quote:

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The Kodak solution for high-quality digital feature presentations is built on the robust and reliable KODAK CineServer. The CineServer, which includes KODAK Color Science, plays MXF-packaged, JPEG2000-compressed digital movies at up to 250 Mbits/sec, per DCI specifications.

Content is ingested and played through a range of 2K projectors. Show playlist programming can be done locally on the clear and intuitive control panel or the central content management server, and playlists can be downloaded remotely over the network.

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quote: Sam D. Chavez

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Everything does not exactly leave as there will be a period where film and video will be both be shown. The sound system is as LB says, the only equipment in common.

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I don't quite ageree that both will exist together, especially in new builds done starting now. New builds show just the opposite of that. There are 20 digital only screens going in SLC in the next two months. 10 in one location and 5 each in two other locations. Today one of our customers doing two new builds is going D-Cinema only in both locations so we now have 12 more screens going in that are D-Cinema only. At least a half dozen of our other customers look foreword to getting rid of that nasty-inconvenient stuff they call film.

Mark
 

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Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 03-20-2006, 07:48 PM:
 
What are the common error rates on the Dolby Digital units with d-cinema? One would think it would hover around 0-1.
 

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Posted by Ron Curran (Member # 3631) on 03-20-2006, 08:16 PM:
 
I agree with Mark. Sex with a woman is inconvenient to, but it beats the digital alternative.
 

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Posted by Matt Fields (Member # 3211) on 03-20-2006, 09:00 PM:
 
Mark-

Which brands of equipment are your customers using?

When I look at the trade magazines, there are several different companies offering "solutions", and there is no way to tell whats crap and whats good.

Or is this stuff so new that no one knows whats good yet?
 

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Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 03-20-2006, 10:11 PM:
 
Dolby Digital for audio on D-Cinema?

I thought 20-bit LPCM 5.1 was included with the digital video bitstream. Wouldn't that just be piped into something like a Dolby CP-65 or some other cinema processor through an auxilliary input?

It would be really odd if a theater equipped for DTS had a find a way to use those CD-ROMs after the film projectors were removed.

 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 03-20-2006, 10:26 PM:
 

quote: Matt Fields

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When I look at the trade magazines, there are several different companies offering "solutions", and there is no way to tell whats crap and whats good.

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quote: Richard Fowler

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great for "Mon and Pop" situations

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What does that mean? "Not as good as the big boys but good enough to get by?" Not acceptable for this mom'n'pop. I want good stuff.
 

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Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 03-21-2006, 02:38 PM:
 
Thank you Richard for the comment. Marks comment above is not completely accurate. Granted we did assemble the final box at the last minute as metal arrived late, however the unit is based on a complete server product we did for the Asian market last year. We did show the Asian unit at Cine Asia in December 2005. For full specs on the unit please feel free to e-mail me. We will be putting the specs on our web-site shortly. USL is fully committed to being involved in Digital Cinema.

Edit by Clint...

Mom and Pop to USL means that we will be affordable and not price ourselves out of the market. It will be good stuff.
 

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Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 03-21-2006, 02:43 PM:
 
How does the current generation of video server connect to existing sound equipment? Do the units have six channels' worth of analog line outputs, or is the output digital (AES/EBU, Dolby E, etc.)? How would one set these up in theatres without a full 5.1 sound system (for example, theatres with a 4-channel Dolby system, a front/surround system, or a mono system)?

Also, how do these units interface with existing automation systems?

I'm not terribly up to date with the latest equipment; the only system that I have operated was an early-generation 1K TI unit with a Qubit server.
 

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Posted by Thomas Jonsson (Member # 1902) on 03-21-2006, 02:57 PM:
 
I guess two of the main players are Barco´s DP90 or DP 100 and
Christie´s CP2000 projectors. Any idea which performs best?

Thomas
 

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Posted by Matt Fields (Member # 3211) on 03-21-2006, 03:38 PM:
 

quote: Richard Fowler

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I have seen very good results with GDC and Quvis units.

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But will GDC or Quvis be around in ten years if their systems don't take off? I'm scared to buy something that is not from a more established company like Dolby or Christie where at least I've had good experience with their products in the past.
 

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Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 03-21-2006, 03:52 PM:
 
Please consider Kodak Digital Cinema too. Kodak has been a part of the motion-picture industry for well over 100 years! Kodak scanner and recorder technology has been used for special effects and Digital Intermediates for almost two decades. Kodak first developed the file formats (Cineon/DPX) capable of recording the massive amounts of data contained in motion picture images. Most of the digital cinema presentations made over the last 6 years have been mastered using Kodak technology like the scanner in the Thomson "Spirit" datacine, and Kodak is the leading independent supplier of digital systems for pre-show theatre entertainment.

http://www.kodak.com/go/dcinema

quote:

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The Kodak Digital Cinema system — for pre-show applications and feature presentations — is supported by Kodak's worldwide field service and support force. Taken together, the systems and services provide a full 'menu of choices' to enable customers to get started with Kodak today and to stay with Kodak as their digital cinema needs evolve.

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Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 03-21-2006, 03:55 PM:
 
Hmmm Barco could buy out Christie and Dolby and NEC could buy them all . GDC has more than 500 units in operation, is software based so it is easily upgradeable, has patents and research depth. Quvis, a digital cinema pioneer, has been around in broadcast and some of their cutting edge ideas are now industry standards. DCI standards will level the playing field so hopefully all "brands" should give some comfort level
Jack Cashin's "mom and pop" evaluation for his USL server was for ease of use, non intimidating operation and layout / cost point....all in the very best intentions, which Jack always aims for
 

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Posted by Matt Fields (Member # 3211) on 03-21-2006, 04:09 PM:
 
I haven't ruled out any particular company (including Kodak, I have one of Kodak's Digital Cameras that I like very much), nor do I know alot about all of the companies. That's why I'm asking questions.

