Goodrich Quality Theaters Selects Kodak for Circuit-Wide Digital Conversion

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By Staff Mar 16, 2008, 14:23

Hollywood -- Kodak has been chosen by Goodrich Quality Theaters to bring the power of digital cinema to this innovative family-owned circuit with sites throughout the upper Mid-west. Beginning with the new Hamilton 16 IMAX in Indianapolis, opening in early April, fully-networked Kodak Digital Cinema systems will be installed on Goodrich’s 280 screens in 32 sites, with a phased number of those installations taking place this year.

“The Kodak solution makes sense to us,” said Martin Betz, chief operating officer for the circuit. “We knew the reliability of their system and support in a busy working environment. The Kodak name stands out in the industry as being reputable and dependable. Ours is a company and a business that needs to trust those we work with and so we are careful about the partners we choose. For us, this is a long-term decision and we expect great things from our relationship with Kodak.”

“This is an exciting day for both of our companies,” said Jose Rosario, sales representative for Kodak Digital Cinema in the US and Canada. “In working with Martin and his team over the past months, we’ve developed a real appreciation for the way they do business and the very high standards they set for customer service and satisfaction. At Kodak, we take pride in working to the same standards and we look forward to living up to their expectations.”

Kodak digital systems are currently showing feature presentations on the screens of 32 exhibition chains in 14 countries worldwide. The technology is well-proven; now, customers are finding the Kodak Business Plan makes the system even more attractive.

“We designed the Kodak Business Plan with the same purpose as the rest of our solution â€" to make sense to our customers”, said Rosario. “Exhibitors have told us they can’t tolerate surprises, undefined costs, or hidden fees. The Kodak Plan includes a small upfront investment by the exhibitor and clear usage fees â€" including studio virtual print fees â€" for everyone who uses the system. There are no restrictions on content booking or other purchases. This is Goodrich’s system to use as they see fit.”

In the new installations, the Kodak Theatre Management System will be at the heart of the Kodak network in each multiplex. Connected to the complex’s ticketing system, this ‘command and control center’ loads and auto-migrates content and Keys to the proper screens, providing a seamless, accurate, and highly-automated presentation.

In addition to the Theatre Management System, all Goodrich installations will include Kodak JMN3000 Content Players. The Kodak players can handle a full range of content, including digital 3D presentations.

Kodak service, which is also part of the new relationship, includes remote monitoring which takes a ‘heartbeat’ of all system components over the Kodak network every five seconds. Kodak can identify, diagnose, and often correct problems before they become disruptive to the cinema’s operation.

“Kodak has built a reputation for making complex technology dependable, so customers can concentrate on managing their business and planning their future,” said Rosario. “And audiences can enjoy the quality they expect from a Goodrich presentation.”

“For almost 80 years, we’ve built our business by continuing to improve the cinema experience,” said Betz. “A great image on the screen in important, but that will always be only one reason movie-goers love coming to our cinemas. We also need to make every part of their experience special â€" and so, if Kodak delivers and automates a great presentation, we’ll do the rest. This new partnership with Kodak is an important step into our future.”