Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Advice on equipment for a 2 screen

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Posted by David Favel (Member # 1125) on 06-03-2002, 08:50 PM:

I am equiping a 2 screen.
Am using second hand gear as brand new is uneconomic for the population of my area.

Below is my preferred "wish list".
n.b most are available used (just subject to availability)

Projector either V8's or Century

Lamphouse Super Lumex

Automation either Pennywise, Cine q, or Component TA 10

Processor either CP 65, Ultra Stereo or Panastereo.

Amps QSC

Booth Moniter either QSC or Smart

Slide Projector Telex

Platter AW5

Try for a DTS processor

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 06-03-2002, 09:02 PM:

Telex is out of the slide projector business as of the start of this year....with the exception of the HMI model which is special order.
Richard Fowler
TVP-theatre & Video Products Inc. www.tvpmiami.com

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 06-03-2002, 09:28 PM:

Wish list?

l. Century SA
2. Good Choice.
3. TA-10 (although many will disagree....)
4. CP-65
5. Good choice
6. QSC
7. AW5? You are better off with 2 each three stackers if you have the room.
6. DTS-6D

What about consoles and dimmers?

Posted by Adam Fraser (Member # 1074) on 06-03-2002, 09:34 PM:

What about a Simplex X-L (or possibly a newer model)for a projector? We have had good luck with ours for many years.

As far as a slide projector goes, Kodak makes the Ektagraphic III-A projector which works great Run $300-350 new, can be found on E-Bay used.

I am not a tech and don't have a lot of knowledge of the other items mentioned.

------------------
Adam Fraser
www.pinestheatre.com

Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 06-03-2002, 09:54 PM:

Proj: Unless you plan on running 70mm, forget the Cinemeccanica. Go Century SA/DA or Simplex XL/10xx series

Lamp: Excellent choice! If you are going larger than 2500W, the Strong Super 80 is your lamp.

Auto: I too prefer the CE TA10 or Strong/Eprad CPA10

Processor: Any of those processors are fine for what you are planning to do. I would lean for the CP65 or Panastereo if I had to.

Amps: QSC amps, great choice.

Platters: I would use a pair of AW3's (or MW3's if space is an issue) rather than a five-decker.

Monitor: My preference for monitor would be the Component MS-100, THX 3417 or USL CM35, but if you get the QSC amps with the 'plug-n-play' monitor hookups, then the QSC is the way to go.

Slides: NONE. But since some of us have to, go Kodak. The Telex slide projectors are total crap.

Digital: DTS-6D or Dolby DA20/Cat 699/700/701. Avoid SDDS like the plague.

-Aaron

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 06-03-2002, 09:59 PM:

Since the original poster mentioned the V8, I'm curious as to whether he wants a 35/70 installation. If it's 35 only, then why bother with V8s when V5s are significantly less expensive? Personally, I have a strong preference for Centurys (C, SA, or JJ), but parts cost may be an issue in NZ (Century parts are much cheaper and easier to get in the US than Cinemeccanica).

Do you really want DTS? It's a nice system for first-run houses that play mainstream titles, but make sure that you can get the disks before you decide. If this is a 35/70 installation, you will want DTS and the 70mm reader (as well as mag).

Please don't go cheap on lenses and screens!

Posted by David Favel (Member # 1125) on 06-03-2002, 10:55 PM:

Slide Projector - I run a Kodak S RA 2500 now, goes o.k. but word on this site was that Telex was good.

DTS - Over the past month only 2 movies recieved have not had discs enclosed.

Cinemeccanica V8 - Loads of parts in N.Z. Also good reports from users.

Screens - Have a reasonable quote for Harkness.

Platter - Why 2 x AW3 & not 1 x AW5?

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 06-04-2002, 07:44 AM:

Here's a link to information about Kodak slide projectors:
http://www.kodak.com/US/en/digital/av/slideProjectors/

------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7525A
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: +1 585 477 5325 Cell: +1 585 781 4036 Fax: +1 585 722 7243
e-mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
Web site: http://www.kodak.com/go/motion

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 06-04-2002, 11:17 AM:

The Kodak Ektagraphic III AMT has an automatic timer; it is very similar to the Telex Caramate 3170. With a little luck, you could find either of them through a supplier who keeps a selection of used stock.

I know the tech at one of the competing circuits and he has an AW5 that he hates hates hates. I only use AW3's and I've been very happy with them. Whatever you do, stay far far away from the ORC platters - they are baaaad news. In fact, I've had a bad experience with ORC in general. The stuff is just too old. Don't go there unless you're flat broke, very patient and also a really sharp-shooting tech/electrician. (**Just my opinion.)

I'm also very happy with the Pennywise automation, but they are expensive and I wonder if you'd be able to find them used. Stay away from ORC and anything that resembles their series VII - it's a clumsy, inflexible system.

I'm also not thrilled with the Ultra-Stereo booth monitors. The volume tends to be too low for proper monitoring and the volume pot goes scratchy very quickly. I've heard that the newer ones are improved...but you're buying used, right? So guess what you'd be getting!?

Generally, I'm very happy with DTS (the way it sounds) but, as others have pointed out, there may be an issue with getting the discs. There's not much point in spending US$6000 on a system you don't get much use out of. If I could turn back time I would probably have spent the extra US$4000 and go with Dolby and almost every movie will have digital audio. But...then I'd only have one digital house. It's something you have to really think about once you have all of the facts. Your market might have a better DTS hit:miss ratio as far as getting the discs are concerned.

How come nobody's mentioning the Dolby CP-45 processor? I like mine just fine. If you can't find them used, then ask if there's any B-Stock.

