Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Series 2 NEC projectors: Anyone?

This is topic Series 2 NEC projectors: Anyone? in forum Digital Cinema Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Julio Roberto (Member # 4976) on 04-19-2010, 04:43 PM:

Just wondering if anyone has already installed one of the new NEC's and what their opinion may be.

A friend is looking into two units and is debating between Barco and NEC, since it seems nobody can get a hold of Christie's equivalents for a LONG time.

http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/SubClass/?subclass=Projectors

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 04-20-2010, 01:48 AM:

I just installed a new comlpex with series 2 Christies a few weeks ago. Have another complex in a couple of weeks. They are in production.

If for whatever reason you can't get the Christie though, go with Barco.

Posted by Brendan Penny (Member # 5041) on 04-20-2010, 01:55 AM:

Brad, got some pix??? Last install you did was pretty cool.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 04-20-2010, 01:30 PM:

I have two comming up in the next several weeks. The NEC 2000 is nothing like the old 1600. Inside it's neat and clean.. like a Christie... and light engine removal is easy... three captive screws and three plugs and it's out. Future conversion to 4K will take about 20 min. Oh and should I mention they have actual real line of bases, 5 different ones depending on your requirements. Not the make believe bases Christie has been selling. IMHO the extra money spent (about 8 grand for nothing gained) on the Christie is money wasted. The Christie projector costs more, the lensing costs more, etc. The NEC 2000's .98" light engine(or the BARCO's, or like in the smaller Christie) is going to give better on screen performance and have higher optical efficiency than the 1.2" light engine in the Christie. The NEC and BARCO also accepts up to a 4kw lamp... the Christie only a 3kw. So if you're going 3-D then you will have to burn even more money in the camp fire to get the larger Christie. All in all Christie's line up doesn't make sense... Barco and NEC certainly do. As for reliability... you'd stand the same chance with any of the three. All the circuitry is either designed by T.I. or approved by them. You just have to decide how much extra money you have to flush down the toilet when deciding who's to buy.

Mark

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 04-22-2010, 06:12 AM:

Is that really Mark suggesting that there are projectors other than Christie which are worth buying? [Eek!]

Mark I know you'd been poorly lately but I didn't know it had affected you that much! [Big Grin]

Posted by Demetris Thoupis (Member # 833) on 04-22-2010, 06:46 AM:

I remember another post where Mark said that Christie is the only company who got their stuff right! Times change don't they [Big Grin]

Nothing against you Mark its just a fact that with D-Cinema there is no better or worse on end result which is image on screen (unlike 35mm projectors). I don't like Christie. I would go with Barco anyday especially in the new series after significant improvements.
Demetris

Posted by Julio Roberto (Member # 4976) on 04-22-2010, 11:47 AM:

The main problem with Christie, besides $$$, is that my friend has gotten quotes for delivery WAY beyond (end of year) his installation goal, which is ASAP. New Barcos we like, new NECs we don't know since there is not a whole lot of info nor first-hand experience.

Depending on remaining price quotes, we'll likely go dual polarized Barcos for these two screens (4 projectors). Master Image is asking WAY too much for their wheel, almost the same as one 0.98" projector, so it's a no brainer getting two smaller projectors instead of one bigger one+MI ...

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 04-22-2010, 11:57 AM:

Yes, Before Christie was the best one to be selling and the easiest one to be servicing. However I've had many issues with FFIB boards, even new ones out of the box from Christie that do not even function!! However after seeing that the insides of the new NEC line at Showoest they have done a remarkable job and they are even easier to service then the equivalent Christies are. Nothing wrong with that IMHO.

Demetris.... The other fact is that a person can end up paying lots more for that digital image on his screen than he should be and when he doesn't really have to!!

Mark

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 04-22-2010, 12:04 PM:

Put a GDC server with that NEC unit and that's a nice package to play with..

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 04-24-2010, 05:38 PM:

Julio,

The mid size NEC and Mid size BARCO are more or less the same projector. NEC seals the DMDs a different way in which the entire light engine does not have to be sealed up. I still see absolutely no advantage to sealing the entire unit from a servicibiility standpoint. It will certainly add much cost to any replacement light engine or repairing a simple coolant connection that might spring a leak if/when it is ever required.

