Skip to main content

Video Processing and Blend Management

A widescreen projection system requires both proper image distribution and projector edge blending. While these functions work together, they serve different purposes.

Video Processing and Image Overlap

A video processor or playback system is responsible for distributing the correct portions of the overall image to each projector, including the shared content in the overlap region.

Depending on the system, this may be accomplished using:

  • Barco ImagePRO Dual

  • Pixelhue processors

  • Resolume Arena

  • ProPresenter

These systems are used to establish the overall image canvas, configure output resolutions, and position the content so the projectors display the correct portions of the image.

The overlap must be accounted for when calculating the total image resolution. The overlapping pixels are shared between adjacent projectors and do not contribute additional width to the final image.

Projector Edge Blending and Feathering

Once the images are properly positioned and aligned, the actual edge blending is performed within the projectors.

Each projector's internal blending controls are used to gradually reduce its light contribution across the overlapping area. This process, commonly called feathering, allows the two projected images to transition smoothly into one another without creating a noticeably brighter band.

Proper blending requires:

  • Accurate physical alignment of the projected images

  • Matching content in the overlap region

  • Correct blend region dimensions and positioning

  • Proper adjustment of the projector's internal blend curves

  • Brightness, color, and black-level matching as needed

The video processor establishes what each projector displays, while the projector's internal blending controls determine how the overlapping images transition into one another.

Although some processing and playback systems offer software-based blending, the standard workflow described here uses the projectors' internal edge-blending capabilities for feathering and brightness compensation.