Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: A testimonial for Superior lamps

This is topic A testimonial for Superior lamps in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Jeff Taylor (Member # 443) on 06-09-2003, 02:29 PM:

I want to share with you guys the terrific experience I've had dealing with Superior Quartz, and specifically Denny Losco Jr. I approached Denny several months ago with the request that he duplicate the small 350 w xenons used in Eiki 16mm projectors. Normally these are only available from Ushio through Eiki at inflated prices with long delays in shipment. Denny was anxious to help, and recently shipped me a prototype lamp for testing. Well, it's a winner. It's a quick striker, even hot and with reduced amperage settings, has a bright, flickerless light, and assuming the life is there is fully the equal of the Ushio at a better price. I'm sold on Superior and urge anyone who hasn't tried them to do so.

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 06-09-2003, 09:57 PM:

That is good to hear. I am actually looking into trying Superior because I remember when I first inquired about them on www.film-tech.com, there was nothing but positive responses.

Posted by Andrew Duggan (Member # 1302) on 06-09-2003, 10:55 PM:

Yeah I still have nothing but good things to say about their products. The Xenon I got from them recently is built like a tank. Highly recommended.

Posted by Greg Mueller (Member # 17) on 06-10-2003, 09:17 AM:

Andrew
What does that hand gesture mean?

Posted by William Leland III (Member # 1400) on 06-10-2003, 10:18 AM:

We use Superior Quartz at the Charleston IMAX and have had no complaints.

One cool thing, they send you a free gift at Christmas time.

Posted by Andrew Duggan (Member # 1302) on 06-10-2003, 11:41 AM:

Greg, It's the international sign for [evil]

HEAVY METAL [evil]

which has never been my favorite thing it the world, but the full picture is a still from a documentary I directed, in which me, my crew and this crazy old homeless man who hunts trolls (yes I'm serious) are all giving the sign..for some reason.....

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 06-10-2003, 11:50 AM:

The Columbus Theatre (pics in the gallery) is using a pair of 1600w xenons from Superior Quartz and also has had no problems; screen illumination is good (even though they really should be using 2kw bulbs...I think I've almost convinced the owner of this fact). I can't really comment on bulb life, however, since they've only been using them since August, with 1-2 shows per night.

Also, I have complained about LTI 2kw xenons in the past here, and I should point out that a newer batch (purchased in December 2002) seems to be much better than the older batch (purchased about a year before). We've had no problems with the current batch. Either the product has been improved or we got defective bulbs in the first order. In any case, it doesn't matter, and I'm happy with the current LTI bulbs as well.

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 06-10-2003, 02:05 PM:

We're running their 2,000, 4,000 and 7,000 watt lamps... all with excellent performance.

I wouldn't want the 7k bulb dropped on me. It IS a tank!

Oh... this will probably offend some sensibilities here, but... I ran one of their 7K bulbs at the drive-in for a season at full power... put about 700 hours on it... then I brought it to the indoor & ran it at 4,000 watts to see how far it would go before it got dark or instable or ???

I got the bulb up to 4,000 hours before it started to wander... something I've lately looked for at more like 1,200 to 1,500 hours. It still looked good physically... very little darkening. The anode looked "scuffed", not as pitted as I was seeing on the Perkin Elmers I was getting.

Don't know if that's repeatable... it's certainly not recommended by anyone... but not bad performance for the buck, and maybe an indication of conservative design? [thumbsup]

Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 06-10-2003, 03:05 PM:

Thanks for the tip Jeff. I have one of those Eiki machines and was wondering where I could get another lamp.

Posted by John T. Moon II (Member # 1694) on 06-10-2003, 09:57 PM:

We are in the process of testing 6 of their 5k lamps in Las Vegas. I used Superior when they were Ushio in my IMAX equipment. 15k water cooled. Excellent bulbs.

The first 5k I have installed here in Vegas is MUCH heavier then the Osram 5k in weight. I am taking light readings weekly to determine the drop off over a period of time. The lamp has only been in 2 days, so far so good.

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 06-11-2003, 12:04 AM:

quote:

Superior when they were Ushio

you mean Durotest [Wink]

Posted by John T. Moon II (Member # 1694) on 06-11-2003, 08:58 AM:

[Eek!]

There goes my testimonial. Thanks for the correction. Dean at Superior will be horrified.

