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If you get a 2,500 W you can always turn the power down a bit but you can't turn the power UP if you get a 2,000W then find out it's too dim!

If they convert to xenon you have to factor in the cost of the lamphouses, power supplies, new bulbs, cost of electrician for wiring in the new power supplies (especially if 3 phase), etc.

Scott hit the nail right on the head when he mentioned only doing a few films per year. The theatre does mostly live stuff these days and films aren't as frequent as I'd like. I'm trying to change that though.

In answer to Ken's question about the lamp house types that we have a line on, we know where there are a set of 3,000 watt Xenex lamps and a set of 1,500 watt Strong lamps. (rectifiers available for both). I figured the 1,500 watters were too small for the application but bet the 3,000's would work.

My only hesitation about hanging onto the arc lamps is a concern about continued availability of carbons. If it looks like we can still get them, even if a bit pricey, I wouldn't mind sticking with carbon arc. I just love the sound of the lamp running when I throw the knife switch and the "poof" when I stike the arc!

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With a 34' wide screen, you are going to want about 3000 watts. Try and avoid 2500 watts since they are often the xenon lamp manufacturer's worst lamp in the cost/hour range...normally a 3000 can be run like a 2500 without any difficulty in any event.

I would tend to agree with others that you should look at the total cost of going over to xenon and add up how many carbons you could get for that much (also factor in lamphouse parts and possible part failures to which no replacement parts are available). I wouldn't convert to xenon just because it is trendy.

You will have to determine if converting is cost effective.

Steve

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In all seriousness...the B&L Super-Cinephores (Silver and Red) in the 4" dia. were excellent lenes...they were even coated.

Steve

I talked with our 86 year old Chief Projectionist last night (he's been running film at the theatre since 1932) and we agreed that we will stay with carbon arc as long as we can. He's actually the one that posed the question about switching to xenon so he's certainly not afraid of change (actually our 16mm machine has a 1,000 watt Xetron xenon lamp). However, we both agree about weighing the costs of going to xenon with the two 35mm machines against the number of films we run each year.

In the case we are discussing, Scott may be correct in thinking that this booth may want to keep the carbon arcs. The conversion cost could be high for just an occasional showing.