INTEGRATED SYSTEMS

We provide custom designed integrated systems to incorporate not only new gear but existing technologies. Systems can be modular, portable or fixed and can range from a simple, plug-in rack to a multiple room IP wired building.

Connectivity
We believe in total connectivity for D cinema - not only off site support but ease of local operation is greatly enhanced by the installation of internet or ASDL connectivity as well as local wireless.  Our costings usually allow for a wireless network and netbook as standard.  We have included the projector and server side of this in our costing, and strongly recommend the installation of a suitable network or ASDL line to allow for real world connectivity and support.  This needs to be either a stand alone ASDL line or a wired network point where we can gain full internet access without altering our PC settings (we remote into this via Teamviewer).  Let us know if we can provide more details. 

Systems
The following is a fairly typical two bay rack with a Barco DP2k10SX projector installed.  Note that these are custom built so yours will vary from this in both content and size, plus we customise the height of these racks to suit your layout and port window heights. 

Automation
Automation systems for D cinema offer far more advantages than could initially be thought.  Good  skills are required to programme and "build" the film on receipt, however this can be done anytime whereas the skill required to show a film is as simple as setting a timer or pressing a button.  Given a basic interface with your house lights, a simple automation system could self-run a full days or even a week worth of shows without manual intervention. More advanced systems can control anything from signage to curtains to theatre doors.   There is no substitute for a good technician however adding a little control technology not only takes the mundane tasks of projection away from the operator (waiting 2 hours to turn the lights on at the end of the show is a thankless task !), freeing them up for other duties or to monitor the system either locally or remotely.  Low yielding shows, which wouldn’t in the past have justified a projectionist and a print delivery, may suddenly become not only viable but profitable.  Typically our clients will add extra screening dates or session times to take advantage of this.

Support

Total cost of ownership
We choose Barco projectors for their reliability, long life and lowest cost of running.  Historically Barco projectors have the highest trade in value of any projector.  Barco guarantee longer spare parts availability than any other manufacturer, and usually hold substantial spare parts well beyond this period.  Projectors are designed out of steel, based on larger "rock and roll" machines - extract, cooling, light engines and power supplies are all based on larger machines designed for far heavier duty cycles.   Reliability, running costs and resale all benefit.   The DP2k10SX or DP1200/1500 use standard xenon lamps, available at around £345 from a variety of vendors and guaranteed for 2000 hours plus.  

Alternative content
Not all Digital cinemas run alternative content, so therefore the projectors do not have the front end required to plug in a laptop, DVD, bluray or satellite.   To run these formats, we supply a scaler or alternative content processor, allowing an array of inputs, controls and enhancements similar to a top end LCD projector.  This allows you to screen virtually anything, alongside DCI approved films described in the preceding paragraph.  Finally there are options for 3D and satellite feeds.  All of the gear listed is compatible with both, and options are available for both active and passive 3D and for satellite delivery of main and alternative content such as live theatre, opera and sporting events.