Frequently Asked Questions

Preface: Projection is my life. I began as a projectionist when I was 12 years old, and have been in the business thirty years now. I have had the pleasure of working with the Horizon film systems for some time now and have provided this section to answer some questions I commonly get.

Q: What is Horizon?
A: Horizon manufactures and supplies commercial 35mm film projectors, platters, lenses and bulbs throughout the world.

Q: Is it a new company?
A: The company was founded in 1939 and has developed its film products through many decades of research and practice.

Q: Where are the projectors made?
A: In China near Beijing.

Q: Are there many units in use?
A: There are tens of thousands of units operating successfully in hundreds of cinemas throughout the world. Horizon projectors have been used almost exclusively in many countries for many years.

Q: Why haven't we had them in the U.S.?
A: Upon the recent development of our exceptional and revolutionary integrated flagship unit, the 5545, we decided we had a highly-advanced and full-feature product that would be superior to many products being used in the U.S. at a fraction of the price. U.S. testing agents received, inspected and used this projection equipment in actual field conditions since 2003 and the product has been certified ready to perform and revolutionize the way theatres look at buying projection equipment in the western world.

Q: Is it a big company?
A: The factory has 1.8 million square feet of production floor space and some 1,300 employees consisting of engineers, fabricators, technicians, machinists, electronics specialists, etc. Over 700 different pieces of manufacturing and assembly equipment is owned and used by the factory.

Q: What are the revolutionary features?
A: Our R&D scientists hold numerous technology patents for advancements, some of which are standard on the 5545 system. There are a lot of things, but I'll just give you ten plus a couple of bonus ones for starters.

First, the system is fully-integrated, meaning the projector, soundhead and lamphouse all come together and were engineered to work in perfect unison.

Second, the system has several features you've probably never seen, such as motorized reflectors and automatic "aperture-plateless" technology.

Third, the systems comes with an automatic triple-lens turret standard.

Fourth, the system has digital LED volt, amp and hour meters standard.

Fifth, the system comes with its own simple automation system for one-button show starts.

Sixth, the system comes with an electronic zipper dowser standard.

Seventh, the platters use advanced infrared sensing technology to control platter speed for smooth even distribution and take-up of film, and it ships with three removable snap-in center brains with retractable film trigger for extra-easy threading.

Eight, the platters have an ingenius film retaining system so you don't have to use loops or suction cups, etc. to retain film.

Ninth, the soundhead ships with a Dolby reverse scan LED sound reader standard which reads cyan-dye track.

Tenth, the system is fully self-oiling, even the intermittent, so the only maintenance you might find yourself doing is changing the oil every three years which takes five minutes. Here's the bonus round . . . the consoles all have adjustable light outputs from 1kw~3kw for the 5545 and from 4kw~5kw for the 5545N-5 so you can select the bulb size that is right for your screen rather than being locked into using the size that fits in your console like other brands. It accepts standard HS-compatible bulbs from any manufacturer, although Horizon bulbs are far less expensive and deliver super light levels. Finally, the rectifier is a solid-state removable briefcase style unit and is virtually maintenance-free, meaning it operates cool and efficiently with no diodes to replace, ever.

Q: How can they have all these features and still be so cheap?
A: For the same reason most everything we buy for our homes from Wal Mart now comes from China, China has made tremendous economic and technological advances over the past few decades and is able to produce extremely high quality goods delivered abroad at a fraction of the price the identical product could be produced in the destination country.

Q: How much can I save using Horizon?
A: You can buy brand new Horizon equipment with factory warranty for about the same as we've been paying for old used Century or Simplex equipment that has to be reconditioned, throws oil, needs new reflectors and reverse-scans installed, and comes with no warranty or support. Horizon savings over comparable new equipment is typically a very substantial 40 to 50%.

Actual savings on a few of our recent installations:
8-Plex in Oklahoma reported $100,000.00 Savings; 10-Plex in Texas reported $126,000.00 Savings; 16-Plex in Texas saved over $200,000.00 used all Horizon.

The amount you save will depend on how many you buy and if you use all Horizon components or intermingle them with other more costly equipment.

Q: What about shipping-it must be expensive shipping projectors from China?
A: Your freight on most multiplex orders will be 100% free (included in your quoted price; this is on orders of 8 units or more). Even when you order projectors domestically, you have to pay the freight to get them to your theatre. With Horizon, there are no hidden freight costs. It might surprise you to know that even our cost to ship units across the Pacific all the way from China often costs less than it would to ship that same unit from Nebraska to Florida by ground truck. So freight is no problem.

Q: How long does it take to get new projectors and platters for my multiplex once we place our order?
A: If your order ships from U.S. stock, you could have it within 7 - 10 days ground freight. If your order ships from China, allow 30-40 days for mobilization and loading, and another 30-35 days transit to your location, so 60 days and 75 maximum.

Q: What port is the equipment shipped to?
A: We ship to almost any port in the world; in the U.S., most freight comes into Long Beach and takes about 17 days ocean freight. From Long Beach, containers are forwarded by ground freight to your final destination, either by rail, truck, or both.

Q: Are the shipments insured?
A: Yes, we use WorldWide Express, an international freight forwarding agent and broker which is fully insured. Horizon is also bonded as shipping/receiving agent to ensure and expedite customs clearance on products received in U.S.

Q: Can I buy just one or two projectors?
A: Absolutely, you can buy any quantity you need. There may be a freight upcharge, however, on orders less than a container load depending on location, availability and current inventory.

Q: How many units fit on a full container?
A: A single 40' container holds up to 10 projector-console systems and 10 platters.

