Ster-Kinekor Theatres places massive Christie order
Published: MEA
SOUTH AFRICA: Ster-Kinekor Theatres has confirmed a major deal with Christie as it undertakes full conversion of its cinema estate to digital.
Ster-Kinekor Theatres currently has Christie Series 2 cinema projectors operating within the group, but this will grow to 180 Christie Series 2 projectors along with 198 Solaria One and Solaria One+ projectors. These come complete with lens, custom-designed Xenon lamp, Christie Integrated Media Block (IMB) and Screen Management Software (SMS).
The new deployment will also include Christie 4K DLP Cinema projectors for use at select cinemas in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town. This will be the first time that the Christie Solaria, Solaria One and Solaria One +, as well as Christie IMB and 4K resolution, have all featured in the same deployment.
Ster-Kinekor Theatres began the conversion process in 2008, turning its first five screening rooms into 3D digital with the help of Christie 2K projectors. As a result of this success, it set a target to become 100 per cent DCI-compliant by mid-2013 and formed a partnership with Arts Alliance Media (AAM) to help this.
Ster-Kinekor Theatres CEO, Fiaz Mahomed noted that the upgrade is a critical step in helping the company grow the business and take film viewing to the next level. ‘Christie is crucial to this development, and their close relationship with Arts Alliance and overall bid was compelling. The digital conversion will ensure a heightened viewing experience and is critical in meeting the very real demand from our valued audiences in seeing the best film content at its best.’
He also believes that the Christie solution offers many competitive advantages. ‘The superior optics and high brightness are ideal for 3D applications and the projectors also provide low cost of ownership,’ he said. ‘As for the 4K platform, the high frame rate and 4096 x 2160 resolution move the whole experience on a step further.’
‘With the recent opening of a local office in Johannesburg, led by territory manager Phil Lord, Christie is perfectly placed to offer a high level of technical support,’ added Dale Miller, vice president Christie EMEA.
‘We are delighted that the largest exhibitor in South Africa has decided to move forward with a full digital deployment, and that Christie has been selected as the trusted partner in this groundbreaking agreement,’ said Richard Nye, cinema sales director, Christie EMEA. ‘Ster-Kinekor always put the customer experience at the top of their priorities by being prepared to push the technological envelope, and this makes the cultural fit with Christie a tight one.’