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The Largest Movie Exhibitor on the African Continent Selects GDC’s Ultra-Reliable SR-1000
Integrated Media Block with Built-in Cinema Audio Processor and AIB-2000/AIB-2800
GDC Technology Limited, (“GDC”) a leading global provider of digital cinema solutions, announced today Ster-Kinekor selected GDC’s SR-1000 Standalone Integrated Media Block™ with built-in cinema audio processor to upgrade its projection and sound systems to the latest digital cinema media server and audio technology.
In addition, Ster-Kinekor will complete the upgrade with the Espedeo™ Audio Interface Box AIB-2000/AIB-2800, which is a digital-analog converter for cinemas to interface with cinema power amplifiers and SR-1000 IMB with built-in cinema audio processor. AIB-2000/AIB-2800 is also compatible with 8-channel AES, SPDIF, MIC, non-Sync, and analog 7.1, with front panel buttons or via Ethernet network commands. AIB-2000/AIB-2800 is easily controlled with media server automation commands.
To most South Africans, the word “movies” is synonymous with the name “Ster-Kinekor”, the largest cinema exhibitor in South Africa. With nearly a 60 percent market share in South Africa, Ster-Kinekor owns and operates 45 complexes with over 359 screens and 50,372 seats. Additionally, Ster-Kinekor operates 129 state-of-the-art 3D cinemas, giving Ster-Kinekor the largest 3D footprint in the territory, as well as six complexes in neighboring territories.
The Ster-Kinekor media server and sound upgrade strategy involves the replacement of legacy media servers with the SR-1000 IMB and AIB-2000/AIB-2800 interface box at existing sites and new construction projects in South Africa. The initial deployment involves over 100 media servers and will be facilitated by leading South African cinema integrator, Cine AV Services, which will also provide ongoing technical services for the duration of the deployment.
“Selecting GDC’s audio products was an easy choice after evaluating the products. Although GDC is best known for their media server products and customer service, we were impressed with the quality of the sound provided by their new audio products,” said Albert Ashker, chief operating officer for Ster-Kinekor Theatres. “Besides the quality and affordability of their audio products, GDC’s future roadmap to continually introduce high-quality audio products to improve the sound quality supported our decision.”
“Our SR Series media server with built-in audio technology will provide Ster-Kinekor with a reliable and affordable solution to greatly improve the guest’s listening experience”, said Adam MacDonald, European sales manager for GDC Digital Cinema Technology Europe, SL. “We value our partnership with Ster-Kinekor and look forward to working together to spread their mission to deliver the best possible moviegoing experience across South Africa.
About Ster-Kinekor Theatres
Ster-Kinekor Theatres is the largest movie exhibitor on the African continent. To most South Africans, the word ‘movies’ is synonymous with the name ‘Ster-Kinekor’. The company operates 45 commercial cinema complexes in South Africa, with six international sites based in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The cinema chain’s sites house 359 large-scale screens, with 50,372 seats and the largest 3D footprint featuring 129 state-of-the-art 3D screens in South Africa (Commercial, 3D, IMAX® and Cine Prestige). The company operates in 6 cinema complexes with 33 screens and 4,077 seats in Africa.
As the industry leader, Ster-Kinekor has pioneered cinema concepts such as Cinema Nouveau, a dedicated art-house multiplex cinema, and the luxurious Cine Prestige theatres, the first ‘business class’ cinema experience in South Africa. It boasts a cinema that is fitted with the advanced Dolby Atmos sound system (at Gateway in Durban); and has headed the return of the IMAX Experience, with nine IMAX Theatres across the country. Ster-Kinekor has expanded its cinema innovation to launch the first Kids’ cinema complete with slides and bean bag seating (currently 7 screens) as well as D-BOX which brings movie experiences to life with motion seats.
As one of South Africa’s most loved brands, it is Ster-Kinekor’s ongoing mission to become synonymous with the unrivalled magic of the cinema experience, by providing ‘Great Moments at Their Greatest’. During 2013, the company embarked on a massive roll-out project to convert and equip every cinema with the very latest in digital projection and sound technology. The result of this upgrade is that every cinema now boasts state-of-the-art cinema technology that encompasses 2K and 4K digital projection and 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound systems.
The SK Club loyalty programme rewards members with redeemable points when they swipe their card when buying movie tickets or catering, as well as half-price tickets on Tuesdays. Combined with industry leading loyalty programmes from Edgars Club and Discovery Vitality, these give Ster-Kinekor a strong consumer value proposition and competitive advantage. Ster-Kinekor have extended their loyalty offering to include the first subscription model in South Africa, SK Subscription Club offers members a limited or unlimited amount of movies per month at a set cost whilst also enjoying the benefits of SK Club.
As the market leader, Ster-Kinekor aims to spearhead the advancement of cinema across both South Africa and the rest of Africa, to ensure that consumers continue to experience movies as they were made to be seen – on the big screen.
