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Christie Highlights its Commitment to High Frame Rate Technology at Cinema India Expo Christie highlighted its commitment to the development of high frame rate (HFR) technology at Cinema India Expo 2012 with a live demo of HFR content using a standard Christie Solaria Series digital cinema projector equipped with the Christie IMB, an integrated media block solution that seamlessly converts and delivers feature-film and alternative content within a secure environment to all of Christie's 2K and 4K, DCI-compliant Solaria Series 2 projectors. With the advent of HFR movies such as Hobbit and Avatar's sequels expected to debut across the world, beginning in late 2012, audiences can look forward to ultra-realistic movie-going experiences as the technology delivers fast-moving images in exceptional detail, improving the quality and smoothness of the images. HFR technology empowers directors and cinematographers with a new medium that enhances their creative freedom with support for a wider range of action scenes and camera movements. "Today we are proud to showcase our newly-developed suite of solutions for HFR at Cinema India Expo 2012. As a market leader in cinema technology, Christie is an early innovator to create solutions in response to the fervor of HFR from Hollywood filmmakers, directors and producers. HFR is pivotal in setting the benchmark for image quality and therefore the ultimate cinematic experience in the near future. Christie is committed to helping the industry develop the best HFR content and the best delivery systems," said Lin Yu, vice president, Christie Asia Pacific. Speaking at the Cinema India Expo 2012 Conference, Dr. Don Shaw, senior director, product
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management, Christie Entertainment Solutions, explained the inherent advantages of the Christie approach, with its IMB: "Most digital projector installations use a media block in an external server that is linked by cables to the projector. This creates bandwidth limitations that have an impact on picture quality, and restrict the system's ability to offer higher frame rates and increased pixel resolution. The Christie IMB operates within the projector, becoming an integral part of the display device. The result is a secure connection that can manage the high bandwidth required for HFR and 4K content while maintaining full colour display and terrific image quality."
First Ever Cinema Ad SMS Contest on Qube Cinema Network Qube Cinema Network showcased the power of the cinema theatre as an advertising medium while
conducting the draw for winners of the first ever SMS ad contest run on a cinema network. Long neglected, with digitisation, the cinema theatres have now become a remotely addressable and accountable medium whose impact on the consumer has been proven to be over 8 times that of TV through international research. The draw, selected by Parvathy Omanakuttan and Sudhanshu Pandey, stars of Billa 2, declared 5 winners from 18,000+ correct answers received to the Qube Cinema Network Audio contest from across Tamilnadu. The winners will receive the advertised 5.1 channel home theatre system each! Parvathy Omanakuttan & Sudhanshu Pandey, the stars of Billa 2, are also anticipated to give away the prizes in the respective cities / towns in the coming weeks to the release of Billa 2, the movie in Tamilnadu. "SMS contests apart, the consumer engagement opportunities for advertisers abound in a cinema theatre environment and, with power of a network that rivals TV and is possibly the second best in terms of effective reach in TN, the Qube Cinema Network has ushered in the resurgence of cinema as a powerful adjunct channel medium, as it always used to be in the times before TV", said Mr. M.S. Rajagopalan, President QCN. "With the popularity that has been brought back to the cinema theatre as an advertising medium by Qube Cinema Network, we expect in time for this advertising opportunity from a network perspective to become a stable and predictable revenue earner for the theatres, alleviating the somewhat risk based revenue opportunity of the movie screening itself", said Mr. Arvind Ranganathan, CEO Real Image, the company behind the Qube Cinema Network across India.
