GDC Technology (“GDC”) is pleased to announce that it has won a major deployment contract in the U.S. in partnership with Barco. The project will see the deployment of 99 servers into seven Premiere Cinemas from Texas to Florida, with Barco taking up the role as the primary system integrator and projector supplier.
GDC’s best-selling SA-2100 server has been included in the approved digital equipment list of Cinedigm (formerly AccessIT) since 2008, and this project is special to Cinedigm in that it is Cinedigm’s first deployment project in 2009, against a backdrop of less-than-rosy world economy. The signing of the contract marks the culmination of rounds of negotiation and months of rigorous testing carried out on seven GDC servers in Premiere Cinemas, Orlando since October 2008. All seven GDC servers came through with flying colors, passing all operational tests without a hitch.
Texas-based Premiere Cinema Corp. is one of the largest independent theatre circuits in the U.S., operating theatres in the southern-eastern states of Texas, Florida, Alabama. “Premiere chose GDC servers from the approved Cinedigm equipment list over other servers because of its advanced features, superior reliability, and first class customer service,” said Gary Moore, CEO of Premiere Cinemas. “GDC has a proven track record outside the U.S. but may be lesser known here. However after our rigorous in-house tests on their servers and working with their support team, we were convinced that GDC was the right choice for us.”
“Barco is delighted to be the chosen partner of Cinedigm in its phase II program in which Premiere Cinemas is a participant,” said Barco Vice President Digital Cinema, Todd Hoddick. “The fact that Premiere Cinemas has chosen GDC servers for its roll out program is also good news to us as we have worked closely with GDC in numerous projects before; we are happy to work with such a trusted partner on yet another major project.”
GDC has been providing exhibitors worldwide with advanced digital cinema solutions and Premiere Cinemas is its first large scale deployment in the U.S. “This deal is a breakthrough for GDC,” said Dr. Man-Nang CHONG, founder and CEO of GDC Technology. “The significance goes beyond GDC clinching its first major deal in the U.S. backed by a Hollywood VPF agreement; the wider implication is GDC products have now won recognition and acceptance by the U.S. exhibitors.”
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Dolby 3D Digital Cinema Delivers Large-Screen Capabilities
Dolby Laboratories, Inc., announced at ShoWest 2009 that exhibitors will now have the ability to play back content using Dolby(R: 29.21, 0, 0%) 3D Digital Cinema to provide a premium viewing experience in their largest auditoriums.
By implementing Dolby 3D for large screens, exhibitors can project Dolby 3D onto screens ranging from 41 to 70 feet. The new Dolby 3D large-screen solution is compatible with all of Barco's digital cinema twin-projector offerings, including the ultra-bright DP-3000 flagship projectors.
"This is a milestone for Dolby 3D projection capabilities, as screen size has to date been limited to accommodate a range of up to 40-42 feet," stated Page Haun, Senior Director, Cinema Marketing, Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby realizes that exhibitors need the flexibility to provide 3D in their largest and smallest auditoriums, and with this announcement, Dolby is now able to support exhibitors' various needs."
"Exhibitors have told us they want 3D without compromise. No excuses, no compromises, simply the right amount of light and a consistently beautiful image for screen sizes reaching all the way up to 70 feet," said Wim Buyens, Vice President Digital Cinema for Barco's Media and Entertainment Division. "With Barco's twin-projector offering and Dolby 3D for large screens, exhibitors can now move 3D audiences into their largest auditoriums to maximize 3D revenues."
Malco Theatres, the first to test Dolby 3D for large screens, recently used the solution to screen Walt Disney Pictures' Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience at its Malco Paradiso multiplex in Memphis, TN, and Malco Grandview in Madison, MS.
"Dolby continues to assist exhibitors by developing new ways to make the cinemagoing experience more immersive and this collaboration effort with Barco will help to bring 3D to the next level," said Mike Thomson, Vice President Operations and Technology, Malco Theatres. "The ability to play back Dolby 3D on our largest screens has been very successful."
