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This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2
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Author
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Topic: Sell me on a CP2000
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Galen Murphy-Fahlgren
Master Film Handler
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Posts: 405
From: Canton, MI, USA
Registered: Oct 2007
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posted 06-18-2008 10:13 PM
The company for which I work is in the process of planning it's digital rollout, and my theater is among a half dozen slated to receive a single 2k system sometime this summer. This company already has a single all digital location, which was a new build that has just recently opened. However, this location is equipped with Barcos, which I have heard less than stellar reports on. So, what I want is to know why, from the perspective of the corporate execs who make these decisions, I should have a Christie package instead of the Barco that they apparently haven't had issues with yet.
I am told that Christie has a buy-back program on their 35mm stuff when you buy their DLP setup, but we would be ditching a V5, Potts platter and Big Sky lamphouse/automation, and keeping our Christies for the time being. We have corporate techs, who likely would be getting some training on the things, so I don't know how important a good service contract is, at least from corporate's perspective (I know I would like Christie support, but they don't put much stock in what I think).
Or, alternatively, if the Barco isn't so bad, please tell me how wonderful it is. Maybe I've just built the Christie up in my mind. Regardless, advice on making this transition is what I'm really looking for, though since I will still have six operating 35mm systems, I will always be able to tinker with them when I get fed up with computerized crap.
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Mark Gulbrandsen
Resident Trollmaster
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Posts: 16657
From: Music City
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 06-18-2008 11:36 PM
The truth put... Christie is the only "Digital(and film) Company" that truely has their act together. More experience, the most modern production facilities dedicated to just DLP production with room to double production ability when necessary, best tech support in all areas, best on site and off site training, quickest to return calls, best designed projectors, Spotless up to date film equipment production facilities, the equipment works properly out of the box, they are really nice folks to do buisness with, they sincerely want the end user to be happy with the product. I've seen them go to great extremes to do so. Superior dealer support. Of course most here expect me to make this post but I would not have posted any of this 5 years ago. They cleaned house a while back and obviously got back on the track stayed there and branched out in may other positive directions all at once... while most other U.S. based companies have derailed, are still stuck at the cross track, or are frantically buying up other little companies so they can still exist in a digital age.
My experience with BARCO... They are near impossible to get parts for, They usually want to sell you new boards at high prices instead of providing more economical R/A/ boards, They don't return calls, The sealed light engine is totally unecessary and only adds more needless expense to the overall cost, BARCO's DLP division seems to be no more than a corner on someones desk, I could go on but this is enough.
NEC... Excellent images emerge from them but they are a virtual rats nest of thoughtless wiring and hoses. The base as made by Strong is already on version 3. The good thing is you don't have to deal with Strong to buy them. There is also NEC Direct. NEC also has a well structured leasing company with many plans and options that can be tailored for theater owners and the usual up and down cash flow. You don't have to lease NEC equipment. They will lease other makes of DLP projectors and most servers.
However, best of luck with what ever choice you guys do make.
Mark
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David Zylstra
Master Film Handler
Posts: 432
From: Novi, MI, USA
Registered: Mar 2007
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posted 06-19-2008 12:58 AM
First thing would be if the projectors are part of one of the integrators packages - i.e. AccessIT's current install base is 100% Christie/DoReMi (for sure the next wave will have a Dolby option, it is unknown if they will still be 100% Christie); TDC's base is a mix of all manufacturers and I'm assuming the actual final choice was left up to the exhibitor; DCIP AFAIK will allow it's memebers to choose their preferred equipment; I hear Kodak is doing some rollouts but I have not heard specifics (beyond assuming they are using their server and TMS).
If the equipment is being purchased I'm sure many issues factored in - i.e. past experience with certain manufacturers, current claims of the manufacturer chosen, comfort level that the chosen manufacturers will deliver on their promises, ongoing maintenance costs if a service plan is chosen, a company's equipment dealer's preference on which package to sell (don't forget many dealers and installers feel slighted because of how the AccessIT deals and installs were done), and there's the final factor - price - sometimes a package is chosen simply because it is the cheapest (or "total cost of ownership" works out to be the lowest).
We may be buying our own equipment for our next building and while I will be looking at all options (Barco, NEC, Sony and Christie) I have a personal bias towards Christie since our current solution runs well and I know what to expect when talking to them.
Edit - You may find that you like the Barco (in spite of any complicated maintenance issues - especially if all you have to do is run them and take care of the minor maintenance, let the company techs complain about repairs). I know several techs from different service companies (and dealers) that like Barco simply because they were first to train them on installing their systems and pushed sales (it was only recently that these techs were given Christie training). Please post your thoughts when you get the projector(s) installed or if you happen to visit a location that already has them. [ 06-19-2008, 02:20 PM: Message edited by: David Zylstra ]
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Galen Murphy-Fahlgren
Master Film Handler
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Posts: 405
From: Canton, MI, USA
Registered: Oct 2007
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posted 07-09-2008 12:11 PM
Well, my DP-3000 is in, sitting on all the Kodak server crap that Barco sells you. We did get the JSD-80, and so far I've found it to function just as well as the CP-650, plus other people can figure out how to set fader presets, which is either an advantage or a disadvantage, depending how you look at it.
We haven't gotten actual content to show yet, just some trailers that the Barco rep carries with her. For some reason, our Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D won't be arriving until tomorrow, so we'll have no time whatsoever to correct any issues with Real D or even running a full feature. Awesome.
My first impression of the Kodak software is that it is made for children and has no security at all. There is no password required in between boot-up and operation, and no way to lock out the system. The only password protected functions are the ingesting screen and the extremely limited setup controls. The interface is reminiscent of the Picture Project or whatever bullshit software came with my sister's $80 Kodak point and shoot camera, and looks downright idiotic compared to what I remember of the Christie/AccessIT stuff that my competitor has. For some reason, the touchscreen (which is the only control, no keyboard or mouse) is just sitting on some mystery piece of equipment next to the front of the projector. It is too low to actually sit at, unless you wanted to sit on the step of the platform, and you can't turn the excessively bright monitor off to cut down on ambient booth light, because when you turn it back on, I guess the touchscreen doesn't respond (the Barco rep said this with no hint of remorse or understanding of just how stupid it is).
All in all, I reserve final judgement until Friday, but I expect that all of my worst fears are being realized. If they try to hoist six more of these on us, I probably will be in the market for a new occupation.
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