Harman India's Professional Division Announces Key Appointments Underscoring the positive growth and development of HARMAN India's professional division, the company announced the appointment and promotion of executives to key roles in the division. Effective immediately, Prashant Govindan is named Sales Director for HARMAN India's professional division. The announcement follows very close to the promotion of David McKinney as Senior Director- India Operations for the Professional division, earlier this year. With McKinney's relocation to Bangalore to lead the division's overall operations - including engineering, sales & marketing, business development and service, the company's expansion and business outlook has stepped up another gear. Govindan will report to David McKinney and will also work closely with global sales teams. In his role as Sales Director, Prashant he will focus on 'Go- toMarket' strategy, drive revenue growth and will lead the sales efforts in India Prashant Sales Director across the business segments. Prashant's appointment as Sales Director also follows with Karan Kathuria being promoted as National Sales ManagerInstalled Sound, reporting into Govindan. Karan has over the last year, successfully Karan Kathuria led significant National Sales ManagerInstalled Sound projects in hospitality industry within the installed sound segment. Commenting on the appointments, David McKinney noted, "We are excited to have Prashant on board
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and value the rich and varied industry experience that he adds to our management team. Karan on the other hand will add greater value to his role in installed sound, and build on the significant traction that we have witnessed in this segment." With an imperative of growing the business today, exceeding customer demands, and building future business, a new team has been formed within the division, to identify and build on key areas and potential markets, design and customize existing products for the Indian market, as well as develop unique solutions. In order to support this strategy, Ankush Agarwal has been promoted as Director Marketing & Business Development. In his current role, Ankush will lead the Business Ankush Agarwal Director - Marketing & Development Business Development team, while spearheading the Marketing function. An effective and streamlined after sales experience with service has been a comprehensive offering by Harman. Under the leadership of Ganesh Kumar - Service Manager, new processes and policies have been introduced. He took over the role of Service Manager earlier this year, reporting to McKinney and brings in vast experience in the areas of "After Sales Network Management & Support" and "Field Quality Assurance. "Ankush is one among the first members of Harman's Professional team in India, leading the marketing function. His new role is an acknowledgment of the tremendous success with which he has effectively and efficiently led Harman's marketing and communication efforts and we are confident that he
will continue to do so in future. On the service front, over the last month, many of our customers and partners in cities like Kolkata, New Delhi & Mumbai and even Tier 2 cities have experienced a greater improvement in response times, new policies, availability of spare parts and undivided attention to customer queries on service. We want to constantly raise the benchmark for the service levels and this will continue to be our major focus in the future as well." said McKinney.
Harkness Screens Starts Operations in India Harkness screens, the world's leading manufacturer of projection screens has now expanded its global operations in India by starting their distribution facilities with the manufacturing operations underway to be functional by mid of 2013. The new facility will enable Harkness Screens India to effect quicker deliveries of its cutting edge spectral and perlux digital screens to customers in India and neighbouring countries. Customers will also benefit from lower shipping costs with the commencement of this facility. With the conversion to digital gaining rapid momemtum in India, this move will help Harkness reach out to all customers who demand the best. Andrew Robinson, managing director of Harkness Screens says, "Harkness is delighted to appoint Sriram Sistla, who has vast experience in the cinema industry as sales director to spearhead the foray into the Indian market. Sriram with his wide network, strong relationships and initimate knowledge of the cinema market in India will help forge stronger relationships with customers by understanding their requirements better. This is a part of the investment that Harkness is making to ensure that customers around the world have easy access to some of the world's best projection surfaces".
Harman India Presents a Blockbuster Premiere of Cinema Solutions at Cinema India Expo 2012 The cinema segment being a key focus area Harman India saw another significant milestone being achieved with the second consecutive year of direct participation at Cinema India Expo 2012 at Renaissance Convention Centre Hotel, Powai, Mumbai on the 23rd & 24th July 2012. Cinema India Expo is a premier annual Expo that brings together the best of cinema technology in the sub- continent. As the audio partner of the Expo for the second consecutive year, HARMAN India provided a complete suite of cinema solutions best suited for world class audio experience for the dynamic and demanding cinema segment in India. The large 90 sqm Harman Pavilion booth was uniquely designed to display and present live demonstration of its wide range of Crown amplifiers and JBL cinema speaker systems. Keeping the pace with the challenging industry requirement of providing solutions for varied demands - Harman's booth displayed three key real time solutions based on the three seating capacities - small (upto 125), medium (upto 275) and large( upto 500). The showcase of the Harman's cinema range as specific solutions reinforced the company's position as a comprehensive provider of premium solutions provider. This was used to highlight the key products like JBL Screen Array 3730, 4732 & 5732 combined with a best configuration of the JBL Cinema sub woofers and surrounds, which worked perfectly well in sync with well-designated racks of Crown Dsi series ( 2000, 4000, 6000) amplifiers. Visitors to the Pavilion were intrigued by the complete display and representation of the solutions which connected aptly with their immediate and future requirements. "The highlight of this year's participation at the Expo was the systematic approach to provide clear
understanding of specific solutions and ideal configurations effectively addressed by Harman India's technical and sales teams. Overall we are encouraged by the overwhelming response for the Harman cinema solutions at the Expo." said Prashant Govindan, Sales Director, Harman Professional Division, India. Among the systems displayed the 5742 Ultra High Power ScreenArray speakers provide extreme power for large format cinemas and are designed to enhance 3-D visual experience. The newly launched JBL 3730 was also demonstrated at the Expo. This system provides smooth and accurate reproduction of cinema soundtracks in a compact and very cost effective system. The conference sessions organized at the Expo were much awaited and well attended considering they were chaired by senior industry and cinema professionals. David Mc Kinney, Senior Director, India Operations, Harman Professional was part of a key three member industry level panel discussion on "Importance of Sound in the digital cinema world" moderated by Kabir Bedi, the renowned actor. McKinney presented a very incisive insights and experiences on the changes in technological trends and the adoption of same in the complex dynamic market like India.
