Responding to the growing need for digital cinema entertainment, Barco secures number one position via numerous deployments across a varied customer base.
Digital Cinema pioneer Barco announced today that the deployment of its digital cinema projectors is growing substantially into the Latin American marketplace. Spearheaded by Barco's relationship with Texas-based Cinemark International, Barco DP-2000 projectors have been deployed into more than 25 Cinemark multiplexes throughout Mexico, Central and South America, including major cities in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Guatemala, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil.
This ongoing deployment encompasses both small and large exhibitors throughout Latin America. CineColombia, Inc., the largest Colombia-based exhibitor, is rolling out 3D screens throughout Colombia. With a plan to replace 100% of their projectors with digital, they have already upgraded screens in Cali, Bogota, and Medellin.
Miami-based Barco agents Magna-Tech Electronic Company Inc. and Cinema Equipment Inc. specialize in the Latin American market, integrating Barco projectors in multiple Latin American countries. Magna-Tech recently converted four multiplexes to Barco digital cinema projection for E. De Veer Theatres in Aruba and Curacao, for a total of 24 digital screens in the Caribbean. Steven Krams, President of Magna-Tech, discussed his partnerships. “We service, supply, and design installations all over the world,” explained Krams, “and the Latin American market in particular is dominated by small and medium size businesses — in some cases, second and third generation families own these theatres. With the De Veers cinema circuit, we've built a very personal relationship, and we've been part of the theatre planning cycle from the inception. Creating those relationships is fundamental in bringing a decision to the table, and in what products to choose. Your recommendations are taken quite seriously. One more element is also key,” continued Krams, “in that you are providing a product which is of the highest quality, and the end user is satisfied. You put those elements together, with the manufacturer, supplier and end-user, and you have a dynamic relationship.”
Each integrator and exhibitor selected Barco for numerous reasons, but the common themes remain an appreciation for reliability, ease of use, modular design and a broad projector offering that provides choice and covers all screen sizes. From the DP-1200 to the DP-3000, each projector is 3D-ready, and features Texas Instruments® Digital Light Processing (DLP®) technology. For alternative content projection at each installation, Barco's ACS-2048 represents a growing business opportunity for each exhibitor. The ACS-2048 upconverts multiple input formats to digital cinema resolution, and expands each theatre's role as a multi-event presentation facility.
“Partnering with these superb organizations throughout the Americas in 2D and 3D applications continues to be a rewarding experience for Barco and our clients,” said Scott Freidberg, Barco's Vice President of Sales for Digital Cinema, “These relationships are based soundly on the principles that our division represents — innovation, quality, leadership, customer service and comprehensive training.”
Todd Hoddick, Vice President of Digital Cinema for Barco, North America, also commented on Barco's rapid expansion into Latin America. “One significant driving force in addressing the needs of the Latin American market has been 3D,” explained Hoddick. “3D is where we shine — with the right amount of light for your screens, simple 2D/3D switchover and beautiful image quality. We're leading the evolution of digital cinema into this new realm of 3D, and the success is clearly evident — not just in Latin America, but on a worldwide basis.”
