What Is A Blackout Blind? Everything You Need To Know

Audio visual blackout blinds are a true necessity in many areas. They provide the best lighting for audio visual events and are a common feature in the training industry for seminars using mixed media. They’re pretty much standard requirements in modern offices, where natural lighting is a common requirement, and the light has to be managed.

Audio visual blackout blinds basics
Blackout blinds were originally invented for photographic purposes to prevent light affecting photo processing. They evolved an unexpected use during the war, used as literal blackout blinds during air raids. Their current development is a result of the need to deal with natural light sources in relation to digital media, and that’s where they’ve excelled.

The most common, and most essential use of blackout blinds is in cinemas and theatres. They’re essential for proper light management, and must be excellent quality, reliable blinds which protect the big screens and stages to allow proper lighting.

Modern LCD and LED screens like those used in home theatres require good lighting, and need the best lighting conditions. That means minimal light on the screen from external sources. Even the big modern TVs with ambient light sensors can only do so much to handle these situations, and that’s where the blackout blinds come in.

They’re also useful for computers, particularly in the workplace. In areas where strong natural light is present, the blackout blinds are absolutely essential. Strong prolonged light and heat isn’t good for LCD screens, and they should be protected from these factors. (You may want to look at adjustable blinds, or similar measures, if blackout blinds aren’t appropriate.)

Easy to use, easy to install

Blackout blinds are very straightforward to operate. They cut out all incoming light, and provide a good, completely dark environment. The modern blackout blinds, unlike their predecessors, are also thermally stable, and don’t trap heat or create a stuffy environment. They’re typically used in training rooms, seminars, and other places where media is being operated.

They’re easy to install, and can double as basic adjustable blinds in most cases if required. The blackout blinds are a no-fuss option where a room may have multiple functions but is also the media room for the organization. For home theatres, they’re perfect, particularly if the room has seasonal lighting issues or lighting needs to be adjusted at various times of day.

Working with space requirements

The only likely technical issue with blackout blinds is the size of the area involved. Providing a full blackout may involve extra blinds to cover sources of light from inside the building, as well as out. In most cases, light sources are easy enough to spot, but in some locations and types of building design, full coverage will be required.

An onsite consultation will clarify any issues like these. It’s necessary for installers to check specifications in advance, so it’s easy to find and deal with any lighting issues in the process.

For organizations like businesses, training firms and educational institutions, blackout blinds solve a multitude of issues seamlessly. They provide a facility for media presentations, lectures, training sessions, and other functions like high tech media.