PRIMARY TECHNICAL TRAINING

For those starting a career in the cinema industry or those with a basic knowledge of cinema operations this course provides a solid foundation upon which to build your skill set. Participants learn the proper techniques and procedures of projection room operations: answering the questions of What & How It Works In The Projection Booth. All the components of a cinema’s projection and sound equipment are covered and their function and interfacing explained.

Proper film handling and makeup, including: film inspection, splicing and film cues, presentation setup (features, trailers, promos), proper threading and use of leaders, moving film prints, handling film wraps and their prevention, basic projection room equipment troubleshooting and day-to-day equipment maintenance are all covered in this course. The concepts of picture formats and lens are also discussed.

This two day training program is truly hands-on with participants performing film inspection and makeup, threading, routine maintenance procedures, parts replacement on actual projectors and film platter systems, proper xenon lamp replacement and alignment and how to troubleshoot a sound problem. Operation of a digital projector will also be demonstrated. Booth safety is stressed throughout.

This is a must course for those beginning or having a basic knowledge of film projection and it sets the foundation for all other CTC technical training programs.

INTERMEDIATE TECHNICAL TRAINING

This course is geared toward the individual who already has a foundation in film handling and basic projection room procedures and wants to further enhance their technical skills. Areas covered include: film platter timing and adjustment, film shutter timing, proper procedure for checking Dolby sound levels and the running of test tone and buzz track. Film formats and the concept of image sizes and apertures in conjunction with RP40 picture alignment test film is demonstrated with each participant threading and running test film loops. Troubleshooting a xenon power supply (rectifier) and the replacement and tapping of diodes is covered.

More in depth aspects of digital projection will also be addressed, including programming and lamp replacement.

Throughout the course emphasis is placed upon proper equipment parts terminology and definitions with a review of the A & B Sound Chain components.

ADVANCED TECHNICAL TRAINING

This intensive course is specifically geared towards each individual participant and his/her pre-existing technical knowledge.

For the experienced cinema projectionist/technician or audio specialist, this high impact 3 day Program covers advanced audio topics and enhances skills and knowledge regarding the on-screen image and exacting the best performance from modern projection equipment – both film and digital.

Topics include: A & B sound chain alignment, installation/alignment of LED sound readers (analog and digital) and, the proper installation of sound racks detailing audio cabling, audio component wiring, tuning, and the proper use and maintenance of all system components. Popular models of audio equipment will be demonstrated and highlighted, including: Dolby, DTS, Ultra Stereo, Smart, Panastereo, QSC, Yamaha, JBL, Electro-Voice, etc. The audio segment culminates with each participant performing an auditorium sound equalization.

On the projection side topics include: lens turrets and sizing, cutting and sizing of apertures, and the servicing of film gates and intermittents. Troubleshooting for xenon lamp failures, power supply malfunctions, and the proper use of image test films and equipment will be covered. The trend toward pre-feature promotions and alternative content will be explored and each participant will operate and learn the good and bad of digital projectors.

Participants are encouraged to bring technical issues or problems they are experiencing for discussion and resolution. This is training for those seeking to hone their skills or have a desire to advance their already solid technical capabilities. Emphasis is placed upon improving each participant’s technical diagnostic skills.

Test equipment, including oscilloscopes, real time analyzers, sound level meters, test films and discs, and PC generated test setups are provided or participants are welcomed to bring their own test gear. Those with a goal of working as a cinema technician or engineer or those who desire to enhance their technical skills should strongly consider this training. Dolby and THX testing procedures and guidelines are incorporated in the training.