- Sushil Motwani, Founder of Aytexcel Pvt Ltd, says that technically upgraded home projectors ensure increased audience engagement
JAMMU: Watching movies in large cinema halls was a fascinating experience in the past, especially before 2000, when one would be amazed by the massive film-based projectors creating on-screen magic. Later, with the advent of digital cinema during the 2000s, traditional film-based projectors transitioned to digital technology.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic in 202o further accelerated a shift from theatres to home entertainment, leading to a surge in demand for laser projectors over traditional lamp-based home theatre systems. Today, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors are setting the trend, with their popularity growing steadily.
âAt the core of this popularity is the advanced technological integration of UST projectors, which prioritise visual quality, immersive sound, portability, and convenience. These devices, capable of delivering massive screen sizes of up to 150â200 inches from a short throw distance, rapidly replace traditional lamp-based projectors and even television sets in homes.
Filmmakers are also adapting by creating productions that cater to both the theatrical experience and home theatre audiences nowadays,â says Sushil Motwani, Founder of Aytexcel Pvt Ltd, the official India representative for Formovie.According to Mr Motwani, here are five key ways in which the advancement of digital technology, particularly laser projection, is transforming the home theatre segment and offering filmmakers the creative freedom to experiment.
Stunning picture quality
Most films today are shot in 4K, which has become the standard resolution. Likewise, nearly all premium UST projectors now offer 4K UHD resolution (3840 Ă 2160 pixels), delivering sharper, lifelike images and richer colours, elevating the movie experience to a whole new level. Meanwhile, the integration of features like Advanced Laser Phosphor DisplayÂź (ALPD) will enable these devices to display content with rich image quality, as intended by the filmmakers.
Enhanced creativity
The advent of digital technology has allowed filmmakers to unleash their creativity without limitations. Earlier, they had to be mindful of film roll wastage while shooting, but digital cameras eliminate this constraint, enabling greater experimentation with visual effects, narratives and non-linear storytelling. Meanwhile, laser projectors ensure that content is displayed without quality loss. Moreover, various OTT platforms offer filmmakers the opportunity to stream their content in true 4K resolution.
Eco-friendliness
Sustainability is a crucial aspect that requires attention. Laser projectors outperform traditional lamp-based projectors in this regard by significantly reducing power consumption. Moreover, manufacturers ensure that environmentally friendly measures are implemented at every stage of the product life cycle, from production to packaging and logistics. Also, consider the size of traditional projectors used in cinema hallsâthey were massive and contained hazardous emissions like mercury. Modern projectors eliminate these risks, consume less space and have a longer lifespan.
Cost-effective production
Digital technology impacts every aspect of modern filmmaking, from cameras and spot editing to visual effects and post-production. Even distribution now relies on digital cinema solution providers and digital platforms. With digital cameras, directors can shoot and reshoot sequences until they capture the one that matches their vision, without worrying about escalating costs. Digital cameras also offer advanced features that enable shooting with minimal lighting.
Audience engagement
UST projectors have had a transformative impact on how content is consumed in the home entertainment sector. Whether for movies, gaming, business presentations, or major events, laser projectors are now widely used to elevate audience engagement. For example, premium UST projectors are equipped with true Dolby/DTS sound and built-in speakers powered by industry leaders like Bowers & Wilkins. This allows consumers to experience the same surround sound as they would in a cinema, right in their homes. Filmmakers can also be confident that their audience will enjoy even the subtlest sounds at home, exactly as intended.
