Background Systems and Chromas

[Bob Costa]

I couldn't find this having been discussed, so here we go. I am looking for a portable background system.

1. There seem to be lots of different types of systems for mounting backgrounds. A pipe thru a pocket in the material, Clamps, Hooks and grommets, etc. Is there any advantage to one over another?

2. Are different types mutually incompatible? Am I stuck with one type once I buy the support hardware? Which is best? Which is most common, thereby allowing me to select backgrounds from multiple manufacturers. AM I right that if I get a clamp-type system, I can always use pipe-pocket type backgrounds? But is a clamp notably harder to setup and get smooth?

3. For a Chroma background, what kinds of features should I be looking for. It looks like a woven background will be better than one that has been died. But is it worth it to pay up for a brand name, due to smoother colors, better fabric, or other?

4. I am thinking about buying one of the 5x7 or 6x9 collapsible chromas, for portability and ease of use. Any comments about that plan, and why should I spend $250 instead of $75 (which is the price range) ?

[Rob Lohman]

Check out reflecmedia, I've seen some demos and it looked
impressive. No need for specific lighting issues and thus easy
to deploy outside your studio etc.

http://www.reflecmedia.com/

[Bob Costa]

Thanks Rob. If you had actually used one for a while, I might consider it more carefully, but I am not ready to be a guinea pig. Their warranty is more restrictive than anything I have ever seen, and even at 100% I could not read it due to fine print. Dust, dirt, humidity, moisture, improper storage all void the warranty. You are dependent on their special light. Many restrictions on ambient light, it will not work outside or in bright lighting. But you also need more lights to counteract the green/blue light on the special light ring. After several websites and links I still could not find any pricing info. The fact that they do not have a single video demo on their site concerns me, and it looks like more of a niche product than a general solution. But what do I know? I am a newbie to all of this.

[Rob Lohman]

Unfortunately I haven't used it myself. I've seen real life demos
(it works with your eyes too!) on shows I've been to. The price
was around $1000 two years ago I think. But I believe it has
risen to somewhere around $1500 for a basic system.

I could be thoroughly wrong of course. A simple e-mail should
resolve that "problem".

[Bob Costa]

Out of my price range for now. Thanks.

[Bob Costa]

Anyone else that can answer my questions about mounting systems?