Starling Tab-Tension 2 CineGrey 5D 120in Electric Screen - ALR

In this review the Elite Screens Starling Tab-Tension 2 CineGrey 5D 120in electric projector screen is evaluated for home theaters and rooms with ambient light. The bottom line: this motorized, ceiling- or wall-mount screen is best for users who need a large, ambient light rejecting surface with accurate color and a tidy retractable installation; its standout feature is the CineGrey 5D material that boosts contrast and preserves color in brighter rooms. The programmable motor, tab-tension edges and black velvet masking also make it feel like a professional-grade installation rather than a budget throw-up screen.

Key Features

• 120in diagonal viewing area: Offers a 58.8in H x 104.5in W image area suitable for a dedicated living room or small home theater with a 16:9 projector.
• CineGrey 5D ALR material: The 1.5 gain ambient light rejecting fabric improves contrast in rooms with uncontrolled lighting while maintaining strong color fidelity.
• Tab-tension edge system: Tensioned borders keep the surface flat and the black velvet masking improves perceived contrast and image depth.
• Programmable motor and remotes: Built-in IR and RF remotes plus a wall box controller, RJ50 trigger port and wireless 12V trigger give flexible control options for automation.
• Robust enclosure and extra drop: Curved black aluminum case with a 12in extra drop and a discreet 5.5in depth helps conceal the screen when retracted and fits ceiling or wall installs.
• 4K and 3D ready: Designed for 4K Ultra HD and active/passive 3D compatibility, making it future-proof for higher resolution sources.

Who It's For

The Starling Tab-Tension 2 is targeted at homeowners and small commercial spaces that need a large, motorized projection surface that copes with ambient light. Installers and AV enthusiasts who want professional finishes will appreciate the tab-tensioned edges, black velvet masking and programmable stop positions for a clean installation.

This is not aimed at anyone needing an ultra-high gain screen for extreme brightness, nor is it for users with very tight budgets who prefer a fixed-frame or inexpensive manual roll screen. Standard-throw projectors are recommended; those using specialty long-throw or short-throw lenses should verify projector compatibility first.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Ambient light rejecting CineGrey 5D material improves contrast and keeps colors accurate in non-dark rooms.
• Motorized operation with IR and RF remotes and a programmable drop position simplifies daily use and integration with triggers.
• Tab-tensioned edges and black velvet masking produce a flat surface and deeper perceived contrast around the image.
• Built solid with a black aluminum case and a useful extra 12in drop for flexible mounting.

Cons

• Designed for standard-throw projectors only, so it may not suit short-throw setups without careful placement.
• At this size and build quality, it requires a proper mount and two-person installation for best results.

Specifications

Screen material	CineGrey 5D ALR, 1.5 gain
Diagonal / Aspect	120in diagonal, 16:9
Viewing size	58.8in H x 104.5in W
Overall assembled size	79.4in H x 125.0in W x 5.5in D
Case and finish	Curved aluminum black case with black velvet mask
Control	IR + RF remotes, wall box with IR, RJ50 12V trigger
Certifications	ISF color certified, GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD GOLD

Our Verdict

The Elite Screens Starling Tab-Tension 2 CineGrey 5D 120in is a solid choice for anyone who wants a motorized, ambient light rejecting screen with professional finishes and flexible control. It is good value for those who need improved contrast in rooms with some ambient light and who will use a standard-throw projector and a properly planned installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this screen work in rooms with ambient light?
Yes. The CineGrey 5D ambient light rejecting material and 1.5 gain are designed to preserve contrast and color in rooms without full light control.

What controls are included for automated operation?
The kit includes IR and RF remotes, a wall box controller with IR sensor, an RJ50 port for a wired 12V trigger and support for a wireless 12V trigger via RF remote.

Is the screen suitable for 4K projectors?
Yes. The surface is rated for 4K Ultra HD and is compatible with both active and passive 3D systems.