London—Feb 13, 2009
Sound Associates Installs 3D Projection Systems for Odeon Cinemas
ODEON and UCI Cinemas, Europe’s largest cinema operator, is currently installing dozens of new 3D screens as it further extends its network of DCI-compliant Digital Cinema screens in the UK, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany & Austria. Sound Associates, the UK‘s leading cinema equipment integrator, is installing the 31 systems for phase 1 in the UK.
As part of the strategy, ODEON & UCI will triple its coverage of 3D digital screens in response to the wealth of 3D blockbusters due for release in 2009. By the end of March, over 100 sites across Europe will be equipped for 3D, with 52 screens in the UK alone, more than any other UK exhibitor.
Following its site survey of each location, Sound Associates assembled, configured and tested each system at its facility in West London prior to installation. A system consists of an NEC projector, Qube or Doremi server, Real D 3D system and appropriate network and ADSL hardware and cabling – all housed in the specially adapted Sound Associates SA DigiBase.
Drew Kaza, Executive Vice President of Digital Development for ODEON and UCI Cinemas, said, “The installs have been going incredibly smoothly. We are pleased that the vast majority of upgraded screens are actually running ahead of schedule at this stage, enabling us to unveil the benefits of 3D even sooner to our film fanatics across the UK. This is the next important step as we accelerate our moves into digital in 2009.”
Graham Lodge, Managing Director of Sound Associates, said “We are delighted to be working with ODEON and UCI on this groundbreaking project and I am particularly pleased that our engineers are managing to keep up with the demanding install schedule. ODEON and UCI have been able to show 3D films ahead of the planned date – this has to be good for the cinemas and for the customers”.
