LAS VEGAS—Mar 12, 2007
Digeserv Delivers Digital Cinema to Motion Picture Industry with QuVIS and Barco
Digital Cinema Platform to Launch in April
DIGESERV today announced the launch of its digital cinema distribution platform and services delivering the digital distribution of content from studios to theatres via satellite technology and its digital equipment network. Commencement of services at theatres in Florida and Michigan will begin in April 2007.
DIGESERV has developed the platform and suite of services needed to deliver: cost and performance efficiencies to all industry participants; enhanced digital content delivery methods from studios and distributors to theaters; and the equipment management and financing necessary to expedite transition to digital. Secure transmission and digital print delivery for the DIGESERV platform is provided by one of the world’s leading providers of telecommunications services operating global communication infrastructure and networks across 170 countries for mission critical events. The initial digital OEM manufacturers supporting the launch are QuVis, providing the digital master server equipment and Barco providing the digital projectors. All major studios are also participating with digital content.
DIGESERV is industry and participant neutral and is able to offer a total turnkey solution or modularly offer individual services so any industry participant can benefit from its three major service areas:
Digital Network Services on a 24x7 standardized protocol basis for digital delivery companies, exhibitors and studios to move their content securely and ensure the digital delivery of films on a cost effective uniform basis. Digital Equipment Services accommodate any manufacturer’s equipment with the objective of increasing throughput while lowering cost and facilitating standards that permit DCI compliance throughout the digital content delivery industry. Equipment Funding Platform and Financing that funds digital equipment and monitors and settles all commercial trade and equipment transactions electronically between all parties in the distribution chain, whether they be digital delivery companies, studios, exhibitors, manufacturers or other vendors.
DIGESERV will demonstrate that movies can be digitally delivered securely and efficiently to exhibitors. Digital films will be delivered to Cineplex’s in two different states using the same movies, at the same times as well as different movies booked separately by each of the Cineplex’s. Standard equipment configurations will be utilized to show how uniformity will facilitate the DCI specifications required by the studios, as well as permit studios and exhibitors to realize the benefits from technological and practical achievements.
Following the successful launch, DIGESERV intends to roll out its capabilities to all US-based exhibitors who have executed agreements to use its turn-key services. Based on indications of interest to date from exhibitors, DIGESERV expects to have over 7,000 screens in contract by year end. DIGESERV has arranged, subject to achieving certain objectives, the financing platform necessary to provide the funding of exhibitor equipment for screens that meet DCI compliance standards.
Thomas M. Davidson, Managing Director of DIGESERV, said: “This launch was made possible by the support of all of the industry’s participants – the studios furnishing digital movies, the initial OEM equipment suppliers and two exhibitors in Florida and Michigan which own more than 200 screens.
“Furthermore, our ability to deliver motion pictures on a global basis beginning later this year is a realistic objective with the satellite and global infrastructure footprint we command which is unparalleled and powers DIGESERV to reach more than 100,000 theater screens outside of the US.”
“We are excited to be leading this groundbreaking event with the support of each of our participants. DIGESERV has developed its suite of services so that all participants realize value from the program and efficiently expedite conversion from analog to digital. Turnkey delivery of DIGESERV’s global digital content delivery, managed equipment network and finance programs create an outstanding value proposition for customers.”