Posted by Luciano Brigite (Member # 1104) on 10-12-2003, 07:57 PM:

Hello all,
I'm bringing this topic back because I'll need to get some Xenon bulbs soon and I'm interested on this one,(Osrams is only to throw hard against a wall and Ushio-christie I'll get only when someone else starts selling them here at a decent,fair price and honor the replacement warranty on them) so.. does anyone has anything else to say about the Superior bulbs?
and also some tips about who I should contact in order to get prices and all that .
Thanks!

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-12-2003, 08:31 PM:

I wonder if they could also produce the xenon lamp used in the ORC slide projectors????
Mark @ CLACO

Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 10-13-2003, 12:50 AM:

I currently have a Superior 2K and 4K (4200?) in service, and so far I am impressed. The 4K weighs a ton, and is the most robust-looking theatre xenon bulb I have ever seen! [Smile]

THe 2K has been in service for several months now, and the 4K went in just recently.

-Aaron

Posted by Chris Hipp (Member # 1788) on 10-13-2003, 01:40 AM:

here's their website

http://www.sqpuv.com/

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 10-13-2003, 02:08 AM:

I have put in several SQ from 2-4K, and so far I am very happy with them. Of course, we have to wait and see for long time results. The illumination is very stable and bright. The lamps all make a very decently manufactured and solid impression on me.
They are also very accessible for questions and very interested in feedback from the field (the people there, not the lamps).
Luciano - I will email you some contact infos.

Posted by Jeff Taylor (Member # 443) on 10-13-2003, 10:03 AM:

FWIW: I am told that Superior has now "cloned" the 250w xenon used in the Elmo 16CL series xenon machines as well as the Eiki 350's that started this thread. A friend of mine who is the beta tester on the Elmo lamp tells me it's great and Superior is charging roughly $100 less than Elmo. I would hate to abuse this source, but Denny seems to be able to copy most any special purpose xenon if you can get him a "virgin" example to clone. Highly recommended!

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 10-13-2003, 12:14 PM:

We've been using them for a couple of years now. I as impressed as ever with the whole package, from the bulb quality to the level of customer service I've received, direct from the company.

quote:
The 4K weighs a ton, and is the most robust-looking theatre xenon bulb I have ever seen!

True... you ought to see their 7kW bulb!

Posted by Luciano Brigite (Member # 1104) on 10-13-2003, 12:35 PM:

From all the comments I read ehre, seems that everyone is pleased with the results they're getting with the SQ bulbs,it's a good thing.
Michael, I received your message with a contact info, I'm going to drop them a message about the bulbs I'll need,thanks! [Smile]

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 10-13-2003, 02:12 PM:

quote:

quote:
The 4K weighs a ton, and is the most robust-looking theatre xenon bulb I have ever seen!
True... you ought to see their 7kW bulb!

You should see their 15K water-cooled lamp!

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 10-16-2003, 10:26 AM:

Here's a question for you:

Right now I've got an ORC 2000 watt burning in my projector. It's getting time to change it out. I have another (unused) ORC in storage for backup but I don't want to change the lamp until I have another to take its place. Frankly, I don't care for ORC. I plan to buy another brand and just keep the ORC for emergencies. (ie. IF a problem happens, use the ORC long enough to order a new, good lamp.)

I just got price quotes for Osram and Superior lamps.

The Osram (XBO2000W/H OFR) is regular price $630. It is on sale for $421.

The Superior (SX 20002) is regular price $514. No sale price on Superior.

Without the sale prices, the SQP is $116 cheaper than the Osram. Everybody seems to agree that SQP is the better product. Buying it over the Osram would be a no-brainer.

The sale price on Osram throws a wrinkle into the situation. Is the SQP lamp so much better that it's worth $93 to buy it over the Osram?

Money is tight here. If it was MY choice I'd still buy the SQP. However, I have to justify the expense to the boss.

What do y'all think?

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 10-16-2003, 01:15 PM:

$514? You should be able to get a SX 20002 for much less than that. Contact other dealers for pricing.

Posted by Jeff Taylor (Member # 443) on 10-16-2003, 02:04 PM:

Randy: If you're running into a significant pricing discrepancy on a Superior product why not invest a phone call or send an email to Denny Losco Jr. and let him know. It's his intention to be fully competitive, so he may chose to do something about his price. Just a suggestion....

