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Poor Picture At Your Local Cinema?

Posted by Unknown on from the just-make-everything-three-dee dept.

The Hub writes "Have you ever noticed that the picture in your local movie theater is too dark or grainy? The Boston Globe does some good ol' fashioned investigative reporting to find the culprit. Apparently, the cause is linked to some 3D digital projectors requiring a technically challenging lens switch for 2D movies that sometimes doesn't happen."

6 of 178 comments (clear)

  1. Re:As another thread on a recent Sony article indi by oh-dark-thirty · · Score: 5, Insightful

    And it's not just picture issues, but as TFA mentioned there are sometimes sound problems that go uncorrected for long periods. I drastically reduced my movie-going years ago when I realized I could invest a few grand at home, and come pretty darn close to the theater experience, in some cases surpass it. If I'm paying $10-$15 for a movie ticket, I expect a properly calibrated projector and sound system. Oh and let's all be surprised at once that Sony locks down their pro equipment even tighter than the consumer shit.

  2. Re:Easy by Ironchew · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Profits.
    Introducing DRM into component swapping is intended to eliminate third-party replacement parts, thus allowing the manufacturer to completely control the product cycle, and allowing them to charge any price for replacement parts.

  3. Pre-3D? by SilverHatHacker · · Score: 5, Insightful

    How about explaining why the picture sucked at my local cinema before this 3D craze took off?

    --
    Funny may not give karma, but +5 Informative never made anyone snort coffee out their nose.
  4. Why do I need to go to the theater? by Craig+Maloney · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Gee, so on top of the projector problems, I have the various annoyances from people not behaving properly in the theater, possible sound-quality issues, and an overall sub-par experience. Or I could just wait for it to come out on DVD, and watch it at home, where I know the quality of the TV, DVD player, and sound system. And I can pause it if I need to take a potty break.

    So what's the benefit to me for seeing it in the movie theater?

    (And no, 3D is not a benefit because my wife gets splitting headaches from watching 3D movies).

  5. One more nail in the coffin? by eth1 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    So, let's recap again:
    Home theatre:
    - Better sound (always in the sweet spot)
    - Better, cheaper food
    - Alcohol, if inclined
    - No cell phones
    - No lines
    - No noisy neighbors
    - Can pause for bathroom breaks and food refills
    - More comfortable seats
    - and now better picture

    Cinema:
    - New releases available immediately
    - Can go with large group
    - 3D (I already wear glasses, so this isn't necessarily an advantage)

    HT costs a lot up-front, but once you have it, you'll use it a lot - especially considering it works for TV and gaming. (My setup would take about 125 cinema trips for two to break even)

  6. Re:As another thread on a recent Sony article indi by blair1q · · Score: 3, Insightful

    When that happens, leave the movie, go to the manager's office, pound on the door, and raise a stink.