SEATTLE — Christie noted that, with an FDA variance, it will supply and install a digital laser projector at Seattle Cinerama here. Although laser projectors have already been used for special screenings, the 4K Christie unit, which will offer scalable light output of up to 60,000 lumens, will be the first laser projector to be permanently installed. It should be up and running at the Seattle Cinerama Theatre here by early 2014.
More details from Christie (www.christiedigital.com):
Seattle Cinerama Selects Christie for World’s First Permanent Cinema Laser Projection Installation
CYPRESS, CA — Christie, a global leader in digital cinema projection, is pleased to announce that it has been chosen to supply and install the world’s first commercial digital laser projection solution at the Seattle Cinerama Theatre, located at 2100 4th Avenue in Seattle, WA. The purchase order is for a 4K Christie digital laser projector, with scalable light output up to 60,000 lumens.
“When hi-tech visionary Paul G. Allen bought the theater in 1999, he gave Cinerama full rein to innovate in order to provide our community with a cutting-edge movie going experience,” said Cinerama Theatre Manager Greg Wood. “Selecting a laser projection solution – with its ability to render 2D and 3D movies with stunning clarity and brilliant, accurate color rendition – is in keeping with this tradition.
“We were excited by demonstrations of the technology earlier this year by Christie and we are looking forward to welcoming this reliable and brilliant laser projector installation to our space.”
Christie recently received the first US FDA approval of variance allowing the sale of laser projectors for use in a cinema, which is the first and only such variance to date approved for a manufacturer of DCI-compliant cinema projectors.
Said Jack Kline, president & COO, Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., “Cinerama has a long history of innovation and our latest projector will empower the theater to take the audience experience to the next level. A laser projector is a significant investment for any cinema and the fact that the Seattle Cinerama has chosen Christie to help this venue continue in its capacity as one of the world’s premiere movie theaters is a great vote of confidence.”
Site scoping and technical evaluations will begin in August, with an anticipated switch over from conventional digital projection to the latest Christie digital cinema laser projector planned for early next year.
Noted Dr. Don Shaw, senior director, Product Management, Christie Entertainment Solutions, “Cinerama’s huge screen requires the best and brightest in digital cinema projection technology, so it can demonstrate how spectacularly a moviemaker’s vision can be realized when shown at high contrast ratios and intense light levels. This in turn will yield an entirely new and naturally immersive experience for the average moviegoer and aficionados alike. We know that Christie laser projection will deliver beyond everyone’s already-high expectations.”
Christie Laser-Projection Timetable Continues Apace
Christie has a history of innovation without equal in the cinema technology world. For example, most recently and for two full weeks beginning March 28, 2013, Christie joined forces with AMC and Paramount Pictures to project G.I. Joe: Retaliation in the ‘first’ commercial exhibition of a 3D movie at brightness levels of 14 foot lamberts (ft-L) using laser projection. It was the first ever opportunity for the general public to enjoy compelling, immersive 3D images delivered at 2D light levels.
As well, in 2012 Christie showed select exhibitors in Asia how 72,000 lumens could be achieved, in a demonstration of its prototype laser projector in Beijing. That screening followed the September showing at IBC 2012 in Amsterdam of Hugo 3D – the first CPG (Cameron Pace Group) certified movie –introduced by Dr. Shaw, along with noted stereographers, Demetri Portelli and Corey Turner (‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’). The movie was then projected using Christie’s 4K laser projector prototype.
Christie hosted its first laser projector demo for cinema industry luminaries including Douglas Trumbull, Gordon E. Sawyer Academy Award winner, at its High Frame Rate Summit held in its manufacturing and engineering headquarters in Kitchener, Ontario in April 2012.
Christie intends to introduce a wide range of laser projectors building on core technologies and architectures, to power applications for the digital cinema, pro AV, visualization and simulation markets, throughout 2013 and beyond.