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 10-16-2003, 02:09 PM:

Headed to SQP's website as we speak! [Smile]

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 10-16-2003, 08:30 PM:

$420 is in line with what I last paid for that size. Let me know if you can't find one in that ballpark.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 10-16-2003, 09:00 PM:

Randy, definitely seek out the SQ bulb. Osrams are getting pretty crappy these days.

Be sure and check with both manufacturers on their warranted bulb life too and make sure to add that into the equation. Not all bulbs of a given size have the same warranty.

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 10-16-2003, 09:17 PM:

I talked to the manufacturer and asked for a dealer in my area. I got the number for Xpertek Electronics in western New York.

Their price for the same lamp (SX 20002) is $397 + shipping.

Guess who's boss is going to get a PO request in the morning! [Big Grin]

Posted by Barry Floyd (Member # 385) on 10-16-2003, 11:42 PM:

I guess I'll try an SQ when my 4kw Osram dies.

How does one know when tour getting screwed on a lamp price? I paid $1008.63 for my 4kw Osram earlier this summer. At that price... I don't have a spare on hand.

Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 10-17-2003, 12:21 AM:

Why does everyone keep saying that Osram bulbs are bad?

Right now, we're back to Christie bulbs. I've not been able to note any visual differences between the two myself...

Posted by Dennis M Dow Jr (Member # 1970) on 10-19-2003, 05:08 PM:

My theater used a 2000W from superior and got almost 5500hrs before it started to flicker

Posted by Dennis J. Losco (Member # 1374) on 02-12-2004, 02:26 PM:

I though you guys would like to know that the Superior's 4KW has just been officially approved by IMAX Corp. If you would like a copy of this letter from IMAX, please let me know and I can fax a copy to you.

Posted by Josh Jones (Member # 447) on 02-12-2004, 06:25 PM:

I came into work today and proceeded to start the 5 o'clock show. The lamp tried and tried to strike, by the time it finally did, 5 minutes later, I was nearly deaf from the igniter! Running Osram 3K in a Strong Ultra 80 lamphouse. She runs at 100Amps, 24 Volts. Bulb currently has 1800 hours on it. We need a recomendation, as we have a film festival coming up and we dont want to look bad.

Josh

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 02-12-2004, 08:33 PM:

What was the no load voltage?

Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 02-12-2004, 10:00 PM:

Isn't 4kW a little low for illuminating IMAX screens?

-Aaron

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 02-12-2004, 11:55 PM:

I'd think that 1800 hours is kind of pushing the limit with 3k bulbs. The general consensus here (which I agree with) seems to be that Osram, Superior Quartz, and Christie bulbs are all very good.

And, yes, I'm wondering about the 4k IMAX system. Is this for the smaller SR projectors? What size screen?

Posted by Dick Vaughan (Member # 540) on 02-13-2004, 02:52 AM:

Aaron

For 2D IMAX screens up to about 65 feet wide 4-4.5kW lamps are fine.

Our original projector ran with these for 14 years

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 02-13-2004, 03:05 AM:

Dennis, please update your profile to a valid email address.

Posted by Chris Hipp (Member # 1788) on 02-13-2004, 03:22 AM:

quote:
I'd think that 1800 hours is kind of pushing the limit with 3k bulbs.

Here lately with Osrams it has been hit and miss. Currently I have a 3k bulb at about 2400 hours and it is still running strong. Two weeks ago I had one under 1500 hours that got VERY dim all the sudden, I'm assuming it was a slow leak.

Generally you should be able to run a 3k osram to about 2500 hrs, I wouldn't push it much further.

Posted by Jeff Taylor (Member # 443) on 02-13-2004, 07:53 AM:

When I started this thread eons ago it was to acknowledge Denny and SQP for cloning the 250 and 350 watt xenons used in 16mm Elmo and Eiki machines so that those of us who use them would have an alternative to overpriced and increasingly unreliable factory supplies. One issue that did come up was that the initial run of 350's that Denny produced did fine in the machines with switcher supplies, but wouldn't ignite in some of the older models designed for the same lamp with high reactance supplies. Denny solved the problem by tinkering with lamp pressure (he indicated he likes to go a little higher on pressure than some manufacturers to maximize the quality of light) and arc gaps, but I was surprised that if a switcher and a conventional power supply are set for the same voltage and amperage, the switcher has an easier time firing a given lamp. Any thoughts?