Mark

Posted by Demetris Thoupis (Member # 833) on 04-25-2010, 03:26 AM:

Mark sealed engine is a spec in the DCI if I am not mistaken. The new Barco C series are the first which have passed the DCI cert.
Demetris

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 04-25-2010, 06:58 AM:

I believe you are mistaken.

The sealing that is being referred to is one to keep contaminants out. There are security interlocks for the electronics in all of the DCinema projectors, with logging. I know, for a fact, if you pull and replace those covers in a Barco, even with the power unplugged...you will get a logged security breach, which must be reset before the projector will work again.

As for the image...well you are projecting that on the screen so there is no need, for security reasons, to seal them up. All of the projectors watermark their image to identify which theatre the recording activities were done in.

Steve

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 04-25-2010, 09:21 AM:

Steve is indeed 100% correct. The NEC projectors have just the face of the DMDs sealed to the prism surfaces for elimination of dust contamination. This still allows for repairs to the cooling loop if ever required and eliminates the massive connector that BACRO uses and that has not been without it's own set of problems. This might even be a better option than Christie's DMD blower system which uses another smaller hepa filter to suck in air from the "already filtered internal air flow". However I've heard stories from Christie themselves of the DMDs in their projectors getting completely covered with plaster dust from theaters that installed them before a preliminary construction clean up was completed. BTW: I hate that stupid BARCO keypad to reset the projector. No one else uses it! Oompa!

Mark

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 04-25-2010, 10:49 AM:

Well on the later projectors, they use the Macro buttons as the keypad. I do like that Barco has built in manual controls for the basic functions (lens, macro, douser...etc) without having to use a clunky interface or need a "stylus" to work a small touch panel. However, Barco does offer one the ability to have a small touch panel and need a small stylus.

Steve

Posted by Demetris Thoupis (Member # 833) on 04-25-2010, 01:28 PM:

But Barco does not offer the ability to change a lamp without that small touchpanel and stylus! So a service tech needs to change the lamp with the Communicator software.
Demetris

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 04-25-2010, 02:10 PM:

Not really. The theatre can purchase a relatively inexpensive computer, put it on the network and then have the ability to connect to any of the projectors without having to pay for a separate touchpanel for each projector. I have one customer who has preferred this approach. In fact, one can buy a computer for each screen, if desired. The touchpanel is more of a luxury item. The communicator system can also be a means of keeping the casual tinkerer out of the system.

Posted by Pietro Clarici (Member # 4937) on 04-26-2010, 12:06 PM:

Our first NEC projector came with the touchpanel controller, which is actually nothing more than a 5" Windows CE.net industrial PC with solid state storage.

I didn't spec it on the other 2 NC1600C-As that came after that: a basic Asus netbook running the free Communicator software under XP and a .11g access point are a *much* better (and cheaper) solution... I could fine-tune every screen file and focus setting right from the auditorium.

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 04-26-2010, 02:29 PM:

That is exactly how I am doing it. The Barco/Kinoton/Cinemecannica panel is expensive for what it is.

A £200 netbook pc will do the job perfectly adequately.

Posted by Michael Voiland (Member # 5386) on 04-26-2010, 06:39 PM:

We are getting 2 digital projectors for 4 screens. How good is the recall on the digital projectors for lens settings.

Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 04-27-2010, 09:10 AM:

Where can one find this free communicator software for the nec 1600?

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 04-27-2010, 07:32 PM:

Sean,

That part is a secret.....

Posted by Michael Hossen (Member # 4274) on 04-27-2010, 08:34 PM:

Sean, I have the communicator software for the Series 2, but I'm not sure if it's ok to post it.

Posted by Julio Roberto (Member # 4976) on 04-28-2010, 04:45 AM:

What's with the "secret software" and crap? That's one of the things I don't like about some manufacturers.

Anyway, does anybody know what lamps the NC2000C can use? In the brochures it only talks about NEC's own 4KW model.

It surely can use other lamps, can't it? A 4Kw lamp would be too bright for one of the intended screens (though it would be ok if it could be driven at 2800W or so, if supported by the rectifier).

