Home theater owners now can achieve breathtaking Cinemascope images without the black bars associated with letterboxing, courtesy of the Cine-Digitar Anamorphic 1.33x XL Lens from Schneider Optics. The lens enables 16:9 projectors to create a sharp 2.35:1 distortion-free image that utilizes every pixel and fills the entire screen.

The anamorphic lens also can expand 4:3 images to a 16:9 aspect ratio. Similarly, high-definition video that's been downconverted can be shown at its original aspect ratio, also without distortion.

The Cine-Digital 1.33x XL Anamorphic Lens performs the same functions as the original 1.33x lens, but is made to work with large projectors, large primary lenses, and short throw ratios.

Schneider offers two solutions for deploying the lens in virtually any type of installation. The Kino-Linear system is a motorized mechanism that slides the anamorphic lens into and out of the light path of the projector by means of a 12-volt trigger or contact closure. The Kino-Torsion system swings the lens into and out of position with a motion similar to that of a door.

For a true cinematic experience from your digital home theater projector, the Cine-Digitar Anamorphic 1.33x XL Lens is not merely an accessory, it's a necessity.