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FAQs
We've provided answers to many basic questions about Vikuiti™ display enhancement films and related products on this page. If the information you need is not provided here, please contact us.
Contact us by phone: 800-553-9215
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What is Vikuiti?
Vikuiti is a new brand that represents 3M's innovative line of optical technologies that do amazing things with light to change the way you see the world. For more details about what the brand means to you and your customers, see the section of this site.
What is Vikuiti Brightness Enhancement Film (BEF)?
Vikuiti Brightness Enhancement Film (BEF) is a microreplicated prism film that is used to increase display brightness by managing the exit angle of light. To learn more, please see our product selector.
How does Vikuiti BEF film work?
Vikuiti BEF film manages the light in your display by refracting, towards the viewer, the light that hits the prismatic structure at the correct angle. Most of the rest of the light is recycled back into the display by total internal reflection. To learn more, please see the prism film demo section of this site.
Can I put Vikuiti BEF film onto my display and make it brighter?
No. Vikuiti BEF film must be installed inside the display between the light source and the liquid crystal panel. To learn more, please see the prism film demo section of this site.
What is Vikuiti Dual Brightness Enhancement Film (DBEF)?
Vikuiti Dual Brightness Enhancement Film (DBEF) is a multi-layer optical film that is used to increase display brightness by managing the polarization of light. To learn more, please see the product catalog.
How does Vikuiti DBEF film work?
Vikuiti DBEF film manages light in your display by passing one polarization to the viewer and reflecting the other polarization back into the display. Because the reflected light would normally be absorbed by the rear polarizer of the liquid crystal panel, the overall amount of light in the display is increased. To learn more, please see the reflective polarizer demo section of this site.
Can I put Vikuiti DBEF film onto my display and make it brighter?
No. Vikuiti DBEF film must be installed inside the display between the light source and the liquid crystal panel. To learn more, please see the reflective polarizer demo section of this site.
How do I know which films to use?
Vikuiti BEF films and Vikuiti DBEF films can be used individually or combined for maximum performance increase. Whether or not you use separate films of a full stack of crossed Vikuiti BEF film, Vikuiti DBEF film, Vikuiti ESR film or some combination in between will be determined by your specific brightness and viewing angle requirements. To learn more, please see our product selector.
What is Vikuiti Enhanced Specular Reflector (ESR)?
Vikuiti Enhanced Specular Reflector (ESR) is a multi-layer optical film that is used as a highly efficient light guide or bulb cavity reflector. It is a 100% polymer film with a reflectivity of 98.5% across the visible spectrum. To learn more, please see our product selector.
Can Vikuiti ESR be used with Vikuiti BEF film and Vikuiti DBEF film?
Yes. Since Vikuiti BEF film and Vikuiti DBEF film recycle light back into the display, it becomes very important to have a high efficiency reflector behind the light guide to minimize losses due to absorption. To learn more, please see our reflectors demo.
Rigid Projection Screens
How do you clean the Vikuiti rear projection screen?
Vikuiti rear projection screens can be cleaned with a solution of mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water. Use a clean soft cloth, applying only light pressure. Rinse with clean water and dry by blotting with a damp cloth or chamois.
DO NOT USE window cleaning sprays, kitchen scouring compounds or solvents such as acetone, gasoline, benzene, alcohol, carbon tetrachloride or lacquer thinner. These can scratch/deteriorate the screen surface.
The Anti-Reflection coating of the Vikuiti rear projection screens can be cleaned using commercially available window cleaning sprays using a soft, clean cloth. (Window cleaning sprays should not be used to clean the beaded side of the projection screen. Use only mild soap and water).
How do you store the Vikuiti rear projection screen?
Vikuiti rear projection screens should be stored vertically. If the screens are stored horizontally, they must not be allowed to sag. Care must be taken to prevent chips or dirt from becoming lodged between the screens. These elements may damage the screen's surface.
How does 3M test the Vikuiti rear projection screen?
The optical performance of the Vikuiti rear projection screen is thoroughly tested using measures of diffuse transmission, specular reflectance, diffuse reflectance, peak gain, viewing angle, and modulation depth. See detailed screen testing information.
Does the Vikuiti rear projection screen work in direct sunlight?
Nothing will work in direct sunlight. In high ambient light situations, however, Vikuiti rear projection screens offer better readability due to the gain and high contrast that result from the black substrate and bead consistency.
How do I cut and shape the Vikuiti rear projection screen?
Vikuiti rear projection screens can be cut using circular saws (table or radial) or by routing. Since the screen material softens quickly, it is necessary to keep the cutting tool and the machined edge of the screen as cool as possible. Tool sharpness is essential to prevent gumming, heat build-up, stresses and de-lamination of the screen. To learn more, read our cutting recommendations.
What throw distance is required for a given diagonal size of Vikuiti rear projection screen?
For projection systems such as those in Figure 1 below, with the projector placed off-axis to the screen, a throw distance/screen diagonal ratio of at least 1.80 is recommended. For ratios of less than 1.80, a fresnel lens is recommended. For projection systems such as those in Figure 2 below, with the projector placed on-axis (centered) to the screen, a throw distance/screen diagonal ratio of at least 1.10 is recommended. For ratios of less than 1.10, a fresnel lens is recommended.
Recommended throw distance tables for Vikuiti rear projection screens
Recommended throw distance to screen diagonal for 4:3 aspect ratio screens
Off-Axis Projector
Centered Projector
Diagonal (in)
Height (in)
Width (in)
Throw Distance (in)
Throw Distance (in)
40.00
24.00
32.00
77.0
44.0
50.00
30.00
40.00
93.5
55.0
60.00
36.00
48.00
110.0
66.0
67.00
43.20
53.60
121.0
73.5
72.00
43.20
57.60
129.0
79.0
80.00
48.00
64.00
143.0
88.0
Recommended throw distance to screen diagonal for 16:9 aspect ratio screens
