Masking: Difference between revisions

Masking serves several purposes in exhibition settings. When projecting film, the [[aperture plates|aperture plate]] casts a blurry shadow because it is not on the same focal plane as the film, and masking is used to crop off this shadow and giving the illusion of a sharp edge. It also hides structural elements of the screen and mechanical elements of the masking system itself. Masking also absorbs lights around the visible image area projected on screen, making the image stand out and appear brighter. "''Where the black border is used there is not only less distraction for the eye, but the effect of added light brilliancy is had without its actuality.''"<ref>F.H Richardson ''Motion Picture Handbook: a guide for managers and operators of motion picture theatres'', 3rd ed.(New York: Chalmers Publishing Company,1916)178.</ref>