Q: What about parts availability?
A: Every part and component is stocked in the U.S. by the company's agent. Shipping is generally done same-day for next-day delivery. If parts are ordered from China, they generally take 2-3 days.

Q. Are parts expensive like other overseas projector companies?
A: Just like Horizon projectors, the parts are also very affordable to theatre owners. New reflectors are under $300.00, film gate under $100.00, and ignitors $200.00 just as examples.

Q: Who does service and installation?
A: Anyone familiar with installing projectors can install Horizon as they are already assembled and ready to power up. The machine is relatively simple to service and comes with instruction and service manuals. Most any projection technician familiar with other brands of commercial film projection can easily service Horizon if need be. Horizon is fully dedicated to providing customer support and is available to help answer any questions you may have. Factory representatives are also eager to assist in any way possible.

Q: What is the warranty?
A: All Horizon equipment comes with a full one-year factory warranty for parts and defects. Horizon xenon bulbs have an 1,000 limited warranty (see bulb warranty section).

Q: Are the units approved for the U.S.?
A: The systems have been thoroughly tested by Intertek-Semko, the world's largest independent testing laboratory and issuing agent of the ETL registration mark. The ETL inspections were completed for Horizon in the spring of 2005 and certification is forthcoming pending final component documentation. While many jurisdictions do not require an ETL, UL or similar mark, some do so it is advisable to check with your local building inspector for compliance and conformity in your jurisdiction.

Q: Does it use standard voltages as our other units?
A: Yes, 208 3-phase for the console and 110 vac for the platter and make-up table.

Q: Is the lens turret electric?
A: Yes, when you push the lens button, the lens turret turns automatically and positively locks into place and the aperture sizes itself automatically.

Q: How does the "aperture plateless" technology work?
A: It works on a similar principle to a camera's aperture which opens when taking a picture, then closes again afterward. The revolutionary Horizon aperture adjusts automatically when the turret changes lenses, opening the aperture walls wider for Scope format and smaller for flat.

Q: How does the aperture know how to size itself?
A: It comes with three pre-programmed aspect ratio settings: 2.35:1 (Scope); 1.85: 1 (Flat) and 2:1 (Alternative Scope).

Q: Do you still clean the aperture opening?
A: Yes, you can clean film debris from it the same way you rub down a regular aperture plate between shows, you just don't remove it from the film gate as it is built-in, rather rub it down from front and back as needed.

Q: Is the projector noisy?
A: No, it is probably the quietest, smoothest-running projector you have ever heard; you might even wonder if it is really running, it's that quiet.

Q: Does Horizon make integrated Anamorphic lenses?
A: Yes, please specify your needed lens size, or provide your screen size and throw and we'll calculate your lens size.

Q: Does the automation dim the auditorium lights also?
A: No, the automation shipped with the Horizon 5545 system is very basic providing manual functions and a one-touch start button with relay timer to switch the sound and open the zipper dowser. Other more advanced functions must be controlled by a more advanced automation system, proximity detector, dimming system, etc.

Q: Can you use this system as shipped without buying a full-blown automation system?
A: Absolutely; the basic built-in system is fine for small operations where computerized starting, dimming, reporting, linking, etc., is not required.

Q: Can I insert my own automation system into the console?
A: Yes, the unit is designed where it can be ordered with a blank panel instead of the standard basic automation system so you can insert your own rack-mounted automation system. Several common automation systems readily insert into the console and can be easily wired in.

Q: What size exhaust fan should I have on the roof?
A: Check your local building code as it typically will specified the minimum required to meet code. A 400 cfm exhaust fan is recommended for a 5545 (1~3kw), and an 800 cfm exhaust is recommended for a 5545N5 (4~5kw) system.

Q: What's the difference between the 5545 and the 5545N5?
A: The N5 is a high-output console which is adjustable from 4~5kw for use in the largest of indoor auditoriums with screens of 45' width or more, or in outdoor movie theatres. The film gate on the N5 is also water-cooled and comes with a sealed stainless steel water reservoir/circulator.

Q: Does it have a timing knob?
A: Absolutely, on the front of the projector.

Q: Does it have a framing knob?
A: Certainly, on the operator side of the projector.

Q: Does it have separate focus knobs for the lenses?
A: You bet, one for each lens in the turret so each can be fine-tuned without affecting the focus of the other lenses.

Q: Does it have an oil indicator level?
A: Yes, behind a small glass window near the bottom of the soundhead.

Q: What kind of oil does it use?
A: Standard 20#.

Q: Why does the platter have aluminum rollers rather than plastic ones like most platters?
A: All Horizon rollers are precision-made with aluminum alloy and ball-bearing inserts to ensure effortless rotation with the film weight and help eliminate static electricity.

Q: Do you make a five-tier platter?
A: No. We've just about thrown out all of our old ones; we don't want any more.

Q: Do you make portholes?
A: No, we stick to projectors and platters; we do make a good splicer though.

Q: Why are your bulbs so much less expensive than the competitors?
A: Again, it is not a reflection of lesser quality, it is a reality of different economics to manufacture in China that provides the cost advantage. We are very committed to maintaining the highest quality in our equipment, while keeping the prices as low as possible. Some times it seems the prices are so low that the quality must be poor, but that is not the reality.

Q: Will the Horizon projector fit in the same space as my old projector I am replacing and wire in the same way?
A: Yes, if anything, the Horizon may have a slightly smaller profile than your old equipment being replaced. If your old equipment used 208 3-Phase, the Horizon will wire up in a matter of minutes.