Used cinema server for postproduction company?

[edgecode]

Is there any sense in getting a used cinema server to hook up to our Barco DP2k to test DCPs we make? We are a post house and we use EasyDCP and DVS Clipster for DCP playback but I wonder if a server would be a better solution. What's involved in have it running? Licenses, maintenance contracts?

Thanks in advance for your input.

[IoannisSyrogiannis]

Please, take my opinion as exactly that, an opinion.
In response to whether there is any sense, the answer is yes.
Though, I can't tell what is your setup now.
I mean, you use Clipster (hardware exclusive, or the newest version? out of curiosity) or EasyDCP to send to Barco DP2K a 2048x1080 XYZ 24/25 fps signal through dual HD-SDI, that is then cropped by the projector, depending on the preset? Or do you send an (U/)HD signal RGB 60 fps through DVI, that you then resize and crop according to the presets for alternative content? Or, do you use the monitor of the system where you run the Clipster or EasyDCP?

I am asking about the setup, because it might as well be that what you use right now is more than enough, so the gain would be insignificant, or out of scope.

One part of sensible use of a cinema server for the cinema projector, is to verify the outlook of the DCP on a setup similar to the one of your customers.
The other part is what troubleshooting might be useful to make. Yet, the catch here is that what works well with one setup, another machine might not be comfortable with.

Meaning, there was an issue with some DCPs, in the past, especially on Dolby DSS200 servers with Cat.862 media blocks. (That is one of the older media blocks that are not integrated, not-IMBs.) Other, newer servers didn't have the issue. Yet, QC-ing for all servers out there on the field doesn't make sense and is most probably beyond the scope of your company.

Though, catching an error that has to do with missing glyphs on fonts, or colors/position of subtitles that don't look well, or changes of aspect ratios within the feature, etc., etc. might be time saving and might not turn up or not be distinguishable on a software player. The examples here are not exhaustive.

It goes without saying that when playing out of a cinema-server, it will be the source of audio as well. And that is another check step, as well as another consideration, on putting the cinema-server in work.

Bottom line, it may be sensible, but it might as well be too much trouble for too little a gain.

There are some companies that offer a "subscription" type of support, where you need to pay, so may have updates (even necessary ones) and certificate extensions, where for most of them (companies) provide that with any server that is not end-of-life. If you are to purchase a second-hand machine, check its life expectancy and (even more important) that its media block battery is in good shape. If the certificates are lost, it will be of little use to you. Same if it is a Doremi ShowVault or Dolby/Doremi IMS that was not updated and had its certificates renewed during the (time-)window that is long passed now. Concerns are also to be addressed in regards to (compatible/approved-for-guarantee) disk drives.

Best of luck

[edgecode]

Thaks.

To clarify, we are not concerned with image quality evaluation. It is a solved problem for us. XYZ at 24 fps via SDI to projector with proper presets, regularly serviced and calibrated. Our Clipster is old, hardware–based and not upgradable but EasyDCP Player is a fine alternative. So it is not about just some way of playing DCPs. What I have in mind is checking CRU kits before shipping them out. For sound we have Datasat AP20 which seems to be an adequate setup.

On the other hand this is mostly motivated by my personal, not fully rational, despisal of Clipster.

[Carsten]

It is certainly not a bad idea to do at least one check of a DCP on a real DCI machine. There are no forced licenses or maintenance contracts involved if you want to operate a server.

For a Barco, you might want to choose a used ICMP or ICMP-X.

[edgecode]

Thanks.

ICMP seems to be a rarity on ebay but there are a few GDC and Doremi units listed.

[Carsten]

You need to stay away from the HD-SDI based solutions that involve a JPEG decoder card in the server and an ENIGMA board in the projector. They are limited in playback bandwidth and there is a huge risc involved in these devices to suddenly die due to their age.
Do you know wether there is an enigma board within your projector?

If you can get a hand on a Doremi ShowVault IMB, that would probably be a useful entry.

The ICMP has a lot more connectivity options, though. You may inquire with cinema distributors/integrators or Barco directly.

Also, the ICMP integrates much better with the DP2K, they have been developed to complement each other.

[edgecode]

Much appreciated.