Christie is demonstrating its new laser phosphor (LaPh) projection technology at BIRTV 2015. Capable of 22,000 lumens, and 30,000 hours to
50 per cent brightness, this new technology features reduced maintenance costs, lower environmental impact, and simplifies operational workflows.
Following on the recent announcement of the Christie CP2208 cinema projector, this prelude to Christie’s LaPh line-up is a clear example of the company’s commitment to the exhibition community. “Our customers are looking for choice, whether that be Xenon lamps, pure RGB laser or laser phosphor technologies,” said Don Shaw, senior director, product management, Christie. “As each customer environment is unique and, consistent with our 85-year tradition in cinema, we continue to be focused on meeting the individual needs of each exhibitor.”
Shaw added that “Lamp-based projectors remain a very popular and proven choice for exhibitors. However, many exhibitors are now looking to reduce the operational costs and environmental considerations associated with ongoing lamp usage. LaPh illumination systems provide a viable option for these exhibitors across a broad range of brightness classes commonly used for cinema projection.”
Christie’s approach to new technologies is to first focus on the market need, then apply significant research and development to ensure best in class products, focusing on performance, reliability, and value. “We are previewing our 22,000 lumen laser phosphor projector for cinema, just one of many different LaPh projection solutions from Christie, that will eventually serve a diverse segment of cinema and other professional projection applications,” said Shaw.
“Our familiarity and expertise with LaPh technology, as evidenced in the introduction of our GS Series for professional use outside of cinema, positioned us to move quickly into a system that is optimized for use in more demanding cinema applications,” said Shaw. “With laser phosphor and xenon lamp illumination systems covering the entry and mid-range market segments for cinema projection, all the way up to the power and brightness of Christie RGB laser projection for premium large format (PLF) screens, Christie is once again showing unparalleled diversity in products and services required by exhibitors around the world.”
The Christie CP2208-LP, Christie’s first laser phosphor solution for cinema, will be available in early 2016, followed shortly thereafter by a family of powerful LaPh products spanning the range up to 22,000 lumens. Christie’s other plans for LaPh illumination in cinema includes offering retrofit kits for those customers who currently have lamp-based digital cinema projectors. Starting first with retrofit kits for ~10K lumen class products, then followed by future retrofit kits that will be released in lockstep with brighter LaPh projectors as the company moves up to the maximum capabilities of this exciting new technology. Customers interested in the retrofit kits will have the option of purchasing the kits or leasing them from Christie on a monthly basis.