We just put in a new screen and spekers last season. We also got the film cleaner (and of course FilmGuard!) for this season.

In the past, we've gotten title strips. ("Previews", "...and now our FEATURE", etc.) We also did a few things to beef up the sound. (Putting the sound through the Media Matrix that was already in there.)

Here are some ideas I've had...

1. Get a SR-D (Dolby Dig.)
   
2. Get some automation. (Hook the cue detector to the house lights, etc.)
   
3. Get a logo strip that says, "Mercyhurst".
   
4. Get travellers for the masking.
   

Aside from cost, the problem with SR-D is that it might not be worth it. A lot of films we have aren't in digital. Also, our auditorium is originally a concert hall, not a movie theatre. (The accoustics are different) Wouldn't putting digital in there be kinda' like putting a stained-glass window in a privy?

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A SR-D or DTS still makes sense, because it sounds great and is low maintaince.

Or a system for the hearing-imparied.

What lenses are you using? If they are over 20 years old, you would get a big improvement with new ones. Or maybe additional lenses to properly show 1.33, 1.66. etc.

Sub-woofer system? Or anything that would improve the accoustics (sound deading, more surround speakers, etc.)

Movable masking would be nice. Try to get to open/close for 1.33, 1.66. etc.

Booth supplies: Split reels, trailer flange, good splicer, frame counter, additional tools or projector parts. If there's a small port window (rather then a large spotlight window) for the projector(s), how about a peice of optical glass?

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Memory serves you well! Smart Mod II B it is. Originally it was only Left/Right stereo only. It was modified for L/C/R/Surr. (Not split surr.) It does have an "AUX" input ghmode. There are terminals on the back for L/C/R/S. I thought that's all that was needed. Guess not.
If we did get SR-D it would likely be a penthouse reader, not in the basement.
If I had MY choice, I'd replace the processor right now. Aside from the fact that I don't like the sound, it just seems kind of "klunky" to me. Folks around here are kind of sketchy about replacing something that works perfectly "well".

Equipment:

• Simplex XL (PR-1003) (c. 1950)
  
• Simplex 5-Star (NEW w/ red LED reader)
  
• XeLamp 2000w lamphouse.
  
• Strong P.S. (NEW)
  
• Smart Mod II B
  
• Lenses:
  Flat = Kollmorgan 4" - f1.9
  Scope = Moller Anamorphot (fl = ? / f?)
  Acad = Can't find markings, under the collar.
  

There are PICS in the Pic Warehouse if you want to see them.

Masking:
We have custom made curtains for masking. They are black scrim w/ Duvetine on the edges. We tie them to the fly pipe. There are spike marks for each format (F/S/Acad) It's kind of a pain in the ass to move them. Travellers would be way nice!

DTS:
That's what I would choose but I don't think enough of our films are formatted in DTS. I've only seen a few with timecode and we've only ever gotten ONE with discs in the can. I suppose we could ASK for discs when we book films. Still, I think there are more SR-D prints than DTS. (At least in the ones we book.)

Assisted listening:
Good Idea! That's definately on my list! The boss will go for it 'cuz we can make it do double duty for stage shows, too!

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In addition to the large improvement in focus/resoution, you will probably get a 2-3 fL increase in light. Anamorphic lenses (usually they are called 'adapters' because they screw on to a "prime" lens) do not have a focal length.

That big wheel has marks on it which line up with the frame lines... so you could run a big, long piece of black film or leader or whatever through it and, at the end, you could easily see if you were still in frame. I didn't have to use it often, but when I did it was quite handy.