Operational help

Installing the distribution module

1. Plug the emitter cables into the distribution module (not required in the case of the combined emitter unit)
2. Plug the projector cable into the “Frame sync” socket of the distribution module
3. Plug in the power supply and turn the unit on.  Now check that the emitter cable LEDs are on and that the red LEDs on each emitter is on
4. Turn the unit off and plug the other end of the projector cable into the projector.  On some Christie machines, this is on the underside of the projector
5. The switches on the controller are as follows;
1. Local emitter – the dist unit has a small local emitter to provide a control signal to the projection room.  Leave this off if you can
2. Set up frame sync – leave off
3. Laser pointer – leave off
4. Invert polarity – if required, if the 3d appears backwards

5. Loading the DCP

Load the 3D content as usual.  We recommend playing the “XPand 3D trailer” immediately before the show

1. Any 2D content on a 3D show will need to be addressed as “3D”.  Most servers have this facility
2. Don’t forget to select the new 3D macro on the projector, either via the server or manually

At this stage you may wish to check the light output of your projector.  Active glasses are the most light efficient of any 3D system, however by definition 3D is not as bright on screen as 2D.  You may wish to check the lamp focus, increase the current or install a new lamp.

Glasses cleaning

Glasses need cleaning each show.  We can provide special wipes for this purpose, or you can use a lint free cloth with a tiny amount of anti-bacterial window cleaner to gently wipe the units each show.  NEVER use solvents or spirits

Getting the glasses back

We have talked to a lot of clients about this, and most agree that once a procedure is in place, it works.  The key to getting the glasses back is presence – having an attendant at the theatre door and making it an expectation that each client hands you a pair of glasses on the way out.  .  We strongly recommend screening the 3D “return your glasses” trailer at the beginning of the programme – this clearly advises the client that the glasses need to be returned.  However the key to getting the glasses back is controlling the exit of the cinema – once this is done effectively, most of our clients experience few if any glasses losses.  Tips;        

1. control the theatre so that there is only one point of exit
2. position an attendant at the exit BEFORE the credits roll
3. insist on a pair of glasses from each customer
4. if the client says “I’ve left them on the seat” suggest that the client returns and gets them  - softly enforcing the “no glasses, no exit” policy
5. allow only one pair of glasses to be held in the projection room – these are easily forgotten

Returning some glasses during the run

We are happy to take glasses back at any time during your booking, however we need to be notified of this on the MONDAY prior to the pickup (Friday).  Please call our office to confirm – we will then despatch a courier either on the following Thursday night or Friday.  If we don’t hear from you on the Monday, we will continue the booking with the full glasses contingent

Returning the kit

Simply clean the glasses, make a note of any lost or damaged glasses and have the gear ready for our courier to pick up.  Equipment needs to be ready by 11am on the Friday, or earlier as advised.  It is important to check that all the gear is included as often the kit goes straight to another theatre – if you opt for insurance, up to 2% of the glasses will be covered against loss or damage however no other kit is covered and we will have no alternative but to charge for lost or late items.

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