Making sure you get the equipment right for your exhibition is important.
Equipment introductions and background
The Independent Cinema Office has lots of advice here
Take a look at some examples of the equipment needed:
Projector
There are models ranging from under £1,000 to £10,000 and beyond. For an idea of models visit
An important factor to consider is the location of your projector: if it will be sited at the rear of your auditorium many projectors require special long throw lenses which can be expensive (£1,500 – £2,500).
Screen
Screens can be permanently installed or portable.
Examples are here
www.projectorpoint.co.uk/screens
www.harkness-screens.com/cinema-screens.html
DVD/BluRay player
There are a huge range of possibilities but it is usually worth getting a player which can play DVD and BluRay discs. These players often include an “upscaling” facility which can improve the picture quality from ordinary DVD discs.
It is also worth noting that the more expensive a player, the more sensitive it can be to disc imperfections. So having a cheap, basic DVD player as a standby for use with temperamental DVDs is a good idea.
Sound
You should pay as much attention to good quality sound as you do to the picture quality. Audiences are very unforgiving of poor quality sound but will accept a surprisingly poor picture.
A good quality single loudspeaker placed centrally behind or below the screen is the minimum you should aim for. For stereo two loudspeakers placed on stands at the left and right edge of the screen works well. But ideally you should have three speakers placed behind the screen – positioned on stands to the left, centre and right of the screen.
A sub-bass can be added, usually close to the centre speaker but the position isn’t critical. Surround sound speakers can be added if you have the time and expertise to set them up correctly for the auditorium in use.
Note that if speakers are placed behind the screen, the screen surface must be a perforated type to allow the sound to come through properly.
Blackouts
Dark curtains or blinds can do the trick here (heavy curtains are especially good as they can help improve the sound quality of the venue). Speak to a local supplier.
The publication Tentpoles and Pixels written by Ron Inglis has detailed information about what is needed, what to look out for, and a suggested layout. See 3.5 Equipment and Fittings, pages 22-33.
scottishscreen.com/images/documents/Tentpolesandpixels.pdf
Try and visit your nearest exhibitor who operates in a similar way, see what equipment they have and watch a film there, you can find more details on our map. If you are unsure who your nearest one is, please contact info@regionalscreenscotland.org
Equipment Suppliers
The suppliers listed below have supplied equipment for RSS or Scottish Screen funded applicants during 2009-10. Look at their websites and what they’ve done previously. Speak to more than one, and discuss your specific requirements before making any decisions.
5. AVCom
Stanlake Mews, London, W12 7HS
Tel: 020 8735 3410
avcom.co.uk
6. Component AV
6 Princes Street, Arbroath DD11 2BL
Tel: 01241 431 780
Email: glen@componentav.co.uk
componentav.co.uk
7. Streamtec Audio Visual Solutions
2 Kirkgate House, Baden-Powell Road, Kirkton Industrial Estate, Arbroath, DD11 3LS
Tel: 01241 436 862
Email: info@streamtec.com
streamtec.com
8. Vision Sound and Light
18 Barlow Park, West Pitkerro, Dundee DD5 3UB
Tel: 01382 480 900
Email: vision@visionsl.co.uk
visionsl.co.uk
If you have questions about equipment please contact info@regionalscreenscotland.org