what powers the Small Back Room

We're big fans of the Philips-made Norelco projectors around here. The FP-16 16mm pedestal machine has a Geneva Movement instead of a claw, making for an astoundingly steady picture. Just like its 35mm big brother, the FP-20, it is very gentle on film and has few points of contact.

As of January, we've even got Dolby installed by way of a 1980's-era CP-55 processor: a classic workhorse, updated with an additional SR encoder for modern tracks. Is there another 8-seat cinema in the area with 35mm, 16mm and Dolby? We are guessing... no.

Here's the complete inventory of the SBM nerve center:

• Norelco/Philips FP-16 16mm projector: ORCON 1000w integrated lamphouse, Schneider and ISCO lenses for 1.37, 1.66 and 'scope
• Norelco/Philips FP-20 35mm projector: ORCON 1000w integrated lamphouse, ISCO lenses for 1.37, 1.66, 1.85 and 'scope. Suspended 6000' reel arm for extended play.
• Dolby CP-55 Surround Processor with external Dolby SR decoder
• Ultra Stereo CM-35 booth monitor
• Mackie CFX6 mixer (crap - but handy)
• Sanyo PLV-Z5 LCD video projector... which rarely gets turned on
• a variety of consumer-level power amps from 30-100W per channel
• adequate home stereo speakers for left, center, right, surround L/R
• ridiculous "double port" stairway - the projected image crosses the stairs into the cinema

Setting up a professional-grade celluloid screening room is now almost preposterously inexpensive. Considering how much this equipment cost when new, and taking into account the onset of HD in cinemas, it will only become cheaper.