ShowEast, Orlando—Oct 14, 2010
Dickinson Theatres Selects GDC Servers for Digital Cinema Deployment
250 GDC digital cinema servers to be installed in 25 sites across five US states
GDC Technology (“GDC”), a world leading digital cinema solution provider, is pleased to announce today that Dickinson Theatres has selected GDC’s digital cinema servers for its digital cinema conversion. A total of 25 theatres will undergo digital conversion with the installation of 250 GDC digital cinema servers across five Midwestern states.
In addition to GDC, Ballantyne Strong, Inc. will operate as the project integrator, and supply NEC projectors. Cinedigm will provide deployment support, while NEC Financial Services and bankers MacQuarrie International will provide financing.
Founded in 1920, Dickinson Theatres has been entertaining audiences in the American Midwest for over 80 years, operating 367 screens at 37 locations in nine states. With a dedication to serving customers motion-picture excellence by providing quality presentations and superior customer service, Dickinson’s Theatres believes the transition to digital is an essential step forward. GDC along with NEC, Cinedigm and Ballantyne Strong expect to successfully complete at least half of the 25 theatre conversions over the next 12 months.
With operations across Arkansas, Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, Dickinson Theatres has developed an impeccable understanding of the cinema market. Their mission to provide the finest cinematic experience is paramount, being one of the first exhibitors to enlist in Cinedigm’s Phase 2 digital rollout program. The expansion announced today will allow for an impressive 250 screens to be digitized, keeping Dickinson Theatres a leader in the Midwest cinema market.
“We are excited to be moving forward and we believe GDC’s digital cinema servers will deliver the best cinematic experience for our customers,” said John Hartley, President and CEO of Dickinson Theatres. “Not only do they provide top quality products, but we also feel we are in secure, experienced hands with GDC, who has assisted us in many aspects of preparation of this transition.”
“It is a sincere pleasure to work with Dickinson Theatres at such a pivotal point in their long history” said Dr Man-Nang Chong, founder and CEO of GDC Technology. “We are confident that this collaboration will ensure Dickinson Theatres are serviced with the highest quality and future proof digital cinema technology, while also enriching the moviegoer’s experience.”
“We are delighted be the digital cinema integrator of choice” said Chuck Goldwater, President of Cinedigm’s Media Services Group. “Dickinson Theatres has achieved an impressive reputation in the cinema industry which we are excited to be a part of.” “We are delighted to have secured this contract with Dickinson Theatres and to have NEC Financial Services provide the financing to make this deployment possible”, said Pierre Richer, President and C.O.O. of NEC Display Solutions. NEC Digital Cinema Projector Series provides the highest quality for moviegoers, and when coupled with NEC financing solutions, represents a best-in-class solution for exhibitors looking to make the move to digital. Partnering with Ballantyne and Cinedigm on this particular deployment is not only an asset for NEC but a building block to leverage Dickinson Theatres.” “The alliance between Cinedigm, NEC, GDC and Ballantyne is an approach to digital conversion which evidently works, and with rapid progress already achieved in this deployment, our expectations are justifiably high.” said John Wilmers, President and CEO, Ballantyne Strong.
