Digital Delivery Takes Off

May 29, 2007

Source: TechNewsWorld

With digital satellite delivery, film content can be broadcast worldwide to theaters in every language simultaneously, eliminating the window between domestic and international distribution, and thereby reducing the demand for pirated DVDs and downloads. Also, forensics tactics, such as watermarking, can trace a videotaped copy to the source theater screen and time of showing.

Read the full article

Read Digital Delivery Takes Off, Part 1

UFO India fights piracy via digital cinema

May 29, 2007

Source: The Financial Express

UFO India Ltd, an Apollo International group company, is expanding its network in the country to combat piracy through digital cinema. Regarding piracy, Kanwar said an Indian movie is released in 150-200 theatres on an average compared with 3000 for a Hollywood film. The cost of print is the basic thing that limits the earning capacity of an Indian film. A print costs around $1500 in India. Hence, if a film is released in 500 theatres, an immediate upfront investment of about $750,000 is required just for prints.

Read the full article

UFO Moviez, the world’s largest digital cinema network - speaks about Digital Cinema

May 24, 2007

Source: The Telegraph, Calcutta, India  

 Digital cinema is all set to be the new mantra in the entertainment business. In order to curb growing piracy and escalating print cost, digital prints beamed via satellites are being increasingly looked upon as an alternative to the existing system.

This was claimed by UFO Moviez, the world’s largest digital cinema network in the city on Wednesday.

The company plans to increase its presence from across 650 screens in the country to 1,000 screens by Diwali, said Rajaa Kanwar, vice-chairman, UFO Moviez, an offshoot of the Apollo Tyres group.

Click here for the full article

Thomson to Offer Content Mastering, Replication, and Key Management Services in Europe for Digital Cinema

May 23, 2007

Source: Technicolor Digital Cinema

Thomson, through its Technicolor Digital Cinema business, today announced it is now able to provide digital cinema mastering, replication, distribution and key management services out of its West Drayton, United Kingdom digital intermediate and film facility.

The services now being offered out of London will enable Technicolor Digital Cinema to better serve its studio customers with a local presence in addition to its U.S.-based facilities in Burbank, CA and Wilmington, OH. The London-based location will also be able to master and replicate independent and local content, as well as advertising and alternative content. 

“Being able to offer these key services in Europe enables us to provide global and regional film customers with the only fully-integrated film and digital-centric solution available in Europe,” commented Joe Berchtold, president, Technicolor Theatrical Services.

The London facility offers JPEG 2K encoding and encryption capabilities for United States-based studios, European distributors, and independent producers, creating digital cinema packages. In addition, it offers the ability to create a DCDM by taking the digital intermediate and converting this into the DCI-specified TIFF files in X’Y’Z colorspace. 

Initially, the facility will have the capacity to replicate 200 drives per day, and will scale in line with demand. It will be able to replicate multiple versions of feature films simultaneously. Furthermore, Technicolor will be able to respond quickly to customer’s needs to create new versions of releases in Europe.

Finally, this location will directly interface with U.S.-based operations to provide seamless content, replication, and key management support in Europe.

Christie DLP Cinema Projector To Digitally Screen Star Wars Saga In Its Entirety At 30th Anniversary Star Wards Celebration IV In Los Angeles

May 22, 2007

Source: Christie

Christie, a global leader in visual solutions for entertainment, business and industry, brings the force of cutting edge Digital Cinema technology to the biggest Star Wars party ever – Celebration IV – with the first-ever back-to-back, six-episode Saga marathon in the U.S. on Wednesday, May 23.

The state-of-the-art digital screening of all six Star Wars episodes on the world’s most popular DLP Cinema projector, the Christie CP2000, is one of the highlights of the massive event, which brings together tens of thousands of Star Wars fans from around the world.

The May 23-24 screening marks the first time all Star Wars episodes have been theatrically presented in story order (from Episode I to Episode VI), and is expected to draw thousands of enthusiastic fans.  “Star Wars Celebration IV” is produced by Lucasfilm Ltd. and Gen Con LLC., and officially opens to the public on Friday, May 25, following a one-day “preview” for members of the Official Star Wars Fan Club. 

The excitement-filled, star-studded Celebration IV will take over the entire Los Angeles Convention Center and feature live entertainment and scores of celebrities from all six movies, including favorites like Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia, and Anthony Daniels, who played C-3PO. There will also be special presentations that preview upcoming Star Wars projects; special exhibits; exclusive merchandise sold at a 24-hour-a-day store; pop-culture tributes; immersive events; costume contests; and scores of additional activities.

