Laura Guatieri, Deputy General Manager in front of the screen.
Date 15/09/14
Photographer:Dave Betts/Freelance.
Reporter: Steve Mellen
Copyright: Local World
Basingstoke, 22 June 2015 – Sony Digital Cinema 4K confirms that National Amusements will be installing the brand-new SRX-R515DS 4K Projection Solution in the exhibitor’s new XPlus premium screens.
The SRX-R515DS delivers the industry’s best 4K image quality and lowest total ownership costs for premium large format (PLF) screens.
The first of two systems is being installed in the newly-refurbished premium XPlus auditorium at National Amusements’ Showcase Cinema de Lux Reading multiplex in the south of England. Big, bright 4K pictures on the 18m screen are complemented by a Dolby Atmos system to create an immersive, three-dimensional soundspace.
Provision of the SRX-R515DS to National Amusements also marks Sony’s first Managed Services contract with the US-based operator. Over a 5-year financing period, National Amusements is offered the projection system itself plus installation, technical support, system updates, spare parts and Sony’s energy-efficient HPM lamps that provide easier handling, longer life and significantly lower total cost of ownership than conventional xenon sources.
A long-term Sony customer, National Amusements has already standardised on Sony Digital Cinema 4K projection systems that are installed in 252 Showcase and Showcase Cinema de Lux theatres in the UK.
“The range of entertainment options available to our customers is expanding all the time”, notes Duncan Short, Vice President, USA and International Operations at National Amusements. “In a world where more consumers are enjoying 4K picture quality on TVs and tablets, it’s vital that we offer truly spectacular entertainment that’s bigger, better and brighter. Powered by Sony’s 4K PLF projector, our XPlus screen in Reading will deliver an incomparable immersive movie-going experience.”
“More forward-looking operators are turning to Sony’s Managed Services Agreement as the perfect way to access the latest projection technology on an operating costs basis” comments David McIntosh, Vice President, Sony Digital Cinema 4K Solutions for Europe and the Americas. “Our new SRX-R515DS 4K system brings the best-possible picture quality to the biggest screens. As industry VPF agreements come to an end, Sony’s Managed Services Plan ensures that every cinema’s bright future can be less capital intensive.”
About the SRX-R515DS 4K Dual Projection System
The SRX-R515DS combines two Sony SRX-R515 projectors, delivering reference light levels for 2D presentation on screens up to 19.5m for 14ft-L on white screen with 1.8 gain, or 3D on screens as large as 23m for 4.5ft-L on silver screen with 2.4 gain (installation dependent).
The SRX-R515DS pulls audiences right into the action with immersive 4K detail and rich, lifelike colour. Utilising the industry-leading 8,000:1 contrast ratio performance of the SRX-R515 projector head, the SRX-R515DS assures best-possible image quality with deep blacks and sparkling highlights.
Configuration for 2D or 3D presentation between screenings requires only the addition of static 3D polarisation filters to each projector. Unlike other ‘triple flash’ solutions, Left and Right eye images are projected continuously for smooth, natural 3D that’s easy on the eye.
The SRX-R515DS projector pair can be operated either side-by-side or stacked vertically to suit any projection booth. Set-up is quick and easy, using the included auto alignment system that optimises convergence of the two projectors for accurately-calibrated images across the whole cinema screen delivering a true 4K image pixel by pixel.
Find out more about the SRX-R515DS 4K Dual Projection System.