Posted by Dennis J. Losco (Member # 1374) on 02-13-2004, 08:29 AM:

To start the IMAX uses both a 4kw and a 7kw in some of their smaller screen's. We are actually seeing a switch within the industry, by IMAX, to the smaller (SR) systems. We currently have the 7k's in test and hopefully will be approved by summer.

Josh, There are three things we can look at:
#1 - Is there a lamp issue? Probably not. 1800 hours is fairly high regardless of lamp manufacturer.
So #2 - Next you would need to measure the no load voltage of the supply to see if this is a problem.
#3 - What is the condition of the ignitor.

Regarding the life of a 3kw lamp, Superior warrants the lamp up to 1800 hours. We tell customers that average useful life for this lamp is 25% beyond warranty (2250 hours).

Hi Jeff, yea we are a little confused on why a switcher would ignite easier than the high reactance. Is there a difference in the no load voltage? Are they different ignitors? Somewhere there must be a difference.

Posted by Ken McFall (Member # 845) on 02-13-2004, 03:52 PM:

Osram 3k lamps are rated at 1500 hrs.... + 25% = 1875 hrs.

I'm currently about 2500 for six 3k lamps. Not because I'm trying to save money.... more to spread the lamp change more evenly over the year. I recently had to buy 3 X 4k and a month later 6 X 3k. I had some explaining to do despite the support of lamp meter readings!

So I'm trying to spread the 3k's out a bit as they all do similar hours each week and currently all fall due at the same time.

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 02-13-2004, 04:58 PM:

Switchers usually output a much higher no load voltage. While most HRPS have a voltage of 80-100VDC, many switchers have 120-150VDC. I have even seen one or two with 210VDC. Probably the igniter has a voltage sensing device to trigger it and it is triggered immediately by the switcher while the HRPS probably just comes within range of the triggering voltage. But you can adjust the sensitivity of many igniters.

Posted by System Notices (Member # 2357) on 02-22-2006, 12:32 PM:

It has been 739 days since the last post.

Posted by Jeff Lacey (Member # 3217) on 02-22-2006, 12:32 PM:

Hey everyone, I am about to switch brands from Osram to Superior. Is the quality still there from a few years back? Anyone have any issues with these bulbs? Myself, I really like the Osrams, but the owners want a more cost effective bulb...

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 02-23-2006, 09:39 AM:

We had several failures when we went back for a second round of testing. I quickly aborted that second round. We still use mostly Christie and sometimes Osram.
"The owners want a more cost effective bulb."
The price of a xenon lamp is not what it says on the price tag. It is the purchase cost divided by the number of hours you can run the lamp with good image quality and without it blowing up. A higher quality lamp may cost a few dollars more, but if it runs longer, it is actually

*cheaper*

This may be too complicated for your owners to grasp, but you can at least try to explain it to them.
Also, you have to remember that if you run the lamp beyond the warrantied hours and it blows up, the lamp manufacturer will not pay for the reflector replacement and/or other damage which can happen when the lamp explodes. Those costs are easily over $1000.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 02-23-2006, 09:49 AM:

Michael: that is the best explanation I have ever heard. Louis

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 02-23-2006, 01:47 PM:

quote: Michael Schaffer
The price of a xenon lamp is not what it says on the price tag.

This goes for any piece of equipment, really. That is cost-effectiveness. In the past, I've preached this to no avail. Some simply lack the foresight (or are too stubborn) to understand they'll pay 2 or 3x as much to keep junk running.

Sadly, in too many cases, the audience is also painfully aware of false economy.

Posted by Jeff Lacey (Member # 3217) on 02-23-2006, 02:10 PM:

I don't get it... From reading the previous posts, it made Superior lamps sound as good as Osrams or Christies. Why all the bashing now? Has the quality actually gone down that much in a little over a year?

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 02-23-2006, 02:28 PM:

For the record, I wasn't bashing Superior. I have absolutely no experience with their product. I was speaking about attitudes and equipment in general.

Posted by Dennis J. Losco (Member # 1374) on 02-23-2006, 02:51 PM:

Jeff, I will be happy to give you references of theater chains that use are lamps on a "regular" basis.