Qube Cinema Introduces Virtual Wiretap

Qube Wire has expanded the ways that theatres can connect to their network with the Virtual WireTAP. The Virtual WireTAP is a software solution that can be installed on a theatre's existing hardware to connect the theatre to Qube Wire's global cloud delivery platform directly. It delivers on Qube's commitment to supporting theatre's requirements - clients can leverage their existing infrastructure to connect to Qube Wire. Like the WireTAP and the WireTAP Air before, the Virtual WireTAP is easy to install and operate. Mark Waterston, Senior Vice President, Qube Wire, had this to say about Virtual WireTAP's unique features, "Some theatres wanted the quick and easy delivery of content via Qube Wire, but they didn't want to install another box in their booth. The Virtual WireTAP allows theatres to use the extra storage that they already have to connect to Qube Wire."

Qube has always worked to identify specific market needs and craft effective solutions that are easy to deploy. The Virtual WireTAP can be installed on the theatre's existing hardware and includes all the features and convenience of the current WireTAP. This includes fully automated storage management, intelligent KDM routing and delivery, real-time delivery status monitoring via the Qube Wire portal and fail- safe automatic firmware updates. The Virtual WireTAP is already deployed across four theatre chains in three countries - USA, Brazil, and India.

Nigel Dennis, Senior Vice President,

Global Sales added "We've listened to the feedback from exhibitors, and this certainly opens up more opportunity. Our market coverage is growing day by day; Qube's electronic delivery now counts for thousands of sites worldwide including our recent expansion across Southeast Asia."

HOYTS Commissions Seven Additional Cinemas with D-Box

D-BOX Technologies and HOYTS, the largest single-brand movie exhibitor in Australia and one of the country's leading entertainment companies, have announced the commission of D-BOX haptic recliner seats in 7 additional Hoyts locations, to be installed by the end of 2023. This will raise the total number of Hoyts theatres equipped with D-BOX technology over the last four years to 22, many of them fullfledged D BOX auditoriums. D-BOX now has more than 850 auditoriums installed or committed around the world based on these additional locations. "The Box Office has shown that moviegoers, now more than ever, have a strong appetite for premium experiences. This is true not only in the Americas but also Down Under. Hoyts' occupancy rate is very good, and they have decided to capitalise on that market trend by providing their moviegoers with an unparalleled premium entertainment experience," declared Sébastien Mailhot, President and CEO of D-BOX. "Hoyts has proven to be a great partner and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their commitment in growing our respective businesses and their confidence in our immersive haptic technology."

"Whether they're watching the latest horror movie, a blockbuster or even a musical comedy, our guests immerse themselves much further into the moviegoing experience through the D-BOX haptic seats. We are thrilled to bring this premium technology to even more movie lovers across the country, providing them with a truly immersive way to view exciting films," said Damian Keogh, President and CEO of The HOYTS Group. "In today's competitive environment, where everyone is competing for the attention of consumers, D-BOX gives us a definite edge in our market and has already had an amazing effect on our brand awareness, customer satisfaction and, most importantly, ticket sales."

Major Cineplex Invests in Live Hologram Technology

ARHT Media, the global leader in the development, production and distribution of high-quality and lowlatency hologram and digital content, announced that Thailand's largest operator of movie theatres, Major Cineplex, has purchased ARHT's CAPSULE hologram display technology in a move that is set to revolutionise the cinemagoing experience. Major Cineplex becomes the first cinema operator in the world to purchase CAPSULE technology, with the announcement also marking the first sale of CAPSULE in the wider APAC region building on the successful rollout of the hologram display system across North America and Europe throughout 2022. The announcement follows ARHT Media's recent reporting of record Q3 revenues of $2.02M vs $1.05M in Q3 2021, an increase of 92 per cent, showcasing the continued growth of the hologram technology sector. CAPSULE is a plug-and-play, fully interactive 4K hologram display, enabling the merging of the physical world with the metaverse like never before. The technology has attracted great interest across the cinema sector following its unveiling at CinemaCon Las Vegas, and the purchase of CAPSULE will now enable Major Cineplex to deliver unique experiences blending real world and metaverse both in cinema and at special events. Audiences will be able to meet and greet with lifesized 3D holograms in real-time, enabling talent to be beamed live to the screen from anywhere in the world. CAPSULE also provides fully interactive functionality, including a touch screen and two-way cameras, providing immersive ways to gamify the lobby experience, giving cinema audiences a wealth of new ways to engage with content from advertisers and studios. "We are delighted to be the first cinema operator in the world to bring this exciting new technology to our customers," said Vicha Poolvaraluk, CEO of Major Cineplex. "Hologram technology was once the realm of science fiction, but with CAPSULE, we will be able to make this a reality for our audiences and look forward to creating some truly unforgettable cinema experiences." Larry O'Reilly, CEO of ARHT Media, added, "Now more than ever we are seeing bricks and mortar cinemas needing to come up with new and innovative ways to attract audiences through their doors. We cannot wait to begin working with Major Cineplex to give their audiences amazing experiences that they just cannot get at home."

