Optics of digital cinema

George P. Pinho

doi:10.1117/12.473832

28 March 2003 Optics of digital cinema

George P. Pinho

Proceedings Volume 5002, Projection Displays IX; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.473832
Event: Electronic Imaging 2003, 2003, Santa Clara, CA, United States

Abstract

The wide acceptance of digital cinema depends on the ability of the projector to at the very least match film in color gamut, contrast, brightness, and resolution consistently. In most cases, digital projection is expected to even outperform film as a requirement for switching from film to digital because of digital projection cost. This paper examines DLP based digital projection and the optics required to produce an acceptable digital image that exceeds theatrical release film. Optical path efficiencies, tolerances, coating properties and the DMD are important parameters for color, brightness, contrast, and uniformity of the image. The efficiency and tolerancing of the optical system are key drivers for obtaining consistent high brightness and uniformity, while coatings and the DMD mainly affect consistency in color and contrast. DLP Cinema projection, based on the optics discussed, is shown to deliver a stable color gamut slightly smaller than film having consistent uniformity <300 K across a native white image with consistent brightness of 12 ft-L on screens up to 15 m. The contrast and resolution are native to the DMD but contrast can be influenced using apertures in the lenses and illumination system. Contrasts up to 3000:1 on/off are possible by the use of asymmetric apertures. These results are compared to the color gamut, contrast, brightness, and resolution of typical theatrical release film.

Citation Download Citation

George P. Pinho "Optics of digital cinema", Proc. SPIE 5002, Projection Displays IX, (28 March 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.473832

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available