[Tig] Spirit vs. DSX

[Brent & Sue Broyles]

Coming a bit from the engineering side, the facility that I am currently
employed (abet on hiatus) has all three (Spirit, Spirit 2k/4k and C-Reality
non-DSX) My previous employer had a DSX so I am familiar with this model as
well.

>From a DEL test film view the standard Spirit has a mid range boost in
frequency response (about +20-30% at 400 lines, +10% at 600 lines). With a
properly set up C-Reality, or DSX for that matter, there 400 lines is
basically flat and 600 lines is usually down about 5%. The Spirit 2k/4k
resembles the C-Reality frequency response.  This may account for the
difference in look between the old Spirit and the new Spirit. There are
complaints by the operators from time to time saying the 4k spirit looks "a
bit soft" compared to the original spirit. 
Operationally the Spirit drivers typically shy away from the C-Reality
mainly due to unfamiliarity. The old school operators that are comfortable
with the URSA's and earlier models typically are ok with the C-Reality.
There is a bit of a learning curve for the Spirit operators to become
comfortable with the C-Reality. 
Maintenance wise both models of the spirit in general need less attention.
The C-Reality / DSX needs a bit more checking on a normal basis, but if
taken care of does well. 
Maintenance cost wise (crt vs light bulbs) it is about equal ($800/bulb/1000
hrs vs $18,000/CRT/15,000-18,000hrs). With both machines with out a service
contract, board replacements are very costly. So best bet in either case is
to have one.

After all that, even being biased towards the C-Reality, I like the 4k in a
lot of cases, but the C-reality is nice in others. It mainly comes down to
the operator, the type of film used and how well the film is exposed. The
standard spirit is ok and a work horse, but a bit edgy for me. 

No product endorsements on either side, but am willing to take any from all.

Hope the Strike ends soon, everybody will be happier.

>From the engineering view,
Brent