What Harkness Screens does

Harkness Screens International Ltd is a privately held, Dublin-headquartered manufacturer of premium projection screens for the cinema industry, founded in 1929 and operating across six countries (UK, Ireland, USA, France, India, China) with 150+ employees. Its core offering is a multi-generational portfolio of 2D and 3D cinema screens — Hugo SR (engineered laser screen, 5th generation), Clarus XC (4th-generation polarised 3D screen with d-smooth coating), Perlux HiWhite, Spectral, Nova, Precision White (co-developed with RealD), Matt Plus, Compact+, and Alfresco (outdoor/drive-in) — produced at facilities in France, India, and China using water-based coatings. The company also sells presentation monitoring hardware through its wholly-owned HSG Labs subsidiary (Spectro, Ultimate, Optimizer, Dual, Checker) and offers the myHarkness cloud platform with Calculator, Modeller, and Planner tools for screen specification and auditorium design, alongside professional services such as Reality Capture digital surveying and Iris Optimized Theaters consulting.

Revenue is generated through direct enterprise sales of hardware, software subscriptions, and professional services to cinema operators, multiplex chains, premium large format theatres, and live-event companies in more than 130 countries. The company holds exclusive technology partnerships with RealD (Precision White) and works closely with projector OEMs Christie and Barco on laser-speckle optimisation, and has served as the official screen provider at CinemaCon for eleven consecutive years, CineEurope, and CineAsia. Strategic moves over 2024–2025 include the launch of Hugo SR and HSG Labs Checker, the cessation of USA manufacturing in October 2024, the opening of an HSG Labs facility near Cannes, and the announced October 2025 CEO transition from Mark Ashcroft to Eamon Meehan.

Name

Harkness Screens

Legal name

Harkness Screens International Ltd

Website

https://harkness-screens.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1929

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Harkness Screens is a privately held, Dublin-headquartered manufacturer of premium 2D and 3D cinema projection screens, serving cinema operators, multiplex chains, PLF theatres, and live-event companies in over 130 countries from manufacturing facilities in France, India, and China, alongside HSG Labs monitoring hardware and the myHarkness specification platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cinema Projection Screens

akta.pro primary industry

Projectors & Projection Screens Retail (CRACAEAB)

Keywords

• Cinema projection screens
• 3D cinema screens
• Laser projection screens
• Presentation monitoring tools
• Outdoor event screens

Headquarters

HQ city

Stevenage

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Cinema Screen Hardware Sales: Harkness designs, manufactures, and sells premium projection screens for cinemas, outdoor screenings, drive-ins, and live events globally. The primary revenue driver is the sale of physical screen surfaces including Perlux HiWhite, Clarus XC, Hugo SR, Spectral, Precision White, Nova, Matt Plus, and Alfresco. Screens are supplied in various formats including rolled, folded, and Compact+ packaged.
2. Presentation Monitoring Equipment (HSG Labs): Sale of HSG Labs monitoring devices including Spectro, Ultimate, Optimizer, Dual, and Checker. These devices enable cinema operators to measure, monitor, and maintain presentation quality including brightness, colour, contrast, focus, alignment, and audio.
3. Professional Services and Digital Tools: Harkness provides professional services including Reality Capture digital surveying, Cinema Technology Group consultancy, and access to the myHarkness cloud-based platform tools (Calculator, Modeller, Planner). These services support cinema design, specification, refurbishment planning, and operational efficiency.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Harkness Screens designs, manufactures, and sells premium projection screens for cinemas, outdoor screenings, drive-ins, and live events globally. The company's portfolio includes 2D and 3D cinema screen surfaces (Hugo SR, Clarus XC, Perlux HiWhite, Spectral, Precision White, Nova, Matt Plus, Alfresco, Compact+), presentation monitoring equipment under its HSG Labs subsidiary (Spectro, Ultimate, Optimizer, Dual, Checker), and cloud-based design tools via the myHarkness platform (Calculator, Modeller, Planner).