Amps...Well my preference is QSC, but I've had some good results with Ashley, too. Just make sure they're not a mis-matched hodge-podge.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-04-2002, 12:52 PM:

Projector: Century

Lamphouse: Super Lume X is good, but let's not forget Christie's current line

Automation: Pennywise CA21 all the way, but DO NOT BUY USED!!! I bought two booths of used CA21s at a good price and ended up spending far more in the end after shipping back and forth to Australia to have them upgraded to run what I thought were normal commands as if I had've just bought them brand new. With you being in New Zealand, that may not be such an issue though. (Email me for I have an idea to save you some money in this department.)

Processor: CP65 all the way

Amps: QSC is the best in my opinion

Booth monitor: I've been very pleased with Component Engineering's monitors. The Ultras are just not loud enough, their speakers will pop from bass in the stage speakers and the pots get scratchy overnight.

Slide projector: Telex - I've had tons of problems with Kodak's line, but never had any problem with Telex units.

Platter: TWO Chrisite AW3s. Threading, trailer changes and makeup/breakdown is MUCH easier with 2 separate units. Also should you have something major happen, you don't want to knock out BOTH screens.

Digital player: SRD is first preference, DTS second since you are not in the US and getting discs is such a problem.

Screens: Put my vote down for Harkness. Damn good screens!

Speakers: Are you planning on having sound in the auditorium? Stick with JBL.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 06-04-2002, 09:03 PM:

Vic8 outside of north america they are ver easy to get service and parts and they are very robust in construction and usually available used cheap
The companion horizontal lamphouses by cinemecanica are also very good
QSC for amps
CE for the monitor
Panastereo for processors
DTS for digital
Harkness for screens

Posted by Jamie Sanson (Member # 1161) on 06-05-2002, 09:09 AM:

Hi Dave

The VIC8 is the rolls-royce of projectors .If you can get one
"get it".If not try an find a cinnemeccanica-VIC5 on a CC7040-H console these are a good buy and will go for ever.

Automation. Have a look at the CA200 from panalogic it's a all in one automation unit including a booth monitor and will controll your side show.

...Processor ...Booth Moniter . what ever you can find in a dolby,panastereo or DTS-AD [Try for a DTS processor]. stay a away from ultra stereo

...Amps. If you can! Use QSC DCA AMPS. On that note most of todays amps are of good high quality. eg Australian Monitor amps ,crown amps,Yamaha amps.Powersoft has deveioped some innovative amps that run at 95% efficiency and only dissipat 5%of input power as heat.

...Slide Projector. Recomanded KODAK EKTPRO 5020 WITH A HIGH QUALITY LENS

...Platter.Would use a cinemeccanica CNR 3-35N.

THE WORLD IS YOUR OSYTER good luck.

------------------

Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 06-05-2002, 12:06 PM:

>>The VIC8 is the rolls-royce of projectors<<

Ahem.. I do believe that title is already taken... by the Norelco AAII/Philips DP70

-Aaron

Posted by Per Hauberg (Member # 529) on 06-05-2002, 06:40 PM:

Vic8 The Rolls... Holy Sacrilege !!
Anybody claiming any other projector than the DP70 to take this nick, should be forced to watch "Ratrace" 10 times in a row - eyes forced open a la "Clockwork Orange".

Push the Button, Max !
(Fate, Professor)

Posted by Jamie Sanson (Member # 1161) on 06-05-2002, 07:36 PM:

O.k, there could be two rolls royces...the VIC 8 and the DP70, as I have used both and they are very comparable. However, I still have a "soft spot" for VIC 8.

I have seen "Ratrace" 10 times and would like to see it another 10 times. I thought it was a great movie

Posted by Will Kutler (Member # 770) on 06-05-2002, 07:44 PM:

I have heard many complaints about the Christie AW5. But from my experience, I think that these complaints are unfounded.

I just did some major service work on one, and I must say thanks to Bevan W. for being so helpful w/ advice !

FYI, the AW5 uses the same wiring schematic as the AW3.

Should you have trouble w/the origonal Make-Up/Break-Down Switch Assembly, the new replacement is different! HOWEVER, INSTALLATION IS A VERY SIMPLE AND COMMON SENSE PROCEDURE! A numbskull at the theater I serviced attempted to install one. Needless to say, a GIAGANTIC HEADACHE was the end result ! If ya don't know what you are doin, then leave the equipment ALONE!!

Since you are looking for a used platter, do make sure that it is not too well "abused" !...and that it is equipped with the current features such as removable Pay-Out Heads D: D:!..otherwise you may spend a fortune for the upgrade conversions !

One used and abused AW3 that I was called on to fix was in such wonderful condition ! Let me see; two decks were BADLY scored and required grinding down; the top of the tree (switch pannel) required re-spotwelding w/new hinge and other sheetmetal work; Nutserts for the Take-Up Carriage were busted and jury-rigged; MUT plug and wiring was busted; bad wiring on MUT; problems with the Pay-Out Heads, and I forgot what else!

I have seen older Neumade platters in service, and they seemed to be ok. I am inpartial to roller bearing equipped rollers, though Brad and Joe have their own opinions regarding this !

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 06-05-2002, 10:15 PM:

I tend to avoid 5 deck platters since I feel it is putting two screens at risk if the beast dies

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 06-05-2002, 10:43 PM:

Are removable platter "brains" really necessary for a twin, though? Sure, it's nice to have them, but it's really not a big deal unless the theatre often moves prints on short notice. (With fixed brains, one must either take up the last show on a "cookie sheet" or clamp the print to move it; with removable brains, one can remove the brain and slide a "cookie sheet" disk under the print and then safely pick the whole thing up without clamps.)

Having said that, older AW3s can be converted to use removable brains. This was done recently at a place where I fill in occasionally and seemed to work well. Personally I thought it was kind of unnecessary, but I won't complain about anything that makes life easier....