The CineMec Complex in Holland is a state-of-the-art Cineplex which doubles as a conference center. Housed in a contemporary building with striking architecture, the award-winning enterprise, owned by Gerben Kuipers, is located in Ede, just 50 minutes from Amsterdam.
During the summer of 2009, the operation made its boldest statement yet with the opening of the new 3D CineMec XL — the largest 3D screen in Holland — with 20,000 watts (RMS) of purpose-designed QSC cinema surround sound helping to build the atmosphere.
The auditorium can host over 1,000 visitors and some seats can be lifted to the ceiling to convert the cinema into a multi-purpose hall for concerts, congresses or similar events.
Dutch-based specialists, FTT Filmtronics B.V. (FTT), based their audio specification around a matched system from QSC Audio, using no fewer than 44 loudspeakers.
This includes a combination of their SR-46 4 x 6.5-inch two-way surround loud speakers, SB-7218 dual 18-inch subwoofer, SC-444 four-way (4 x 15-inch) screen channel speakers. These loudspeakers are powered by ten QSC DCA2422 and four QSC DCA1222 two-channel digital cinema amplifiers, controlled through an advanced DCM30 processor.
The DCM30 processor provides signal processing and monitor functions in a single integrated system, optimizing loudspeaker performance and covering cinema systems ranging from three to five screen channels, 5.1 and 7.1 systems. DCMs are also compatible with all cinema processor formats including Dolby Digital Surround-EX and DTS-ES.
Thomas Ruettgers, General Manager of FTT’s head office, Film Ton Technik in Germany, says: “There are quite a number of special features that have to be taken into account when implementing such an extraordinary project. QSC products are perfectly designed to meet all these special requirements — that is why we decided to install their audio systems at CineMec in Ede.” Danny Pickett, Key Accounts Manager with QSC Audio Products LLC, stated that it had been a pleasure to work with FTT to satisfy the client’s unique needs. Danny states, “Working in this exciting space has really paid off for all involved — especially for the audiences.”
With a seating capacity for 1,050 people, 160m2 (20m x 8.10m) of silver screen and two Christie digital projectors, CineMec XL has immediately established itself as the leading digital 3D cinema in Holland.
Having also been the first company in Holland to “go digital” in 2003, CineMec today has no less than eight modern digital theaters.
It is also proving to be an important venue for hosting key conferences for national corporations — offering facilities ranging from live satellite transmissions in high definition format on the big screen to infinite digital sound and image potential for audio-visual presentations. In fact, part of the ICTA (International Cinema Technology Association) seminar took place there in the summer of 2009.
CineMec XL kicked off the summer 2009 season with a specially-constructed 3D program — including 'U2 3D' to coincide with the band’s concert in Amsterdam Arena on July 20-21. It is using its new 3D system, with passive 3D glasses (each eye served by its own projector, each equipped with a circular polarization system). This means that both the left and the right eye receive only the images provided by its respective projector.
The demand for 3D films in Holland is increasing rapidly they say, and spread over a seven week period, CineMec registered 3,836 visitors to the film 'Bolt' in 2D as opposed to 5,168 to the 3D version of the same film. This developing worldwide trend was confirmed during the 2009 International Cannes Film Festival, when the latest 3D animation film 'Up' from Pixar opened the festival to positive press reviews.
QSC Audio Products, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of power amplifiers, loudspeakers, signal processing, digital signal transport, and computer control systems for professional audio markets worldwide.
For more information, contact:
QSC Audio Products, Inc., 1675 MacArthur Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626 USA.
Phone: 800-854-4079 (USA only) or 714-754-6175. Fax: 714-754-6174.