Also, how does the lenses work on this model? Do you need the optional motorized wide converter to do scope right, or does it come with motorized zoom standard?

I'm guessing it only needs the wide adapter if you fall outside the range of one of their lenses' zoom, right?

I can't believe how little information they place on their page and how they keep all this "super secret stuff" like ... errr, an operation manual for download.

[Roll Eyes]

Barco is starting to look good again, in spite of their backlog ...

Posted by Chris Slycord (Member # 4239) on 04-28-2010, 07:25 AM:

quote: Julio Roberto
What's with the "secret software" and crap? That's one of the things I don't like about some manufacturers.

I can only assume it's to keep their competitors from getting info on how their machines work, although I'm sure those same people would've already gotten a hold of one of their own and taken it apart.

Posted by Pietro Clarici (Member # 4937) on 04-28-2010, 07:34 AM:

quote: Julio Roberto
(...) does anybody know what lamps the NC2000C can use? In the brochures it only talks about NEC's own 4KW model.

Same as the 1600C. You can use the following NEC 4Kw lamps:

NC-16LP401 (17K lumens, 650 hours)
NC-16LP402 (12K lumens, 1200 hours)

One of my screens is running a 401 at 70% amperage when showing Flat 2D material. The rectifier definitely supports that.

I've also been told by my integrator that you can run regular film lamps up to 4Kw on it, although I have no first hand experience with it and don't know how this affects the warranty.

quote: Julio Roberto
(..) it only needs the wide adapter if you fall outside the range of one of their lenses' zoom, right?

Yes, motorized zoom/shift/focus is standard on every NEC D-Cinema projector.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 04-28-2010, 08:50 AM:

Some of that software allows modifing the projectors performance and is intended to be used only by those factory trained to work with it
The machine takes a standard range of lamps including the regular cinema grade ones

Posted by Julio Roberto (Member # 4976) on 04-28-2010, 08:56 AM:

Thanks for the info.

I guess 2KW, 3KW and 4KW osrams XBO DHP OFR will work, then.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 04-28-2010, 04:17 PM:

What Gord said. I'll further that by saying that if you are not properly trained you can actually damage the projector. So get training first and then get software. Also, Sean... I heard rumors that you either work or did work for Strong Technical. Is this true? If it's true why are you asking around here for the software. That only leads me to other suspicous conclusions I guess....

As for regular cinema lamps in the 1600 or 2000 yes, any of the Osram short lamps will work and the NEC/Osram warranties fully supports it.

Mark

Posted by Michael Hossen (Member # 4274) on 04-28-2010, 10:51 PM:

As far as I know, you can only run up to 3KW film lamps in the NEC series 2 projectors.

Posted by Joe Elliott (Member # 4006) on 04-29-2010, 03:47 AM:

For the software, register at Barco's website. On 'iterests' checkmark 'digital cinema'. They will authorize you after a couple of days. They have a version of communicator just for theaters, that allows you to monitor, and adjust some parameters, but not anything that you can really screw up.

Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 04-29-2010, 04:07 PM:

Mark,

I worked for NCS as a service tech which later became strong technical services. I left a little while after the merger a couple months after they changed the name. At that point they had not started sending out any of the software to service the nec machines... I now work at a facility that has 2 nec 1600 c's and am looking for an easier way to change macro's and such. What is so suspicious about that Mark?

Didn't you used to work for GTS? Now THAT makes ME suspicious [Wink]

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 04-29-2010, 10:17 PM:

Sean,
Yes I worked at GTS for 5 years and then CLACO for 7 years... and I still do lots of work for them, aside from the 100 screen chain that I service

Mark

Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 04-30-2010, 01:18 PM:

I still don't understand what is suspicious about asking for software that I found out that oops! we actually already have my bad. But serious did you think I was some kind of spy for Strong or something?

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 04-30-2010, 01:25 PM:

More funny is that in the manual for the NEC that it mentions for the service tech to do the bulb changes..

Really, 5 minutes to do the actual change and 20 to 30 minutes to calibrate it in to get the highest peak settings on all three adjustments...

