Christie Digital was at CinemaCon to showcase it projectors, signage solutions, managed services and audio solutions. Christie, Barco and NEC – the primary cinema projector suppliers, are all now offering in-lobby signage solutions and expanding products and services in the cinema market – a trend that has been on-going for a few years and is likely to continue.
At CinemaCon, Christie launched the DCI-compliant CP2208-LP cinema projector, a laser-phosphor model with 11,000 native lumens making it suitable for screens up to about 35 feet wide (10.7m). The projector is available as a complete system with the optional Christie IMB-S2 integrated media block and also works with other, popular Series-2 IMBs. It has the ability to display DCI content, alternative content, 3D content and content developed at high frame rates.
“It is the perfect solution for the independent exhibitor, local art houses with limited budgets and remote sites where lamp maintenance can be troublesome,” said Allan Fernandes, product manager, Christie.
Christie was not able to provide any additional specifications, pricing or delivery details at press time.
On the audio side, announce the launch of the Christie Vive Audio LS Series 4-way screen channel and 2-way surround loudspeakers at CinemaCon 2016. Featuring planar ribbon driver technology with claimed low distortion and superior transient response characteristics, LS Series screen channels are single-enclosure designs and intended for most 5.1 and 7.1 distributed sound applications.
Christie currently offers the LA series. The design of LS Series enclosures enables exhibitors and integrators to use smaller amplifier configurations without sacrificing output, the firm says, resulting in even greater overall cost savings. There are six models in the Vive Audio LS Series lineup.
Helios S.A., Poland’s largest cinema chain, confirmed that it will provision a third site with Christie Vive Audio using the LA Line Array Series for their Dolby Atmos auditorium and the remaining auditoriums with the new LS Line Source Series, a 4-way screen channel and 2-way surround loudspeaker system.
In cinema signage, Christie bought signage company Allure and is offering products for the cinema market. At CinemaCon, Allure announced an “out-of-box” video wall solution for cinemas as well as retail and other venues. These new video wall packages offer dynamic digital content creation options, the choice of 4K or LED technology, and faster project installations, all while offering a choice of displays, warranties and installation services.
Packages start at four displays and include as many as 25 displays intended to transform high traffic areas such as retail spaces, lobbies, and stadium concourses into highly engaging destinations that increase audience dwell time and drive revenues – which is the same benefit Barco is touting with its cinema lobby solutions.
Like Barco, which owns the X2O content management system, Christie has the Allure Content Management System (CMS) software. This is used to present high impact messages that can be remotely distributed, scheduled and delivered to guests. These digital displays attract consumers and immediately turn unused or underutilized wall spaces into revenue generators – the sales pitch goes.
Delivered and installed by Allure project management and installation services, these new video wall packages are pre-tested and feature dynamic content produced by its award-winning creative services team.
Christie also announced the appointment of veteran theatrical distribution executive Brett Resnick as Vice President of Studio Relations at Allure. In his new position, Resnick will guide the Christie Experiential Network strategies and activities as a key part of its continuing national rollout. -CC