Commenting on a successful participation and presence at the Expo, Ankush Agarwal, Director, Marketing and Business Development, Harman Professional- India said, "With the advent of digital cinema, today's cinema patron is even more demanding of perfect coverage in every seat of the auditorium. Harman's cinema solutions address those exact needs of our existing & new customers and technical partners with customized solutions to fit every screen requirement.oose 1 and use
PVR Cinemas Expands IMAX Commitment India's Premiere Exhibitor to Operate a Total of Five IMAX Theatres with Three Slated to Open in 2012. IMAX and PVR, India's leading cinema brand and operator of the country's top-performing multiplexes, announced an agreement to install an IMAX theatre system in Bangalore that is scheduled to open by March 2013. The deal follows an earlier agreement with PVR Cinemas announced in March 2011 for four IMAX theatres, bringing the exhibitor's total IMAX commitment to five. This deal also brings to 14 the total number of IMAX theatres open or contracted to open in India. July-September 2012
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Under the terms of today's agreement, PVR Cinemas will install an IMAX theatre in a multiplex in Bangalore's Vega Mall, a new construction project that is slated to open by March 2013. The exhibitor also plans to open two of its previously contracted IMAX theatres in existing complexes in Bangalore and Mumbai in 2012, with the other two IMAX theatres set to go into new construction projects in the cities of Delhi and Noida, which are slated to open in 2012 and 2014 respectively. "Audiences across India are passionate about cinema and with IMAX's worldwide brand, more and more patrons want to experience films in the premium immersive format only IMAX can deliver," said Ajay Bijli, Chairman of PVR. "We view IMAX as a competitive advantage for our business and we are delighted to bring more audiences in Bangalore The IMAX Experience." "We're excited to expand our partnership with PVR, now our second largest exhibitor in India," said IMAX CEO, Richard L. Gelfond. "With a population of 1.2 billion, a growing middle-class and strong movie-going culture, India is a market poised for tremendous growth. We also believe that by the end of 2013, we will be in a position to begin offering IMAX versions of Bollywood titles, which account for 90% of India's internal annual boxoffice receipts." "PVR is a true innovator in the Indian exhibition industry, offering guests modern, state-of-the-art entertainment venues and we're pleased to build on our partnership," said Don Savant, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific. "Today's agreement underscores the traction we are making in India and as the country's multiplex infrastructure continues to grow, we're excited to be on the ground floor of this emerging market."
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Barco Further Strengthens in Indian Digital Cinema Global visualization leader Barco has been recently selected by Indian cinema chains Inox Leisure and Fame India to deploy its latest digital cinema projectors through GDC Tech. Earlier this year, Real Image Media Technologies, India's leading provider of film, video and audio technology, confirmed an order for 300 DCIcompliant Barco projectors while its subsidiary Qube Cinema equipped 39 screens of Kuwait National Cinema Company (KNCC) with Barco solutions. These deals have catapulted Barco to the top of the country's digital cinema industry, with an install base of 500 digital projectors by end 2012 and about 700 by the end of 2013. Upon assuming management control of multiplex operator Fame India Ltd, in January last, Inox Leisure Limited ('INOX') became the largest theater chain in India. All INOX 68 multiplexes boast state-of-the-art technology. When INOX decided to convert all of its cinemas to digital, it carefully prepared the transition and organized thorough selection rounds to ensure they would team up with the best technology partner. The group chose Barco and its partner GDC Tech. Around 300 High Frame Rate (HFR) READY digital projection systems have been installed now, featuring Barco DCI projectors and GDC's Integrated Mediablock ('IMB'). The deal confirms Barco as the No. 1 provider of digital cinema projectors in India. Earlier this year, Barco signed a contract with Real Image for the provision of digital cinema projectors. In April, Real Image's subsidiary Qube Cinema - specializing in digital cinema - announced the installation of 39 screens owned by Kuwait National Cinema Company (KNCC). To successfully take on this turnkey project, Qube turned to Barco to provide the DCI projectors, and Masterimage for the 3D systems.
