The riveting colours and shimmering brightness of the Christie® 3P laser system is
enthralling audiences at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
The museum’s 325-seat Naval Aviation Memorial Giant Screen Theatre, home to
“The Magic of Flight’ – a film tracing the history of aviation – recently upgraded to a
Christie CP42LH projector head that is not only saving the Foundation over $200,000
annually, it has increased attendance by 20 percent. Installed by D3D Cinema, the
projection upgrade was part of the museum’s renovation that includes a stage and
presentation area at the front of the theatre.
“I knew about D3D Cinema and the great work they did using Christie laser at the
National Infantry Museum, so I went to Derek Threinen at D3D and told him what
we wanted, which was a 2D projection system with the latest technology,’ said
Phillip Crabtree, operations manager for visitor attractions, Naval Aviation Museum
Foundation. “We wanted 2D because our signature film, “The Magic of Flight,’ was
shot in 2D. The timing hit right with laser coming out and Derek’s answer was, “I am
going to talk with Christie and if we can make this happen we will do it with RGB
laser for the light source and in 4K resolution.’’
“The museum wanted a technology that would have their audiences blown away by
the new experience, but were mindful that they needed to stay on budget,’ added
Derek Threinen, vice president, Film Distribution and Business Development, Giant
Screen Films / D3D Cinema. “We designed a system that allows the museum to put
an incredibly bright image on the screen with the Christie CP42LH laser projector.’
Laser modules can be easily added, removed, activated or disabled using the
Christie modular laser system and each laser module is independently cooled,
providing built-in fault protection, improved efficiency and the ultimate in reliability.
“With this Christie 3P laser system, we are saving well over $200,000 a year in
overall costs including the cost of buying new film prints, replacing lamps – which
were very expensive with our previous system – paying royalties, and the
maintenance costs. This is net revenue for us and is money we’re not spending –
that is a big deal for us,’ Crabtree said.
“With D3D and Christie, we were buying this equipment outright and we have
optional service plans to cover us down the road. We aren’t paying a per-head or
per-year royalty to the projector manufacturer. For us in 2016, that does not fit our
business model.’
Threinen commended the Christie technology and team. “Our experience working
with Christie was phenomenal; they are supportive throughout the process –
whether it is engineering, the installation itself or on-going support,’ he said. “We
know we can rely on Christie and its laser system.’
