Sony Professional signs global 4K Digital Cinema agreement with National Amusements

Basingstoke, 22 June 2010 - Sony Professional has today signed an agreement to provide its Digital Cinema 4K projection systems to National Amusements, a world leader in the motion picture industry operating over 950 screens across the UK, US and Latin America. The expected global exhibitor agreement will see National Amusement cinemas begin to deploy the 4K resolution projectors ahead of the summer cinema season, to offer audiences around the globe the best 2D and 3D image experiences. This agreement is based on Sony’s digital cinema deployment direct partnerships with the major Hollywood studios.

National Amusements operates the cinema chain ‘Showcase’ in the UK and will be installing Sony Digital Cinema 4K systems across its 276 screens. Sony’s 3D digital projection system will be installed in multiple screens across their circuit with an initial 24 to be fitted by the end of July 2010, to expand National Amusements existing 3D capability.

In the US, National Amusements provides Cinema venues in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Rhode Island. 450 of its screens will be equipped with Sony Digital Cinema 4K projection system and in South America 16 cinemas will benefit of the latest 3D technology.

"Sony Professional is committed to being at the forefront of innovative cinematic technology..."Dave Cowlishaw, Business Development Manager, Sony Professional

Duncan Short, Vice President International Operations at National Amusements, commented: ”This agreement reinforces National Amusements position as one of the most innovative cinema operators in the world. Our agreement with Sony Digital Cinema will allow us to offer the ultimate digital cinema experience to all our audiences. The Sony 4K digital systems provide outstanding image and sound quality, and will enable us to extend our programming to 3D and alternative content, delivering exciting entertainment experiences to our existing and future customers.”

Dave Cowlishaw, Business Development Manager at Sony Professional in Europe says, “Audiences worldwide now expect more cinematic excitement than ever before from their movie experience. Sony Professional is committed to being at the forefront of innovative cinematic technology to ensure we deliver this quality and detail. Working with National Amusements, who understand the phenomenal value of 4K, we’re able to bring this experience to a global audience.”

As the world’s only manufacturer of commercially available 4K resolution digital cinema projectors, Sony Professional was selected by National Amusements to supply an end-to-end solution capable of providing viewers with a superior visual experience. The unique 4K resolution projection solution used in the cinemas comprises of Sony SRX-R320 Digital Cinema Projector, LMT-300 Media Block and will be controlled by Sony’s Theatre Management System.