posted 05-27-2011 12:39 PM                

quote:

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Sony stands behind its digital projectors, claims the only thing ruining movies is Russell Brand

By Richard Lawler posted May 26th 2011 10:29PM

In case you missed it over the weekend, the Boston Globe published an article stating that the misuse of 3D lenses on Sony 4K projectors is drastically reducing the amount of light and color in digitally projected 2D movies. Sony Digital Cinema has finally responded with a list of "The Facts" that reiterate information some readers have posted in our comments and that we've obtained from individuals working as projectionists. They claim that contrary to the Globe's information, the projector technology used as described isn't to blame for poor picture quality. Notable items on the list are that the Sony system does not alternate between two images rapidly, changing the lens takes less than 20 minutes, the RealD 3D filters only reduce light output by 20% (not 85%), and if the lens can't be changed, then it's still capable of playing back content at 14fl (foot lamberts) which is within the recommended specs for brightness.

All of these go directly against information from the original "Deep Focus" source, although it still doesn't explain why they could see such a marked difference between films in the same theater being projected digitally or on film. However, simpler explanations like an old and weakened bulb, a film projector set outside the specs, or unintentional misconfiguration could account for all of that. Until this is sorted, all we can recommend for your summer movie viewing is that if you do see anything out of order, don't let that jumbo tub of popcorn and Icee slow you down -- complain to management loudly and quickly to get the picture fixed. Check after the break for Sony's claims, as well as more detailed information from a projectionist we spoke to that broke down just how the technology works.

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posted 05-27-2011 01:48 PM                    

quote: me

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20 MINUTES to change ANY lens is unacceptable, especially on a technology which is supposed to ELIMINATE the qualified projectionist from the equation.

Even at 20 minutes per lens change, plenty of time to do so during the injest process (or even in lieu of the former print build-up/tear down time.) Worst-case: do it during the off hours at midnite or before opening.

The REAL problem is Sony's crappy design that is not been user-friendly EVER. ANY system that mandates a tech call for such a simple thing is seriously flawed. (Especially since Sony demands that ONLY their techs ever touch the machine.)

And only now, after how many years into the D-Cinema conversion, are they "Sony has a system in development to make the change even simpler." How long is it gonna take for that "simpler" system to be developed? Knowing them, years. And will they retrofit to all the existing projectors? Based on their past history, no freaking way. And even if they do offer it as a retrofit, will it be at no cost? Fugggedaboutit.

It ultimately comes down to the laziness of the entire industry...and management who bought into this D-Cinema situation with thinking about how the maintenance needs are still there and are even more critical. Face it, a 35mm projector can operate literally for YEARS without maintenance and still put out a satisfactory picture. Try neglecting ANY D-Cinema projector like that and see what happens. You'll likely end up with a pile of burning or severely damaged very expensive electronics.

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