In addition, Dolby's unique full-spectrum color-filter technology, enabled by the high-tech passive Dolby 3D Glasses, enhances the motion picture experience. The Dolby 3D system provides realistic color reproduction and extremely sharp images. The environmentally friendly and reusable glasses can be used repeatedly, significantly reducing the cost per viewing for exhibitors.
By implementing Dolby 3D for large screens, exhibitors can project Dolby 3D onto screens ranging from 41 to 70 feet. The new Dolby 3D large-screen solution is compatible with all of Barco's digital cinema twin-projector offerings, including the ultra-bright DP-3000 flagship projectors.
"This is a milestone for Dolby 3D projection capabilities, as screen size has to date been limited to accommodate a range of up to 40-42 feet," stated Page Haun, Senior Director, Cinema Marketing, Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby realizes that exhibitors need the flexibility to provide 3D in their largest and smallest auditoriums, and with this announcement, Dolby is now able to support exhibitors' various needs."
"Exhibitors have told us they want 3D without compromise. No excuses, no compromises, simply the right amount of light and a consistently beautiful image for screen sizes reaching all the way up to 70 feet," said Wim Buyens, Vice President Digital Cinema for Barco's Media and Entertainment Division. "With Barco's twin-projector offering and Dolby 3D for large screens, exhibitors can now move 3D audiences into their largest auditoriums to maximize 3D revenues."
Malco Theatres, the first to test Dolby 3D for large screens, recently used the solution to screen Walt Disney Pictures' Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience at its Malco Paradiso multiplex in Memphis, TN, and Malco Grandview in Madison, MS.
"Dolby continues to assist exhibitors by developing new ways to make the cinemagoing experience more immersive and this collaboration effort with Barco will help to bring 3D to the next level," said Mike Thomson, Vice President Operations and Technology, Malco Theatres. "The ability to play back Dolby 3D on our largest screens has been very successful."
In addition, Dolby's unique full-spectrum color-filter technology, enabled by the high-tech passive Dolby 3D Glasses, enhances the motion picture experience. The Dolby 3D system provides realistic color reproduction and extremely sharp images. The environmentally friendly and reusable glasses can be used repeatedly, significantly reducing the cost per viewing for exhibitors.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
GDC & Barco bag contract to deploy 100 D-Cinema systems in China
Digital cinema solution providers GDC Technology and Barco have won a contract to deploy 100 digital cinema projection systems for Guangzhou-based Jinyi Zhujiang Movie Circuit Co.
Jinyi Zhujiang Movie Circuit Co is the sixth largest exhibitor in China. Under the agreement, the deployment began in February 2009 and it is expected to be completed within the next 18 months. The DCI-2000 Digital Cinema Integrated Projection System, which consists of GDC’s SA-2100 Digital Cinema Server and Barco’s DLP Cinema Projector, will be adopted in this deployment.
Jinyi was founded as a joint venture between Jiayu Group and Guangzhou Cinema Chain, specializing in the business of premier cinemas in China. It has close to 200 screens throughout China and is one of the leading cinema exhibitors in the country.
Jinyi Zhujiang Movie Circuit Co is the sixth largest exhibitor in China. Under the agreement, the deployment began in February 2009 and it is expected to be completed within the next 18 months. The DCI-2000 Digital Cinema Integrated Projection System, which consists of GDC’s SA-2100 Digital Cinema Server and Barco’s DLP Cinema Projector, will be adopted in this deployment.
Jinyi was founded as a joint venture between Jiayu Group and Guangzhou Cinema Chain, specializing in the business of premier cinemas in China. It has close to 200 screens throughout China and is one of the leading cinema exhibitors in the country.
GDC Technology Inks VPF Financing Deal with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International for Exhibitors in Asia
In a move that will accelerate the conversion of cinemas in Asia to digital technology, GDC has reached a non-exclusive agreement with another Hollywood Studio for digital cinema deployment across Asia.
Under this agreement, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International (“WDSMPI”) will join other major Hollywood studios in committing to supply Asian exhibitors with feature film content digitally, as well as to make financial contributions for a limited period of time towards the hardware cost of DCI-compliant digital cinema equipment deployed by GDC. Phase 1 of the program covers up to 6,000 screens in various countries throughout Asia. Along with its current roll-out in China, this milestone signals GDC’s on-going commitment to Asian exhibitors as a trusted partner in digital conversion. GDC is currently setting its sights on a Phase 2 program, which will cover even more Asian countries.
