Technical Information

Projection

FLIX Student Cinema currently uses standard 35mm cinematic film stock, using our in house Cinemeccanica Victoria 5 projector (Vicky). Films are run on a long play tower system, so only a single 35mm projector is required. This is similar to the kind of projector used in most modern multiplexes, with a 2000W lamp in order to give clear crisp images.

Films typically arrive in several 'reels' delivered in seperate cans, each arounds 20 minutes worth of film.

Each of these pieces are then 'spliced' - linked together, so they form one seamless piece of film, which, for long films, is over 2 miles long!

To show our films, we use a long play tower system. Each side has the capacity to hold a full film, complete with trailers and all the trimmings. The tower releases film onto the projector rollers, with the lower reel rotating to recover the shown film. At the end of a showing, the film is then rewound ready to show again, or be dismantled to return.

All of the films we show are printed on standard cinematic film stock. Usually this is 35mm as is the industry standard¹ and is shown on a Cinemeccanica Victoria 5 projector with a 1600W lamp. This is the standard non-digital projector used by most modern Multiplexes.

Sound

Since the move to our new location, Flix has invested greatly in developing a rich sound experience.

Back in the 80's, cinema was limited to only mono and stereo sound. In recent years, 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound, and Digital Theatre Systems (DTS) have become standard, and the Flix film-projector can read both versions.

Flix currently uses 5 channel Dolby Digital Surround sound, where the sound is broken down into three forward channels, two surround and one bass component. Front, Left and Right channels provide the crisp clear sound modern audiences expect. 14 surround speakers are split between left and right surround signals, and are mounted all around the rear of the room for a fully immersive sound experience. Finally, a large bass unit gives the sound an extra boost at all the right moment, and a greater depth throughout the whole film.

As an alternative to Dolby Surround, Digital Theatre Systems (DTS) can also be read. The DTS-6 processor provides a clearer digital signal, as all of the sound signal is stored on CD's. Digitally encoded 'time codes' are stored on the film, instead of the soundtrack itself. This removes the chances of interference caused by wear, or dirt which can occur with the Dolby system. These are read by an infra-red reader and decoded. The sound processor then uses this to synchronize the film with the CD.

1. 35mm film print is the standard for the display of non-digital films. Digital cinema is gradually replacing film print thanks to lower operating costs and easier usage. Flix is currently looking to incorporate digital cinema in the near future due to the expected decline in the production of 35mm prints. In addition many digital methods enable 3D screenings. For more information on this, please visit our section on the future of Flix