In a collaboration intended to support Singapore’s ambition to become the digital
hub of the ASIA region the government’s IDA (Infocomm Development Authority) and
MDA (Media Development Authority) have jointly selected the Barco D-Cine Premiere
DP100 2k projector for the introduction of Digital Cinema into the country.
Recognizing the significance of the transformation of today’s celluloid film based
distribution and the considerable opportunities it offers the Singapore economy,
jobs in post production and in the wider media industry generally, the IDA and MDA
have supported the purchase of 20 projectors by the leading Singapore exhibitor
Eng Wah.
Scheduled for installations in multiplexes throughout Singapore the Eng Wah theatres
are unique as the only network in the world to include multiplex locations that
are totally digitally equipped; every screen being provided with both Digital and
35mm film projectors.
Speaking at the launch of the Eng Wah organization’s digital deployment IDA Chief
Executive Officer, Ms Tan Ching Yee said “the application of Infocomm technology
in entertainment promises significant cost savings and a superior movie going experience”
Noting that important global changes are under way Mr. Lim Hock Chuan, the Chief
executive of the MDA added: “We believe that digital cinema will take off in a big
way as more filmmakers and cinema operators adopt the technology. This in turn will
make the transmission and screening of movies, advertising, trailers and other digital
content such as concerts and sports events in cinemas possible.”
Further commenting on the launch Ms Goh Min Yen, Managing Director, Eng Wah Organization
Ltd said, “As the only publicly listed movie exhibitor and distributor, Eng Wah
has always been keen to venture into higher value-added areas to enhance shareholder
value.
The impact of the savings from Digital Cinema to our cinema operations on top
of the enhanced cinema experience will be significant.”
The Eng Wah network, comprising of 20 Barco D-Cine Premiere DP100 digital projectors
plus anamorphic lens for a State-of the Art wide large screen cinemascope display,
will commence its roll out on November 27th with a Gala screening of
the new Disney blockbuster ‘Brother Bear’ at the Eng Wah theater, Singapore, Suntec
City.
Commenting on the decision to equip entirely with the latest generation 2k resolution
projectors, Sjoerd De Clerck, managing Director of Barco Digital Cinema said:
“We applaud the forward thinking of the IDA and MDA in strongly supporting this
digital cinema initiative. This decision further enhances the leading technology
role Singapore already enjoys in the region. We are proud to be associated with
this program as well as with the Eng Wah Organization who once again show a tremendous
enthusiasm to invest in technology for the benefit of the movie patron.”