Screen Illumination of 35-mm Film Projection

Since 1978, the U.S. standard for motion-picture screen illumination has been 16 fL, with appropriate tolerances, although most of the rest of the world is standardized at around 11 fL. This article traces the development of the 16-fL standard, first with carbon-arc equipment and later with xenon. The problems encountered in maintaining the standard by modern automated multiple theaters with reduced operating personnel are discussed. Additionally, the variations in screen brightness levels as a function of screen format geometry are investigated.

Print ISSN

0036-1682

Published

1983-12

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J04220