Product overview

Harkness Screens is a screen technology company offering a comprehensive portfolio of cinema screens, event screens, presentation monitoring tools, and professional services. The core cinema screen product line includes multiple generations of technologies: Hugo SR (5th generation laser-optimized screens), Clarus XC (4th generation polarised 3D screens), Perlux HiWhite (premium white gain screens), Spectral (ultra-high brightness polarised screens), Precision White (RealD partnership screens), Matt Plus (versatile 2D screens), Nova (ultra-high gain screens), and Alfresco (outdoor/drive-in screens). The HSG Labs subsidiary provides presentation monitoring equipment including Spectro, Ultimate, Optimizer, Dual, and Checker tools for measuring and maintaining cinema presentation quality. The myHarkness cloud platform provides collaborative software tools (Calculator, Modeller, Planner) for screen specification and auditorium design. Professional services include Reality Capture digital surveying, Iris Optimized Theaters consultation, and event screen solutions (Stagelite, TransLite, Smart-View).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HSG Labs: Wholly-owned subsidiary producing screen monitoring products including Ultimate, Dual, Spectro, Optimizer, and Checker for cinema presentation quality monitoring
• myHarkness
• Curolux
• Beijing Harkness Screens

Products and services

• Hugo SR Laser Screen Fifth generation 2D/3D cinema screen technology engineered specifically for laser projection systems. Features embedded speckle reduction technology that reduces visible laser speckle by up to 30% and improves contrast by up to 15% compared to traditional high gain silver and white screens. Provides whiter surface, reduced hot-spotting, and uniform finish from centre to edge. Designed for cinema operators deploying RGB laser projection.
• Clarus XC Fourth generation polarised 3D cinema screen with d-smooth coating technology providing wide viewing angles, improved colour and contrast, and better light distribution. Features Nanolast coating technology and proprietary 4K Digital Perforation Pattern. Designed for all polarised 3D systems and 2D content.
• Perlux HiWhite Industry-leading white gain projection surface for 2D and active 3D cinema. Available in 1.4, 1.8, and 2.2 gain levels with ultra-wide viewing angles, superior colour and contrast, and best-in-class uniformity. Considered the premium surface for lamp-based and laser projection.
• Spectral 3D Screen Ultra-high brightness polarised 3D cinema screen for passive 3D applications using polarised light such as RealD. Provides excellent 3D performance with exceptional brightness levels for large screen premium formats.
• Precision White Technology (PWT) Screen Partnership product with RealD providing scientifically engineered surface technology delivering 2D and 3D content from a white-appearing screen surface. Available in 1.4 and 2.0 gain levels. Widened globally in June 2020 making PWT available to all cinema operators worldwide.
• Matt Plus Versatile 2D cinema screen surface ideal for configurations where sufficient screen brightness levels can be achieved. Recognised as best in class for digital projection and preferred for advanced laser installations. Engineered to completely mitigate laser speckle.
• Nova Ultra-High Gain Screen Ultra-high gain 3D/2D cinema screen with completely new surface coating. Peak brightness can be increased by up to 28% against traditional first-generation polarised screens. Designed to work with all passive 3D systems and approved by 3D manufacturers.
• Alfresco Outdoor Screen Premium outdoor cinema screen surface for drive-in and outdoor cinema installations. Features black backing to reduce image and ambient light bleed through, zero hot-spotting, and complete laser speckle mitigation. Provides excellent brightness uniformity for both 2D and non-polarised 3D projection.
• Compact+ Cinema Screen Innovative cinema screen range featuring Smart Flex technology combining engineered hybrid nano/micro multi-flake structure with advanced polymer matrix. Provides superb optical performance with flexibility for compact packaging without creasing, reducing shipping costs by up to 85%. Available in Compact White and Compact Silver variants.
• Matt Preview Screen Cinema screen designed for projection rooms and preview auditoriums where environments have low ambient light, close seating to screen, and relatively high projector power.
• Contrast Grey Screen High contrast grey cinema screen surface for specific cinema applications.
• HSG Labs Spectro Mobile engineer's spectro-colorimeter designed to ensure correct cinema setup. Supports all cinema projector types including Laser RGB, Laser Phosphor, Xenon, and UHP Lamps.
• HSG Labs Ultimate Presentation monitoring tool designed for post-production studios, review rooms, premium large format theatres, and normal cinema. Combines Ultimate technology with automated remote monitoring and reporting to NOC or TMS.
• HSG Labs Optimizer Presentation monitoring tool suited for normal cinema environments. Allows exhibitors to measure and maintain screen parameters and monitor/modify projection equipment settings.
• HSG Labs Dual and Dual Plus Permanent installation presentation monitoring tool typically mounted to the back wall of cinema auditoria. Automatically aligns dual projectors with zoom and lens shift to within 0.3 pixels.
• HSG Labs Checker Low-cost handheld brightness and audio checking device designed for quick checks inside cinema auditoriums by non-technical staff. Features point-and-click interface and ergonomic design; can also be tripod-mounted.
• myHarkness Platform (Calculator, Modeller, Planner) Cloud-based collaborative platform integrating Calculator, Modeller, and Planner tools for cinema screen specification and design. Enables digital screen modelling, 3D auditorium simulation, projector/screen recommendations, and specification planning. Available on Windows, Android, and iOS.
• Reality Capture Digital Surveying Digital surveying service creating accurate 3D/BIM models of cinema auditoriums to help with refurbishment planning, operational efficiency, and social distancing simulation.
• Iris Optimized Theaters Cinema auditorium optimisation service providing expert consultation on screen and projection technology to help cinemas deliver premium cinematic experiences.
• Stagelite Front Projection Screen Front projection event screen for concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and sports screenings. Engineered and constructed using high quality materials for outstanding finish with excellent brightness, colour rendition, and contrast.
