LAS VEGAS, MARCH 30, 2011 — Harkness Screens, the world's leading manufacturer of cinema screens, and Christie®, a world leader in digital cinema projection, have teamed up to help exhibitors more easily transition from film to digital projection. With the transition to 3D well underway in many auditoria, exhibitors are now turning their attention to the remainder of their cinema estates and planning to convert their film auditoriums to digital. In doing so, exhibitors are making a tradeoff between the many known benefits of digital cinema and its higher costs.
With Harkness' Perlux Screens and Christie's 4K Projectors, exhibitors can help cut operating costs roughly in half, as gain screens use smaller lamps that are cheaper, last longer and consume less power. With almost 20,000 digital cinema projectors installed worldwide, Christie's DLP Cinema solutions are tested and proven, with the most installations worldwide and an unmatched 99.999% reliability rating for the projector lamps – the key component of a digital cinema projector.
There is often too little known about the full cost burden, and it is primarily focused on the costs associated with equipment acquisition, often ignoring the impact on total cost of ownership (TCO). TCO, the ongoing cost of operating a digital cinema, is known to be higher than film projection, though the true extent may be hidden at the time of acquisition. Projector maintenance, lamp cost and rate of lamp replacement are all increased, as are lamp and HVAC power consumption and maintenance. These factors can all be managed by smart upfront design and rigorous manufacturing processes.
Christie's manufacturing facilities are certified ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001 and its facilities house top of the line technology, equipment and employees. The manufacturing process is based on the Kaizen Lean Manufacturing philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement processes, and the 5S methodology. Among the firm's many “firsts” are being the first licensee of DLP Cinema® technology (which is the first Digital Cinema technology to be adapted by the Hollywood community) and the first licensee of Texas Instruments Series 2 DLP® Cinema technology.
Perlux gain screens from Harkness complement Christie's quality and low TCO. Because Perlux screens increase reflected light levels, they offer exhibitors the potential to use smaller lamps that are cheaper, last longer and consume less power. In fact, a gain screen can help cut operating costs roughly in half — which is good for not only the exhibitor, but the environment as well. For new builds and digital retrofits, a gain screen can pay for itself in under a year. For existing digital installations, a gain replacement screen can pay for itself in just two years. Gain screens can also be considered a “green” investment because they lead to less CO2 (lower power needs) and fewer lamps to recycle or scrap. Perlux Screens also offer exceptional surface consistency, invisible seams and greater light reflectance than matt white screens.
“We are thrilled to partner with Christie to educate further our customers on how to maximize their transition to digital,” says Andrew Robinson, Harkness Screens, managing director. “Through this collaboration we are able to offer a quality and cost-effective solution.”
Harkness Perlux® screens are considered by leading cinema exhibitors worldwide to be the premier gain projection surface. The Perlux® line of screens provides a choice of gain characteristics, high contrast, bright pictures, generous viewing angles and excellent colour temperature. The Perlux® 180 and 220 high gain screens are perfect companions for digital 3D systems that use non-polarised light, such as XpanD 3D and Dolby 3D.
Exhibitors and dealers interested in going digital are encouraged to stop by the Christie (1200A) and Harkness (904A) booths at CinemaCon in Las Vegas March 28-31 to learn more about what can be done to make their transition as smooth as possible.
About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP: 6925), is a leader in visual solutions for world-class organizations, offering diverse applications for business, entertainment, and industry. A leading innovator in film projection since 1929 and a pioneer in digital projection systems since 1979, Christie® has established a global reputation as a total service provider and the world's single source manufacturer of a variety of display technologies and solutions. With the acquisition of Vista Controls Systems, Corp., Christie offers the most complete and advanced solutions for cinema, live venues, control rooms, business presentations, training facilities, 3D and Virtual Reality, simulation and education as well as industrial and government environments. For more information, visit www.christiedigital.com.
About Harkness Screens
Harkness Screens is the world's leading manufacturer of large screens. Thousands of screens are supplied every year for cinema, film production, special effects, live events and custom AV applications. Founded in 1929, Harkness has recently celebrated its 80th year in business and has screens in place in over 60 countries. With its corporate office located in Ireland, other offices and factories are located in UK, France, Beijing and Fredericksburg, VA. Harkness Screens combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology to provide innovative solutions to the company's key markets worldwide. For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.