The conversion of cinemas in Asia to digital technology will enable exhibitors to reap substantial benefits of digital cinema: high quality non-degradable prints and new programming opportunities, such as premium digital 3D films, alternative content and live satellite events.
Under this agreement, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International (“WDSMPI”) will join other major Hollywood studios in committing to supply Asian exhibitors with feature film content digitally, as well as to make financial contributions for a limited period of time towards the hardware cost of DCI-compliant digital cinema equipment deployed by GDC. Phase 1 of the program covers up to 6,000 screens in various countries throughout Asia. Along with its current roll-out in China, this milestone signals GDC’s on-going commitment to Asian exhibitors as a trusted partner in digital conversion. GDC is currently setting its sights on a Phase 2 program, which will cover even more Asian countries.
The conversion of cinemas in Asia to digital technology will enable exhibitors to reap substantial benefits of digital cinema: high quality non-degradable prints and new programming opportunities, such as premium digital 3D films, alternative content and live satellite events.
Barco contracts with China Film Group Corporation for 100 digital cinema projectors
Teaming with China film and television giant, Barco is set to roll out its best digital cinema technology in China's major cities.
Barco, a world leader in visualization and display solutions, has won a major contract with China Film Group Corporation, the largest and most influential state-run film enterprise in China. In cooperation with GDC Technology, a leading partner in providing integrated solutions, Barco will deploy 100 digital cinema projectors in select China cities.
The Barco-CFGC contract calls for the installing Barco's DP-1500 and DP-2000 digital projectors at select venues in a number of China's major cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou Shenzhen, Haikou, Huizhou, Kunming, Xiamen and Fuzhou among others. A plan has been set forth to have all 100 digital cinema solutions in place by 1 April.
Barco, a world leader in visualization and display solutions, has won a major contract with China Film Group Corporation, the largest and most influential state-run film enterprise in China. In cooperation with GDC Technology, a leading partner in providing integrated solutions, Barco will deploy 100 digital cinema projectors in select China cities.
The Barco-CFGC contract calls for the installing Barco's DP-1500 and DP-2000 digital projectors at select venues in a number of China's major cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou Shenzhen, Haikou, Huizhou, Kunming, Xiamen and Fuzhou among others. A plan has been set forth to have all 100 digital cinema solutions in place by 1 April.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Dolby Showcases Digital Cinema Solutions at ShoWest 2009
At ShoWest 2009 today, Dolby Laboratories, Inc., will demonstrate its latest digital cinema solutions for audio, networking, 3D, and more. Dolby is making it easier than ever for exhibitors to transition to digital cinema with its comprehensive and reliable solutions. These include its digital cinema server, software, and 3D solution, as well as its latest in audio processing, the CP750 Digital Cinema Processor.
“As digital cinema continues to expand, Dolby is proud to deliver premium technology in digital audio and in digital cinema. With more than 2,500 Dolby® Digital Cinema and 1,000 Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems shipped globally, we continue to be a leading contributor to the digital transition for cinema,” said Ramzi Haidamus, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Dolby Laboratories.
The following Dolby Digital Cinema products will be on display in booth #1605 at ShoWest 2009:
Dolby CP750
The Dolby CP750 underscores Dolby’s commitment to simplifying digital cinema, making the upgrade easy and economical. Designed to work with the new digital cinema environment, the Dolby CP750 seamlessly integrates with preshow servers, alternative content, and digital cinema servers. The processor has an easy-to-use interface and powerful setup/remote software, and it can play back PCM digital audio; Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic®, Dolby Pro Logic II, and Dolby Digital Surround EX™ streams; and analog audio.
By allowing the theatre’s network operations center to manage the system, the unit can be monitored, controlled, and upgraded from one centralized location via the Internet. The CP750 can process hearing impaired and visually impaired tracks.
