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Foil cues: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Kelmar Digital Cue Applicator.JPG|300px|thumb|right|Kelmar digital cue applicator using aluminized mylar tape.]] | [[File:Kelmar Digital Cue Applicator.JPG|300px|thumb|right|Kelmar digital cue applicator using aluminized mylar tape.]] | ||
[[File:Foil_cues.jpg|250px|thumb|right]] | [[File:Foil_cues.jpg|250px|thumb|right]] | ||
'''Foil cues''' are short strips of adhesive foil attached to the edge of a | '''Foil cues''' are short strips of adhesive foil attached to the edge of a projection print. They are used to facilitate auditorium and projection booth automation, and were historically common in a [[multiplex]] setting. Today their primary use is in museum and gallery settings, where they may be used as part of a semi-automated film installation. | ||
Foil cues were widely used during the multiplex era, but are rarely used today. They are not considered compatible with archival best practices. | When using foil cues, a proximity cue detector is embedded somewhere in the projector's normal thread path; when the foil cue passes through the proximity cue detector, the circuitry closes the appropriate relay and triggers the desired automated function. | ||
Foil cues were widely used during the multiplex era, but are rarely used in theatrical settings today. They are not considered compatible with archival best practices. | |||
== Functionality == | == Functionality == | ||
Historically, foil cues were used to trigger many common projectionist tasks, including, but not limited to: | |||
* Raising or lowering auditorium lights | * Raising or lowering auditorium lights | ||
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* Activating the projector [[changeover]] function | * Activating the projector [[changeover]] function | ||
* Turn the lamphouse on or off | * Turn the lamphouse on or off | ||
Cue proximity detectors were programmed to detect [[inboard]] foil cues, [[outboard]] foil cues, and crossframe foil cues. Several manufacturers produced foil cue readers, and many multiplex managers customized the technology to fit their specific needs. As foil cue position and function were never standardized for all theaters, they could not be applied in advance by the [[laboratory]], [[distributor]], or [[exchange]] manager. Foil cues were always applied by the projectionist with an eye towards the venue's specific needs, often during the print inspection and make-up process. | Cue proximity detectors were programmed to detect [[inboard]] foil cues, [[outboard]] foil cues, and crossframe foil cues. Several manufacturers produced foil cue readers, and many multiplex managers customized the technology to fit their specific needs. As foil cue position and function were never standardized for all theaters, they could not be applied in advance by the [[laboratory]], [[distributor]], or [[exchange]] manager. Foil cues were always applied by the projectionist with an eye towards the venue's specific needs, often during the print inspection and make-up process. | ||
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== Archival Implications== | == Archival Implications== | ||
Foil cues were used to facilitated a level of projection booth automation that is incompatible with archival [[best practices]]. As archival booths are expected to use a two-projector [[changeover]] system and be staffed at all times, automation is neither necessary nor desired. | Foil cues were used to facilitated a level of projection booth automation that is incompatible with archival [[best practices]]. As archival booths are expected to use a two-projector [[changeover]] system and be staffed at all times, automation is neither necessary nor desired in a theatrical setting. | ||
Stray foil cues will not trigger inadvertent automation functionality unless a cue proximity detector has been installed. Nevertheless, archive vault staff will often remove leftover foil cues because they are viewed as a [[print contaminant]]. Older foil cues can sometimes leak adhesive, which tends to attract dirt and dust. Some foil cues will be quite easy to remove, while older cues may be more difficult as well as leave residue behind. | |||
Foil cues are still acceptable in museum or gallery settings where their use may be considered part of a work of art or where there is a budget to pay a film lab to print new copies of the film on display. | |||
[[Category:Film prints]] | [[Category:Film prints]] | ||