were fixed-frame models that required wall space, often replacing traditional direct-view displays like OLED or LCD TVs. However, the introduction of floor-rising models like the Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR allows users to create multipurpose rooms that accommodate both a traditional direct-view display and a UST projector, as dedicated wall space is no longer necessary. Furthermore, thanks to the exceptional light-rejecting performance of Elite Screens' CLR material, users may find they no longer need a traditional direct-view display, as the screen performs remarkably well even in moderately lit environments.

Setup

The Elite Screens Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR is available in two sizes: 101 inches or 121 inches diagonal, both with a 16:9 aspect ratio. It offers a choice of white or black casing and the CLR screen material is a dark charcoal gray color. The unit weighs either 56.6 lbs. or 66.4 lbs., depending on the size. For this review, the 121-inch grey screen with a black casing was tested. Although not excessively heavy, the unit is quite long, measuring 115.6 inches for the 121-inch version and 98.2 inches for the 101-inch version. Due to its size and length, handling the unit is cumbersome and requires two people to install it in the desired location. Measuring 6.1 inches deep and 5.6 inches tall, the unit is compact and can be placed in various locations, provided there is enough length for the casing and height for the fully deployed screen, which stands 78.6 inches tall, including the casing.

The Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR arrives via freight on a pallet, securely packaged to prevent damage during transit. Unpacking the unit is time-consuming and may take longer than the actual setup. Once unboxed, the included accessories—three remotes (IR, RF, and a wall-mounted remote), a power cord, an RJ50 cable, and instructions—are ready for use. Setting up the screen is straightforward: place it in the desired location, connect the IEC power cord, flip the power switch, insert batteries into the remote, and press the "Up" button to raise the screen. The initial setup is quick and easy.

Users can customize the installation further by adjusting the screen's stop position on rise. This adjustment is made using the wall-mounted remote and the RJ50 cable. To program the rise position, remove the rear battery cover from the remote, press and hold the programming button, and press the "Down" button. The LED will flash five times, confirming the new rise position. If needed, the rise position can be reset to the factory default by holding the programming button and the "Stop" button simultaneously.

The Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR also supports a 12V trigger for automated operation. By connecting a 3.5mm mono trigger cable between the RF remote and the projector, the screen will open and close in sync with the projector's power cycle.

Once the preferred control method is selected and the default rise position is set, the setup is complete. The entire process typically takes less than five minutes, with unpacking taking more time than the installation itself.

Part of Elite's new SWIFT-RC1 system allows the user to change the RF channel using dip switches on the RF remote control. This feature can be used for the following scenarios.

1. Program the RF channel to use the same channel if multiple screens are used and want to control all at the same time.
2. Individually program the RF channel to avoid controlling multiple screens at the same time.
3. Change the RF channel should they notice interference from another source that could cause the screen to operate.

Performance

To test the performance of the Elite Screens Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR, I calibrated the AWOL Vision LTV-2500 and the Samsung Premiere 9 to the industry-standard D65 white point and evaluated under various lighting conditions. These conditions included dark room viewing, natural ambient daylight, light directed toward the screen, and overhead lighting with color temperatures ranging from 6,500K to 9,000K.

The Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR is a 0.6-gain CLR screen that operates quietly during deployment and retraction, taking approximately 28 seconds to fully extend or close using its "scissor-backed" industry grade cross spring risers. The screen performed well across all scenarios but excelled in dark room viewing and under overhead lighting. While it managed adequately in natural ambient light, it struggled slightly when exposed to direct light from windows or other sources directed at the screen. This behavior is expected, as the screen is designed to reject overhead light rather than direct light hitting its surface. Therefore, positioning the Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR in a location that complements its strengths is essential.

In scenarios where direct light hit the screen, the image tended to wash out, with a noticeable drop in contrast. Additionally, depending on the light source, distinct streaks could appear within the washed-out areas. The overall viewability of the image depended on the intensity and direction of the light. For example, if the screen were placed near a window with strong sunlight streaming in from the side, it would likely fail to produce a watchable image under such conditions.

In rooms with better light control, the Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR truly excelled. By removing the variable of ambient light from unfavorable angles, the screen demonstrated its capability to reject ceiling light effectively. In such setups, the screen delivered wide viewing angles and impressive contrast, creating a fully watchable image even under challenging overhead lighting conditions.

One notable test involved placing the screen just slightly under a 2,500-lumen LED downlight positioned approximately 2.5 feet in front of the screen. Even with the light operating at 100% brightness, the screen maintained its color accuracy and contrast, showing minimal impact from the overhead light.

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The only notable downside to the Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR is its low gain, which may be a subjective concern for some users. A lower gain often requires a high-lumen output UST projector, especially for larger screens like the 120-inch diagonal size tested. For some viewers, this might result in a dimmer image, particularly in scenes with low average picture levels (APL) when mixed ambient light, such as light from windows or doors, directly hits the screen. However, in a light-controlled environment—whether dimly lit or completely dark—the screen produced excellent results, delivering vibrant and contrast-rich images.

Conclusion

The Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR is an exceptional performer with excellent build quality and a solid feature set. The tab tensioning system ensures the screen remains taut without overstressing or pulling its edges, maintaining a uniform surface free of wrinkles or blemishes. When placed in a location that takes advantage of its strengths—such as light-controlled rooms, dimly lit spaces, or areas with moderate to heavy overhead lighting—it truly shines, delivering the performance expected from a high-quality projection screen.

For users setting up a UST (Ultra Short Throw) projector, the ability to control and set the rise-stop point is a significant advantage, as it allows for precise alignment of the projector. Features like this make the setup process much easier, enabling users to quickly start enjoying their content.

The only potential drawback is that if the UST projector lacks sufficient brightness, it may struggle with the 0.6 gain screen. However, this limitation applies to any screen with a similar gain. Fortunately, Elite Screens offers a 0.8 gain model, providing an option for those requiring additional brightness.

The Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR is an ideal solution for creating a projection setup in almost any room without the need for dedicated wall space. Its clean and minimalistic design offers a practical and stylish approach to home theater setups.

Projector Central has a list of screen dealers that we work with that can answer your questions and sell you a screen at a great price.

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