In addition to the new Dolby CP750, the company will showcase the following:
Dolby 3D Digital Cinema
A flexible, high-quality 3D solution that supports both 2D and 3D playback without the need for a dedicated 3D auditorium or a special silver screen.
Provides uniform light distribution to deliver an exceptional viewing experience for both 2D and 3D content
Uses a unique color-filtering technology for realistic color reproductions and crystal-clear images
Features Dolby 3D glasses that can be reused hundreds of times, providing a compelling financial model as well as an environmentally friendly 3D solution
Dolby Digital Cinema Server
Includes the Dolby Show Store (DSS100) and the Dolby Show Player (DSP100)
Built-in Screen Management System (SMS) software
DSS100 holds up to approximately eight movies at present average file sizes
DSP100 decrypts movie data, decodes the image and sound, and outputs reencrypted image data to the digital cinema projector
Dolby Show Library
Allows exhibitors to load digital content from a central server via Ethernet,USB 2.0, satellite, DVD, or removable hard drive
Dispenses the files electronically and automatically to networked Dolby Digital
Cinema systems throughout the multiplex
Allows the theatre operator to easily program the entire movie schedule, including onscreen advertising, by using the drag-and-drop Dolby Show Manager software interface
Dolby Theatre Management System software
Simplifies and streamlines digital screen operations, easily supporting today’s largest multiplexes
From ingesting content and moving it even while playing, to drag-and-drop show assembly, Dolby Theatre Management System software features operational simplicity, at-a-glance monitoring, and fully automatic show operation
Gives theatre personnel and network operations centers comprehensive central control over all presentations (for a single screen, a large multiplex, or a system integrator’s entire network)
Provides SMPTE closed-caption support, remote upgrade capability, and Dolby web services for integration with third-party systems
“As digital cinema continues to expand, Dolby is proud to deliver premium technology in digital audio and in digital cinema. With more than 2,500 Dolby® Digital Cinema and 1,000 Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems shipped globally, we continue to be a leading contributor to the digital transition for cinema,” said Ramzi Haidamus, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Dolby Laboratories.
The following Dolby Digital Cinema products will be on display in booth #1605 at ShoWest 2009:
Dolby CP750
The Dolby CP750 underscores Dolby’s commitment to simplifying digital cinema, making the upgrade easy and economical. Designed to work with the new digital cinema environment, the Dolby CP750 seamlessly integrates with preshow servers, alternative content, and digital cinema servers. The processor has an easy-to-use interface and powerful setup/remote software, and it can play back PCM digital audio; Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic®, Dolby Pro Logic II, and Dolby Digital Surround EX™ streams; and analog audio.
By allowing the theatre’s network operations center to manage the system, the unit can be monitored, controlled, and upgraded from one centralized location via the Internet. The CP750 can process hearing impaired and visually impaired tracks.
In addition to the new Dolby CP750, the company will showcase the following:
Dolby 3D Digital Cinema
A flexible, high-quality 3D solution that supports both 2D and 3D playback without the need for a dedicated 3D auditorium or a special silver screen.
Provides uniform light distribution to deliver an exceptional viewing experience for both 2D and 3D content
Uses a unique color-filtering technology for realistic color reproductions and crystal-clear images
Features Dolby 3D glasses that can be reused hundreds of times, providing a compelling financial model as well as an environmentally friendly 3D solution
Dolby Digital Cinema Server
Includes the Dolby Show Store (DSS100) and the Dolby Show Player (DSP100)
Built-in Screen Management System (SMS) software
DSS100 holds up to approximately eight movies at present average file sizes
DSP100 decrypts movie data, decodes the image and sound, and outputs reencrypted image data to the digital cinema projector
Dolby Show Library
Allows exhibitors to load digital content from a central server via Ethernet,USB 2.0, satellite, DVD, or removable hard drive
Dispenses the files electronically and automatically to networked Dolby Digital
Cinema systems throughout the multiplex
Allows the theatre operator to easily program the entire movie schedule, including onscreen advertising, by using the drag-and-drop Dolby Show Manager software interface
Dolby Theatre Management System software
Simplifies and streamlines digital screen operations, easily supporting today’s largest multiplexes
From ingesting content and moving it even while playing, to drag-and-drop show assembly, Dolby Theatre Management System software features operational simplicity, at-a-glance monitoring, and fully automatic show operation
Gives theatre personnel and network operations centers comprehensive central control over all presentations (for a single screen, a large multiplex, or a system integrator’s entire network)
Provides SMPTE closed-caption support, remote upgrade capability, and Dolby web services for integration with third-party systems
DTS Digital Cinema and Qube Cinema Form Sales and Marketing Alliance
LAS VEGAS, Mar 30, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) ----DTS Digital Cinema and Qube Cinema have announced a co-branding strategic alliance to develop and market numerous digital cinema products including a digital cinema server, a theatre management system, an enhanced digital cinema mastering solution and other allied products. The alliance will bring together the best of both companies' strengths to form a strong commercial and technology presence in the digital cinema marketplace.