“Star Wars is more than a movie.  It is a genuine cultural phenomenon that continues to intrigue and captivate new generations of fans around the world.  Digital technology has had a profound influence upon the look of the film, its evolution and success,” says Mike Blanchard, post-production supervisor for Lucasfilm Ltd.  “The introduction of Digital Cinema has helped bring to audiences everywhere a more accurate rendition of George Lucas’ original vision, and from the beginning, the Christie CP2000 DLP Cinema projector has been our projector of choice.”

Craig Sholder, vice-president of Entertainment Solutions at Christie comments, “The Christie 2K DLP Cinema projector played a major role in launching Lucas’ final Star Wars movie, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, with digital premieres that attracted record audiences around the world.   At Star Wars Celebration IV, Lucasfilm Ltd. and Christie continue their long and productive relationship, with the Christie CP2000 series offering the most pristine, visually stunning images fans have ever seen.” 

Servicing the largest Digital Cinema deployment in the world, Christie’s Managed Services team will set up and ensure that all six digital screenings play smoothly.  Sean James, vice president of Managed Services at Christie remarks, “Our renowned Christie Managed Services technicians will be on hand throughout the 17- hour marathon to ensure this historic event is everything Star Wars fans have come to expect from the world’s most famous cinematic saga.”  

The next phase in the theatrical viewing experience took a leap forward last week

Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson signed on to produce and direct a trilogy of 3-D movies about the intrepid Belgian comic-book hero Tintin for Paramount’s DreamWorks.

 Full Article - http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/05/20/arts/dimension.php?page=1

Celebration! Cinema Begins A New “Golden Age”

$14 million Digital Cinema project begins this week for area family-owned theatre innovator

May 22, 2007

Source: Celebration Cinema

Hailed as the biggest technology change in movies since the inception of sound, Digital Cinema has come to Celebration! Cinema (including Studio 28 and Cinema Carousel).  Officials at Celebration! Cinema announced today that most, or all of their 128 35mm movie screens will be converted to the Digital Cinema format by May 18th, 2007.  This puts Celebration! Cinema in the top10% of theatres in the nation to convert to Digital Cinema.

The $14 million Digital Cinema project begins what is considered a new “golden age” in which alternative content such as concerts, sports and epic television events become a new force in the business. Ultimate picture clarity and color will be a part of every movie going experience.

 “Our guests will notice the difference in the clarity of the picture on the screen,” said JD Loeks, Chief Operating Officer for Celebration! Cinema.  “The quality of every digital movie will be uncompromised.  We now stand at the threshold of changes in movies and auditorium use that is unparalleled in our history.”

 Technically speaking, the conversion will allow Celebration! Cinema to play both features and pre-show programming through Christie 2K DLP Cinema® projectors.  Christie projectors contain the DLP® chip consumers have been hearing about.  The DLP® chip is probably the word’s most sophisticated light switch.

It contains a rectangular array of up to 2 million hinge-mounted microscopic mirrors; each of these micromirrors measures less than one-fifth the width of a human hair. This means over 2.2 million pixels with over 68 billion possible colors on every screen.                                           

Hollywood movie producers are happy because the picture’s color and clarity look more like the footage they were originally shooting.   A better image on the screen is only the beginning however.                       

“We have already begun exploring alternative content and different uses of this technology,”  added Ron VanTimmeren, Vice President of Programming for Celebration! Cinema.  “Imagine seeing sporting events, concerts and special programs on a 42foot digital screen where clarity is better than HD.  This is a radical shift for us and the industry.”   
Each theatre will host a Digital Cinema “celebration.” The media and special guests will get a sample of the new technology as well as a tour of the new state-of-the-art projection equipment.

“We’re both proud and excited to be on the front end of a new era,” Loeks added.  “Celebration! Cinema is in the first 10% of theatres in the nation to convert to digital.  The future was staring us in the face and we seized the moment just in time for a highly anticipated, blockbuster summer.”

The tentative schedule for each of the Celebration! Cinema Digital Cinema conversions is as follows:
- Grand Rapids market (Celebration! North, Celebration South, Studio 28): by April 27
- Kalamazoo/Portage and Benton Harbor/St. Joseph markets:  by May 10
Mount Pleasant and Muskegon (Cinema Carousel) markets:  by May 18th.

