Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: DCI Compliance

This is topic DCI Compliance in forum Digital Cinema Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Richard May (Member # 2627) on 12-07-2011, 03:27 PM:

As far as being DCI compliant, are there issues with what sound equipment can be used? For example, is a Dolby CP 65 with a D/A converter (DMA8 for example) okay to use. Also, are there any requirements for speaker power handling? I'm assuming that as long as you have a D/A converter and a 6 channel processor, you would be okay.

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 12-07-2011, 07:16 PM:

There are no such constraints in DCI. As a matter of fact, if you mix your 5.1 or 7.1 server output into mono and play it through a historic tube amp and speakers - no one cares. Except your patrons (maybe). Your server and projector have to be compliant, that is sufficient as far as DCI goes.

- Carsten

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 12-07-2011, 08:05 PM:

Yea, seen Dolby CP55's doing sound for DCI complient movies.

Posted by Richard May (Member # 2627) on 12-07-2011, 08:12 PM:

Thanks guys.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 12-08-2011, 05:31 AM:

Not so fast...DCI...DOES require 5.1 audio! You will find all of the current VPF agreements require 5.1 audio as a MINIMUM! This was probably in response to some Phase-1 rollouts getting mixed down to mono (Carmike)

But as to how you get that...no there is no restriction on the equipment brands...this is not a THX situation. You can under-spec the system all you want and your customers will tolerate.

-Steve

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-08-2011, 06:56 AM:

Steve is correct (of course). The 5.1 requirement means nothing in terms of quality. I believe it was Scott Norwood who proclaimed he would rather hear good mono than bad stereo. [Wink]

All the 5.1 requirement really does for the studios is eliminate having to pay VPFs to drive-ins.

Posted by Richard May (Member # 2627) on 12-08-2011, 07:45 AM:

Sounds good. I have a load of CP 65's to use. Other than a DMA8, are there any other recommendations for a D/A converter?

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 12-08-2011, 12:07 PM:

Whilst on paper they may be requiring 5.1 for VPF, no one is actually checking. I've had it suggested to me that I might want to leave the sound system spec off the vpf paperwork at a few places. I filled it correctly in in front the suggestee [Roll Eyes]

In the finish, no one cared [Frown]

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 12-08-2011, 01:06 PM:

quote: Brad Miller
eliminate having to pay VPFs to drive-ins.

Dang, why the hate for the drive-ins?

Posted by Juan Jose Garcia Calvo (Member # 1702) on 12-08-2011, 01:13 PM:

Richard May Asked:
"Sounds good. I have a load of CP 65's to use. Other than a DMA8, are there any other recommendations for a D/A converter? "

Take a look to this units. You can buy 3 of these in Spain for 450€...

http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/DEQ1024.aspx

It's a stereo D/A converter, equalizer, leveler, ets...

Regards

Posted by Justin Hamaker (Member # 2165) on 12-08-2011, 01:20 PM:

quote: Brad Miller
All the 5.1 requirement really does for the studios is eliminate having to pay VPFs to drive-ins.

There are negotiations underway to develop VPF deals for drive-ins. The deal would include a waiver of the 5.1 audio requirement. To the best of my knowledge, most of the major studios are on board. I believe Cinedigm is leading the way on this, but I can't swear to that.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 12-08-2011, 02:08 PM:

Yes that is true, Cinedigm is paving that road...BUT it isn't done and there isn't much time left.

Currently NOBODY can do a VPF program on a drive-in. Anyone that says they can is outright lying to make an equipment sale.

They will also have to waive the 14 footlambert requirement for drive-ins, as when you are that bright the problem is you are looking at the screen surface and not the movie.

Posted by Edward Havens (Member # 4715) on 12-08-2011, 03:10 PM:

The drive-in down the road from my home installed a digital projector just before Pirates. I don't think the Syufys are hurting for money, though.

Posted by Sam D. Chavez (Member # 1841) on 12-08-2011, 04:08 PM:

Ah, yes, the Solano Drive In. Barco I believe.

Posted by Harold Hallikainen (Member # 5405) on 12-08-2011, 08:19 PM:

Another D/A to consider is the USL DAX-602 or DAX-802.

http://www.uslinc.com/products-sound-DAX602.html

Harold

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 12-09-2011, 06:37 AM:

Not true...one can do a 5.1 sound system in a drive-in now. It just requires three frequencies to put out the 6-channels on three transmitters...tell your cliental what channels are on which frequencies and for the customer to bring two "Boom Boxes" to handle surrounds, Center/Subwoofer.

Note, we have suggested for decades now that Drive-In operators add a second transmitter to play surrounds...tell the clients to put a boom-box on the rear deck of their car...its a relatively cheap solution.

-Steve

Posted by Richard May (Member # 2627) on 12-09-2011, 07:06 AM:

Thanks Harold. The USL looks like a good fit for what I need if the price is right.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 12-09-2011, 08:38 PM:

Lovely! They don't actually have to do it; you just have to have provided a system. I LIKE it! Louis

Posted by Richard May (Member # 2627) on 02-04-2012, 07:23 AM:

What about the USL ECI60 for a D/A converter. Any thoughts?

Posted by Sam D. Chavez (Member # 1841) on 02-04-2012, 09:57 AM:

ECI 60 works fine as a DA, as does the Dolby DMA8. Both are multi input DAC's. They are very close in price.

If you are looking for just one in, one out converters the DAX series from USL work very well.

FYI, Odyssey Products make a mix down board to take 5.1 audio from the server and send out a left and right channel to a transmitter.

Posted by Richard May (Member # 2627) on 02-05-2012, 10:00 AM:

Thank you Sam.