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 04-30-2010, 07:28 PM:

No Sean. But what is suspicious is that you want to work with it but have never been trained. That does seem a bit odd. Akin to flying a twin engine plane but never havinga second of instruction....

Mark

Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 05-01-2010, 02:22 PM:

Mark,

Where did I say I had never been trained on the nec? I will repost what I wrote above for you so you can point it out to me where I said that...

quote:
Mark,

I worked for NCS as a service tech which later became strong technical services. I left a little while after the merger a couple months after they changed the name. At that point they had not started sending out any of the software to service the nec machines... I now work at a facility that has 2 nec 1600 c's and am looking for an easier way to change macro's and such. What is so suspicious about that Mark?

Didn't you used to work for GTS? Now THAT makes ME suspicious

I said I did not get the software sent out to me not that I had never been trained on the nec machines. Also, that was AFTER you said it was suspicious so I would really like to know what was so suspicous? I pm'ed another member who said he had the software but did not know if he could post it and told him I used to work for a service company so that he would know he wasn't sending potentially "dangerous" software to just anyone. If he chose not to share it with me that is fine but I do not see how it involves anyone else but him and I. That person should have had the fortitude to say that they choose not to send it as they have every right to do, I just don't know why anyone else was involved?

People come to this forum to request knowledge and assistance and to share thier knowledge and assistance not to have thier motives questioned. If any is "suspicous" of me they can choose to decline any requests for assistance that I make. If someone chooses to decline a request for assistance it would be nice if they would have the courage to decline directly or just not respond rather than involve other forum members who were not involved. If someone thinks someone else is not qualified for certain knowledge or tools it is appropiate to let them know privately that it is how you feel but in my opinion making assumptions and accusations of another member in an open forum is impolite.

At the end of the day it is no one's business except for myself and my bosses what I do with the equipment I am responsible for. It is any one's choice to offer help if asked or not but not any one's place to question anyone else's motives. Also my boss is a member of these forum's and if he did not think I should have that level of access to the machines he would have said so. He hasn't.

Now back to your regularly scheduled program....

Posted by Justin Gorka (Member # 3727) on 05-01-2010, 03:39 PM:

I've worked with NEC's (1600 & 2500) without any problems over the last year. Go with them. Especially the new phase two jobbies! Leave Christie alone and don't even think of the Barco crap!

Posted by Julio Roberto (Member # 4976) on 05-02-2010, 02:42 PM:

The stock DVI inputs on the Nec's don't seem to be HDCP enabled. They do sell a separate DVI+HDCP input module.

Before I start cursing, can someone confirm?

[Eek!]

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-02-2010, 04:00 PM:

I thought all new projectors had to be HDCP compliant. Anyway, if they are not just a small box to scale the DVI going in is all you should really need. I doubt you'd need another entire input module.
I'll be finding out next week though...

Mark

Posted by Pietro Clarici (Member # 4937) on 05-03-2010, 02:30 PM:

NEC doesn't advertise HDCP compliance, but it depends on the Cinema Board revision: I have a Series-1SK (Type 5) in my NC1600C-As, and they are HDCP compliant indeed. No need to get the super-expensive scaler and the interface board you mention.

Posted by Michael Hossen (Member # 4274) on 05-11-2010, 05:24 AM:

Our NC2000C initially didn't support HDCP, but our Enigma Board died last week and we had it replaced. The tech told me that there was some confusion with the very first ones and they were not HDCP compliant, this new enigma board has now made it HDCP compliant, and we had no problem playing a Bluray through the DCI input today.

Also, they're very nice on the inside, unlike the Series 1. Very well put together.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-11-2010, 01:05 PM:

I am installing one today! It is a 100% improvement inside over the 1600 isn't it... Am doing Dolby 3-D on this one and it goes in exactly the same way it does on the NC-1600. The back end of the projector is more or less the same.

