Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Conversion from 35mm to DCinema

This is topic Conversion from 35mm to DCinema in forum Digital Cinema Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Blaine Young (Member # 3992) on 11-10-2008, 01:28 AM:

While I understand that every installation is different, how much time does it typically take to convert a house from 35mm to one of the DCinema offerings? I'm just trying to get a ballpark figure - I'm not expecting to yank out 35mm and install Digital overnight, but what is a realistic expectation on the process?

For this query, we'll assume no work on the screen itself, maskings or audio (other than what is necessary to add DCinema to a CP650).

Thanks.

Posted by Fred Tucker (Member # 4482) on 11-10-2008, 01:32 AM:

It depends on how many people you have. 1 person installed my DLP (non-IMAX) house in one day with a little bit of help by me to lift the projector onto the pedestal. Screen was done by a seperate company. nly audio work that needed to be done ws the installation & EQ of a CP-650.

Posted by Phil Ranucci (Member # 3820) on 11-10-2008, 02:49 AM:

One day with 2-3 people should do it, unless your booth access is difficult. We had to saw the doorjambs to get a Barco into our booth.Also add time for electrical/exhaust work if you're adding the DLP, but if it's a swap one day should be enough.

Posted by David Zylstra (Member # 4230) on 11-10-2008, 10:26 AM:

If you prep any required assembly, electrical and exhaust work any experienced installer should be able to easily convert 1 screen overnight.

In the final months of the AccessIT rollout they were doing complete multiplexes in less than a week (Sun-Thu) with a crew of 2-3(?) - they did assembly and prep during the day, screen conversions were done overnight.

Posted by Ryan Thomas (Member # 5080) on 01-20-2009, 10:30 AM:

I know that we are converting from digital to 35mm and it only took 2 to 3 people one night to convert 3 screens.

Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 01-20-2009, 04:29 PM:

From Digital to 35mm???

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-20-2009, 05:56 PM:

quote: John Wilson was the last to post
From Digital to 35mm???

Yea! They got tired of waiting for BARCO to answer their question!

Posted by Jonathan Althaus (Member # 5042) on 01-20-2009, 06:03 PM:

We were told we would start the conversion on July 1, 2008. We had 3 screens installed that day, and 2 more tomorrow, and as of now we are the only theatre in our region that will not be converted by February 27. Why am I not surprised........

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-20-2009, 06:25 PM:

Converting to digital is no big deal really, D-Cinema is easier to install than film and has few if any special requirements. I do reccomend surge protection for the whole building and at each booth panel. Proper exhaust extractors are also important. Good port glass is another. Sound systems can be re-used if they were decent to begin with.

Mark

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-20-2009, 06:43 PM:

Know of a complex that uses CP500's for their sound with their NEC units. They just use format "11" (ext. 6ch input..usually what DTS uses) on the processor.

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 01-21-2009, 08:11 AM:

Generally for premieres we have have them up and calibrated image / sound in six hours or less, with preview of source material...no matter which brand of projector.