• TransLite Rear Projection Screen Rear projection event screen for live events. Built with highest quality materials and manufacturing processes to ensure outstanding finish with excellent performance characteristics.
• Smart-View Fixed Frame Screen Fixed frame event screen solution for event organisers and set designers worldwide.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 30% reduction in visible laser speckle with Hugo SR compared to traditional gain screens
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature12 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ChristiecoreTechnology or IntegrationHarkness has partnered with Christie for laser speckle trials evaluating the visibility and impact of RGB laser projector speckle on Harkness screen technologies. Christie CP4435 RGB Pure Laser projectors are commonly paired with Harkness screens at major events and cinema installations. The companies collaborate on ensuring optimal presentation quality when combining Christie laser projectors with Harkness screen surfaces.
• BarcocoreTechnology or IntegrationHarkness conducted joint laser speckle trials with Barco evaluating RGB laser projector performance on Harkness screen technologies. The companies work together to provide exhibitors with optimised combined solutions for laser projection deployments.
• RealDcoreTechnology or IntegrationExclusive partnership between Harkness and RealD for Precision White Technology (PWT) screens. PWT delivers incredible 2D and 3D content from a white-appearing screen surface. Widened globally in June 2020, making PWT screens available to all cinema operators worldwide. PWT is available in 1.4 and 2.0 gain.
• Projector Manufacturers (RGB and Phosphor Laser)coreTechnology or IntegrationHarkness collaborated with projector manufacturers over more than five years in the development of Hugo SR, specifically engineered to address the challenges and opportunities of laser projection including RGB laser. Ongoing collaboration ensures screen technologies are optimised for the latest projection advancements.
• Film Expo GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHarkness Screens has been the official screen provider for CineEurope and CineAsia conventions for multiple consecutive years. The partnership involves providing screens for auditorium presentations showcasing major studio content to industry professionals. CineEurope since 2014 (Clarus XC) with Hugo SR becoming screen of choice in 2025.
• CinemaConcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHarkness has been the screen of choice for CinemaCon's Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas for eleven consecutive years. Harkness works alongside the CinemaCon team, technology partners, and studios to create the presentation environment for the industry's most prestigious convention.
• Cinema XXIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHarkness partnership with Indonesia's largest cinema chain Cinema XXI spanning more than two decades. Over 170 Perlux HiWhite 1.4 gain screens installed across Cinema XXI locations. The partnership involves ongoing screen supply and technology upgrades as cinema exhibitions evolve.
• PT Megatech EngineeringminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerJakarta-based integrator executing Harkness screen installations for Cinema XXI in Indonesia. Responsible for project management and technical installation of Perlux HiWhite screens across Cinema XXI locations.
• GoldenduckminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading Thai cinema integrator and distributor. Partnered with Harkness at CineAsia 2022 trade show floor (booth #115) and involved in the CineAsia 2024 Hugo SR installation at Major Cinemas Icon Cineconic.
• Scrabble EntertainmentminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerScrabble serves as cinema integrator for the Middle East, providing complete installation services for Harkness screens including at Roxy Cinemas Dubai Hills multiplex. Also installed Sharp/NEC NC3541L 4K projectors alongside Harkness Qalif Dual monitoring equipment.
• Boston Light and SoundcoreTechnology or IntegrationBoston Light and Sound manages the entire technical setup for CinemaCon's Colosseum at Caesars Palace, including Harkness screen installation and projector integration. Chapin Cutler of Boston Light and Sound manages the show and has praised Harkness screens as consistently 'fabulous'.
• Omniplex GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIrish cinema chain and one of Harkness' most loyal customers. Omniplex installed the first Hugo SR screen at the OmniplexMAXX auditorium in Birmingham, UK, with positive feedback from the chain and moviegoers.
• Nordisk FilmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNordisk Film Kino Saga cinema in Oslo, Norway undertook an extensive two-year renovation reopening in November 2025. Harkness provided complex screen solutions combining Hugo SR 3D screen with 5% curved frame and 5-degree backward tilt to overcome challenging auditorium geometry.
• MediCinemaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK charity that builds, maintains, and shows films in medical facilities. Harkness has donated screens free of charge to MediCinema installations, supporting the charity's mission to bring cinema experiences to hospital patients.
• BAFTAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHarkness donated two cinema screens to BAFTA for its redeveloped headquarters at 195 Piccadilly, London. Screens installed in the Princess Anne Theatre (upgraded to Dolby Theatre) and Run Run Shaw Theatre.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Screen Excellence: UK-based specialist in reference-grade projection screens for high-end home cinema, post-production, and select commercial installations. Overlaps with Harkness on premium acoustic-transparent and reference-screen categories rather than mass-market cinema.
• Severtson Screens: US-based cinema and commercial projection screen maker with a strong North American footprint in multiplex and PLF installations. Severtson is a particularly relevant comparator now that Harkness no longer manufactures domestically for the US market.
• Stewart Filmscreen: US manufacturer of premium front and rear projection screens for commercial cinemas, post-production, large venues, and home theater. Stewart is Harkness's most direct competitor in the cinema exhibition screen market, particularly in the Americas where Harkness just exited local manufacturing.

