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Author Topic: Equipment used in Cinemas Demetris Thoupis Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1240 From: Aradippou, Larnaca, Cyprus Registered: Apr 2001 posted 04-09-2001 03:02 AM                     Hello Again, I am really wondering something. Rumours have been going around that European Cinemas and American Cinemas have a different preference in the equipment they use for projectors. Well I was wondering what projectors do you use in your cinemas? Let's start. At the cinemas which I am co-operating in Cyprus (Europe) the most widely spread projector is Cinemeccanica's Victoria 4. Also I have seen in two cinemas Cinemeccanica Victoria 5 projectors, in others Cinemeccanica Victoria 8, Victoria 9, Victoria 10!, and I've heard that one cinema uses Victoria 6 (I am not sure if that model excists so don't cut my head off if that is wrong). Finally I was suprised to find out that MICROTECHNICA projectors are also found in Cinemas in Cyprus. By the way does anyone have any manuals for that projector? Now the new complexes that are opening are either installing the German KINOTON projectors or the American CHRISTIE projectors. So what do you use in your theater? Demetris Thoupis "FOR STRENGTH AND HONOUR"  |  IP: Logged Scott Norwood Film God Posts: 8146 From: Boston, MA. USA (1774.21 miles northeast of Dallas) Registered: Jun 99 posted 04-09-2001 06:32 AM                        As might be expected, Simplex and Century seem to be most common in the US. Norelcos (AA-IIs) and Cinemeccanicas aren't exactly commonplace, but aren't totally unheard-of, either. Apparently Christie is becoming popular with some chains, but apparently not at the theatres which I frequent. Bauer, Kinoton, and other brands are relatively rare.  |  IP: Logged Jeff Taylor Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 601 From: Chatham, NJ/East Hampton, NY Registered: Apr 2000 posted 04-09-2001 07:52 AM                     Scott, in Mass. you should run across a lot of Showcase/National Amusement theaters. The two that I've built for them in the last few years (I only build them, I dont spec the equipment) have been 100% Christie.  |  IP: Logged John Walsh Film God Posts: 2490 From: Connecticut, USA, Earth, Milky Way Registered: Oct 1999 posted 04-09-2001 08:55 AM                     A guy I knew (who built several theaters in the 50's and 60's) once told me that in 1967-69 the American dollar was very high compared to Italy's lire. Also, at that time, theaters were looking to cut labor costs. So Cimemecannicas became very popular in the US, especially with the remote control features (focus, framing, lens turret, etc) Most American projectors did not have all those features.  |  IP: Logged Mark Gulbrandsen Resident Trollmaster Posts: 16657 From: Music City Registered: Jun 99 posted 04-09-2001 09:46 AM                     You'll find literally every type of projector over here running . Simplex and Century were definately the popular ones but Christie has gained quite a bit of ground in the last few years. The Kinoton equipment is getting popular again as well thanks to BL&S becomming the importer and getting the price down where it belongs. When Arriflex distributed it they all but ruined its chances here in theaters. Tghere are allot of Cinemecaniccas but they seem to be loosing ground here. Many AA-2's and DP-70's still remain in service in larger theaters all over the country and in large screening rooms. Mark @ GTS  |  IP: Logged Joe Schmidt Expert Film Handler Posts: 172 From: Billings, Montana, USA Registered: Apr 2001 posted 04-10-2001 05:31 AM                     My experience with Cinemecchanica was all very positive. You could literally install them and forget them. never have to go back. For more on this see my thread on xenon bulbs.  |  IP: Logged Demetris Thoupis Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1240 From: Aradippou, Larnaca, Cyprus Registered: Apr 2001 posted 04-10-2001 02:57 PM                     Well, Personally I find Cinemeccanica the most reliable projectors ever made. It's a shame that they are loosing ground in their sales since they are much more expensive than Christie. Of course all those hustling and maintenance you pay for one year on a Christie projector is twice as much the price that you pay to acquire a Cinemeccanica ! Demetris Thoupis "FOR STRENGTH AND HONOUR"  |  IP: Logged Pete Naples Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1565 From: Dunfermline, Scotland Registered: Feb 2001 posted 04-10-2001 05:40 PM                     ok, hmm, over here there is a fair bit of chain loyalty, the Cinemec Vic 5 is very popular, as is the Century and the Kinoton. I've just installed another 7 Simplex Millenium, bringing the UK's total to 15! to the best of my knowledge anyway. The Westrex Westar 2001 is a stalwart machine and many of those are still going, you come across the odd Kalee, but those are getting scarce now, plenty of old Cinemec Vic 4, Vic 8, Vic 9 and Vic 12, loads of Phillips FP20, some DP75 and DP70. I've still got one Fedi on the go, used to have 3, but those were replaced with Centuries recently. A mixed bag in the UK, but mainly products from the big three...  |  IP: Logged

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