This is such an important topic. I’m still trying to get my head around how the current business model favors the large chains and impairs the independent operator. I don’t think turning your back on digital projection is the answer because I’m quite convinced it is here to stay. It’s also important to understand that video projection is not the same a digital film projection. The costs are very high. However, I doubt that the equipment investment will be obsolete in 5 years. There is no reason, in the next decade at least, to have a new digital standard. The resolution is already similar to 35mm (70mm is up for debate), the sound is already at 7 channels, and there are options for 3-D or live event feeds. I’m concerned that equipment costs are not coming down fast enough that the small operators will miss the competitive opportunity. This is a little bit of history repeating itself. When sound was introduced in the late 1920’s, a number of screens went permanently dark because they could not afford the conversion to sound. Some independents can survive with alternative program material, but I’m very worried about those that cannot.
When I finally run theaters, I will have both film & digital. And will hire experienced projectionists to run film (hopefully Maxivision) in the largest screen.
Theaters can’t make any money by having to replace projection equipment every 5 years. Heck the life of video projection equipment is two years tops. Stick with film projectors. I know some theaters with 60 year old film projectors still putting on daily shows.
Including projectors
I am sorry to somewhat dissagree,,,, you can buy the entire system, platter, sounds, lamphouse, cheaper then 50k more like 10-15k used and rebuilt
This is such an important topic. I’m still trying to get my head around how the current business model favors the large chains and impairs the independent operator. I don’t think turning your back on digital projection is the answer because I’m quite convinced it is here to stay. It’s also important to understand that video projection is not the same a digital film projection. The costs are very high. However, I doubt that the equipment investment will be obsolete in 5 years. There is no reason, in the next decade at least, to have a new digital standard. The resolution is already similar to 35mm (70mm is up for debate), the sound is already at 7 channels, and there are options for 3-D or live event feeds. I’m concerned that equipment costs are not coming down fast enough that the small operators will miss the competitive opportunity. This is a little bit of history repeating itself. When sound was introduced in the late 1920’s, a number of screens went permanently dark because they could not afford the conversion to sound. Some independents can survive with alternative program material, but I’m very worried about those that cannot.
When I finally run theaters, I will have both film & digital. And will hire experienced projectionists to run film (hopefully Maxivision) in the largest screen.
Theaters can’t make any money by having to replace projection equipment every 5 years. Heck the life of video projection equipment is two years tops. Stick with film projectors. I know some theaters with 60 year old film projectors still putting on daily shows.
ok///////were ,who are u?