|
This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2
|
Author
|
Topic: Capital Improvements
|
Randy Stankey
Film God
![](/ubbmembers/64b.jpg)
Posts: 6539
From: Erie, Pennsylvania
Registered: Jun 99
|
posted 04-18-2000 12:44 AM
We're comming up to the end of our movie season, here at Mercyhurst College. Each season we make a few improvements. I was asked by the boss if I had any suggestions but I couldn't think of any.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...
- Get a SR-D (Dolby Dig.)
- Get some automation. (Hook the cue detector to the house lights, etc.)
- Get a logo strip that says, "Mercyhurst".
- 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? What to all you folks think?
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
John Walsh
Film God
![](http://www.film-tech.com/ubbmembers/168.jpg)
Posts: 2490
From: Connecticut, USA, Earth, Milky Way
Registered: Oct 1999
|
posted 04-18-2000 08:47 AM
How about a DTS unit, since (if they made them) it can be used to run muliple langauges.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? Take a look at the post "Booth Supplys" from 12-14-1999.
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Randy Stankey
Film God
![](/ubbmembers/64b.jpg)
Posts: 6539
From: Erie, Pennsylvania
Registered: Jun 99
|
posted 04-18-2000 02:22 PM
Gordon,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.
Yep, the lenses are pretty old. They're on my list. Still, "Why replace them? Are they broken?" ![](http://www.film-tech.com/ubb2/wink.gif) 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! As far as supplies, I try to slip in a few new items now and then. I've also got a bunch of "salvaged" stuff, too.
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scott Norwood
Film God
![](http://www.film-tech.com/ubbmembers/30f.jpg)
Posts: 8146
From: Boston, MA. USA (1774.21 miles northeast of Dallas)
Registered: Jun 99
|
posted 04-18-2000 08:04 PM
Oh, as for the "upgrade" suggestions--I think it's great that this place wants to continually upgrade their equipment. That attitude is a far cry from the typical attitude of commercial theatre managers.
Personally, I'd say that there are lots of things that you should do before even thinking about digital sound. SR-D would be nice, but the cost is probably in the $20k range by the time that you buy the equipment and have someone come out to install and tweak it.
I'd suggest starting with picture-quality issues: get the masking working properly (preferably with remote control devices in the booth), ditch the old lenses and get a full set of new or slightly-used ISCO lenses, replace your xenon bulb if it's time, replace any damaged parts (reflectors, etc.), replace port glass with proper optical glass, etc.
Then for sound quality, I'd recommend getting a full set of test/alignment films and doing a full A-chain alignment and maybe a B-chain if you can borrow or rent an RTA from somewhere. Have a good tech come out to tweak stuff. Maybe start to think about upgrading the processor to something like a souped-up CP-50 (with A and SR cards, 108C preamp card, 64B EQ cards, etc.) or CP-65.
If you still have money left over, consider the following: second projector for once-only screenings, 16mm projector, booth supplies (split reels, better rewind bench, etc.) and whatever else strikes your fancy. I'd much rather have all of this stuff than digital sound, personally...
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
All times are Central (GMT -6:00)
|
This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2
|
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.
|