"We studied several digital systems before adopting Qube, Barco and Masterimage," said Mr. Hisham Al Ghanim, General Manager of KNCC. "We are very pleased with the systems and support offered." "It was clear to us, upon completion of our earliest deployments, that Barco projectors ensure the lowest TCO and, thanks to their modular design, are also easy to maintain. These are major benefits of the Barco technology. On top of that, Real Image, like Barco, understands product support like no other and has a long-term vision focused on technology sustainability. It seemed only logical to expand our relationship," said Arvind Rangnathan, CEO of Real Image. "It has been a pleasure for us to work with Barco. They perfectly combine world-class products with outstanding support. By offering our Qube server together with Barco projectors as a cuttingedge, all-in-one solution, we can offer India's theaters the very best quality and flexibility available in today's market." "We are proud to be the DCIcompliant projector partner for this digital cinema rollout at INOX as well as KNCC cinemas. Through these recent successful deals with leading players in the Indian entertainment industry, Barco further confirms its position as digital cinema market leader," said Abel Garamhegyi, Vice President Growth Markets EMEAI and Managing Director for India at Barco. "Barco's wide portfolio of projectors and projector packages with IMB are a perfect match for the Indian market. Highest ease of use and reliability, combined with lowest TCO is what exhibitors are looking for when going through such a rapid digitization as India's cinema industry" comments Tim Sinnaeve, Market Director, Digital Cinema at Barco.
Alcons Audio Delivers Digital Cinema Ready Experience at Cinema India Expo Dutch audio systems leader Alcons Audio showcased its trademark digital cinema-ready sound experience at India's biggest cinema industry event - The Cinema India Expo. The Cinema India Expo 2012, which was held on the 23rd and 24th of July at The Renaissance Convention Centre Hotel in Mumbai, saw Alcons Audio India showcasing its trademark pro-ribbon audio technology through their unique range of cinema products that delivered a superlative Digital Cinema ready sound experience. While Alcons provided a captivating static display of their products, they also hosted live demonstrations of the pro-ribbon based cinema sound systems, which garnered a lot of attention from visitors. In partnership with Real Image, a leading digital cinema technology company, Alcons provided the audio system that was on active display at a special demonstration room. This allowed visitors to participate in the finest cinematic experience, enjoying a 1:1 non-compressed reproduction of the original sound source. Visitors who experienced the demonstration in person got a taste of what pursued Universal Pictures to choose Alcons as their principal audio setup within the screening room at their London headquarters. At the same time, Alcons also showcased the CR1 ultra-compact screen system, with 7-inch system depth - in a Left-Center-Right configuration, along with the CB181sl single 18-inch subwoofer with a depth of only 11 inches, and the CSS3 micro-surround system. This entire setup was powered and controlled by the impressive Alcons ALC series of amplified loudspeaker controllers. The entire Alcons Audio India team was present at the show to interact with visitors and familiarise them
with the cinema systems and specific technologies on offer. High dynamic range, low distortion, shallow form factors and well defined coverage capabilities are all hallmarks of Alcons systems, while basic listening of the pro-ribbon systems makes the significant benefits of pro ribbon technology amply clear. And with factory offices in Germany, UK, India and USA, Alcons offers factory-direct support to all their patrons. Recent cinema ambassadors in the international market include Lotte Cinemas South-Korea, Cinemaxx cinemas Germany, Eye Filminstitute The Netherlands, iHome theatres India and Universal Pictures United Kingdom. Alongside, Recent Indian patrons include highly established clients such as Blue Frog - the popular music destination in Mumbai and Penthouz - a premium lounge club premiering shortly in Pune, along with a range of private projects in the form of home theatres/private screening room installations.
New Digital Cinema Deployment Division Opens in Mumbai Patel India Eases Transition to 4K 3D Digital Cinema Systems For Theatres Across Southern Asia.
