We have had this discussion, as I recall.
The best lamphouses are Kinoton. Best light, best color, least heat. They use glass reflectors to achieve the above so keep a spare handy.
As far as American equipment, Strong Super Lume-X and Ultra-80 are pretty good bang for the buck.
Christie is way ahead of others when it comes to rectification though.
Steve
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"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"
Strong Super Lume X and Ultra 80s are great too.
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The term is "separates". Generally, it is always better to go with separates to a console for optimum quality and flexibilty. This console thing is yet one more myth in the name of saving money. In fact, they cost more and save quite little at the sacrifice of optimum lamp alignment, steadiness of projector, and normally it comes packaged with the house brand of automation and house lighting and, God forbid, factory wired sound.
It isn't unusual for booths that I install to have 5 manufacturers represented each doing what they do best and all working harmoniously.
When it comes to servicing I also much prefer separates.
Naturally if some new wowy-zowy lamphouse comes along that gets 16fL using a 2 watt bulb on an 80' wide screen, the whole kit and kaboodle needn't be thrown out just to replace the desired parts. I mean, how many pedestals have you seen "wear out" over the years?
Steve
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"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"
"Young projectionists never miss a changeover, because they have platters."
Strong ANYTHING (even the X16 converted Magnarc)
Christie lamphouses are not too bad either but i get better light from Strongs..
Best xenon power supplies: Strong, IREM (the ones that are standalone with the big knob on top), Kniesley and CFS.
Worst power supplies: Christie (especially the older ones) IREM console mounted 1600w (Xetron XHC-35) and some but not all models of LP
As always, YMMV...
Aaron
Worst power sup
(Drive-In) Stong 135 (3/8" & 11 MM trim).
quote:
"Young projectionists never miss a changeover, because they have platters."
That can be a problem:
Besides, I see those "warnings" all the time and in EVERY case the leaders have been cut. That one looks like it was written in Crayon! No one pays attention nor cares. Apparently Kit Parker Films has the same problem in regards to their "don't be a film wrecker" stickers!
Well, "portable" denotes a handle somewhere on the unit(s). I let you have the other definitions though! ;-)
I have often considered making the portable AAII by merely sticking a handle on it (possibly with velcro).
Steve
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"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"
Velcro won't work on an AA2! Duh! You must use duct tape.
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How tacky! You just need really good velro. Plus the handle would then be removable once the projector is in place and can be stored until the projector need be moved again! ;-)
Steve
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"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"
quote:
With an obviously beat to hell print like that, I'd reject it anyway.
Actually, it was a great print. Leaders look a little more rough when they're used & not just cut off & kept in the cans.
Okay, so it's 18 hours or less before curtain for a one-night show with its ad budget spent already, 1/4 of a 2,000 seat house already sold (so walk-up will probably fill the house), theater stocked with specialty concessions for the show (popcorn, raisinets, etc.), and the projectionist tells the mgr. or promoter, "I reject this print!"
So the manager or promoter, with deep understanding, cancels the show, & stands out front to wait, explain, & apologize to the people who come to see the show.
Does that happen a lot?
There's no excuse for showing a bad print...ever! Some companies (not mentioning any particular #$*^%TES&*$^* ahem company) actually intentionally send in prints they know are junk at the last second as a way to "force" the theater to run them. Not cool and it doesn't float in my book.
It's ashamed it sounds like you are in a situation where the manager and promoter doesn't give a flip about the presentation...just the money. (If only they cared as much about their presentation as the Northpark theater did.)
By the way, if the leaders looked that bad, I guarantee you the first and last part of each reel looked like crap.