ypsifly
Enlightened
We have an Imax theater where I work and we got to take a tour of the projection booth on Monday. The technology is amazing and the projector itself weighs two tons! They keep the room at 72 degrees and at about %45-55 humidity to maintain film quality. The best part was getting to hold one of the xenon bulbs. They draw 15kw and have ports on each side to allow something like 8 gallons of cool water a minute to pass through it. They cost $5000 a piece and get replaced every three months. I wish I had my camera with me, but here's a couple links to give you an idea:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenon_arc_lamp
http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/imax1.htm
A closeup of the bulb: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...n_short_arc_1.jpg/800px-Xenon_short_arc_1.jpg
My GF's uncle might be getting a job there as a projectionist, so I might be able to get some better pics. I'm also going to talk to the head projectionist and ask him what happens to the old bulbs. Wouldn't that make for a sweet shelf queen!
I don't know if it is standard practice at Imax, but the one at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI allows visitors to view the booth from behind a glass wall between shows. Just follow the signs up to the third floor.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenon_arc_lamp
http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/imax1.htm
A closeup of the bulb: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...n_short_arc_1.jpg/800px-Xenon_short_arc_1.jpg
My GF's uncle might be getting a job there as a projectionist, so I might be able to get some better pics. I'm also going to talk to the head projectionist and ask him what happens to the old bulbs. Wouldn't that make for a sweet shelf queen!
I don't know if it is standard practice at Imax, but the one at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI allows visitors to view the booth from behind a glass wall between shows. Just follow the signs up to the third floor.