Thanks for all the discussion, I also have read your other threads regarding the new
Strand boards - I suppose my question is based on the ability our
theatre has for an upgrade - we also need a back-up board, and therefore I was hoping to get
feedback on the future of
Strand and if it is a good idea to stick to
Strand rather then say,
switch to
ETC or something else.
ps we have
CD80 dimmers.
Thanks, P.
In general I ditto others comments about the usefulness of the 520.
I can also understand the "want" for a backup solution, but have to wonder is it cost effective ?.
- Is the 520 a "buggy"
console ?. Generally, no. Service for this
console is OK as far as
Strand goes (I'm of the opinion that under Genlyte,
Strand service will greatly improve - it has too as they have a dismal reputation for servicing great equipment).
- Have you had glitches/failures of the 520 to date ?. If so, have those issues been resolved ?. Is that the reason for a want for a backup ?.
- Are you in a remote area where getting a FedEx replacement overnight is not an option, or cannot get fast repair service or loaner ?.
In general, the only full backup consoles that are in use are on big buck tours, or on big-time events that are so time critical that failure for a few minutes is a disaster. I have seen very few facilities that keep a 2nd
console around "just in case". Again, in general, there are better solutions, such as good tech support, stocking critical components (external
power supply),
etc... I think about all those wonderful nice new facilities I read about cropping up all around the USA that have Congo here, 520 there, Expression/Emphasis,
etc... Pretty much none of these facilities buy a second
console, mostly as 1) Tech support is generally very good, or 2) The
console are generally very reliable.
All said, one of my prime requirements for a
console is that
a local shop or service facility exist that can get me a loaner/rental ASAP. This is one of the primary reasons we use 3
Express console for 3 theaters - built in backup (assuming all 3 theaters are not in use at the same time), as well as a LOT of these consoles in the NYC rental market.
SB