Barco, a global leader in digital cinema technology, today announced an exclusive agreement with Dallas, Texas-based Movie Tavern for the conversion of their remaining 104 screens — those that had not already converted to Barco. With this strategic move, Movie Tavern is 100% digital and exclusively Barco. Conversions begin in April 2010, with full deployment scheduled for completion by December 2010.
As part of Cinedigm's Phase 2 digital cinema deployment program, Movie Tavern will use projectors from Barco's new Series-II line, and servers supplied by GDC Technology. Within Series-II, there are three projector models in the DP2K “B” series and three in the “C” series. For Movie Tavern's small and mid-sized venues, Series “C” is ideal, using Texas Instruments' 0.98” DLP Cinema® chip. For the large-scale auditoriums in the Movie Tavern circuit, Series “B” gets the nod, based around Texas Instruments' 1.2” DLP Cinema chip. Barco projectors will be used with Cinedigm's Library Management Server™ and Theatres Command Center™ software to enable Cinedigm Certified™ digital cinema systems. These projectors will be connected to central library servers which will store content and will use Cinedigm-developed software to manage and program each auditorium's playlists from a central location using the movies, trailers, advertising and other content stored on that central server.
Dubbed the ultimate 3D machine, the Series-II flagship is the new DP2K-32B, delivering the industry's brightest images. All six Series-II models support both 2D and 3D projection, and each includes next-generation electronics designed specifically for DLP Cinema Enhanced 4K. In addition to advances in software, cooling, and convergence, all Series-II projectors also include enhanced security features as mandated by the Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI). Recently the Barco Series-II projector has become the first digital cinema projector to pass a major DCI compliance testing milestone. For the exhibitor, these factors translate to the industry's finest digital projection technology, the highest degree of reliability, and the lowest total cost of ownership.
In the contemporary theatre industry, Movie Tavern is part of a growing and very popular trend that combines movie-going with full service “restaurant-style” dining — in comfortable boutique settings. Movie Tavern currently operates these unique venues in Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio, with further expansion planned for additional markets in their circuit. “Movie Tavern is committed to giving its guests the very best film presentations possible,” said John Hersker, CEO and President of Movie Tavern. “We also know that Barco shares that commitment, and we're excited to partner with them to achieve our full digital cinema conversion.”
“Movie Tavern is an exciting and dynamic concept designed to give patrons a combination of high quality dining and a premium movie-viewing experience,” noted Patrick Lee, Director of Business Operations, Barco Digital Cinema, North America. “Movie Tavern is a company that's all about innovation. Their commitment to our Series-II demonstrates the desire to give their customers the finest viewing experience possible, and also emphasizes Barco's ability to match the right projector to the right auditorium. On behalf of the entire Barco team that's handling Movie Tavern's installation, we're looking forward to partnering with them on their Series-II deployment.”
