Answers to frequently Asked Questions

 

GENERAL INFORMATION.

Alpha Pro lenses (independently mounted) are just much larger versions of the corresponding Alpha (mounted to projector withe XM3 plate) lens models. There is no performance difference on the screen. The Alpha Pro models are recommended for projectors with larger beams or to provide a more “future-proof” lens to be used for when a larger projector replacement may be desired in the future.

Both the Alpha DCR/CDR and Alpha Pro DCR/CDR include Panamorph’s fully-coated, proprietary, distortion-free optical system whereas the DCR/CDR-G2 ($6,995) uses the same industry-awarded performance as previous DCR models. DCR lenses deliver approximately 23% higher brightness and CDR lenses deliver approximately 30% higher brightness for the cinema format. 

The Alpha DCR/CDR and DCR/CDR-G2 include the XM3 plate system for direct mounting to Sony XW, JVC D-ILA and Epson QB/LS projectors or for mounting the XM3 plate between the projector and ceiling mount. A bracket is included with the Alpha Pro either for shelf mounting or to attach to a dedicated Chief RPA/RPM ceiling mount (not included).

Recommended throw distance for all lens models is between 12 and 35 feet. Optional corrector components ($5,000 MSRP) can modify the Alpha Pro DCR/CDR for optimum performance at 30′ – 40′, and 40′ – 70′. 

Lenses support projectors up to 12,000 lumens (Alpha and DCR/CDR-G2) and 30,000 lumens (Alpha Pro DCR/CDR).

No projector zoom/shift/focus features are needed with any Panamorph lens model.

LENS MODEL EVOLUTIONS. Alpha and Alpha Pro lenses have replaced all earlier lens designs due to their inherent lack of geometric distortion, making them far easier to install and use.

SCREEN FORMATS. The 2.35:1 cinema format is obsolete. This format was officially replaced in 1972 by the Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) standards committee with the 2.4:1 cinema format. Some additional screen border masking may be needed to fully fit standard 2.4:1 content onto a 2.35:1 screen.  Even on a 2.4:1 screen, border width should ideally be a minimum of 1.5” (37mm) to mask content aspect ratio variations.

WATCHING SMALLER FORMAT CONTENT IN A 2.4:1 CINEMA FORMAT THEATER. All anamorphic-compatible projectors include both a mode to show 16:9 content in the center of the 2.4:1 screen as well as a mode to linearly stretch 16:9 content to fill the 2.4:1 (See the relevant blog post here) depending on user preference.

SUBTITLES. Captions and subtitles are often placed at the bottom of wide screen content and therefore may be cut off on a 2.4:1 screen. Many Blu-ray players offer the ability for subtitles in Blu-ray content to be shifted as desired so they become visible. However, streaming services typically force subtitles to a location without the ability to reposition. In this case content should be treated as 16:9 so that the subtitles below and above the image can appear.  AppleTV is leading the revolution toward anamorphic 2.4:1 projection with not only anamorphic modes but also subtitle repositioning, but the various other content provider apps on an AppleTV device still need to be evolved to take advantage of these features. As a simpler and more universal solution, Panamorph is working with projector manufactures to include subtitle treatment.

PROJECTOR ORIENTATION. The projector should be ideally mounted horizontally +/- 3” from screen center and at a height equal to or slightly above the top of the screen image for best geometry (for more details see the lens model manual).

OLDER LENS PRODUCTS. Older UH480 and DC1 lens models (ie prior to 2015) are not recommended for today’s true 4K (and higher) projectors. Panamorph does not manufacture supporting hardware or service components for these older lens models and transports.