Balancing the technologies in digital cinema systems

An efficient digital cinema system design balances the use of off-the-shelf technology with specialized hardware and software designed to meet the spe cific needs of this application. For instance, the use of standard computer storage, networking, and communication equipment results in cost-effective design that benefits from other widespread uses of these technologies. How ever, certain functions required for a high-quality reliable, secure digita l cinema system must be custom developed specifically for this application. Electronic projection equipment, image compression systems, and security s ubsystems are three areas in which existing technology developed for other applications will not be adequate to meet the demands and current practices of cinema operations. This paper addresses the proper combination of off-t he-shelf high-volume equipment and technology specifically developed for an acceptable digital cinema system solution.