Mark

Posted by Michael Hossen (Member # 4274) on 05-11-2010, 08:26 PM:

Yes, Mark. It's ridiculously well put together inside. A very nice machine. Good luck with the install.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-18-2010, 05:00 PM:

I just completed my first install of a NEC 2000 and all I can say is it certainly represents the highest value among any of the D-Cinema projectors available today. It's extremely well built, super well laid out inside, performs extremely well and being just a mid size projector can even accept 4kw lamps. Yes, the side mounted LCD screen is a bit awkward but once you get used to it there is no problem. It's certainly no worse nor any more awkward than the one that was used on the Christie ZX. The NEC communicator software allows log on at 4 different levels and can be left running on the booth PC without worries of someone infiltrating it.

The base options available are BY FAR THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY. EPRAD supplies 4 different model bases and Strong still supplies their base. So take your choice among 5 different bases!!!

Mark

Posted by David Favel (Member # 1125) on 05-18-2010, 09:53 PM:

Mark, with the NEC 2000 can you fit in a 2k film xenon?

Have heard rumblings that at least 1 of the Christies couls have 1 fitted/retrofitted.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 05-18-2010, 10:55 PM:

the NEC will use regular cinema lamps if one puts in the right adapters

Posted by Brendan Penny (Member # 5041) on 05-19-2010, 12:52 AM:

Mark,

1) Is it really called communicator software? Is Barco going to sue someone?

2) What is so great about Eprad pedestals? I have never seen one.

3) Does it still have 'crazy wires' on the inside?

4) What is so good about it compared to other brands? I mean, other than the superficial, just opened a new toy, excited reasons?

Communicator software? Welcome, been done.
Touch Panel. Ahhh been done too.
Accept 4kw lamps as mid sized projector. Been done.
Different level access privileges. Done
Performs well. Well its only been 3 days yeah?

Unless it shits out 3D glasses or something I am having trouble getting excited. Sounds like someone has been playing catch-up is all.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 05-19-2010, 01:33 AM:

quote: Gordon McLeod
NEC will use regular cinema lamps if one puts in the right adapters

NEC usually send with their units, a cathode adapter with the use of the "horizontal short" (HS) bulb under 4k.

The 4k horizontal short bulb has a large cathode end about 17mm in diameter whereas the other short bulbs have a narrow 1/4" pin on the cathode end. This is where this adapter fits over that narrow pin to be used into the Cathode clamp of the NEC unit.

quote: Brendan Penny
Unless it shits out 3D glasses or something I am having trouble getting excited

I take it that Brendan needs to do an install by himself to understand the excitment ...

Posted by Brendan Penny (Member # 5041) on 05-19-2010, 03:54 AM:

quote: Monte L Fullmer
I take it that Brendan needs to do an install by himself to understand the excitment ...

Monte, I have done more installs than you can say 'NEC' in any given post....

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-19-2010, 07:22 PM:

Yes, any Osram and perhaps a couple of other cinema projector lamps are approved for use in the NEC. They give you the cathode adapter with the projector. They call their software "Digital Cinema Communicator".

The Eprad bases have all power distribution as well as automation facilities built in if you so desire. There is a basic model that is well... just a base. For power distributed bases just add a 30 amp three phase feed and it covers typical house requirements just as a film projector console would. Makes retrofitting digital in place of these types of filum consoles a snap. They have 4 different models depending on what you need or want including one with two racks with enough room to contain the sound system. They are very heavy and hence very solid and the top tilting plate the projector sits on is easy to adjust. yes... you adjust the tilt of the top plate just like a film projector base not by some long stupid screw out feet! Built in wiring channels inside the base separate high voltage from low voltage, etc. Facilities for UPS are also provided if so desired.

Mark

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-20-2010, 08:39 AM:

Actualy now that I think about it Brendan it is obviously you that has some catching up to do... And there are already a number of NEC 2000s in Austrailia. It's obvious you didn't install them or you'd know about the software and the bases... And how nice the 2000 is...

Markl

Posted by Brendan Penny (Member # 5041) on 05-21-2010, 04:47 PM:

Hey I didn't say anything bad about NEC! All I asked is why you are so giddy about them is all. Just interested.

I'm sure there are some NEC's around here somewhere. I have seen some of the first gen stuff hence why I ask details on the improvements but still....no specifics.

