Digital cinema pioneer and holder of the world record for the brightest DC projector, Barco announced today that it has completed Cinemark's digital cinema projector deployment, shipping and installing the final projector in Cinemark's national digital cinema roll-outcomprising over 3,400 screens.
Cinemark, a long-term exhibitor partner to Barco, completed its digital cinema conversion in December to become the largest theater chain in North America with 100 percent digital projection in its domestic, first-run theaters in only 18 months. The company holds the distinction of being the first to deploy Barco's Series 2 projectors, the first to purchaseBarco's DP2K-B series, and the first to install its DLP Cinema® Enhanced 4K projector.
In addition to supplying projectors to Cinemark, Barco also performed all of the installation services for the full circuit deployment, delivering and converting every single screen on time and in full. “We requested a very aggressive deployment schedule right from the start, and Barco hit each and every deadline,” commented Damian Wardle, VP of Worldwide Theatre Technology & Presentation at Cinemark. “They've installed thousands of projectors in rapid succession, even as they were literally being introduced.”
“Barco has been a terrific partner every step of the way,” commented Alan Stock, Chief Executive Officer of Cinemark. “We've enjoyed great success with our digital cinema conversion, which attests to the excellent product quality, reliability and ease of use of Barco's projectors.”
The final projector was installed in Greensboro, North Carolina, marking the conclusion of a deployment which began in May 2010. “We are thrilled to join with Cinemark in celebrating their outstanding accomplishment of becoming 100 percent digital,” commented Patrick Lee, VP Digital Cinema for Barco North America. “As they continue their worldwide expansion and conversion to digital cinema, we will continue to provide Barco's hallmark customer service, technical support and certification training to assure their enjoyment of the best and brightest projectors in the world.”