Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: GDC SA 2100A

This is topic GDC SA 2100A in forum Digital Cinema Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Koroye Seitonkumo (Member # 10558) on 04-02-2019, 04:11 AM:

Hello..

Thanks for all the support from members here even when I ask seemingly stupid questions..

No experience with these devices so I keep asking.. until I probably find a person in my country to provide me with the support I need.

My projector came in with a gdc SA 2100A.. any cause for concern?

Posted by Dave Macaulay (Member # 813) on 04-02-2019, 06:29 AM:

It is comparable to a Dolby DSS or Doremi DCP - out of production for a while but still supported somewhat. Software may not get any new revisions but works so far, maybe future new features in DCP packages could cause issues but possibly GDC would update them to be compatible.
Hardware is reliable but parts could be unavailable now or soon: I don't know about GDC but Dolby no longer repairs or stocks some vital parts for DSS and/or DCP servers - most parts are standard computer parts (some obsolete and NLA) but the media blocks have security features that prevent repair by anyone but the OEM (and they won't).
So essentially it's a risk decision: yes it can fail but so can a lot of things. If you can handle being dark a while in a failure, start saving a contingency fund for replacement of projection equipment. If it is critical that you stay open every day - well, you would best not pick used equipment like this.
Definitely contact GDC and ask if the server has a current software warranty, buy one if not and keep it paid up either way. That gets you support and any updates. GDC support will give you only very limited help if the server is not in paid up warranty.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 04-02-2019, 02:42 PM:

quote: Dave Macaulay
That gets you support and any updates. GDC support will give you only very limited help if the server is not in paid up warranty.

They will not extend the warranty on these older servers beyond software and support any more, but that is fairly inexpensive to do. I think it's like $150, and that is worth the price alone for their full support for 1 year.

I was surprised that on the SX-3000 they said they'll extend those for up to ten more years. But it is essentially the same media block thats in the 2000AR.

Mark