Anyway, my point is that you openly went out of your way about a year ago to post how bad NEC digital projectors were. If I recall, you even posted a picture on here to make your point did you not? Do you need me to go find that post for you?

Regardless of that, of course you are entitled to change your opinion. I was just curious as to what has changed on the projector to prompt your flip flop!

Flip Flop Gulbrandsen!!
[Wink]

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 05-21-2010, 05:18 PM:

As fast as the digital world (and the world in general) is changing, anyone who does NOT flip-flop occasionally is probably not to be trusted! [Big Grin]

Posted by Jeremy Weigel (Member # 4208) on 05-21-2010, 05:48 PM:

Maybe the NEC engineers read some of his posts about how untidy the inside of their Gen 1's were and incorporated some of his suggestions. And I'm sure there were many FE's that complained too. They were quite a rats nest.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-22-2010, 10:38 PM:

quote: Brendan Penny
my point is that you openly went out of your way about a year ago to post how bad NEC digital projectors were

Actually NEC projectors have always performed quite well, they were indeed a rats nest though. The Generation 2 is the exact opposite and I urge you to go see and examine one. I have photos of the insides of a 2000 but posting them here makes little meaning as to what they have really done.

My flip flopping is generally for a very good reason. This time quality of equipment vs. cost. The NEC can't be beat for price and quality, it's that simple. You may as well stand and throw thousands into a camp fire with the other brands because you are not getting any more value for the thousands more you spend.

Mark

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 05-23-2010, 12:52 PM:

That is not entirely true. The same size lamp (wattage) in the various brands DO perform differently.

A 4KW lamp in a Barco will yield 18000 lumens...in an NEC that may be as low as 11900 lumens if you use the "long life lamp". If you use their high brightness lamp, you will get 17000 lumens BUT at a 500 hour life span (similar to Sony). There will be a new lamp coming out in July that will split the difference...1000 hours and 14000 lumens. Thus, the typical Barco 3K system will outperform (light wise) the typical NEC system running 4K lamps...the Barco is cheaper to operate at the same lumen level.

Christie can hit 17000 lumens with the special CDXL-30SD. So the Christie can get brighter but that special lamp cost about 40% more than the 4K lamps in the other machines (but saves 30% on electricity).

I find them more equal in the large projector department, light wise.

If you are going for Dolby 3D...Barco has a HUGE advantage in their smaller projectors cost wise. You can order a DP2K-20C with the Dolby color wheel built in and it is about 35% cheaper than putting in any of the other projectors. To top it off, the DP2K-20C is the brightest and cheapest to operate at that lumen level. The down side is that Barco does not support anamorphic lenses on their "C" series projectors...that will cost you up to 25% of your light if you have horizontal maskings...a non issue if you have vertical maskings. Both Christie and NEC have anamorphic solutions for the mid sized projectors (Barco has it if you go for the "B" series).

As such, things are not as cut and dried as Mark makes them out to be. In a 2D small machine, the NEC price advantage comes into play a bit more.

Then there is service and support. I can't comment on NEC yet (we have one coming soon though)...both Christie and Barco have shown they can shine or really need to work on support. I'm happy to say that my experiences have improved with time though...with Barco, I normally get a team response if I have a question or issue and what problems have been encountered have been resolved almost immediately.

Steve

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-23-2010, 06:47 PM:

Steve,

I think you are overlooking the CBG Real-D deal. It moves the NEC into the least expensive cash up front 3-D digital system. Real-D also integrates the easiest with the NECs. Dolby is still the "cheapest in the long run" system and best performing IMHO.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 05-23-2010, 07:42 PM:

How do you figure that Real D integrates easiest with NEC? Three bolts and Real D is on the Barco. Not exactly difficult.

And again...when it comes to lamp costs...that is an ongoing concern for an exhibitor.

Steve

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-23-2010, 08:23 PM:

I believe in reality if you do your own tests on the same screen with the same lamp and same lens you'll find that both projectors are almost capable of the same lumens. Optically, they more or less use the same components... using Ushio designed reflectors, heat filters, and 45 deg. mirrors. NEC's reflectors happen to also be made by Ushio although BARCO may have someone else producing their's in Germany.

Mark