In May 2023 we launched a funding drive to collect sufficient money to enable us to buy a replacement projector.  The reasons for this were listed on our Crowdfunder page which stated:

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Technology moves quickly and already we are not able to replicate the quality of image and high dynamic range that is available on some modern home televisions.  Like all LED-based devices, the brightness of the picture fades with time and this has begun to be noticeable.  The geometry of the current picture is not perfect either.  We need to have sufficient funds to replace this before it fails catastrophically.

What are the advantages of the proposed projector ?

A digital projector will enhance our audience’s experience by eliminating the above obstacles.  A digitally-stored image will be just as clear and vibrant as the original source.

The film studios prefer their output to be viewed at the best possible quality and so they make newly-released films available sooner to those with digital technology – normally 6 weeks after the films’ premiere rather than maybe 6 months if Blu-ray discs are used.  They also make a wider range of titles available to be licensed – many streaming channels such as Netflix for example.  Their motives are not just related to image quality:  with a digital projector the film can be cryptographically-encrypted to deny media pirates a cut of the studios' income.  Also, the cost of creating multiple DVDs and/or Blu-ray discs for each language can be avoided.

With a new projector we will be able to run concurrent channels to enable a significantly better experience for those with sight or hearing difficulties.  Audio description delivered over wirelessly-connected headsets will help those with sight difficulties.  It is also possible to deliver an improved sound quality direct to suitably-equipped hearing aids.  In the same way different foreign languages could be delivered audiologically in a similar way to subtitles.

The higher quality of output would open the door to live event cinema that would benefit from increased fidelity – musical concerts and cultural events for example.  Finally, true 7.1 surround sound would be possible rather than the stereo or 5.1 in use currently.

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As we now come close to reaching our target, the Trustees re-evaluated the proposed purchase in light of present circumstances and have decided that rather than buying a digital projector as initially proposed, we should buy a laser based model.

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The reasons for this decision are that almost all of the benefits outlined above would be realised with a high quality laser projector, but this would cost perhaps half as much; and the balance of money would be better spent elsewhere.  Both Digital and new laser based projectors would give the following benefits:

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• better brightness - doubling the luminosity would be reasonable

• native 4K resolution 

• a noticeably improved colour gamut with HDR10 tone mapping

• significantly sharper contrast especially in dark scenes

• perfect geometry with no keystone distortion

• motorised controls for remote focusing 

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The enhancements that would be lost by not buying a digital model are that a few very early release films would not be available to us until the following season.  We would not have the option of live streaming some events from venues such as Royal Opera House.  Also, a minority of films which come with 8 full channels of sound would remain as now, downmixed to 6 + 2 channels.

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The updated quote for a digital projector is about £6,000 greater than the initial quote.  Another change since the original quote was received is that facilities to help those with sight, hearing, or language difficulties are soon likely to be available to those with laser based projectors.  Finally in the Trustees consideration, the anticipated obsolescence of disc based films has been pushed forward by perhaps 10 years.  

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If you donated to our Crowdfunder page based on the premise that the model of the projector you were contributing to was a digital one, and you’re not comfortable with the outcome of the trustees’ review, please discuss this with Eugene@RusthallCinema.club 

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