Australian Digital Cinema Rollout

[Adrian Van Rossum]

Finally, a digital cinema rollout of some substance comes to Australia. It's been a long-time coming ..

Here's the link to the Inside Film article - LINK (http://www.if.com.au/2009/12/04/article/Hoyts-selects-HP-for-digital-rollout/TEIBMZDGPY.html)

In summary, Hoyts plans to convert over 300 of its cinema screens to digital in early 2010.

"Hoyts will now convert more than three-quarters of its 373 cinema screens across 32 sites. Separately, rival Amalgamated Holdings is also undertaking a digital upgrade of its approximate 450 cinemas over the next three years. It runs several cinema chains including Event Cinemas, Greater Union and Birch Carroll & Coyle."

Will you miss film's scratches, dust spots and cigarette burns?

[Cail Young]

They were talking about the very start of this at SMPTE two years ago, good to see the pilot programs worked!

[Ace]

I will definately miss them...

But in another way, I'll be glad to see films in proper focus.

Australia is also about to see a major shift in the way films are distributed. You can quote me on that. :)

[jimhare]

Bring it on!

I had to get 40 seconds of Red footage to 30 theatres and it cost $10k just for 35mm mastering and transfers!

That can't be right, I should be able to email it! :laugh:

[Tom Gleeson]

Yes it is good news only if the Digital projectors are up to Spec. As consumers its no value changing out one system for another unless we see brighter screens with better resolution. I hope http://www.reduser.net/forum/images/smilies/nonod.gif that Hoyts do not simply choose the cheapest system they think they can getaway with.

I suspect what is partly driving them is 3D presentation and bright projection becomes especially important as 3D systems looses so much light.

PS I love that stair shot Jim

[James Press]

Bring it on!

I had to get 40 seconds of Red footage to 30 theatres and it cost $10k just for 35mm mastering and transfers!

That can't be right, I should be able to email it! :laugh:

Looking forward to getting the goss on that...:smile:

[Cail Young]

Looking forward to getting the goss on that...:smile:

It's about the right amount of money for setup and lasering a 40s spot plus 30 dupes.

Film is expensive :(

We worked on a Christmas cinema campaign for a national bookseller and they thought they were doing 36 localised versions (i.e. lasering 36 different 15s spots) - then realised they didn't have anywhere near enough money. 3 days later, state-based instead ;)

EDIT: that said, even on film-only screens there is a tide of digital ad projectors coming through; digital feature projection will catch up I think but in certain markets it is definitely possible right now to do digital delivery for cinema ads.

[jimhare]

PS I love that stair shot Jim

Thanks Tom!

Agree with everything you are saying, though the current film theatres seem to be maintained by the 13 year olds making the popcorn! :biggrin:

I've seen some shocking film projections in the past few years.

Also, sometimes it feels like we get the dregs when it comes to prints!

Finally, it's so damn expensive to print film! My God it's expensive.

Even SR is a joke (cost-wise.)

Just put a Red-Ray in every theatre and I'll put my 4k movie on a DVD-R! :cheers2:


Yes it is good news only if the Digital projectors are up to Spec. As consumers its no value changing out one system for another unless we see brighter screens with better resolution. I hope http://www.reduser.net/forum/images/smilies/nonod.gif that Hoyts do not simply choose the cheapest system they think they can getaway with.

I suspect what is partly driving them is 3D presentation and bright projection becomes especially important as 3D systems looses so much light.

PS I love that stair shot Jim