Three percentages, three different questions
A glass-film specification may show VLT, IRR and TSER side by side. It is tempting to treat the largest number as the best overall result. That approach misses what each measurement describes. These metrics answer different questions about visible light, infrared radiation and total solar energy.
Keeping them separate helps an owner compare films honestly and helps an installer explain the choice clearly. It also prevents a particularly common error: turning a high infrared-rejection figure into an unsupported claim about total heat reduction or cabin temperature.
VLT describes visible light transmission
Visible light transmission, or VLT, describes how much measured visible light passes through the specified film or glazing system under the applicable conditions. A higher VLT allows more visible light through; a lower VLT allows less. The measurement scope matters, so establish whether a figure refers to film alone or a stated glass-and-film combination.
A label of VLT 35% means 35% visible light transmission. It should not be casually described as “35% tint” if the listener may interpret that as 35% darkness. Use the full metric to remove the ambiguity.
The International Window Film Association explains the VLT concept in its discussion of light transmission and film appearance. That general definition is useful; it is not an independent test or certification of a VIVID product.
IRR describes a defined infrared measurement
Infrared rejection, or IRR, concerns infrared radiation within the specified measurement scope. To compare two IRR figures, ask which wavelength range and test conditions each uses. An infrared number without that context can be less informative than it appears.
VIVID COOLGUARD™ and VIVID SHADENOVA™ document IRR of 92–95%. Those are the current approved product ranges. They must not be rewritten as “92–95% total heat reduction.” Infrared is not the entire solar spectrum, and a test metric is not a prediction of every vehicle's interior temperature.
A demonstration with a lamp and a meter can illustrate a selected condition. It does not automatically establish complete solar performance, road visibility or a fixed temperature difference for a real vehicle. Ask what the demonstration measures before using it as a purchasing claim.
TSER describes total solar energy rejection
Total solar energy rejection, or TSER, describes the total portion of incident solar energy rejected under the relevant measurement conditions. It has a broader solar-energy scope than a selected infrared-band figure. VIVID COOLGUARD and SHADENOVA document TSER of 55–65%.
There is no responsible shortcut that converts the documented IRR range into a different TSER value. Keep the supplied TSER range in its own column. Likewise, TSER should not be relabeled as a guaranteed percentage reduction in cabin temperature or a quantified fuel saving.
A vehicle's experienced conditions depend on more than the film specification: glass, exposed area, sunlight, ventilation and other circumstances affect the real situation. The purpose of TSER is to compare a defined property, not to replace those variables with one universal promise.
Put the current VIVID facts in their proper columns
| Property | VIVID COOLGUARD™ | VIVID SHADENOVA™ |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | Approximately 2.0 mil | Approximately 2.0 mil |
| VLT reference | 5–70%, depending on shade | Iraq SKUs: 35%, 15% and 5% |
| IRR | 92–95% | 92–95% |
| TSER | 55–65% | 55–65% |
| UV rejection | At least 99% | At least 99% |
| Construction | Nano-ceramic, non-metallic | Nano-ceramic, metal-free |
These are documented product ranges, not a new claim that every shade produces the same endpoint. Confirm the selected shade and the applicable technical information. The named SHADENOVA variants are documented Iraq SKUs; they do not establish availability or legal suitability for every United States market.
UV rejection is another separate property
Ultraviolet rejection concerns UV, not visible transmission or the full solar-energy result. Both listed glass-film families document at least 99% UV rejection. Keep that wording and scope intact. A UV figure should not be used as an impact-resistance claim or as proof of complete protection against every cause of interior change.
The simplest useful comparison has a separate row for every metric. If a sales presentation replaces VLT, IRR, TSER and UV rejection with one number called “protection,” ask for the underlying specification. Combining unlike measures hides the information needed to make a sound choice.
Evaluate the actual viewing experience
A film sample on its own is only one part of the decision. Existing vehicle glass, interior and exterior lighting, reflections and viewing angle influence the observed result. Assess the intended installation in representative conditions and discuss visibility requirements with the installer.
A lower VLT is not automatically a better choice. It reduces visible light transmission, which may conflict with a particular window's use or the owner's needs. This article does not declare a legal shade for any jurisdiction. Confirm current local requirements for the specific vehicle and window before installation.
For the current shade labels, read SHADENOVA 05, 15 and 35. For the separate optical priorities of a road-facing windshield film, read Windshield Protection Film.
Questions that improve a quotation
- Which exact product and shade are proposed?
- Does the VLT value describe film alone or a specified glazing combination?
- What measurement scope accompanies IRR and TSER?
- Is the quoted information specific to this shade or a family range?
- How will the installed visibility and local requirements be checked?
- What care guidance and commercial terms apply to this purchase?
IRR 92–95% and TSER 55–65% are separate documented ranges. Neither is a guaranteed reduction in cabin temperature, and IRR must not be converted into a made-up total heat-reduction percentage.
Review COOLGUARD and SHADENOVA, then discuss the actual glazing and shade with a professional. A clear specification should explain what each percentage measures before asking you to compare it.
