- What is a NOC ?
- D-Cinema Projection for Small Venues
- EEC - A Deployment/Service Provider
-Ultra Stereo Intros LSS-100
-Deployment - It's All Greek to Me
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| NOCs remotely monitor cinema operating systems |
A network operating center is a 24/7/365 facility which remotely monitors clients' digital systems making sure they are operating properly, getting timely maintenance, and receiving all necessary software updates. Additionally, the NOC provides comprehensive remote monitoring and management of devices to ensure required compliance with specific site operation - such as with the Virtual Print Fee Program in the case of cinemas.
NOCs are high-tech operating and monitoring facilities that allow technicians to address operating problems and remotely fix those problems immediately and, in addition, spot and identify potential operating issues and problems. If the problem can not be solved remotely the NOC will notify the client designated technical provider for on-site service.
Not new to the digital domain, NOCs have been in use by the military and in many industries for years, but are relatively new to the cinema exhibition industry. As time goes on, you will see more and more NOCs being used as system electronics become more sophisticated. The goal is a NOC is to prevent or limit operational down-time and to monitor equipment and its operation around-the-clock.
Later this year, NEC sill be launching a compact, industry certified, D-Cinema projector - the NC900C. It will be the first projection to incorporate the new S2K chip set from Texas Instruments and is the perfect solution for very small cinema auditoriums or screening rooms.
The NC900C will be the first D-Cinema projector with dual lamp capability which provides more operating reliability. It has no external exhaust which makes for easy placement or wall/ceiling mounting, accepts 3D systems and supports high-frame-rate projection. Inputs include: HDMI, HDSDI 3G for alternative content. It also incorporates an integrated RAID 5 Server system with a 1.5TB capacity.
The NC900C will be available in late 2012, no pricing as yet.
Entertainment Equipment Corp. provides end-to-end solutions and deployment of Digital Cinema to movie exhibitors. Starting with free on-site visits to determine each cinema's specific needs and requirements when converting to digital projection and ending with theatre staff training, EEC runs the gamut in providing superior service and equipment.
Representing all of the major digital cinema equipment manufacturers, EEC recommends and presents each client all of the available alternatives and options regarding digital projection equipment, sound upgrades, VPF participation, pricing, and financing options. Leaving the final decisions to the cinema client, EEC has been and will continue to be 'product neutral". If asked, we state our opinion based upon field experience with products and their performance and upon client testimonials regarding prior purchases which are monitored very closely.
Digital Cinema conversion is now inevitable and the decisions surrounding the process are complex and the financial consequences both significant and long-term. Therefore, it is imperative that each cinema owner work with a trusted deployment provider that has the requisite capabilities, resources, and technical knowledge to assist in the decision process and then be able to implement those decisions with a full compliment of installation, training and after sale services.
Showcased at CineEurope last week was Ultra Stereo Lab's newest innovation - the LSS-100 Projection and Audio Analyzer. This product allows cinemas the ability to continuously monitor on-screen technical performance - screen luminance, color accuracy, and sound levels - allowing for a constant superior movie presentation. "We are excited to demonstrate our latest innovation that allows exhibitors to understand how each auditorium is performing on a global level with projection and sound" , says Jack Cashin, USL's President & Chief Technical Officer.
The wall/ceiling mountable LSS-100 includes a microphone to measure SPL (sound pressure level) while also monitoring the quality of reflected on-screen light and color quality. Cinema Mucho Gusto, which rarely makes product endorsements, is recommending the LSS-100, as it ensures an optimal level of movie presentation quality which is a 'must-do' by exhibitors in this very competitive entertainment marketplace that currently exists. For more information check our the following:
www.uslinc.com:8880/ftp/LSS-100/LSS-100manual1120501'pdf. Although pricing has not been set the unit should retail for well under $900.
D-Cinema Deployment A Myriad of Questions/Concerns
Digital deployment requires the equipment/service provider to perform a site visit to each cinema. These mandatory visits are two fold: first, to gather vital information on the physical and performance aspects of the cinema, and second, to answer the myriad of questions and concerns by the cinema owner/operator regarding the conversion.
In making many of these visits over the last several years I have found that the 12 most often asked questions/concerns are the following:
- What is the best equipment to purchase, I've heard a lot of different stories?
- How much is the conversion going to cost?
- When will 35mm prints no longer be available?
- What is the VPF and how does it work?
- How much money will I receive if I opt for the VPF Program?
- Is financing available, and do you have recommendations?
- Can I use my existing sound system?
- What about 3D. How much more will it cost and what are my options?
- Can I use the System for alternative content and how will this work?
- What about 2k vs. 4k resolution?
- How long will the installation take?
- What is the useful life of the equipment?
Best and Happy Movie Going!
Jim Lavorato
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