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This topic comprises 4 pages: 1 2 3 4
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Topic: Dolby Digital Readers.
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Joe Redifer
You need a beating today
Posts: 12859
From: Denver, Colorado
Registered: May 99
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posted 08-11-1999 01:01 AM
I have used both penthouse readers and basement readers myself. What type of projectors do you have your basement readers in? The type of projector is very important. We have a theatre with basement readers in Simplex projectors, and they work fairly well (white light, not L.E.D.) however the error rate hovers around 5 and 6 constantly, which is rather high. They don't fail too often, though. I personally use basement readers in the Christie P35GPOS machines, and the performance varies. If you have your belts too tight or the gears and pulleys are not clean, you will get vibration which will make the error rate jump to 'F' every few seconds. Once you iron out these problems, the error rate goes down anywhere from 0 to 4 consistantly. But all is not well in the world.No matter what you do, there will always be vibration at the Dolby reader (basement). If you get less than a perfect print (all of them) then you will see jumps to 'F' on occasion. The LED intesity tends to drift over time as well. No 2 projectors will have the same exact amount of vibration. My fix for the Christie is simply to place a 1/4 nut under the upper tension arm of the reader and stick it down so it doesn't move. This eliminates about 80% of the vibration, so that only really bad prints with really bad code will 'F'. With penthouse readers, you can get the same low error rates, but rarely do you have to deal with F-ing or dropouts, even with opaque splices. They just seem to offer more stable and consistant performance without worries. I always put my platters on the non-operator side and allow at the very least 6 feet between the platter and the projector.
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Brad Miller
Administrator
Posts: 17775
From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall)
Registered: May 99
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posted 08-11-1999 09:31 PM
I really don't think the whole platter thing has that much to do with it, unless the platter in question is a Christie with it's center brain roller spring still intact. That little back-tension roller is notorious for bouncing the film, which could cause such problems. Platter distance also should not be an issue, provided the platter is feeding out steadily in the first place. However, for reel to reel operation, I could see where a basement reader would be preferred since the tension constantly changes coming off the supply reel.Personally, I think the major problem with the Christie basement reader is their bearings. Now, let me make this clear...I am guessing, as I have never worked with one up close and personal. However, the Christie analog reader's bearings are a joke, so why should the other be any different? Notice Simplexes and Centurys don't seem to have such problems with basement readers! My main reason for sticking with a penthouse reader is moveability. With a basement setup, that's it. You're stuck! With a penthouse, you can move things around fairly easily should the need arise. The added bonus is of course, that I have yet to find a penthouse reader that did not track smoothly.
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Brad Miller
Administrator
Posts: 17775
From: Plano, TX (36.2 miles NW of Rockwall)
Registered: May 99
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posted 08-13-1999 11:22 PM
The forum program is designed to "bump up" the postee's standing with a certain number of postings. The first promotion is at 100 to "Expert Film Handler" which Joe has just hit. (It in no way means you are not an expert, it's just a little fun thing built into the system.)  In reference to a projectionist who does not have the tools and knowledge to properly adjust an SRD reader, I would have to agree with Rick as typically it will cause more harm than good. This goes for analog sound too. However, I have been able to readjust not only an analog soundhead but an SRD soundhead without tools in an emergency situation in the field. It "is" possible, but of course, when I went back with the proper equipment, I was able to improve on it. ...but I did get it running for the show!  Also, I think I read Joe's post a little differently. I took it more to mean the adjustment is possible if the thing isn't working at all. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If it doesn't work, what are you gonna do, break it?" I have known Joe for awhile now and I can't imagine him intentionally trying to persuade a kid who knows nothing about what he is doing to make such an adjustment...however, I can see how such could be misinterpreted. In his defense, this forum started out with mainly experienced projectionists/engineers and has grown to include even newbies that want to learn the practice who haven't even been able to thread a machine yet. You have brought up an excellent tip for the forum here Rick. Some things requiring strict engineering knowledge might be best left for private emails between people. I think when Joe returns to the forum toniht, he will agree too.
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