Paris - Europa Cinemas Conference 2008—Nov 14, 2008
ZON Lusomundo and XDC Sign exclusive agreement to deploy 180 Digital Screens in Portugal
XDC, the leading Pan-European digital cinema service company, and ZON Lusomundo, the largest cinema chain in Portugal have signed an exclusive agreement for the deployment of digital cinema systems in 180 of ZON Lusomundo's cinema screens in Portugal.
The agreement signed between ZON Lusomundo and XDC includes the roll out of DCI-compliant projection systems co-financed by the Virtual Print Fee (VPF) model. Rollout is scheduled to begin in January 2009 with an initial commitment of 100 screens throughout the rest of the year.
Tomás Gonçalves, CEO of ZON Lusomundo stated "with this investment, we will be among the most innovative cinema operators in the world, and a landmark in the development of European exhibition standards. Not only will we be offering our spectators outstanding picture and sound quality, we will also be able to extend our programming to alternative content at all of our theatres with more recorded and live 3D shows, live satellite events such as opera, concerts, and sports. In addition, going digital will allow us to become a more efficient company, lowering our operating costs whilst at the same time generating significant improvements in customer service".
Serge Plasch, XDC's Chief Executive Officer said: "We are very proud to announce our second VPF deal with ZON Lusomundo the most important exhibitor in Portugal. This demonstrates that the XDC's business proposal meets the requirements of European exhibitors. We expect to announce additional deployment deals in other countries soonin order to reach 1000 installed digital screens across Europe before the end of 2009".
Elisabeth Berradouan, Senior Sales Manager Southern Europe with XDC added: "This agreement is the results of a very professional selection process. We are pleased to start this long term partnership with this leading exhibitor.ZON Lusomundo will be the first digital cinema network in the southern part of Europe".
Under the terms of the agreement, XDC will exclusively install DCI-compliant digital projection systems: Barco 2K Cinema projectors and XDC's CineStore® Solo G3 D-Cinema servers. XDC will also implement a fully integrated and networked solution in each complex, thanks to its advanced Theatre Management System and Central Library, the XDC's CineStore® Plaza.