|
|
 
|
|
Author
|
Topic: Assembling a list of Hollywood approved Digital Equipment
|
Justin West
Master Film Handler
Posts: 271
From: Peoria, IL, USA
Registered: Jul 2001
|
posted 09-21-2016 05:02 PM
While some manufactures are dropping support for their older models, they would rather a buyer not look at the used market for equipment; however, some of us are compelled to shop there. Once discontinued, information becomes scarce and working your way through the used market has pitfalls beyond lack of service or support. One of those includes the similarities of alternative market projectors (like for HOME theaters or concert venues) to the units made for commercial theatrical exhibition (at least in North America). Know what you are looking for or else you might end up with a nice projector but one that you cannot use. Referencing the DCI-approved list does not give an operator all the information he may need, because it does not include all projectors approved PRIOR to the establishment of the DCI standards. This information would be useful to a LOT of people, especially indie theatres and small-town market operators. For example: SONY's DCI-compliant models include the SRX-R220, SRX-R320, SRX-R320S, SRX-510
SRX-515...but I do not know what predecessor models may be OK to use (like an R105 or R110)? Can anyone advise on SONY? (Note: I am not asking for comments about their quality or reliability...please reserve that for another thread).
The DCI-compliant list, which is available at www.dcimovies.com , has all of Barco's DP2K and DP4K units listed but, understandably, does not mention Series 0 units like the DP90 or DP100...or the Series 1 units like the DP 1200, 1500, 2000, 3000 etc. Same goes for Christie CP2000 or XP2000 and so on. Besides NEC, there are also units that Hollywood allows from Cinemeccanica, Kinoton, and, even, Runco (some of these may be modified or rebadged Barco units). A used market is out there and it will eventually grow, so this knowledge will be no doubt useful to many in the biz as time passes. I seek to draw from the experience of the masses on Film-Tech! ![[Shrug]](graemlins/shrug.gif)
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Justin West
Master Film Handler
Posts: 271
From: Peoria, IL, USA
Registered: Jul 2001
|
posted 09-23-2016 12:34 AM
This is good discussion...on all points offered! Dave: Maybe "approved" is the wrong word to describe the model numbers I am seeking. How about more like a list of models that are actually in use in commercial theatrical exhibition in the USA? Not necessarily looking for "DCI-compliant" models, nor am I seeking guidance on upgrading older models to DCI-compliant status. Just trying to help used-market watchers differentiate between units that have been accepted by Hollywood in the past versus possibly similar looking and performing models (like high-end home theatre and large concert venue projectors) which never had and never will be acceptable for commercial theatre exhibition. For example, an early SONY projector, SRX-R110, had sister units of SRX-S110 and SRX-T110. They look the same, on the outside (and perform similarly, according to advertised specs) but I am not sure if one or any of these models have been or are still in use in commercial theatres. A SONY tech would know!
Louis and Mark, I hear you...it's just that some of the last theatres yet to have converted simply cannot justify the expense of a new projector. Additionally, I don't care how great a past loan customer you were with your bank, it is near impossible (especially for the littlest of little guys) to be able to borrow money for the purpose of buying a new projector. Knowing the bank president doesn't mean sh*t anymore (that is, if your bank is still local) and they're likely to deny your application as being too risky or else they'll legitimately do the math, too.
Rather than argue with anyone or beg for their sympathy over whether these poorest of the poor theatres can even justify their meager, pitiful existence in the world of domestic exhibition, I am really just wanting to lend a helping hand. Buyer must still beware...but we should still feel comfortable to share knowledge with those less fortunate...without judgement.
A Cinemeccanica series 1 unit is the CMC3-D2. It is no longer supported by the mfr/distributor. Are there any others?
RUNCO claimed to have one model for commercial cinemas. Is there a RUNCO expert who could comment on this?
Kinoton has a projector for same...is there a Kinoton tech who can tell us what that model is?
I am hoping that people are not hesitant to volunteer any info for fear of cracking some eggshells. I am not promoting, advocating, or endorsing the use or purchase of these machines by anyone. Furthermore, if someone has somehow gerry-rigged a prosumer unit or projector that was not intended for digital cinema use, and put it into operation in a booth at a commercial US theater, then that activity is unacceptable and I do not want that information shared. I hope I am making my point a little clearer. I thank all for your open discussion. ![[uhoh]](graemlins/uhoh.gif)
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
All times are Central (GMT -6:00)
|
|
Powered by Infopop Corporation
UBB.classicTM
6.3.1.2
The Film-Tech Forums are designed for various members related to the cinema industry to express their opinions, viewpoints and testimonials on various products, services and events based upon speculation, personal knowledge and factual information through use, therefore all views represented here allow no liability upon the publishers of this web site and the owners of said views assume no liability for any ill will resulting from these postings. The posts made here are for educational as well as entertainment purposes and as such anyone viewing this portion of the website must accept these views as statements of the author of that opinion
and agrees to release the authors from any and all liability.
|
Home
Printer-friendly view of this topic