PARIS, France and BURBANK, Calif.—Jul 10, 2007
Thomson Delivers Transformers: First Motion Picture Sent Via Satellite Simultaneously to Domestic and International Theatres
Technicolor Digital Cinema Transmits DreamWorks/Paramount Feature Via Industry’s First Widely Deployed Integrator Neutral Digital Cinema Distribution Network
Reinforcing its global leadership in digital cinema, Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS), through its Technicolor Digital Cinema business, today announced it is the first to deliver a motion picture via satellite day-and-date to international and domestic theatre locations utilizing an integrator neutral digital cinema distribution network.
This achievement marks the first time an integrator such as Technicolor has transmitted a feature to theatres equipped with its own digital projection systems as well as to theatres with systems managed by other integrators. “It’s an important step forward in establishing the vendor-agnostic distribution model that the studios have been asking for,” said Curt Behlmer, executive vice president of Technicolor Theatrical Services and COO of Technicolor Digital Cinema.
Technicolor now provides a full-service digital distribution network that offers both electronic and physical delivery of digital content to theatres worldwide. “We are no longer limited to satellite deliveries that only reach theatres with Technicolor-owned digital projection systems,” states Joe Hart, VP digital distribution services for Technicolor. “Our integrator neutral distribution network, combined with our world class physical distribution operation, enables us to deliver any content to any system, anytime, anywhere.” Technicolor’s satellite network is currently capable of delivering digital content to over 200 theatre locations in North America and Europe, and will expand in parallel with increasing digital cinema projection system installations.
Transformers also marks the debut of Technicolor Digital Cinema’s 24/7 toll-free worldwide exhibitor customer support call center, offering both translation and interpretation services, managed from Technicolor’s distribution facility in Wilmington, Ohio.
Released domestically on July 3, Transformers is a DreamWorks/Paramount co-production in association with Hasbro.
Technicolor Digital Cinema offers distribution services for all digitally equipped theatres worldwide. As part of its digital cinema equipment beta test in North America and Europe, Technicolor has installed digital projection systems for several prominent exhibitors including ArcLight Hollywood’s Cinerama Dome, Mann Theatres, National Amusements, Wehrenberg Theatres, Zyacorp’s Cinemagic Stadium Theatres, and Kinepolis Group in Belgium.
Technicolor intends on a broader rollout of complete digital projection systems in up to 5,000 screens over the next three to four years. The company intends to equip at least 15,000 screens in the United States and Canada, through the initial rollout and additional phases, over the next 10 years.
