Sony’s Digital Cinema Solutions
group is heading into ShowEast 2012 with its industry leadership position
intact, highlighting a full range of solutions and services designed to make
the digital conversion seamless for exhibitors of all sizes. Sony continues to
sign on new theaters -- especially independent operations -- based largely on
the strength of its Virtual Print Fee (VPF) program, the only one in the
industry available through March 31, 2013.
In addition to its 4K projectors – models SRX-R320P and the new
SRX-R515P -- many of the new Sony technologies announced just months ago at
CinemaCon are already in use and making an impact on exhibitors’ day-to-day
operations. These include an easy software upgrade solution for high frame rate
projection and an enhanced movie-going experience for hearing-and visually impaired
patrons through its Entertainment Access Glasses with audio system.
“Sony Digital Cinema is dedicated to providing the best products
and services to benefit exhibitors and, ultimately, their customers,” said Gary
Johns, senior vice president of Digital Cinema Solutions at Sony Electronics.
“ShowEast is a great opportunity to highlight and showcase the new and innovative
technologies that we are developing to keep moving the industry forward.”
Sony’s VPF program gives exhibitors the most flexibility to access
Sony’s full line of digital cinema offerings. These include the new
SRX-R515P 4K digital cinema projection system designed for small- to medium-sized screens and
independent theaters. Sony’s VPF program offers low upfront costs, with a unique model that further enhances Sony’s efforts to help
make the conversion to its advanced 4K digital cinema technology easier for all
exhibitors, especially small to medium size operators. Sony worked closely with
the major studios and more than 90 independent distributors to create a VPF
program that includes complete projector installation, an integrated storage
server, theater management systems, monitoring software, networked services,
access to Sony Digital Cinema’s 24/7 Network Operation Center, technical
training, and a 10-year parts/2-year labor warranty. Sony’s full-service
digital cinema solutions also include affordable financing options that include
leasing, exhibitor-managed financing or direct purchase programs.
As a pioneer of 4K and high frame rate software technology, Sony is
raising the bar with a wide range of services for exhibitors across the globe.
This year, Sony further improves the benefits for exhibitors through an easy high
frame rate software update, which enables 24, 48 and 60fps at up to 500
megabits per second. These updates, which do not require a full system upgrade,
expand exhibitors’ range of projection options for supporting high frame rate
screenings such as The Hobbit, due in
theaters in December.
Sony’s first-of-its-kind Entertainment Access Glasses with audio meets
the needs of a traditionally underserved customer segment -- the hearing and
visually impaired movie-goer. The tiny projector implemented in the
glasses shows subtitles that are only visible to the viewer, and the glasses
can be customized for size, perceived distance and language. Regal
Entertainment Group has deployed the technology to 200 of its locations in the
United States, and ultimately plans to offer it at all locations.
Additional information and a complete outline of all Sony’s VPF
program can be found
here. For more information on the
growth of Sony’s Digital Cinema business or related products or services, visit
the
Sony Digital Cinema website.