Patel India, Mumbai, has opened a new digital cinema deployment division to provide high quality 4K 3D digital cinema systems and specialist integration services to theatres throughout southern Asia. The new division will supply, install and maintain world-class, future-proof solutions in compliance with international standard JPEG 2000 Digital Cinema Package (DCP) formats. It will operate alongside sister company, Filmlab, one of India's largest and most advanced film processing and digital post facilities. The two teams will work together to provide digital content to theatres. PID has already established a relationship from the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality 4K and 3D digital cinema and audio processing systems, namely 'Sony'. The new division will supply Sony's 4K digital cinema integrated projection system, providing outstanding picture quality including superior, flash-free 3D playback. The Sony 4K system is the world's first Digital Cinema Initiative* (DCI) specification-'compliant' 4K digital cinema projector. The system features advanced cutting-edge technology and guarantees correct reproduction of movie content at a constant 4K resolution. Likewise, Patel India will also supply the top of the range audio processors with features that include 16 channels of digital and 8 channels of analogue inputs coupled to 16 digital and 16 analogue outputs. The division will calibrate theatre halls using room optimising technology that ensures audio set-up and sound clarity are optimised at every installation. Patel India will offer payment terms to help theatres owners with the initial investment required to transition from analogue and low-quality e-cinema equipment to the new 4K digital cinema systems. This arrangement will also help production studios by enabling them to have their pictures screened at a higher number of DCI compliant venues. July-September 2012
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Bol Bachchan and Telugu Film Eega Screens in UFO Digital Theatres
Hindi multi-starrer 'Bol Bachchan', which debuted in the week of July 612, joins UFO's Millennium Club films that are screened in over 1,000 UFO digital theatres from the first week onwards. 'Bol Bachchan' debuts in 1,015 UFO digital theatres across India, following in the footsteps of other successful films such as 'Housefull 2', 'Agneepath', 'The Dirty Picture', 'Don 2', 'Ra-One', 'Bodyguard', 'Singham', 'Force', 'Ready' and 'Desi Boyz' -- all of which screened in over 1,000 UFO digital theatres.
'Sakuni' (Telugu) and 'Saguni' (Tamil) screen in 75 and 71 UFO digital theatres respectively in week 3. 'Pawan Kalyan's Gabbar Singh' continues to screen in 74 UFO digital theatres in its ninth week. Kannada film 'Dandupalya' screens in 79 UFO digital theatres in its second week.
Ek Tha Tiger Banned in Pakistan
Another new film 'Three Bachelors' debuts in 47 UFO digital theatres. 'Rowdy Rathore' screens in 99 UFO digital theatres in its sixth week. 'Gangs of Wasseypur' screens in 94 UFO digital theatres in its third week. 'Teri Meri Kahaani' screens in 57 UFO digital theatres in week 3. New Telugu release 'Eega' debuts in 201 UFO digital theatres in week 1.
Salman Khan has proved yet again that he reigns supreme at the box office, with his latest film Ek Tha Tiger netting a whooping 32 crores on the first day. However though the film is setting new records in India, across the border, Ek Tha Tiger seems to have run into trouble. Apparently, post the back and forth pertaining to the release of the film in Pakistan, it is now learnt that Ek Tha Tiger will not hit the theatres there.
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This comes after initial reports that of the film being banned in Pakistan on the grounds of its theme being antiPakistan, but recently an NOC was granted for Ek Tha Tiger to be screened for the censor board members there. However, now it appears that ETT failed to convince Pakistani board members of the benevolent treatment of their country in the film.
'Gangs of Wasseypur II' Debuts in 528 UFO Digital Theatres The much-awaited `Gangs of Wasseypur II' debuted pan-India in 528 UFO digital theatres. 'Jism-2' screens in 494 UFO digital theatres in its second week and `Kyaa Super Kool Hai Hum' screens in 151 UFO digital theatres in its third week. `Cocktail' screens in 29 UFO digital theatres in its fifth week while `Bol Bachchan' screens in 25 UFO theatres in its sixth week. In the South, Telugu film 'Julayi' debuts this week in 311 UFO digital theatres and superhit `Eega' in its sixth week continues its strong run by screening in 69 UFO digital theatres. Kannada film 'Sagar' debuts this week in 55 UFO digital theatres. Tamil film 'Mirattal' in its second week is in 50 UFO digital theatres andMarathi film `Bharatiya' debuts in 61 UFO digital theatres.
