Kortrijk, Belgium—Mar 1, 2007
Barco signs contract with GDC Technology for supply of 700 digital cinema projectors in China
Barco, a global leader in digital cinema, is delighted to announce that it has entered into a Development and Supply agreement with GDC Technology Limited for the supply of 700 Barco 2K DLP Cinema® projectors in China.
GDC Technology, one of the leading solution providers of digital cinema, has selected Barco 2K digital cinema projectors as part of its fully integrated solution for what will be the largest single deployment of digital cinema outside the US. The deployment is being rolled out in cooperation with the China Film Group (CFG), the Chinese state owned company which is the leading player in the Chinese film industry.
The roll-out of the 700 systems will start in April 2007. Further expansion is foreseen in the following years. The majority of the delivery will be based on Barco’s brand new DP series of 2K digital cinema projectors, the DP-1500 and DP-2000. These new models, based on the new 0.98 inch DLP Cinema® chips from Texas Instruments, will be launched at Showest, Las Vegas, which runs from 12 to 15 March 2007.
“Our selection of Barco was based on a number of factors”, states Dr. Man-Nang Chong, Chief Executive Officer of GDC Technology, “We are very impressed by Barco’s long term commitment to the global digital cinema market and its proven product quality as well as its excellent customer support. Furthermore, we have been working together very well with Barco in developing the digital cinema market in many regions. The compact projector size makes it easy to install and the lamps are extremely easy to access and change. Moreover, the use of highly efficient lamps in the new projectors reduces power requirements, making it environmentally friendly. Reliability and up time are also extremely important for any exhibitor, and the sealed engine was thus also a major determining factor.”
The agreement further includes the development of an integrated touch panel, which provides exhibitors with a single touch panel for both projector and server.
Stephan Paridaen, President of Barco’s Media and Entertainment division states, “We are very proud to be selected by GDC as the exclusive partner for this landmark deployment. It demonstrates the trust in the Barco/DLP Cinema® proven track solution for major roll outs. China is at the forefront of digital cinema, and with a box office growth from 2005 to 2006 of over 30%, it is one of the fastest growing cinema markets in the world. China is of key strategic importance for Barco and we are excited to have this opportunity to support GDC in this major roll-out.”
Frank Christiaens, Managing Director Greater China for Barco, adds “The road to this historical agreement is reminiscent of the Long March. Bundling the powers of three key pioneers, GDC, CFG and Barco have reached their Yan’an, a historical milestone in the era of digital cinema. With this deal, Barco further strengthens its market share in the world’s second largest digital cinema market and now holds more than 95% of the Chinese digital cinema market.”
The pioneering DLP Cinema® technology from Texas Instruments, which is used in all of Barco’s 2K digital cinema projectors, guarantees perfect re-production of film, time and time again, and ensures movie goers enjoy the highest quality film experience with consistent picture brightness, contrast and vibrant colors. Barco holds one of only three exclusive licenses of TI’s DLP Cinema® technology.
Further details of the agreement will be provided at a press conference at Showest, Las Vegas, which runs from 12-15 March 2007.
