Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Arcade Collecting => Miscellaneous Arcade Talk => Topic started by: OSCAR on February 10, 2006, 11:48:13 pm

Title: Pinball DMD anti-glare film
Post by: OSCAR on February 10, 2006, 11:48:13 pm

I installed some anti-glare film on the DMD of my CFTBL to see how it would work and I have some photos below.

As those of you with DMD pinballs already know, the DMD casts a reflection on the playfield glass which can be a little distracting in the upper playfield area as its flashing and changing while playing.  So I decided to try out the anti-glare film that Tom offers here:
http://mysite.verizon.net/tomwible/tomstwilightzonepinballmachineaccessories/

Here are some before/after photos (click to enlarge):

(http://www.oscarcontrols.com/cftbl/reflect1_small.jpg) (http://www.oscarcontrols.com/cftbl/reflect1.jpg) (http://www.oscarcontrols.com/cftbl/reflect2_small.jpg) (http://www.oscarcontrols.com/cftbl/reflect2.jpg)


(http://www.oscarcontrols.com/cftbl/no-reflect1_small.jpg) (http://www.oscarcontrols.com/cftbl/no-reflect1.jpg) (http://www.oscarcontrols.com/cftbl/no-reflect2_small.jpg) (http://www.oscarcontrols.com/cftbl/no-reflect2.jpg)


In the 'after' photos, all you can see is the backboard 'lagoon' graphic (that's not a reflection).  Besides removing the glare, the film also helps filter the display so there isn't as much reflection from the plexi on the speaker panel, which causes the ghosting around the DMD image.  The film did darken the DMD display a bit, but it really doesn't seem that noticeable while playing.  I think that this film really works well and I will be installing it on other DMD pins in the future as well.

Title: Re: Pinball DMD anti-glare film
Post by: Wade on February 12, 2006, 10:32:37 am

Thanks for the honest review.  The price is fair, and if the glare bothers some people, it seems like a simple and effective solution.

Personally, the glare has never bothered me.  It just reflects on the very top edge of the playfield, not where you actually need to be able to see clearly.  Maybe if I were taller... ;)  Now the Stern flourescent bulb translites, THOSE create a heck of a distracting glare.  Sometimes, it really makes it hard to see the playfield!

Wade

Title: Re: Pinball DMD anti-glare film
Post by: grantspain on February 12, 2006, 04:55:39 pm

could have done with some that film today when my stern casino hi roller glass exploded on me :(

Title: Re: Pinball DMD anti-glare film
Post by: TheOtherBob on February 13, 2006, 10:52:17 am

Quote from: Wade on February 12, 2006, 10:32:37 am

Now the Stern flourescent bulb translites, THOSE create a heck of a distracting glare.  Sometimes, it really makes it hard to see the playfield!

I've read some people wrap the bulb with paper (copy paper?) to "dim" it a bit.

Thanks for the review OSCAR.....