National Amusements Moves to a Digital Future with Sony 4K Digital Cinema Projectors

Multi-national VPF Deployment Model Enables Delivery of Enhanced Movie-going Experience, 3D Capabilities and Alternative Content to Drive the Circuit's Technology Upgrade

News provided by

Sony Electronics

Oct 07, 2010, 07:06 ET

PARK RIDGE, N.J., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- National Amusements is adopting Sony Electronics' 4K digital cinema technology for the majority of its U.S. screens. The Massachusetts-based exhibitor is rolling out 304 Sony 4K systems across 24 locations, with the implementation scheduled for completion by summer 2011.

Continuing its role of offering exhibitors a complete turnkey solution, Sony's Digital Cinema Solutions group is working with National Amusements on every aspect of its 4K conversion. The exhibitor is implementing the 4K systems through Sony's virtual print fee business model as part of a long term lease. The agreement includes full maintenance, service and warranty support for National Amusements, allowing them to reduce their operating costs over the term of the agreement. Sony will also manage and support National Amusements' existing 2K systems currently installed across the circuit.

National Amusements chose the Sony 4K technology for its proven track record, its unprecedented resolution and image quality, flexibility and ability to keep its operation at the highest current technology standards. The exhibitor is also currently working with Sony to roll-out 53 4K systems in the U.K. and 32 4K systems in Argentina and Brazil, with ongoing negotiations to convert a significant number of additional screens in those countries throughout 2011.

"National Amusements is committed to enhancing its operations from the auditoriums to the lobby to the lounge areas," said Gary Johns, senior vice president of Sony's Digital Cinema Solutions business. "They are an extremely creative and innovative exhibitor, whose ultimate goal is to continually deliver an excellent customer experience. Sony's 4K technology offers real and proven benefits for exhibitors and their customers, and we're excited to be working with them as they move to the next level of their digital future."

As part of its ongoing digital conversion, National Amusements also plans to outfit approximately 40 percent of all its screens for 3D digital projection, combining Sony's single-projector 3D lens system with RealD® 3-D technology, to enable the highest-quality 2D and 3D digital projection.

National Amusements also has the ability to use the Sony 4K systems to present alternative content programming, which can offer a broad range of media and entertainment content such as sports, music, and gaming -- creating new business opportunities and expanding its program offerings for consumers.

About National Amusements

National Amusements, Inc., is a world leader in the motion picture exhibition industry operating more than 950 movie screens in the U.S., U.K., and Latin America. National Amusements delivers a superior entertainment experience in theatres around the world under its Showcase, Multiplex, UCI and Cinema de Lux brands. Based in Norwood, Massachusetts, National Amusements is a closely held company operating under the third generation of leadership by the Redstone family. National Amusements is the parent company of both Viacom and CBS Corporation and is also an equal partner in the online ticketing service, MovieTickets.com.

For more information, visit www.nationalamusements.com

SOURCE Sony Electronics