PVR Selects Qube Wire for E-Content Delivery

PVR Cinemas announced that it has chosen Qube Wire as its electronic content delivery partner. PVR Cinemas has signed a contract with Qube Wire to deliver movies, trailers and advertisements to 876 screens at 176 sites across India. Qube Wire's global cloud delivery platform is known for its ease of installation, operation and future-proof connectivity options, providing an easy way to provide content and key delivery at very attractive costs.

"We were looking for a robust and reliable content delivery solution that gives us flexibility, reliability and transparency. With Qube Wire, we can track and monitor all content movement for our theatres from one dashboard," said Kamal Gianchandani, Chief of Strategy, PVR Limited.

The most important advantage that Qube Wire's electronic delivery provides is the elimination of logistic challenges due to the shipment of hard drives. There is also a significant reduction in the time taken, and the manual labour involved, in the delivery of advertising and trailers across the network. Qube Wire's cloud-based content delivery using broadband also has many operational advantages over multicast delivery using satellite networks. DCP and KDM deliveries can also be tracked end-to-end by authorised PVR personnel from anywhere in the world. Besides being more convenient, Qube Wire is an environment friendly solution, in line with PVR's mission as a responsible corporate citizen.

Qube Wire, a global leader in providing electronic delivery solutions for digital cinema, brings to the table its market-leading electronic content delivery platform that is unsurpassed in its security features. This leading technology has been assessed and ratified by all major Hollywood studios. Qube Wire's simple but comprehensive user interface helps distributors manage their digital cinema assets, assign territorial rights for their content, and deliver their Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) to movie theatres. Additionally, theatres can manage their own digital cinema device details, download KDMs, and access details about all the movies they are showing via their individualised web portal, all for free.

Commenting on this partnership

Harsh Rohatgi, CEO, Qube Cinema said, "We are excited to partner with PVR to strengthen their content distribution. Our customers around

Equipment

Upgraded with GDC Technology, INOX

INOX Leisure announced that is has signed an agreement with GDC Technology Limited (GDC), a leading global provider of digital cinema solution, for upgrading its projection and sound systems to the latest digital cinema media server and audio technology. As per the agreement, INOX will upgrade to GDC's SR1000 Standalone Integrated Media Block (IMB) and also install GDC's Enterprise Series Storage, a dedicated storage playback system designed for an IMB to manage movie content.

INOX's media server and sound upgrade strategy involves the replacement of legacy media servers with the GDC SR-1000 IMB at existing sites and for upcoming construction projects in India. INOX will deploy the optional built-in cinema audio processor, an embedded processing engine with the capability to provide 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. The SR-1000 IMB is GDC's 6th generation server and is designed for near zero maintenance, and would allow INOX to bring together its media servers and sound processors, thereby driving cost and operation efficiencies.

"We have always assigned topmost priority to technology and believed that it plays an extremely critical role in defining the cinema experience. This belief makes us innovate and curate solutions, which are not just efficient, but are also the best. The performance of GDC's media server, especially with the quality of the sound provided by the new audio feature, is extremely impressive, and would enhance movie watching experience," said Alok Tandon, Chief Executive Officer - INOX Leisure. "Besides the quality and affordability of the server, the reputation of GDC's local service teams across the country was a decisive factor in our decision" adds Alok.

"Our SR Series media server technology provides INOX with not only a reliability unparalleled in the cinema industry, but also the top quality of a built-in cinema audio processor which greatly enhances the patron's listening experience," said Dr. Man Nang Chong, Founder, Chairman, and CEO - GDC Technology. "We value our partnership with INOX and look forward to working together to spread their passion to deliver moments which will be treasured by INOX's patrons across India", he adds.

Pushpa: The Rise raises 10 million Rubles at Russia's Box Office

Allu Arjun-starrer Pushpa: The Rise has collected over 10 million Rubles amounting to approximately

INR 13 crore rupees at the box office in Russia. The Telugu blockbuster released in Russian language in 774 screens across the country, said Mythri Movie Makers on its official Twitter page.

