Six screen cinema opens in Hong Kong
Published: ASIA
CHINA: Broadway Circuit recently opened a new six screen cinema in The One complex on the Nathan Road of Tsimshatsui in Hong Kong. The installation includes Martin Audio loudspeakers alongside Barco digital projection.
Installed by systems integrator Elephant Holdings Ltd, all six screens located within the upper floors of The One are similar in size with approximately 120 seats in each theatre, each of which is furnished with Cinemaccamica CC7004H and Barco DP2K-20C digital projectors linked to Dolby CP650 digital cinema processors. Hong Kong-based digital cinema server manufacturer GDC has also supplied DCI-compliant digital cinema equipment using the ‘virtual print fee’ scheme by adding a CM4PR24 unit to each cinema.
Meanwhile, Elephant Holdings Ltd turned to Dah Chong Hong Ltd for audio, acquiring Martin Audio systems for each auditorium. The final L-C-R design – installed behind each screen – comprises three Screen 5 systems per cinema, supplemented in the low frequency spectrum by twin SUB 1A 18-inch subwoofers. Approved by Lucas Film for use in category two THX theatres, the Screen 5 three-way system boasts dual 15-inch low frequency woofers together with a unique mid-range and high frequency horn providing 90-x50-degree dispersion within a 300Hz-20Hz spectrum.
No fewer than 14 Effect 5 two-way 10-inch surround sound speakers have been wall mounted in each of the six screening rooms, while each system is powered by four MA900 amps for the mid-high range and six MA1400 amps to serve the subs. Management is via two Martin Audio DX2 processors.
Elephant Holdings general manager TH Yu was glowing in his praise for chief engineer on site Charles Li. ‘When you saw the challenges my team endured over the eight week installation period, there is no doubt that Charles is Superman,’ he commented. The installation took place during the muggy summer months of July and August when air conditioning was non-existent, and Elephant Holdings were at the mercy of other contractors on site. Mr Li cancelled his gym membership during his time on Nathan Road, preferring to haul the 96 Effect 5 surround sound speakers, 12 subwoofers, 18 Screen 5 systems and 60 amplifiers up eight to 10 floors of labyrinths in what could only be compared to a gypsum coated assault course.
The efforts of Mr Charles and his team were assisted by the Belden CAT-5 digital cabling infrastructure that was used, which significantly sped up installation time. ‘We normally install 20 AES cables into each amplifier – now there’s only one CAT 5 cable,’ he enthused. Despite the obstacles created by other late contractors, the six cinema rooms were opened to the public on Sunday 6th September.