About Celebration! Cinema:  John Loeks owns and operates theatres in Grand Rapids (including Celebration! Cinema North, Celebration! Cinema South and Studio 28), Muskegon, Lansing, Mt. Pleasant, Benton Harbor/St Joseph and Kalamazoo/Portage.  Celebration! Cinema is a state-of-the-art shared entertainment experience with first rate amenities at each location. For more information contact Steve VanWagoner 616.447.4253 or visit us on the INTERNET at www.celebrationcinema.com

Qube Digital Cinema is Hiring - Digital Cinema Engineer

http://www.digitalcinemainfo.com/qubecinema_digitalcinemaengineer.php 

Wanted: Digital Cinema Engineer
Location: North Hollywood, CA
Qube Digital Cinema, one of the global leaders in digital cinema technology is looking for a full time engineer ideally based in Los Angeles area.

Ideal candidate is familiar with digital audio, video and PCs. He/she will works closely with the engineering, sales, and management staff to assist with installing, building, troubleshooting and repairing Qube Digital Cinema products. He/she will assist in training technicians on the proper setup, alignment, and operation of Qube Digital Cinema products in the field. Coordinates, supervises, and assists exhibitor technicians with installation of Qube Digital Cinema products as well as DLP projectors.

Extensive domestic and international travel may be required. The ability to perform job duties while traveling is essential.

Essential Job Functions:
• Troubleshoots complex problems, analyzing situations through an in-depth evaluation of multiple factors.
• Provides input for installation and maintenance documentation on products.
• Provides on-site technical support for new product testing and industry demonstrations.
• Maintains database for pending and active projects.
• Implements technical training for customers, dealers, and other Qube product field service personnel.
• Reports design, reliability, and maintenance problems or bugs to design and software engineering.
• Liaises with other offices and departments.
• Provides assistance for screenings and special events when requested.
• Provides technical support for cinema and professional divisions.
• Responsible for after-hours telephone technical support. • Works nights, weekends, and holidays as required. Requirements:
• BS degree or equivalent experience.
• Proven computer networking and software skills including proficiency with Microsoft® Office, Windows® and Linux operating and file systems, and various database applications. Ability to work at a computer keyboard four to eight hours a day.
• Ability to work without supervision in the field and to deal professionally with dealers and customers at all levels.
• Proven problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting specific deadlines.
• Willing to travel, domestically and internationally, as necessary to fulfill position requirements.
• Physical capability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds of electronic equipment for installations, demonstrations, and training.
• Experience with projection equipment, digital cinema products and DLP projectors helpful.

DTS To Sell Their Digital Cinema Business

DTS recently announced that they are selling off their Digital Cinema Business  - Jon Kirtchner, President & CEO states ““With respect to the sale of our DTS Digital Cinema business, we are narrowing our discussions to a select group of strategic and financial buyers and believe we are on track to complete the sale in the second half of 2007.”

In their Q1 results They reported the activities of its digital cinema business as discontinued operations.

 http://www.digitalcinemainfo.com/dtsdigitalcinema_05_17_07.php

BAFTA offers Qube Cinema new avenues to European market

May 21 2007

 Source: Qube Cinema

 The British Academy of Film and Television Arts [BAFTA] is now equipped to present to members of the industry, digital cinema presentations from the DCI compliant Qube XP-D Digital Cinema Server. Early in April 2007, a screening room at BAFTA was installed with the Qube XP-D server. Apart from digital screenings for the industry, this install will also allow prospective clients to have demonstrations of the product. This further extends Qube Cinema’s presence across the globe and provides an excellent showcase for Qube Cinema’s European operations. For Qube Cinema, this move comes as a forerunner to more business deals in the European continent. “It also provides Qube Cinema’s clients a quality experience of the only server that can play out all formats, from DCI JPEG2000 to MPEG-2 to H.264 and VC-1″, said Nigel Dennis, Head of European Business Development, Qube Cinema, Inc. Qube Cinema’s end-to-end solutions for Digital Cinema provide the ultimate combination of quality, reliability, ease-of-use, security and flexibility. Designed from the ground up to operate in mission-critical applications, the architecture of the Qube product family has been conceived with the future in mind and provides an integrated workflow, from mastering to distribution to playback to reporting to archival. Being almost entirely software based allows the Qube system to leverage developments in the computer industry to bring to market format independent, powerful and flexible products. Qube Cinema is an entire suite of products that are required for a practical, commercially viable end-to-end implementation of Digital Cinema from a company that has proven expertise in managing complex technology transformations in traditional workflows, a company with a passion for cinema and a thorough understanding of film, video, audio and computer technology as well as the production, post-production and exhibition industries.