"#PushpaTheRise is a RAGE in Russia. 25 days and counting of successful run in 774 screens with a collection of over 10M Rubles," the production banner said in the tweet. Also starring Rashmika Mandanna, Pushpa: The Rise depicts the rise of a low wage labourer (Arjun) in the smuggling syndicate of red sandalwood, a rare wood that grows only in the Seshachalam Hills of Andhra Pradesh state. It released in India in association with Muttamsetty Media in 2021 and went on to become one of the biggest moneyspinners of the year earning over INR 350 crore rupees.

The film also opened the fifth edition of the Indian Film Festival in Russia in December. Allu Arjun, Rashmika, director Sukumar Bandreddi, producer Ravi Sankar and music composer DSP had attended the gala in Russia. A sequel, titled Pushpa: The Rule, is under production.

Volfoni Partners with INOX

INOX has strengthened its partnership with leading 3D solutions provider Volfoni by procuring additional Volfoni's SmartCrystal Diamond technology solution for its 3D cinema screens across the country. An agreement for new installations was signed between INOX and Volfoni during CineAsia 2022, at Bangkok. The choice for Volfoni's SmartCrystal Diamonds is backed by INOX's vision to adopt the best in cinema technologies, in order to ensure top notch cinema watching experiences for moviegoers.

Alok Tandon, Chief Executive Officer, INOX Leisure said, "Over the years, we have been making giant strides on the cinema exhibition technology front, with some decisive and groundbreaking interventions. Our desire to satiate the evolving needs of the true connoisseurs of cinemas makes us choose the best solutions, strategically, from the best in the business. With the signing of this agreement, we are glad that more INOX screens equipped with Volfoni's SmartCrystal Diamond technology will be capable of offering a brighter image quality and an enhanced 3D movie viewing experience, in a highly efficient manner. We are delighted to cross an important milestone in our journey with Volfoni."

"We're delighted that INOX, one of India's leading exhibitors, have selected Volfoni as their trusted technology partner for 3D solutions once more," explained Araceli Vaello, Chief Commercial Officer at Volfoni Group. "By installing our SmartCrystal Diamond throughout their estate, INOX are well equipped to cater for the forthcoming wave of 3D content and can prepare audiences across India for captivating 3D moviegoing experiences" adds Araceli.

MovieMax Opens 7-screen Multiplex in Hyderabad

With MovieMax opening a multiplex with seven screens in Hyderabad, the cinephiles in the city are in for a luxurious movie watching experience. MovieMax is known for their cinema viewing experience with theatres all across the country, including tier 2 cities. With opening two multiplexes back-to-back in Bikaner and Hyderabad, the brand is cementing its position as a market leader.

The Hyderabad property will give audiences a premium viewing experience with advance technology and an array of food and beverage options to make it a perfect outing with friends and families. MovieMax, a fast-expanding multiplex chain which is part of the Kanakia Group, was voted the 2022-2023 'Emerging Cinema Chain of the Year' at the IMAX Big Cine Awards in Chennai this year.

"Our aim at MovieMax is to reach out to the audiences in maximum capacity and to give them a good experience for an outing. All our cinemas would be equipped to showcase films with the best of technology and give people a wholesome experience with best seats, F & B and comfort of being at a premium property." said Ashish Kanakia, CEO, MovieMax Cinemas on the occasion of its launch.

Actor Adivi Sesh who was present at the opening of the theatre in Hyderabad said, "I am excited to be here. There is an emotional connect with the brand. Their Hyderabad property earlier was the place where I used to watch a lot of movies after moving here from states. I would like to congratulate MovieMax as they were the ones who started the luxurious experience for watching films."

"We are the fastest growing cinema chain in India. We have added 49 screens in last 6 months and are looking at adding 38 more screens in next three months. In terms of luxury, there are reclining seats in all our auditoriums here. There is live kitchen so our F&B menu is not restricted to popcorn and samosas," said Ashish Kanakia, CEO, MovieMax Cinemas.