Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Just about to convert to NEC NC-900

This is topic Just about to convert to NEC NC-900 in forum Digital Cinema Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by John Bendall (Member # 7817) on 08-21-2013, 09:08 AM:

Hi there, I am looking for information on what kind of specs I need to run my projectors from a tablet on. I really know next to nothing about this stuff, and I am just about to convert my 3 screen from a 35mm only theater to all NEC NC-900's. Any advice, or warning would be really great!

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 08-21-2013, 09:33 AM:

What do you mean with 'run my projectors from a tablet on'?

In daily operations, you will mostly be dealing with the server part of these systems, not so much with the projector itself. So it depends more on what server or IMB/IMS you ordered your NECs with.

- Carsten

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 08-21-2013, 12:02 PM:

You can use an application like Team Viewer to run your machines remotely, but you'd be more likely to set up schedules and the shows will run unattended. You won't need to be "running" the machines on a minute-by-minute basis. TeamViewer comes in handy if there is a problem.

Posted by Justin Hamaker (Member # 2165) on 08-21-2013, 07:19 PM:

I'm guessing that you're talking about having the ability to interface with your projection equipment via table computer within the building. If you want to access things remotely, you should have all of this set up on a computer which you can remote into using VNC, TeamViewer, or a similar product.

Some of these questions will depend on the exact equipment you're using and how your network is configured for the entire booth.

If you're wanting to do this via wifi (which would be nice for dealing with screen files and for auditorium checks), you will need a wireless router with enough range to cover your booth and be accessible within the auditoriums. I am a huge fan of the DLink DIR-615. You can get these on eBay for about $20. Depending on how your network is configured, you may only need one for the whole system, or you may need one for each projector.

Just make sure to change the defaults to a network name which can not be easily guessed, turn off the SSID broadcast, and change the default password.

Then you'll just need to have the appropriate software on your tablet.
-NEC projectors can be accessed through a web browser for basic functions like lamp on/off and changing formats. If you're going to have a Windows tablet/laptop (instead of an iPad or Galaxy Tab), you should also be able to use the DCC software. This would allow you to configure screen files and much more.

-Servers - for GDC servers you would need to have VNC on your tablet to access the server. This applies whether you're using an iPad, Android tablet, or Windows tablet/laptop.

If you're using something other than a GDC server, I'm sure others can tell you how to remotely connect to them.

-Automation: if you're using the Christie ACT, you can access the automation through a web browser. This would allow you to execute automation cues, and change configurations. I'm sure there are similar options available for other automation systems.

-Sound Processor: the Dolby CP750 has a Windows application which will allow you to change formats and fader settings, as well as more advanced options. To the best of my knowledge there is not an application available for iPads or Androids.

If you're using a USL processor, there should be a Windows application, but I don't know about iPad or Android.

-Accessibility devices: If you're using the USL system for ALD, CC, and/or Visually Impaired Narration, there is a web interface for configuring these devices, but you shouldn't need to do anything once they are configured.

-If you are using an LMS - specifically the Cinedigm LMS, you can usually install a client on your office computer and/or service laptop which will allow you to do things like building playlists without having to actually stand at the LMS.

Posted by Harold Hallikainen (Member # 5405) on 08-21-2013, 07:52 PM:

Very thorough description! All USL sound processors have a web interface. Also, the USL Ethernet Discoverer will find these devices on the network. Also, there is an Android application called Device Discoverer that will find USLdevices. Finally, Barco CineMate Android application nicely organizes web interfaced equipment by auditorium.

Good luck!

Harold

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 08-24-2013, 06:23 PM:

Assuming there is no TMS to remote into the next best thing to do is install a booth computer that's networked into the local projector switches and hooked to the internet. Then just remote into the booth computer from where ever you may be. I save all the web server based gear such as USL, Eprad, and NEC under favorites in the web browesr. So a simple click gets you that piece of gear instantly. Also, your tech should install DCC and VNC viewer or equivelent on that computer as well. Then he, or you can remote in and access the gear in case of operational difficulties. Best to get a Windows 7 based booth computer since the world still stumbles around Windows 8... You can also use that same computer to grab your KDM's off email.

Posted by Pete Naples (Member # 761) on 08-26-2013, 09:53 AM:

There is a Dolby CP750 Android app on Google play. It's a third party thing.