• INSTALLS •
Cinemax Launches
6 Screen Multiplex at Cyberabad Cinemax, India's one of largest multiplex chain launched its flagship property in Cyberabad; it's the second multiplex in Hyderabad. The property was inaugurated by Hon. Sri K Raghvendra Rao, Mr. Sanjay Dalia - President Cinemax Exhibition India Ltd and Mr. Girish Wankhede Spokesperson Cinemax Exhibition India Ltd, the property has opened at Inorbit Mall and is operational since 1st June 2012 with the release of "Rowdy Rathod". The property is situated at Cyberabad which is an up-coming township with an increasing urban and corporate populace. This will be the first multiplex in Cyberabad. With this launch, Cinemax now has 40 properties in India, and 141 screens. Hyderabad being the cultural hub for the Telegu film industry and cine lovers, this property will undoubtedly add to the pride of the city. The 6-screen multiplex has a total seating capacity of 947 seats. The multiplex is well-equipped with its benchmarked technology, lighting and acoustic sound system. In addition to this the property offers luxurious seats, variety in gourmet food, personalized
café service along with computerized ticketing. With such state-of-the-art amenities and an unparalleled moviewatching ambience, Cinemax will ensure a memorable experience for all cine-goers. Commenting on this occasion Girish Wankhede DGM-Corp Comm, Cinemax said, "We are very pleased
to open our second property in the Nizaam city, Hyderabad. Cinemax has pioneered the movie premier culture; various consumers connect activities to guarantee a complete cinematic experience for its patrons. With this launch, audience in Cyberabad will enjoy the flavor of our warm hospitality."
Fact File Interior Architects / Interior Designer Technical Design Of Audi & Acoustical
Ar. Sanjay Puri Jhaveri & Jhaveri
Services HVAC Electrical Lighting (Signages)
Ketan Shah & Associates Bhuva & Associates Function Neon
Booth Equipments Projectors Processors
Scrabble Dolby
Audi Equipments Screen Seating Lighting Step Light Carpet
Zohar & Company Krishna Quinette Tej Light / Lime Light Shri Krishnashray Needle Punch, Hand Tufted Carpet
July-September 2012
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• S P E C I A L F E AT U R E •
A Concept with a Cause United Mediaworks Pvt. Ltd., a company incorporated with an aim to support the growth of Media & entertainment industry with futuristic and scalable technology based products & services is promoted, owned and operated by the
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Bhandari brothers, Ashish and Sachin.
group in phase 1 and further scaling globally.
Having a formal launch this June, UMW offers Secured Digital Distribution of films to its value based chain of branded Cinema Halls (Nukkad Entertainment) pan India catering the middle & low income
The company has developed a proprietary technology product Digital Cinema Server (DIGIBUTOR). DIGIBUTOR aids in digital distribution of film at 512 bit encryption. The company installs this
• S P E C I A L F E AT U R E •
product & other digital cinema equipments at cinema halls. It delivers content via broadband/ satellite/hard drives to its chain cinema halls on weekly basis. The company is into setting up of cinema halls based on pre-defined quality standards which every business associate will have to follow. The company acquires the desired content for distribution from the producers or distributors of films. Nukkad Entertainment is a novel concept of small sized digital cinema halls introduced to cater the common man across India with their daily dose of Filmy Entertainment. "Nukkad Entertainment" targeting the lower middle & lower income groups of the country offers availability of cinema halls in remotest place in India, secured, standardized & highest quality digital viewing experience and real value for the money spent. Based on the scalable model with technology, the company plans to
develop 5,000 cinema halls by 2015 offering "FDFS" films to its target set of audience pan India. Company tends to achieve its targets of setting up cinema halls via its Business Associates Model. The concept of this initiative is to get the potential audience that is lost due to high pricing of tickets at
multiplexes & lack of cinema halls in tier 2 & 3 cities and to banish piracy. Tushar Kulkarni says, "The need of the TIME - Nukkad Entertainment "Paisa Vasool!!" is a complete value based chain of Small Digital Cinema Halls catering the mid & lower income groups in India."
