More key
4K projection customers, new dual projection solution for large screens, latest news on
new solutions
– and a unique Event Cinema initiative with the National Theatre and Vue
Entertainment International
Sony comes to CinemaCon with news of exciting customer wins, a new 4K
solution for large screens, more information on its vision for the future of
the cinema industry – and a ground-breaking partnership to screen world-class
drama from the National Theatre in Sony 4K to Vue cinema audiences.
“It’s been an exciting twelve months since our
last visit to Las Vegas for CinemaCon”, says David McIntosh, Vice President, Sony Digital Cinema 4K Solutions for Europe and the
Americas.
“We’re seeing
concrete sales momentum, with ‘early adopters’ looking to replace their
first-generation 2K projectors, alongside equipping brand new screens.
“What’s clear in all our conversations with
customers is the priority they continue to place on all facets of Sony 4K image
quality” notes McIntosh. “This isn’t purely about brightness: operators also
value the industry-leading contrast ratio and colour that our R500 projector
family delivers. It’s an endorsement of our continuing strategy to deliver the
highest-quality projection solutions on the market – today and tomorrow.”
Sony 4K projection now gives audiences the best
possible picture experience, from mid-sized theatres and boutique screens to major
chains and large multiplexes. Introduced officially at CinemaCon, Sony’s easy
to use
SRX-R515DS dual projection solution brings true 4K picture
quality to larger screens.
The SRX-R515DS combines two Sony SRX-R515 projectors
to deliver a 30,000 lumen total output. This dual configuration delivers
reference light levels for 2D presentation on screens up to 19.5m/64 feet for 14ft-L on white screen with 1.8 gain,
or 3D on screens as large as 23m/75 feet
for 4.5ft-L on silver screen with 2.4 gain (installation conditions dependent). Boasting on average an 8000:1 contrast ratio, the
SRX-R515DS assures fabulous images with rich, deep blacks and sparkling
highlights.
Read the press release on Sony’s SRX-R515DS dual 4K projection solution for
larger cinema screens
Vue standardises on Sony 3DLeading cinema operator
Vue Entertainment International is converting almost 400 of its Sony
4K projection systems in the UK, Ireland, Germany and Denmark to Sony Digital
Cinema 3D. Upgrading its fleet to Sony 3D further enhances Vue’s customer
offering – giving audiences’ supreme picture quality at every performance,
whether they’re watching in 3D or 2D and provides the operational attractions
of standardising on an all-Sony 3D presentation solution. The operator has
already standardised on Sony 4K projection across the group’s Vue and CinemaxX
branded European estate. Unlike ‘triple-flash’ systems that rapidly present
different images to each eye in turn, Sony Digital Cinema 3D dual lens solution
provides smooth, immersive flicker-free 3D images without distracting flashing
effects.
Independent
art-house and boutique cinema operatorsSony’s flexible, cost-effective
R515P and
R510P
projectors are increasingly the preferred choice with independent exhibitors
and boutique cinema chains. Recent UK independent customers include
Curzon that is equipping seven sites
across its network with Sony 4K technology.
Emerging marketsIn recent months, Sony Digital Cinema
Solutions Specialist
dcinex (Ymagis
Group) has won significant contracts in Greece with customers Ster
Cinemas and Odeon Cinemas, representing over 60 systems in total.
Following on from its large-scale adoption in many
countries, Sony 4K is fast becoming a must-have choice in other markets that
are currently transitioning to digital. Leading Turkish boutique chain
CINEMApink has completed a 110-screen
all-Sony conversion that includes 25 3D systems. Appointed late last year as an
official dealer for Sony Digital Cinema 4K projection systems, Omega Cinema
Systems has enjoyed considerable sales success in the region, supplying 4K
projection systems to local customers including two brand-new sites in Ankara
with cinema operator CineVision.
Event Cinema
landmark: partnership with National Theatre and Vue Entertainment InternationalSony continues to lead the way in helping operators
and content owners capitalise on the fast-growing Event Cinema market, spanning
live and recorded presentation of cultural, sports and other events. In 2014,
Sony helped bring The National Theatre’s acclaimed stage production of ‘War
Horse’ live in 4K to movie-goers in London’s West End. The same year, Sony and
Vue Entertainment teamed up to screen two matches of the summer’s 2014 FIFA
World Cup™ in 4K at Vue’s prestigious Westfield multiplex.
Building on this impressive track record, Sony Digital
Cinema has recently announced a ground-breaking initiative in the UK with the
National Theatre (NT) and leading exhibitor Vue Entertainment International to
screen four NT Live stage productions for Vue audiences in 4K. A milestone in
Event Cinema, this unique three-way partnership represents the first agreement
of its kind between a leading cultural brand, a cinema chain and an electronics
manufacturer. Over the next year, audiences at Vue cinemas across the UK will
be able to enjoy a world-class cultural experience without travelling far from
home. The four shows will be captured with Sony industry leading 4K cameras PMW-F55s, for
screening as a 4K DCP across Vue’s UK estate that is equipped exclusively with
Sony 4K projection systems.
Read the press release
on Sony Digital Cinema, NT Live and Vue International.
Looking ahead
to the future Sony confirms that it is continuing its development of
new-generation digital cinema solutions including an alternative light
source. Promising significant benefits to theatre owners in terms of picture
quality, brightness and colour gamut, operational flexibility, reduced maintenance
and lower ownership costs, alternative light source will complement and
strengthen Sony’s existing portfolio of conventional cinema projection solutions.
“We’ve always been committed to give exhibitors and
their patrons the absolute best possible picture quality” confirms David
McIntosh.
“Laser light source will be one of the game-changers in the industry in the near future. But it’s got to significantly outperform other solutions that are
already well proven, and it’s got to be at a price that make commercial sense
to exhibitors. When Sony does bring laser to market – at the right time, and
the right price – we certainly won’t disappoint our customers”, says McIntosh.
“In the meantime, we continue to support and evolve our best-selling family of
industry-leading projectors that will keep on giving audiences an amazing 4K
experience for years to come.”