Barco and Cinema West partner in California's largest 3D digital cinema multiplex

http://www.barco.com/digitalcinema/pressrelease/2459/

 

Cinema West, an independent California exhibitor, chooses Barco DP-2000 digital cinema projectors for every screen in their new Palladio 16 multiplex in Folsom, California. With a total seating capacity of 3000, built around an efficient “green” energy concept, the all-digital venue includes six 3D-capable theatres.

Sacramento, CA — 11 January 2010 — Barco, a global leader in digital cinema technology, today announced that Cinema West has selected Barco DP-2000 projectors for their new Palladio 16 Cinemas site located in Folsom, California. Six DP-2000s are 3D-equipped, using 3D technology from RealD — making the Palladio 16 the largest single-site 3D installation in California, if not the West Coast. For the 16-theatre installation, digital servers and theatre management systems are supplied by Dolby®, and the 5.1 surround-sound digital audio system is supplied by both QSC and Dolby.

With a current chain of 12 theatre locations throughout northern and central California, Cinema West has a long history of innovation — and the new Palladio 16 is no exception. Each theatre in the complex sports stadium seating and wall-to-wall screens, with individual capacities ranging from 140 to 300 seats. Installation was provided by Theatre Equipment Construction and Service (TECS), based in Santa Rosa, California. “Cinema West has a great policy of wall-to-wall screens, wherever possible, and these screens are enormous” said Robert Hawthorne, Senior Technician for TECS. “To install a 53-foot screen in a room that's 55 feet wide was a challenge, but the installation went very well and the DP-2000s certainly fill the screens. I'm a big fan of the Barco projectors,” continued Hawthorne, “and the Cinema West team has been just thrilled with what they've seen. From my standpoint, the picture is better, they're easier to work with, and much easier to use.”

Nate Alchesky, General Manager for the Palladio 16 Cinemas, commented on the selection of Barco projectors. “It was the quality and the ease of use,” said Alchesky. “Once we saw the pictures on screen, we realized that this was the best way to go. The picture quality is amazing, and the install couldn't have been simpler. They were almost plug and play.”

Continuing with the spirit of innovation, Cinema West is positioned at the cutting edge of “green” theatre installations. Once final implementation is complete in January, the Palladio 16 Cinemas will be able to boast the largest solar system on the roof of any movie theatre in the world. “Presently, our theatre in Livermore, California has the largest solar installation of any theatre,” said Dave Corkill, Owner of Cinema West, “but once our rooftop installation is complete, this site will be the largest. All the lighting products used in the theatre are LED-based. Even the poster cases are backlit with LED lighting, and what appears to be neon is actually LED rope lighting. It uses about 10% of the power. The savings are significant,” continued Corkill, “and our goal to be energy efficient extends to the Barco products as well. Barco projectors use far less power than standard 35mm projectors, so it all adds up, and it makes good business sense.”

“We're honored to have been selected by Cinema West for their new installation, which is noteworthy on many levels,” explained Terri Westhafer, Director of Business Development for Barco Digital Cinema. “Not only are we part of the largest 3D installation in California, but we also play a part in the company's high regard for 'green' energy use. This all-digital complex in Folsom is a showplace for customers who are visiting our Sacramento offices. Cinema West's high presentation standards align with our own, and Barco is proud to partner with such an innovator in digital technology.”

About Cinema West
Based in Petaluma, California, Cinema West is a regional chain of first-run movie theatres located in Northern California communities. Visit www.cinemawest.com for additional company information, and www.gopalladio.com for details on the new Palladio 16 multiplex.

About Barco
Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets. Barco has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Barco (NYSE Euronext Brussels: BAR) is active in more than 90 countries with about 3300 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of 725 million euro in 2008.