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• CINEMA SYSTEMS •
Galalite
Enhancing the Movie Viewing Experience Galalite, one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of projection screen surfaces to exhibitors worldwide, offers superior movie viewing experience with advanced technology, superior quality and constant innovation. A family owned business since inception in 1959, and headquartered in Mumbai, the Heartland of the movie Industry in India, Galalite remains at the cutting edge of technology to effectively cater to the increasing demand for high grade cinematic experience. Galalite was the first Indian Company to start exporting cinema screens world-over. The product range includes: Regular Matte White Screens, Digilite Screens for Digital Cinema and HFR, and Prism3D Screens for Digital 3D systems, apart from customized screens for specific applications. Regular Perforations and Micro Perforations are available with absolutely invisible seams that ensure a seamless movie viewing experience. Galalite has introduced a new improved formulation for silver
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screens which allows the widest viewing angles in the Industry and ensures better colour reproduction and white field uniformity to enhance the movie viewing experience for audiences. And with no hot spot even in 2D presentations, it translates to absolute value for money for cinema owners. All this, with an extinction ratio of 150:1 for a completely mind boggling 3D effect. Real Image Media Technologies, India's leading provider of technology in the film, video and audio domains, and pioneers in digital cinema technology revolutions, has partnered with Galalite Screens for the supply and installation of one hundred and fifty 3D Silver Screens over the next 12-15 months. "We are thrilled to partner with Real Image, the only Indian company and amongst a handful worldwide with DCI compliant digital cinema technology. Through this collaboration we are able to take bigger strides in cinema technology and the viewing experience. We believe it is just a beginning to the
exciting possibilities in digital & 3D Cinemas" says Mr. Yusuf S Galabhaiwala, Director - Business Development, Galalite (GTC Industries). Galalite has established a storage facility and office in Bangalore in order to ensure faster delivery to customers in South India. The company has also planned to open up a new facility in Germany to cater to markets in Europe, Middle East and Africa. With a brand new visual identity and a renewed presence on the World Wide Web, the company exhibits its ambitious plans to extend its reach in the global market with its wide range of innovative projections screens that lead the pack by way of advanced technology and consistent quality. Galalite also makes a significant statement with its new tagline 'Imagine. See', making futuristic technology possible for film makers and taking movie goers to a whole new level.
• TECHNOLOGY •
D-Cinema Qubed
Anticipating HFR Era Giant-screen 4K 3D, server upgrades, high frame and even higher bit rates, high-speed Ethernet interface on IMBs, laser demos, software updates, another DCI certification: From Burbank, California, to Barcelona, Spain, and from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Mumbai, India, it has been a busy time for Qube Cinema. "The industry is changing so rapidly these days and Qube is excited to be at the forefront of those changes," confirms Rajesh Ramachandran, company president and chief technology officer. Qube Cinema's international product line includes the Qube XP d-cinema server series, Qube Xi 4K Integrated Media Block, a suite of digital mastering solutions (QubeMaster Pro, Xpress 2 and Xport) and the Qube KeySmith KDM generation system. "We are committed to creating a seamless digital-cinema environment for exhibitors, filmmakers and postproduction houses," he describes the company goal, "with technologies that are innovative, flexible and costeffective." Just before hitting Cinema India in late July, Ramachandran took some time to call in from Mumbai for an exclusive update for our readers. Among the big news items, he enthuses, is the new version 3.0 software for the Qube d-cinema servers that were released in June. "The new modularized software provides a common user experience for setup, operation and maintenance of both our XP-D and XP-I models," Ramachandran explains. "The flexible architecture of our servers will provide current users of the XP-D with an easy upgrade and smooth transition to the XP-I and the 4K Xi IMB. This allows exhibitors to accommodate 4K resolution and higher frame rates as the DCI specs continue to evolve and
in anticipation of the release of theatrical content from the likes of Peter Jackson and James Cameron. Our 3.0 software supports stereoscopic 3D systems, as well as accessibility devices such as onscreen titles, closed captioning, and systems for the visually impaired." Having gained DCI compliance for the Qube XP-D in June and the version 3.0 software, in fact, "helps validate the XP-I server," he reiterates. Plenty of hard proof of powerful capabilities was otherwise delivered, going back to CinemaCon 2012. Two weeks after introducing Qube's integrated setup that is "capable of both HD-4K uncompressed color grading and 2K-4K digital-cinema playback from a single server-IMB configuration" during the National Association of Broadcasters' NAB Show, Ramachandran and the Qube team offered another series of industry firsts in the hallowed halls of Caesars Palace. The exhibition community observed multi-IMB synchronization, 2K 3D at 120 fps for each eye, and a joint demonstration with Barco of laser-illuminated projection. During the tradeshow, Qube delivered 4K DLP Cinema content from a single Qube XP-I server to two Qube Xi 4K media blocks integrated into Barco DP4K32B projectors. (In March, the Wortham Giant Screen Theater at the Houston Museum of Natural Science became the first commercial installation of this single-server, twoprojector 4K 3D system.)
