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What is a Movie Projector?

B. Turner
B. Turner

A movie projector is a mechanical device used for showing motion pictures. The projectors transfer movie images from a roll of film onto a nearby screen or other viewing surface. Movie projectors can range from simple models used in the home to more complex units found in theaters and other commercial establishments.

There are four basic parts that make up the average movie projector. They include the spooling system, the lamp, the lens and the audio system. While each of these systems consists of multiple parts and processes, almost any motion picture can be shown using only these four systems.

Movie theaters use a projector to display a movie on the screen.
Movie theaters use a projector to display a movie on the screen.

Once a roll of film is placed on the spool of the movie projector, the spool is turned using an electric motor. As the spool turns, it transfers the film on the roll to a second spool. In between the two spools, each frame of film is paused for a fraction of a second. This pause is timed so that the image freezes as it is centered in front of a bright lamp, which projects light through the image and transfers it to the screen. Before the image leaves the projector, it passes through a lens, which magnifies the image to multiple times its original size.

Movie projectors can be used to help create a home theater.
Movie projectors can be used to help create a home theater.

Most projectors also include a built-in audio system that transfer sound from the film to nearby speakers. The sound portion of a movie scene often reaches the projector a few frames ahead of the visual portion of the scene. This causes the audio to reach the ears at the same time that the matching image reaches the eyes. The audio must be introduced early because of the relative difference in speed between sound waves and light.

Movie projectors need to be placed at a certain distance from the screen so they don't disrupt a person's viewing expxerience.
Movie projectors need to be placed at a certain distance from the screen so they don't disrupt a person's viewing expxerience.

A movie projector is available in different sizes based on the type of film it can accommodate. An 8 mm movie projector is the standard model used for old home movies, while a “Super 8” is a slightly higher quality version of the original 8 mm. The 16 mm movie projector is found in many educational facilities, and produces a slightly improved picture over the 8mm model. Most motion pictures are shown using 35 mm projectors, which produce some of the highest quality images available.

Movie projects transfer images from a roll of film.
Movie projects transfer images from a roll of film.

Most movie projectors are used in combination with projection screens. These screens often have a light-colored reflective surface to present the best possible image quality. They may also be coated with aluminum or other minerals to increase reflectance and contrast.

Discussion Comments

Ivan83

I have an old 8mm movie projector. I have a few roles of film that my dad shot in the 60s, mostly just views of our neighborhood and a few of the family. But most of my collection comes from things I have found at flea markets and garage sales.

I will buy just about anything. People are usually selling this stuff for super cheap and you never know what you will end up with. I have home movies, sporting events, weird attempts at home movie making and a lot of videos of people singing. You would not believe how common this is.

Its a fun thing to collect and I'm glad that someone is preserving and watching these old tapes. If not they would probably be in a landfill somewhere and the place and time that they have captured would be lost forever.

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    • Movie theaters use a projector to display a movie on the screen.
      By: Artem Furman
      Movie theaters use a projector to display a movie on the screen.
    • Movie projectors can be used to help create a home theater.
      By: ludmilafoto
      Movie projectors can be used to help create a home theater.
    • Movie projectors need to be placed at a certain distance from the screen so they don't disrupt a person's viewing expxerience.
      By: gstockstudio
      Movie projectors need to be placed at a certain distance from the screen so they don't disrupt a person's viewing expxerience.
    • Movie projects transfer images from a roll of film.
      By: Noel Powell
      Movie projects transfer images from a roll of film.
    • Film is traditionally used on movie projectors.
      By: donatas1205
      Film is traditionally used on movie projectors.
    • Most film projectors include a spooling system, lamp, lens and audio system as main components.
      By: drx
      Most film projectors include a spooling system, lamp, lens and audio system as main components.