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STEREO DRIVE-IN TRANSMITTER - FMX1000
The FMX1000 Stereo Drive-in transmitter is a high build-quality unit and incorporates only high-quality parts. The FM transmitter has been expertly designed for unsurpassed sound quality and reliability. This transmitter is in use all over the US and around the world as a very well-respected and trusted drive-in transmitter. It was developed in conjunction with drive-in owners and is a purpose-built drive-in stereo FM transmitter - these professional units are hand wired and constructed here in the USA. This transmitter has been so successful that it is now requested for a wide variety of uses including trailer parks, churches and car race tracks.
The unit has a special input to allow the projector's stereo cell to be plugged directly into the back of the unit. This allows the cleanest and highest quality of sound reproduction because there is no sound processor to convolute the signal. In addition to this the absence of the sound processor prevents a faulty sound processor from bringing the house down on a busy evening - one less link in the chain.
Drive-in owners have always been impressed by this unit. It receives regular compliments from cinema technicians, drive-in owners and audiences. It is common for multi-screen drive-ins to replace an old transmitter with the FMX1000 and be so pleased with the sound-quality that they replace every other transmitter that they own (even though they are all still functioning!). This FM stereo drive-in transmitter sounds better than both cheaper units and transmitters that cost several times the cost of the FMX1000. In terms of reliability and sound quality at a drive-in theatre the FMX1000 FM transmitter is the outstanding choice.
AM Transmitter vs FM transmitter?
There is no serious comparison between an AM transmitter and an FM transmitter for a drive-in theatre. In terms of pure physics the FM transmitter must produce better sound quality and in the field the FM transmitter sounds better every time. AM and FM both broadcast using electromagnetic radio waves but they are of different frequency. The AM transmitter uses lower frequency radio waves (0.535-1.705 MHz), with each modulation approximately 100 times less frequent than those of an FM transmitter (88-107.9MHz). AM transmits the sound wave by varying the amplitude of the carrier wave. This system makes the AM transmitters more susceptible to interference such as power lines, auto ignition systems and equipment (including projection equipment). More significantly the AM range limits both the dynamic range (so there will be less variation between loud and quiet - very important in a movie theatre!) and also the frequency response (limiting the capability of system to reproduce both high frequencies and low frequencies). In this way an AM transmitter acts like an audio 'choke' on a theatre's sound system. FM transmitters function not by modulating the amplitude of the wave but by modulating the frequency instead - a very different system of transmission. An FM system is unlikely to be affected by external interferences and can handle a broader dynamic range, therefore maximising the utilisation of the full (and in many cases excellent) sound capability of today's auto stereos.
From a practical perspective there is also the benefit of the aerial - with an FM transmitter there is no need for a tall transmitter tower or for burying cables around the drive-in. All that is required is a small 18" antenna (included with the FMX1000 FM transmitter) and with this you can broadcast excellent high-quality audio to every car in the drive-in.
So why do some stations still broadcast in AM?
There are benefits to the AM system that come into play over long distances. For example it can be possible to pick up AM transmissions in different countries whereas the limited range of FM signals (that stems from the frequency of the carrier wave and not from the power of the transmitter) makes this far less likely. There is no benefit to using an AM transmitter at a drive-in, other than possibly cost.
Based on audio quality, customer testimonials and reliability Jack Roe USA Inc. recommends the FMX1000 for drive-in theatres
FM is the clear choice for drive-ins and choosing the FMX1000 drive-in transmitter ensures that you make the most of the FM signal. It is a very reliable unit that is unrivalled in terms of value for money for a reliable and dedicated drive-in high-quality FM transmitter.
Each unit comes with a complete set of accessories including antenna, powered mic, power supply, LED/cell audio cable + connectors (for connecting to projector) and complete installation manual. The unit is ideal for either upgrading an existing screen or as part of adding a new one.
Splicing Tape Cue Tape 35mm Film Leader and Spacing Booth Editing Supplies Platter Accessories Cleaning and Film Cleaning Projector Oils and Lubricants Cinema Carbons Exciter and Indicator Lamps CIR Film Splicer and Parts Neutaper/Neumade Film Splicer and Parts Marble Film Splicer and Parts Economy Splicer and Parts 35mm Test Film IR Units for Hearing Impaired Cinema Booster Seats Film Handling and Film Movers 35mm Film Trailers Stereo Drive-in Transmitter Projection Ports Norcon Intercom Units 16mm Projection Supplies Real-time Analyzers Auditorium Lighting Reflectors for Kneisley Goldberg & Neumade Film Equipment Strong & Christie projector parts
Stereo Drive-in Transmitter Specifications