Basically, the transition to D Cinema is coming and I want to be prepared. - Matt
 

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Posted by Martin Brooks (Member # 1269) on 03-25-2006, 08:44 PM:
 

quote: Mark Gulbrandsen

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I don't quite ageree that both will exist together, especially in new builds done starting now. New builds show just the opposite of that. There are 20 digital only screens going in SLC in the next two months.

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quote: Mark Gulbrandsen

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I don't quite ageree that both will exist together, especially in new builds done starting now. New builds show just the opposite of that.

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quote:

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NATO President John Fithian: "...I am concerned, nonetheless, that smaller exhibition companies should seek mechanisms to aggregate their power to obtain economies of scale for use in negotiating digital cinema equipment and service deals. One such mechanism is the Cinema Buying Group LLC, currently operating under the leadership of managing director J. Wayne Anderson."

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quote:

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There is strength in numbers and here's the opportunity to make your NATO membership pay off where it counts...The Bottom Line.

If you are a NATO member, or planning to become one soon, take advantage of the combined purchasing power of more than 700 independent screens across the nation, owned and operated by theatre owners like yourself.

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quote:

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R/C THEATRES MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
231 W. Cherry Hill Court, P.O. Box 1056
Reisterstown, MD 21136-1056
USA
(410) 526-4774
Fax: (410) 526-6871
Web: www.rctheatres.com
Year Founded: 1932
States of Operation: FL, MD, NC, PA, VA

Executive Roster: Chairman, CEO, President: J. Wayne Anderson; Executive VP, COO: Dennis R. Daniels; Senior VP, CFO: David G. Phillips; Controller: Richard A. Hershel; Office Manager: Susan Griffith; District Manager: Gerd Jakuszeit; Regional VP: David F. Knight; Director, Film Buying: Scott R. Cohen; Film Buyer and Booker: Jan S. Anderson

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Wayne's wife is Mary Ann Grasso Anderson, Executive Director of NATO. Mr. Anderson has been very active in NATO, and chaired the NATO Technology Committee, and was President of the Inter-Society for the Enhancement of Cinema Presentation.
 

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Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 03-27-2006, 03:14 PM:
 
I get nervous when I hear:

1. "The train is leaving the station."

2. "Don't be left behind."

Louis
 

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Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 03-27-2006, 03:24 PM:
 
There has to be many more trains coming or they would not have built the station
 

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Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 03-27-2006, 09:05 PM:
 
Just pay attention to the "virtual print" business propositions being offered, and whether there are any deadlines in applying. Then choose your vendor(s) and system integrator and service provider (hopefully Kodak ).

I still personally think it is a bit premature to not also have a film projector for each screen until experience shows there is an uninterrupted flow of features available for Digital Cinema presentation.
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 03-28-2006, 01:19 AM:
 
I shouldn't have said "NATO is not naming names." They have mentioned the CBG but they apparently are not saying that's the only/best way for an indie to go.
 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 03-28-2006, 08:06 AM:
 
Needless to say as a dealer I am against such a co-op. What happens if your cheapo lamp fails... can you get a replacement lamp by the next day... or same day in some cases? What brand of lamp is it? Im my book there IS only one good lamp brand. Can you get the brand of splicing tape you like... or just the brand they sell? Do they come and replace bad bearings in your projector or a bum gear? Come on guys...... read between the lines!

Some dealers tend to customers with problems that are loyal customers first... do you want to be put off for service while your dealer takes care of his loyal customers first because you don't buy his excellent lamps that actually save you $$ in the long haul?

As for D-Cinema its possible to go at least the Christie/AIX route AND have your present dealer do the servicing on it if you insist on that to Christie.... that is if your present dealer is capable of it and is certified by Christie. So if its a standard 2K D-Cinema system you are after you'd better rally behind your dealer or who knows who with what knowledge will show up when its time to service its brreakdowns. Is the Co-Op capable and how long would you have to wait for repair or service on your cheapo D-Cinema System? There will be less expensive D-Cinema systems although using somewhat smaller projection systems that will be available for purchase by smaller theatres from their dealers just down the road a bit. Do you really need a 90K dollar D-Cinema proujector on a 20 foot or smaller screen or in a situation that barely meets it's expenses? As a group all you theatre owners could also form a buying Co-Op with just about any of your dealers for what ever stuff you want to buy. Who are these Co-Op guys from PettiCoat Junction and will their train even make it to the Hooterville Station? I seriously doubt it!

Mark
 

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Posted by Matt Fields (Member # 3211) on 03-28-2006, 08:45 AM:
 
I've looked into the CBG, and if you sign up you do not have to buy all of your stuff (splicing tape, lamps) through them.

The major exception is the one time D Cinema conversion (given, thats a major exception), where they pretty much insist, that by joining the group, you are agreeing to use the equipment that the CBG procures for you.

The problem still exists, like Fithian said, for the small guy to be able to get in on this one-time third party equipment
deal. There are no assurances from the studios, as far as I know, that everyone will get in on the deal, so maybe joining the group makes sense.
 

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Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 03-28-2006, 11:40 AM:
 
Fithian has stated publically that "probably not all" of the little guys will be accomodated even with the BG. Louis
 

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