| Digital FAQs |
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Wednesday, 31 March 2010 20:50
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Does digital equipment cost more to operate? How do I get the bid process started? How do I receive a digital print? Is there any encouraging news on the possibility of used or lower priced digital systems? Is there value or a market for used 35mm equipment that is being replaced? Of the 3D systems currently available, what are the main advantages and disadvantages? What do I need to play Digital 3D? What is the proper screen ratio for a digital print? When selecting digital equipment, what criteria should be the basis of my choice? Where can I find easy to understand pamphlets or user guides on digital? Why does nothing happen when I press play? Why didn't the scheduled show start?
Actually, it takes much less time to build up movies and there is no need to break down. This, plus the low maintenance required on the machines, virtually eliminates the need for a full time Booth Manager. Digital equipment also costs much less in utilities than traditional film equipment.
Fill out the Simple Site Survey form and email, fax or mail a copy back to Sonic Equipment Company.
Although the goal is to have Satellite Delivery right now, the common practice is a mailed hard drive. And, although it is arriving in the same manner as your film, it is considerably smaller and easier to manage.
Local financing information will come from your local institutions or a leasing company like All Media Capital. You can get industry sponsored financing through meeting the guidelines of companies like Barco, NEC or Cinedigm. Those companies have options that they will be happy to discuss with any exhibitor.
It is possible for your to do all of the above, and more - such as live sporting events. However, you must first purchase an Alternative Content Switch, which you can buy through Sonic along with your digital projector, or after you've spent some time getting used to your new system. You also must have a qualified technician install it, such as us, the Digital Techs at Sonic Equipment Company. If you are interested in purchasing an Alternative Content Switch, call us today to see what your options are!
The fear factor of used equipment is getting is updated with the new DCI specifications for security. Buying used computer equipment has never been the norm in any industry and this will be much the same. New equipment pricing will not be going down as long as demand is at its highest, as it is right now. There is a finite amount of product that can be sold in the US and until the conversion slows to a crawl and manufacturers begin to push lower cost products to keep sales up, they have no incentive to lower pricing.
Sadly, it is likely that most will go in the junk yards. Find a good use and market for 50" circular disks and you will be rich. Rumors have it that some Latin American markets are buying late model equipment, but we haven't verified this.
Glasses. Plain and simple. After five years of showing 3D movies, most systms will have cost the exhibitor the same amount of money, depending on the market. Collecting and washing glasses versus throwing them away is the biggest distinction right now, along with up front costs versus long term costs.
If you are referring to equipment, then almost any scaler is capable of doing the work. The Gefen scaler has proven to be the most functional and best value from those that we have installed. Your best choice in regard to satellites is to contact the distributors.
If you are in a market where you are losing customers and potential income to another theatre that has 3D, then yes. If money is not there or cannot be obtained to convert an entire facility but 1 or 2 systems are feasible then converting one to a couple of systems will help to generate new income and maintain market numbers so additional systems can be added later. Converting one first then others also helps to gain an understanding of the challenges, benefits and products before you jump in over your head.
You will need:
The only way to earn a VPF for independent exhibitors is to work through an agreement with Cinedigm. Installations completed by Sonic do qualify for the VPF program. Contact a Digital Sales Representative for further details.
2.39:1 for Scope and 1.85:1 for Flat.
Throw is the measurement from your lens to the center of your screen.
The size of the auditorium and the screen are most important. 3D choices will affect your screen decisions and the common sense choice is to go with a product that your service provider reommends and is well trained to service.
When you want clear facts about product comparisons and recommended resellers of their products. However, you will always get better pricing and service from the equipment dealer and service provider than from the manufacturer.
Contacting a chain that has converted may help. Some may be willing to share.
This question (or variations of this question) is asked all of the time and is answered with another question; Is the projector powered on? Seems like a simple question (and the response is almost always "Yes!"), but often this is the source of the problem. Sometimes in our haste to begin the day, we look at the Ready yellow light and assume we have power. Not so; we must press the Power On key and allow the projector to warm up (which can take several mintues). The On green light will blink as the projector warms up, becoming solid when power is actually present and the projector is ready to play. |
| Last Updated ( Thursday, 02 September 2010 17:01 ) |
