New SI Screen Ordered

[netroamer]

After much consideration, I ordered a SI Series 5 motorized Maestro 1.1 gain acoustical weave screen. It is in a 2.39 aspect ratio 156" diagonal. That will give me a 122" 16 x 9 image. SI was most helpful and provided me with, at a small charge, a 4' x 4' piece of screen material and the corresponding black backing that I put on a frame and hung in front of my Stewart StudioTek 130 for comparison. I was impressed with the image and the lack of light leakage. According to SI the 1.1 gain is the net gain after taking into consideration the loss of light through the weave. I expect it will be installed in 3-4 weeks.

[netroamer]

FedEx trashed the screen in transit..it's on its way back to SI...fate unknown!

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by netroamer

FedEx trashed the screen in transit..it's on its way back to SI...fate unknown!

John.......What an infuriating disappointment. .

[netroamer]

Originally Posted by jdandy

John.......What an infuriating disappointment. .

It sure is. And, to add to that, we took down the existing screen to prep the area for the new screen. It is 170lb behemoth and needed additional bracing. The media room now has no video!

[jdandy]

John.......Is there a more reliable and safe way of shipping other than FedEx? Will Screen Innovations build a plywood shipping container for a fee?

[netroamer]

Originally Posted by jdandy

John.......Is there a more reliable and safe way of shipping other than FedEx? Will Screen Innovations build a plywood shipping container for a fee?

It was FedEx Freight. I don't know...I just assumed SI knew how to protect their product in transit. I can't post the pictures, but this 13' 200lb box did not have a straight section left. The bands and corner protectors were a total mess and the box end was missing and the screen end had no support. The facia was broken and dangling. I have already communicated to them that I want a new screen, not a repaired, repacked or whatever version of this piece. The only reply I received is that the screen will be perfect before it leaves, but no indication that it would be a new screen. This screen should be back to them tomorrow, I hope to hear something then.

[jdandy]

John.......I agree with you, to repair a damaged motorized screen and reship it back would be totally unacceptable. You purchased a new screen. It is not your fault the shipper destroyed it, nor is it your problem the manufacturer's shipping container appears insufficiently designed to protect the contents from damage during shipping.

[netroamer]

Originally Posted by jdandy

John.......I agree with you, to repair a damaged motorized screen and reship it back would be totally unacceptable. You purchased a new screen. It is not your fault the shipper destroyed it, nor is it your problem the manufacturer's shipping container appears insufficiently designed to protect the contents from damage during shipping.

Dan...it should be a no brainer as they will be compensated by FedEx or their insurance carrier if they have blanket shipping insurance. As part of my request I asked that they schedule production of a new screen to minimize my down time. They did not address that and my dealer does not agree with me about trusting a repaired, or partially salvaged unit. I have not heard from SI or my dealer today.

[jdandy]

John.......It will be interesting to see how things shake out. Keep us posted.

[netroamer]

SI received the screen back Monday. According to them the screen was a total loss...nothing left to salvage. There is no way to tell how much damage occurred on the return trip, but I doubt there was much left when it arrived here.

They are building a new screen that as of now is scheduled to arrive Friday.