Others

• RealD: 3D cinema technology provider and exclusive partner for Harkness's Precision White Technology screens. RealD also offers its own 3D eyewear and systems that pair with Harkness screens, making it an adjacent ecosystem participant and partner.
• Christie Digital Systems: Major cinema projector manufacturer and Harkness's technology partner in laser speckle trials. Christie RGB Pure Laser projectors pair directly with Harkness screens; the two companies are not direct competitors but ecosystem participants.
• IMAX: Premium large-format cinema exhibitor and proprietary screen/projection technology owner. IMAX operates in an adjacent premium presentation segment that overlaps with Harkness's PLF business but uses a proprietary rather than third-party screen system.
• Barco: Belgian projector manufacturer whose RGB laser cinema projection systems integrate with Harkness screen surfaces. Barco participates in the same cinema presentation ecosystem as Harkness rather than competing directly for screen sales.

Broad incumbents

• Da-Lite (Legrand AV): Da-Lite is one of the largest commercial projection screen brands, owned by French multinational Legrand. It serves corporate, education, and commercial cinema screens, offering a much wider portfolio than Harkness's cinema-led focus.
• Elite Screens: Broad-line projection screen maker covering home theater, business, and commercial segments at higher volume but lower premium positioning than Harkness. Competes in adjacent rather than core cinema segments.
• Draper Inc. US manufacturer of projection screens, window shades, and AV mounting hardware serving commercial, education, and residential markets. Competes with Harkness in non-cinema screen categories but has limited share in premium large-format cinema.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/harknessscreens
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCN6hK2KW0mfvxGogXjJbGUQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/Harkness.Screens
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/harkness-screens
• Instagraminstagram.com/harknessgroup

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Harkness Screens