Gary Edwin Nothhard

25.4: A Laser-Based Digital Cinema Projector

A fully functional DCI capable prototype Laser Digital Cinema Projector has been developed by Eastman Kodak Company using an innovative optical architecture. The prototype demonstrates the potential of the long life and lower operational costs of lasers while minimizing the incremental costs to manufacture. The projector provides over 10,000:1 contrast ratio, an increased color gamut, and an integrated 3D capability that is significantly brighter than is common today in cinema. These attributes are delivered while addressing the impact of laser speckle, eye safety, and other potential impediments to commercialization.

An LCOS-based digital-cinema projector

— A digital cinema projector that utilizes three JVC QXGALCDs, and provides 12,000 lumens, 2000:1 contrast, and 3-Mpixel resolution was developed. This system, which was described in a prior paper (see Ref. 10), has a novel optical configuration based on the use of intermediate imaging optics and wire-grid polarizers and is described in greater detail in this paper. The polarization optics, including the polarization compensators, contribute to a system that provides high contrast at a low f/#, with a wide color gamut and minimal color shading at high power.