Kortrijk, Belgium—Jul 6, 2006
Thomson, through its Technicolor Digital Cinema business, to deploy Barco 2k digital cinema projectors in 130 Kinepolis theaters in Belgium in first, full nationwide digital conversion of a theater network in Europe
Barco, pioneer in digital cinema visualization, is delighted to announce that Thomson will deploy its 2k digital cinema projectors in 130 Kinepolis theaters. This is the first, full nationwide digital conversion of a theater network in Europe. The units will be supplied to Kinepolis via Technicolor Digital Cinema who will deploy, maintain and monitor all of the digital cinema systems, including Technicolor’s proprietary theater management system (TMS).
“Equipping every theatre in Belgium with a digital cinema projector, expresses the vision and leadership of Kinepolis," said Joe Berchtold, president of Technicolor Theatrical Services, and head of Technicolor Digital Cinema. “We are delighted to partner with Kinepolis Group in what is indeed an important step in the global digital cinema history. We are pleased to include Barco’s market leading projectors that deliver the quality and reliability needed to make digital cinema an audience favorite.”
European cinema pioneer Kinepolis currently has 21 theaters featuring Barco 2k digital cinema projectors. A market leader in their own field, and an innovative trendsetter among multiplex cinemas, Kinepolis has committed to 130 Barco 2k projectors based on DLP Cinema® technology of Texas Instruments to convert their entire cinema chain network to digital throughout Belgium.
Kinepolis will convert approximately 50 percent of its Belgian multiplexes to digital cinema systems by early 2007. The transition of the circuit’s remaining screens in the country will be completed by the end of 2007.
Included in the roll-out will be the brand new cinema multiplex in Brugge, the first cinema to have digital cinema projectors installed from the outset. The grand opening of this new 8-screen multiplex takes place on July 6th.
Chosen for a unique and clear set of customer benefits, Barco’s range of digital cinema projectors will suit Kinepolis’ current and future cinema needs. Because of Barco’s sealed engines, liquid cooling, extreme reliability, and unrivalled service records Kinepolis is confident that their own planned expansion and European growth will be sustained.
“As a pioneering, innovative exhibitor for many years, and as the industry’s first and most prolific European exhibitor to deploy digital projection systems in its multiplex network, Kinepolis Group is fully committed to the ongoing advancement of digital cinema,” said Gilbert Deley, Managing Director of Kinepolis Cinema. “As a result, this partnership with Technicolor Digital Cinema strategically supports the company’s objectives to extend its industry leadership in this important arena, and to provide Kinepolis patrons with the highest-quality in-theatre experience possible. With its proven track record of success in this space, and its worldwide industry leadership and expertise, Technicolor Digital Cinema is the right partner for assisting Kinepolis Group in furthering its digital cinema strategy.”
Stephan Paridaen, President of Barco’s Media and Entertainment division stated, “We are proud to be selected by Technicolor and Kinepolis as the exclusive partner for digital projectors for this first, nationwide digital conversion of a complete theater network in Europe. Selection of our projectors is also proof of confidence in the reliability of DLP Cinema® technology for major roll-outs. We are experiencing the digital revolution, where every cinema in the near future will be showing films digitally. Kinepolis and Technicolor are pioneering this revolution and we are excited with the opportunity to share and support their vision.”
Recognized as the industry standard for Digital Cinema, Barco’s 2k digital cinema projectors are based on DLP Cinema® technology of Texas Instruments, which enables it to deliver the benefits of 2K display resolution, as well as DLP Cinema®, CineBlackTM, CinePalleteTM and CineLinkTM image control, the perfect tool to answer the demanding needs of the digital cinema industry. Barco today counts over 650 installations based on 2k DLP Cinema® technology in leading Post facilities and Digital Cinemas throughout Asia, Europe, and North America.