Sony today announced it aims
to make digital cinema available to all with the unveiling of its new SRX-R515 ultra high quality 4K
digital cinema projection system, designed in particular for use in small or
medium sized screen auditoria.
Key features beyond its
superior 4K resolution, include an outstanding contrast ratio of over 5000:1
and the use of multiple High Pressure Mercury Lamps – a cinema industry first.
All in all, the SRX-515 represents the next stage in the evolution of digital
cinema, enabling smaller exhibitors to embrace the tangible benefits of
digitisation and deliver a superior viewing experience for their visitors.
Smaller exhibitors will now be empowered to
expand their current role to become entertainment venues, offering new services
beyond traditional content, such as sports, music, theatre, opera, multi-user
big screen gaming and cultural events. Not only that, they will have earlier
access to a broader variety of films and be able to host film premieres
simultaneously with the multiplexes.
The new SRX-R515 fits
perfectly with the independent cinema audience; Sony understands there is no one-size-fits-all
approach for the cinema market and developed
the new projector to meet a wide range of cinema demands.
Since its
sensational debut in 2009, the currently available Sony model, the SRX-R320 projection
system, has rapidly acquired a strong reputation from a range of exhibitors
worldwide due to its advanced features and functionalities. To respond to the recent
evolving demands of digital cinema exhibit, the new SRX-R515 builds on the
success of its predecessor by delivering the same industry leading 4K
projection technology, but now offering enhancements in affordability, performance
and functionality, specifically designed for independent exhibitors.
The next generation 4K projection
system delivers true 4K, using the 4K SXRD panel, projected
by a lens specially made for 4K projection. The F2.5 large
aperture lens, made of Extra
Low Dispersion glass, enables super
fine pitch 4K projection. Also
the new optical engine creates a high contrast image of over 5000:1
by further reducing leaked light which takes image quality to a level
never seen before
.
3D projection on the SRX-515 delivers easy on the eye 3D images vs. triple flash systems, thanks to the Sony dual lens system which completes projection of full sequence frames for both
right and left eye simultaneously, without flashing. Moreover, the built in High Frame
Rate (HFR) capability will extend the 3D
viewing to its maximum, ready for the upcoming HFR features.
The SRX-R515
boasts design features that not only make it more cost effective, but also
simple to use. These include the high pressure mercury lamps. Up until now it
was thought that the high pressure mercury lamps brightness level did not meet
the Digital Cinema standard, but Sony has overcome the challenge by combining six
units of 450W high output lamps, maximising its brightness level by the
development of Sony original optical system linking the lamps to the SXRD panel.
This new
light source is an industry first and enables extremely easy, quick, and safe replacements,
without the need to wear protection such as gloves and goggles, and ultimately
ensures a lower cost of ownership of the projector. The multiple lamps of six will give enhanced
reliability as it will ensure it’s not a show stopper when a single lamp goes
down.
On the physical side, the new Sony projector also features a smaller,
more compact body than the original SRX-R320 (-30% less in footprint area), which increases installation
flexibility for smaller projection booths and creates more operating space for
smaller exhibitors.
The washable filter will also reduce operation costs.
The SRX-R515 comes with a fully Sony qualified
integrated media block and server,
enabling high
speed content ingest and transfer, allowing theatre managers to create flexible show scheduling. The
single 15-inch GUI
control panel and an Android tablet, including the Sony tablet series and iPad
support for remote operations, will
make theatre operation more effective.
“Having
listened to the market, we understand independent cinemas want to be able to
compete with larger exhibitors, but to date, have been limited by the costs
associated with digitalisation” said Oliver Pasch, Director of European Digital Cinema Sales at Sony Professional. “This newest addition to the
Sony portfolio, with its outstanding image quality, operational versatility and
low cost of ownership, showcases Sony’s long-term commitment to delivering the
ultimate entertainment experience to the
independent cinema market, and is a major step towards helping them realise the
benefits of digital cinema and enabling them to deliver an immersive experience
for their visitors.”
As part of the overall SRX-R515 package for
independent exhibitors, beyond the 4K projector and 4K integrated media block, the system includes the embedded Screen Management System (SMS) software. Sony also offers on-site installation and service, CineWatch™ remote
monitoring, a 24/7 network operations centre (NOC); some of the world’s most
advanced video surveillance systems, optional
Theatre Management System (TMS), plus everything for lobby digital
signage, from hardware and installation services to content creation, content
management and distribution. In February 2013, to further complement
the new SRX-R515, Sony will also be launching TMS Lite, the new lower cost
Theatre Management System that allows users to manage, control and schedule up
to five screens effectively.
To help independent exhibitors finance their digital
cinema conversion, Sony has agreements in place to provide for Virtual Print
Fees with almost 20 studios and distributors. Due to its international
presence, Sony can work with exhibitors on VPF programs in many different
countries.
For more information please visit
www.pro.sony.eu/dcinema
SRX-R515P will be available in November 2012.