Mega FilemQube Wire Partner on E-Content Delivery

Qube Cinema announced a partnership with Mega Filem Enterprise, Malaysia's leading digital cinema service provider and Qube Wire, the world's leading electronic delivery platform. Mega Filem Enterprise and Qube Wire will operate a content delivery network serving all cinemas in Malaysia and Brunei. Qube Wire's global cloud delivery platform is known for its ease of installation and operation. It provides a secure, efficient way to deliver content and keys for less money. Already the two companies have connected more than 80 theatres with a fast and robust electronic connection. Another 40 theatres are scheduled for installation. "This partnership is at the frontier of knowledge and with Qube Wire's vast global network delivering innovation to the industry, we remain committed to our growth initiatives and continue to build long-term value for our respective customers," says Yap Mun Yue, CEO of Mega Filem Enterprise. Qube Wire is a market-leading electronic content delivery platform that is unsurpassed in its security features. All major studios have assessed and ratified this delivery system, and they all use the network in some way around the world. 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 of the movies they are showing via their individualised web portal, all for free. Commenting on this partnership Mark Waterston, Senior Vice President - Qube Wire, said "We have been so impressed with the knowledge and skill of the Mega Filem team. We are honoured that they would choose us as their partner for this important region."

STS Launches New Content Management Service

Strong Technical Services (STS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ballantyne Strong, announced the launch of its new content management service, designed to streamline booth operations for its cinema partners. The STS content management service offers a dedicated team of content specialists that handle all theatre management system (TMS) operations, including content ingestion and transfers of content such as features, trailers, and advertisements. Additionally, the team monitors show status and equipment operation for each customer. "STS is well known for our capabilities related to installation, repair, and remote support so it was a natural progression to expand our service model to assist with the real-time, day-to-day booth operations of our theatre partners," stated Blake Titman, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Strong Technical Services. "Cinemas are multifaceted operations, which often run more than one screen at a time, while also selling tickets and running concessions. Our innovative content management service streamlines the process associated with playing features and the ancillary entertainment and advertisements, enabling operators to dedicate less resources to booth logistics so that they may focus on enhancing the customers' onsite experience," stated

Ray

Boegner,

President of Strong Entertainment at Ballantyne Strong.

Showcase Cinemas Sets Opening for Boston South Shore Location

Showcase Cinemas recently announced the opening of its newest theatre, the Showcase Cinema de Lux Hanover Crossing, located in Hanover, Massachusetts. Serving the Boston South Shore community, the new theatre features eight auditoriums, including an XPlus Laser Premium Large Format auditorium, along with a lobby bar and lounge. The lobby bar features Starbucks Coffee and espresso beverages, hand-crafted cocktails on tap, premium spirits and a selection of local craft beers. Burke's Aleworks, located in Hanover, has partnered with Showcase Cinema de Lux Hanover Crossing to create a custom beer that will be available on tap exclusively at the cinema. The theatre also offers gourmet popcorn and hand-rolled pretzels. Guests may preorder concessions via the Showcase app and retrieve them upon arrival at the XPress Pick-Up station. The new Showcase Cinema de Lux Hanover Crossing was initially announced as part of Showcase Cinemas' sponsorship of the Hingham Harborworks, a longstanding South Shore tradition. Showcase Cinemas provided the funding needed to bring the fireworks back following a threeyear hiatus and had an extensive presence at the Harborworks celebration in September. "We are truly thrilled to open the new Showcase Cinema de Lux Hanover Crossing to give moviegoers on the South Shore the best possible moviegoing experience. We look forward to inviting customers and guests to experience all of the features of this brand-new cinema themselves this holiday season," said Mark Malinowski, the vice president of global marketing for Showcase Cinemas. "Community involvement and support is extremely important to us at Showcase Cinemas, and we are proud to be part of the fabric of the Hanover and South Shore communities as a whole."

Legendary EntertainmentSony Pictures Announce Worldwide Film Distribution Partnership

Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group and Legendary Entertainment announced a new multi-year worldwide film distribution partnership, in which Sony Pictures will market and distribute most of Legendary's new upcoming theatrical motion picture titles.

Legendary will continue to remain in business with Warner Bros. Pictures on select existing titles, including the upcoming Dune: Part Two, slated for release on November 2023.

As part of the pact, Sony Pictures will market and distribute new Legendary theatrical releases worldwide excluding China, where Legendary East will handle all marketing and distribution activities. Legendary retains the option to produce and distribute feature film content for streaming platforms.