This is made possible because the XP-I server features enough data throughput to play back content at a super-fast 1,000 Megabits per second, or four times the current DCI Mbpsrate specification (more on that below). "Our 4K 3D demonstrations have been done at 800 Mbps," Ramachandran says with obvious pride. "With 2K content," he elaborates, "the Qube Xi IMB can deliver up to 120 frames per second in 2K, and up to 30 fps with 4K content. Alternatively, this very high processing capability can be used to drive dual 4K or dual 2K DLP Cinema projectors from one DCP for stunning 4K 3D at up to 30 fps per eye. Due to the fact that we offer multiple projector and IMB synchronization, we can also play 2K 3D at 120 fps. That is something that nobody else has done before." At Caesars Palace, Qube also paired the XP-I with a Qube Xi 4K IMB to drive Barco's prototype laser projector (aka "The Dragon"). "The brightness and high contrast were exceptional," Ramachandran notes about the clips from Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol and other projected content. "Exhibitors need the high brightness and color saturation this delivers." And, during the Filmmakers' Lunch with Ang Lee and Martin Scorsese, Qube Cinema powered 2D and 3D footage on three separate screens from a single XP-I server. The side-by-side comparison was automatically kept in sync by the Xi IMBs. The left and right screens featured Barco's DP2K20C projector with RealD singleJuly-September 2012
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Qube Xi with XP-I 4K Integrated Media Block
projector stereoscopic configurations while the center screen was lit by two vertically stacked DP2K-20Cs that projected 3D test footage delivering a whopping 120 fps to each eye. (Germany's Fraunhofer Institut had captured the special material with ARRI cameras at the same high frame rate.) "When you see HFR 3D at 48, or even 60 fps for each eye, the tremendous improvement is obvious over 3D at 24 fps," Ramachandran believes. "But 3D at 120 fps blows everything else away." While making a clear case that Qube Cinema has the super-HFR technology at the ready, Ramachandran nonetheless believes that, at this point, 120 fps will be reserved for special venues like the Houston Museum of Natural Science. "Rather than exhibition and distribution, the issue of higher frame rates is more important for production and post-production because of the tremendous amount of data that they have to contend with," he reasons. "In terms of what we've seen and how the practical implementation looks, we expect 60 fps will be a good place to be for movie theatres." As "high frame rates" and HFR have entered our day-to-day vocabulary, "high bit rates," or HBR for short, are more recent additions to the general d-cinema conversation. The current DCI bit rate runs at 250 Mbps, but it was set seven years ago,
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Ramachandran reminds us. "When first establishing the DCI specs, the primary focus of the 'golden eyes' of our industry was to compress data as little as possible. Around the 250 Mbps mark, they determined the difference between compressed and uncompressed content was not discernible to the eye or was 'visually loss-less.' Just as importantly, the necessary throughput was available from medium-scale, three-drive, four-drive system servers rather than more expensive high-speed storage drives. In 2005, the sweet spot between storage cost and image quality was 250 Mbps. Nowadays, hard drives have become faster, cheaper and, very importantly, we are also looking at content beyond 24 fps. 250 Mbps created nearly lossless images at 24 fps. With HFR 48 fps, for instance, we double the amount of data and the calculation would be that we double the bit rate along with that. Of course, we don't want the hardware to be running at peak performance capacity of 500 Mbps but need to have a little headroom. This said, the general industry trend seems to be that we standardize 450 fps for HFR material," he has observed. Sounds like another case of technology developing faster than the specifications are keeping up. With all the recent innovations and advancements at Qube Cinema, Ramachandran seems like a good
source to find out about the development process. How can companies even bring new technology to the market? Does compliance go on hold? Or is a product automatically feasible as long as it exceeds the current, albeit lower DCI specifications? The Hollywood studios and major distributors are allowing "special cases" into the market, he responds. "Without trials and field experience, we couldn't have locked down any hardware configuration and software versions to send to the DCI for certification. Furthermore, once we are certified, we can't make a change, as that requires recertification. So, in the interest of both progress and expediency, we really need to get new products out into the field and use them in reallife situations." And indeed, in addition to the Qube XP series servers already feeding some 5,000 screens worldwide, 1,500 of which are to the DCI d-cinema standard with the balance going to the e-cinema base mostly installed in India, there is plenty of experience being gained. In closing, Ramachandran asserts that Qube Cinema will continue to be on the cutting edge. "We have trial installs of Qube XP-I in the United States, India and across Europe where we are getting practical working experience and feedback that will go into making our products even better."