Theatre Catalog (1949-50)

% an) The Simplex X-L Projector and Sound System Years of Exhaustive Research and Testing Result In Many Worthy Design and Operating Improvements BRIEF: Good projection and sound are ... beyond any shadow of a doubt... the two most important pillars on which a theatre’s reputation for clear and audible shows rest ... Without them no picture . . . not even an Academy Award winner ...can hope to achieve and maintain satisfactory grosses at the boxoffice . -. Poor light or bad focus on the screen and rasping sound can destroy the patron’s appreciation of the film .. . as readily as a shabby coat of paint can blind his eyes to the fine mechanical qualities of an automobile. In recognition of the inescapable fact that better projection and sound make for better theatres, the International Projector Corporation . . . one of the leaders among equipment manufacturers... has devoted the resources at its command toward the attainment of these goals... The latest results of the firm’s efforts . . . the Simplex X-L Projector and Sound System .. . incorporate many advances in projection and sound techniques that are new and noteworthy. A reading of the following article will suffice to show why such Simplex innovations as a single-unit, built-in conical rear shutter . . . which is so positioned in relation to the aperture that it affords a sharply defined cutoff of light... have been hailed with enthusiasm .. . and this is but one of several new developments. THE SIMPLEX X-L PROJECTOR Marking the first time since the early 1930’s that the International Projector Corporation has developed an entirely new projector, the new Simplex X-L machine evidences, in its graceful lines, design features, and revolutionary operational merits, a painstaking five-year period of development and experiment. The engineering group assigned to the task of producing a projector which would excell in every way did not cease their labors until they were fully satisfied that every part of the mechanism was as flawless as they could make it. Even after the Simplex X-L had passed with high honors a series of gruelling tests in the laboratory, its designers decided to provide a double-check by field-testing a number of experimental units in all types of theatres. These tests were run for well over a year under the most trying conditions in every kind of house from the 24-hour-aday “grind” to the one-show-a-day village theatre. When this exhaustive period of trial came to end, enthusiastic reports from managers and projectionists in every theatre where the Simplex X-L Projector had been installed proved conclusively that every intended specification had been met. It was time, then, to introduce it across the nation. 396 Lens and Focusing In keeping with the growing trend toward the use of high-speed lenses, the Simplex X-L has been outfitted with a new lens mount which can accommodate any lens up to and including four inches in diameter and having a speed of f:1.6. Since many theatres, especially drive-ins, have been at a distinct disadvantage in the past due to the unavailability of such a large lens mount, this feature of the Simplex X-L should prove particularly appealing to them. Rapid, precise lens focusing is greatly simplified by means of the unique Simplex X-L micromatic Screenscope. By sighting toward the screen through this built-in unit, which employs an 8-power lens with prism, the projectionist may focus exactly any type of film print by manipulating the focusing knob positioned close at hand. Operating Visibility Since it is of utmost importance that an operator be able to keep careful check on his machine as it runs, a clear view of the mechanism is essential. The designers of the Simplex X-L have neatly provided for this need by the incorporation of a large glass panel on the operating side which, along with the illuminated film compartment, makes it possible for the projectionist to keep careful check on the entire mechanism while it is running. In addition, an enlarged sightbox, with eye-protective glass which obviates the necessity for stooping or squinting in an ungainly position, makes MANY NEW DEVELOPMENTS and modern: adaptations such as the “Screenscopo” for pin-point f i the conical shutter, the four-inch lens mount, and simplified oiling, feature theinee; Siniplec X-Canianee THEATRE CATALOG 1949-50