Qube will bring to the relationship their experience of having developed cutting edge digital cinema products such as the Qube XP-D digital cinema server, QubeMaster Pro encoding suite and the QubeCast media delivery system. Besides providing sales and marketing presence and expertise in many regions around the world, DTS Digital Cinema will lend the partnership experience in developing motion picture technology, such as 5.1 digital surround sound, as well as the content management software knowledge that helped develop their Theatre Management System, Satellite Delivery System and Digital Booking System. Together the two companies will develop numerous digital cinema products, starting with the DTS Digital Cinema DC-20 powered by Qube, a digital cinema server that meets DCI specifications and will be on display at ShoWest 2009.
"The strategic alliance between Qube and DTS Digital Cinema will enable us to bring innovative digital cinema products to market much faster," said Chris Thomas, CEO and President of DTS Digital Cinema, acquired from DTS Inc. in May 2008. "I can think of no better company to be forming a relationship with than Qube, which has continuously excelled at developing some of the most technologically advanced products in our market at incredibly attractive price points."
Thomas added, "As the transition accelerates from 35 mm film to digital cinema products and systems, our ambition is to replace the historic DTS cinema audio systems currently present on 33,000 screens worldwide."
"In 1993, when DTS launched a pioneering 5.1 surround system that revolutionized digital sound in cinema, the market was primarily focused on North America and Western Europe; that has changed. Today and tomorrow's markets are global, with exciting growth opportunities in all parts of the world from India to the Far East and China. The decision to put in place a strategic alliance to develop and co-brand products and software solutions reflects this shift in the cinema market."
DTS Digital Cinema will rely on their vast dealer network and sales offices to market and deploy the co-branded digital cinema products. The DTS DC-20 digital cinema server, powered by Qube, will be available for purchase in April 2009.
"We are delighted to enter into this strategic alliance with DTS Digital Cinema and believe that it will bring to the theater owner a comprehensive, cost-effective and dependable digital cinema experience. We have great respect for the pioneering work of DTS in digital cinema sound and are confident that this alliance will be much more than the sum of its parts and bring fantastic benefits to the industry," said Rajesh Ramachandran, President and CTO of Qube Cinema, Inc.
The standards compliant DTS DC-20 digital cinema server, powered by Qube, is multi-format and supports JPEG2000, MPEG-2, Windows Media 9, optionally H.264 and other picture formats, all seamlessly within the same Show, thus making it the ideal choice for integrated feature and pre-show playback. It features a Remote Panel with familiar transport and menu controls for projectionist control and a powerful web-based interface for more advanced functionality over any IP network. An integrated CRU DataPort(TM: 63.61, 0, 0%) receiver makes ingest of content fast and easy while front-panel e-SATA and USB-2 interfaces make interconnections much more convenient.
The QubeMaster Pro is a uniquely flexible and powerful Digital Cinema encoding and packaging solution designed to integrate fully into the modern post environment. It is a database-driven, fully software based solution for the Microsoft Windows(TM: 63.61, 0, 0%) platform. Highly optimized for today's high performance CPUs, it is the fastest digital cinema mastering system in the market. QubeMaster Pro has an intuitive and familiar user interface that allows for the one-step pre-processing, encoding, encryption and MXF wrapping of Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs). Qube will integrate DTS Digital Cinema's proprietary JPEG2000 variable bit rate encoding algorithm into the product to enable users to create vivid DCPs with much smaller file sizes.