Legendary's biggest theatrical releases distributed by Warner Bros. through the years have included The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Inception, Man of Steel, The Hangover and The Hangover Part II, 300, Dune, Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, and Godzilla vs. Kong."It's a rare opportunity to partner in this mutually beneficial way with true pros, who are completely aligned in our theatrical commitment and vision for this business,"

Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group Presidents Josh Greenstein and Sanford Panitch said in a press release. "The creative brilliance and power of Legendary is huge and we look forward to bringing their work to theatres across the world." "As we continue to grow our content offerings, we are excited to forge this relationship with Tony, Tom, Sanford, Josh and the rest of the exceptional Sony team," Legendary CEO Joshua Grode said in the same press release.

"Sony's commitment to theatrical distribution aligns with our vision of how to best derive the most value for Legendary's movies. The incredible slate of movies that Mary Parent has amassed are built for the theatrical experience and we are excited about our partnership with Sony for this next phase of Legendary's growth."

"Legendary is, well, legendary and we are excited and fortunate to add Josh and Mary's strong slate to our ongoing commitment to big movies on the big screen," Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group Chair and CEO Tom Rothman added.

GDC SR-1000 Sales Touch Skies Despite Supply Chain Issue

GDC Technology, a leading global provider of digital cinema solutions, announced that cumulative global shipments for its SR-1000 Standalone Integrated Media Block are on track to exceed its 2022 forecast despite the supply chain issue. With the introduction of an optional built-in cinema audio processor and the highest frame rate technology, GDC is forecasting continued sales growth generated by theatre owners continuing to replace legacy digital cinema media servers in 2023. Additionally, GDC attributes the growth to launching new audio products, such as 5.1/7.1/15.1 cinema audio processor and DTS:X for IAB (Immersive Audio Bitstream) immersive audio rendering available in 16-/24-/32-channel with AES67 networked audio features. 32-channel AES67 feature is targeted to release in Q1 2023. GDC also launched more audio cinema products at CineAsiaEspedeo DAC Series (Digital-toAnalog Audio Converter) and AES67/ AES3 32+32-channel Bidirectional Converter. "We achieved these results by listening to customers," said Dr Man-Nang Chong, founder, chairman and CEO of GDC Technology Limited. "Our focus on execution, combined with our continued R&D allowed us to exceed expectations and deliver strong sales growth. We are very bullish on the future of the cinema industry. We plan to continue adding features to our SR Series product line based on the needs of our customers, which include the Hollywood creative community."

During the last two years, the focus of the company has been on product innovation to improve the moviegoing experience. In addition, GDC launched a redesigned website and focused on social media to deliver a consistent sales and marketing strategy. Working in this way paid off, as the SR Series media server sales grew by 28 percent compared with the same period in 2021, shipping over 20,000 units since its introduction in 2018. With the supply chain issue loosening up, GDC expects sales growth to continue in 2023 and beyond as exhibitors replace legacy equipment with the company's latest SR-1000 media server technology designed with enhanced features to attract audiences to movie theatres, such as 4K resolution at 240fps in 3D.

Award Winning Cinity System at CineAsia 2022, Christie

Christie, a global leader in digital cinema presentation technologies, conducted demonstrations of the award-winning CINITY Cinema System at CineAsia 2022. These special demonstrations served to showcase the full capabilities of the CINITY Cinema System - a creative blending of 4K, 3D, high brightness, high frame rate, high dynamic range, and wide colour gamut display capabilities, and pairs it with immersive sound. It improves the overall sound quality, and yields clearer images, brighter colours, and smoother motion to greatly improve the quality of cinema screenings. Christie provides high performance digital projection technology and services to CINITY Cinema Systems as a CINITY projection system partner. Brian Claypool, executive vice president, Cinema, Christie, said,

"We are delighted to have been able to conduct demonstrations of CINITY at CineAsia to promote this innovative and exhilarating moviegoing experience. This is an affirmation of our strong partnership with CINITY, as well as our commitment to develop state-of-the-art technologies which continue to push the boundaries of theatrical presentation unlike any other in the industry. CINITY can enhance the overall cinematic experience and immerse audiences into every detail of the presentation."

The CINITY Cinema System has earned global recognition by winning the Technical Achievement Award at CineEurope 2022 and screening new scenes of James Cameron's epic sequel Avatar: The Way of Water during Disney's presentation. During that presentation, director James Cameron noted that every shot of Avatar 2 "was designed for the biggest screen and highest resolution possible," as the film pushes the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. Additionally, Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment have used Christie projectors in post-production environments for the upcoming film. Since its launch in 2019, CINITY has gained considerable market share in China, achieved its first international locations in 2022 and has the backing of global filmmakers and distributors.