MORRISTOWN, N.J.,—Mar 16, 2006
Galaxy Theatres Latest Chain to Contract With Christie/AIX For Installation of Digital Cinema Systems
Access Integrated Technologies, Inc. (“AccessIT”) (AMEX:
AIX) today announced that Galaxy Theatres (www.galaxytheaters.com), a
rapidly-expanding independent exhibitor, has signed a contract with
Christie/AIX, a wholly owned subsidiary of AccessIT, for the installation of
state-of-the-art digital cinema systems on 67 of their screens . Galaxy’s
theatres operations are located in 4 states, including California, Washington,
Texas and Nevada. Galaxy is the fourth chain, including the 2,300-screen Carmike
national circuit, to contract with AccessIT for its conversion to digital
cinema.
Chuck Goldwater, President and COO of Christie/AIX, commented: “Signing Galaxy,
a fast-growing and innovative West Coast exhibitor, underscores our strategy of
serving both large national and independent regional chains in the conversion to
digital technology. As Galaxy continues to expand, digital cinema, with its
superior image quality and ability to provide important revenue-generating
alternative content, including 3-D, will give exhibitors new opportunities to
create a competitive edge.”
“Galaxy was quick to realize the tremendous benefit digital cinema could offer
our customers in terms of visual excitement and programming flexibility and, as
such, has been a long-time digital advocate,” said Rafe Cohen, President of
Galaxy Theatres, Inc. “After carefully evaluating various options, it was clear
that Christie/AIX’s plan offered us the most commercially-proven and fully
integrated solution - from projectors and media players to content distribution
and management technologies. Importantly, all of this impressive technology is
supported by years of real-world experience operating 2K digital systems
deployed at theatres across the country.”
"The value of digital cinema goes well beyond its breath-taking visuals, playing
an important role in enhancing an exhibitor’s brand and business model,
something clearly recognized by Galaxy. We look forward to working with Galaxy
as they expand their business with market-proven DLP Cinema® technology from
Christie,” stated Craig Sholder, Vice President, Entertainment Solutions,
Christie USA
The first systems are expected to be deployed at Galaxy’s California and Nevada
locations and are expected to be fully operational for feature movie
presentations by May, 2006. The deployment in Nevada locations will represent
the first in the state. Total digital conversion of existing Galaxy multiplexes
is scheduled for completion by mid-2007.
AccessIT's Christie/AIX unit serves as the funding vehicle and administrator for
the company's 4,000-screen digital cinema rollout plan, which has expanded
significantly from the number of screens originally announced in June 2005.
Christie/AIX will act as the financing intermediary between content-owners --
major studios and independent distributors, among others -- and exhibitors who
will receive turnkey, Digital Cinema systems in conformance with DCI
specifications, including 2K DLP Cinema® projectors and related hardware and
software. To date, Christie/AIX has been contracted to install more than 2,400
systems in thirty-nine states and has completed the rollout of close to 180
screens for exhibitors including Emagine and UltraStar and Carmike Cinemas.
