New projector arrives at Princess Theater
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It’s been a long time, but anything worth having is worth waiting for.
And the wait is almost over for movies-goers in Ringgold County as the new projector has arrived at the Princess Theater in Mount Ayr.
According to theater manager Karen Bender, installation of the projector should happen this week with the Princess back open for business in time for Valentine’s Day weekend.
The historic theater has been closed since December 14 when its 13-year-old projector unexpectedly malfunctioned.
The Princess board of directors were faced with two alternatives: refurbish the existing projector for an estimated $20,000 or purchase a new projector for nearly $50,000. After much deliberation, the board chose to order an entirely new unit.
Now after eight weeks, the new projector has arrived in Mount Ayr.
At a cost of $49,000, the Belgium-made Barco Laser Projector carries with it a life expectancy of 40,000 operational hours.
Unlike the old unit, the Barco projector uses a laser beam rather than traditional light bulbs to produce the image on screen. Those bulbs had cost nearly $1,000 each and needed to be replaced periodically.
In addition, the laser will project a more vivid and brilliant image on screen.
Bender said the new unit is about 35% more energy efficient and operates a much cooler temperature, thus eliminating the need to run the large vent fan in the projection room.
Installers with Heartland Theatre Services had estimated the installation process would be relatively straight forward with switching out the old proctor for the new one. No other modifications or fabrications would be required.
If all goes as planned, watch for an official announcement of the reopening of the Princess Theater within the next few days.
