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Projector system

In motion picture theater the film is actually placed on a "platter" system as opposed to a big, vertical reel (like a home 8mm film projector might use).

 

The film is open and exposed to the environment of the booth - so it's important it's treated carefully and conditions are controlled.

 

The platters spin and a center set of rollers and attenuaters control the speed of rotation as the film is pulled through the rollers, across open space to a set of rollers on a center-column, across more open space to the projector itself.

 

The projector runs the 35mm film at 32 frames per second through a series of intricate rollers and guides - then back to the platter system where it's rolled up onto another platter.

 

When it's time for that movie to run again - THAT platter becomes the feed for the movie - and the whole process is reversed - alternating feed and take-up platters.

 

We also have a third-platter on every projector which allows us to do "double features" in each theater house. Two different films will occupy two of the platters while one remains free for takeup. A careful system of feed/takeup alternations allow one projector to rotate through two movies all day long and never have to remove the film from the system.

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Uploaded on May 4, 2006