One of the requirements of ProjectorCentral’s CEDIA Best of Show Awards is that nominated products must be brand-new to the show that the awards represent. That stipulation limited this year’s winning roster a bit, as several brands that were honored at the prior CEDIA show did not qualify this year due to the vagaries of product life cycles and launch patterns. That said, this year’s list of award winners still represent a solid blend of top projector and projection accessory brands boasting innovations worthy of acclaim. There’s a lot to love from these leading brands, and we will certainly get a better sense of the vibes for the overall home theater projection category during our tour of the exhibits in the Colorado Convention Center September 2-4, 2026.
Screen Innovations KAOS 360 Rear-Pro Screen
The Screen Innovations (SI) KAOS 360 Rear-Pro Projection Screen combines the company’s proprietary dual-sided 360-degree optic with the rugged KAOS Onyx Retention System for a more durable dual-sided motorized outdoor rear-projection screen that promises reliable image stability and performance in demanding outdoor environments. SI has offered combined projection since the introduction of its 360-degree optic with Solo 3, where dealers immediately recognized how one projector and one screen could do what previously required two of each. Seating no longer had to be planned around the screen. Guests on the patio, at the pool, or across the lawn could enjoy the same bright, uniform image from opposite sides of the screen. There was just one challenge: air movement. Rear projection demands an exceptionally flat screen surface to maintain focus and image integrity, and even moderate breezes could compromise the viewing experience. SI’s Onyx Retention System keeps the screen surface flat, delivering up to three times greater air movement capability than conventional outdoor projection screens while supporting screen sizes up to 24 feet wide. The result is dual-sided outdoor rear projection that continues performing in conditions that stop conventional systems.
This article was adapted, and originally appeared on projectorcentral.com. Author: Jeremy Glowacki