A formal management structure with members from both companies has been put into place to oversee the strategic alliance on an ongoing basis. Additional co-branded product offerings to be developed under the partnership agreement are expected to be released by the second quarter of 2009.
Qube will bring to the relationship their experience of having developed cutting edge digital cinema products such as the Qube XP-D digital cinema server, QubeMaster Pro encoding suite and the QubeCast media delivery system. Besides providing sales and marketing presence and expertise in many regions around the world, DTS Digital Cinema will lend the partnership experience in developing motion picture technology, such as 5.1 digital surround sound, as well as the content management software knowledge that helped develop their Theatre Management System, Satellite Delivery System and Digital Booking System. Together the two companies will develop numerous digital cinema products, starting with the DTS Digital Cinema DC-20 powered by Qube, a digital cinema server that meets DCI specifications and will be on display at ShoWest 2009.
"The strategic alliance between Qube and DTS Digital Cinema will enable us to bring innovative digital cinema products to market much faster," said Chris Thomas, CEO and President of DTS Digital Cinema, acquired from DTS Inc. in May 2008. "I can think of no better company to be forming a relationship with than Qube, which has continuously excelled at developing some of the most technologically advanced products in our market at incredibly attractive price points."
Thomas added, "As the transition accelerates from 35 mm film to digital cinema products and systems, our ambition is to replace the historic DTS cinema audio systems currently present on 33,000 screens worldwide."
"In 1993, when DTS launched a pioneering 5.1 surround system that revolutionized digital sound in cinema, the market was primarily focused on North America and Western Europe; that has changed. Today and tomorrow's markets are global, with exciting growth opportunities in all parts of the world from India to the Far East and China. The decision to put in place a strategic alliance to develop and co-brand products and software solutions reflects this shift in the cinema market."
DTS Digital Cinema will rely on their vast dealer network and sales offices to market and deploy the co-branded digital cinema products. The DTS DC-20 digital cinema server, powered by Qube, will be available for purchase in April 2009.
"We are delighted to enter into this strategic alliance with DTS Digital Cinema and believe that it will bring to the theater owner a comprehensive, cost-effective and dependable digital cinema experience. We have great respect for the pioneering work of DTS in digital cinema sound and are confident that this alliance will be much more than the sum of its parts and bring fantastic benefits to the industry," said Rajesh Ramachandran, President and CTO of Qube Cinema, Inc.
The standards compliant DTS DC-20 digital cinema server, powered by Qube, is multi-format and supports JPEG2000, MPEG-2, Windows Media 9, optionally H.264 and other picture formats, all seamlessly within the same Show, thus making it the ideal choice for integrated feature and pre-show playback. It features a Remote Panel with familiar transport and menu controls for projectionist control and a powerful web-based interface for more advanced functionality over any IP network. An integrated CRU DataPort(TM: 63.61, 0, 0%) receiver makes ingest of content fast and easy while front-panel e-SATA and USB-2 interfaces make interconnections much more convenient.
The QubeMaster Pro is a uniquely flexible and powerful Digital Cinema encoding and packaging solution designed to integrate fully into the modern post environment. It is a database-driven, fully software based solution for the Microsoft Windows(TM: 63.61, 0, 0%) platform. Highly optimized for today's high performance CPUs, it is the fastest digital cinema mastering system in the market. QubeMaster Pro has an intuitive and familiar user interface that allows for the one-step pre-processing, encoding, encryption and MXF wrapping of Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs). Qube will integrate DTS Digital Cinema's proprietary JPEG2000 variable bit rate encoding algorithm into the product to enable users to create vivid DCPs with much smaller file sizes.
A formal management structure with members from both companies has been put into place to oversee the strategic alliance on an ongoing basis. Additional co-branded product offerings to be developed under the partnership agreement are expected to be released by the second quarter of 2009.
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