4K Projection

[Jared Buttars]

We know that digital projection is imminent, but don't be surprised if 2k is what the theaters adopt in the near future.

I understand that this is an old thread. But seeing as how we are now in the "near future", I did some Googling around and found the state of 4K in theaters to be very encouraging.

In March 2009 AMC Theatres announced that it closed on a $315 million deal with Sony to replace all of its movie projectors with 4K digital projectors starting in the second quarter of 2009 and completing in 2012.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/30/technology/companies/30sony.html?_r=1

In May 2009 Regal Entertainment Group announced a deal with Sony to deploy 4K digital cinema projectors in approximately 1,500 screens.
http://investor.regmovies.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=222211&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1378149

In June 2009, Cinemark Theatres announced it has selected Barco's 4K DLP digital cinema projectors for installation in 3,000 screens. With this announcement, all three major US movie theater chains (AMC, Regal, and Cinemark) have announced major commitments to deliver digital cinema at the definitive 4K resolution at virtually all of their properties in the United States.
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Cinem...l+Cinema+Projection+Across+The...-a0202011153

 

[Blair S. Paulsen]

Let's say I woke up this morning and decided that the only thing on my agenda was to see 4K projection.

Perhaps I could find a mention of 4K projection in the newspaper ads for nearby theaters: Yeah, I have been checking for this periodically for months and just this morning noticed the Muvico in Thousand Oaks touts 4K in their ad! They don't tell which of their several screens has it or if a particular title is actually served up at 4K but its a start.

It kind of reminds me of the early days of HD where I subscribed to an internet portal that listed available HD programming. Someone had to research and curate that listing service. Does anyone know of such a service for 4K presentations?

I guess my basic question is the classic "which comes first?" demand for 4K or supply?

Cheers - #19

 

[M Most]

With this announcement, all three major US movie theater chains (AMC, Regal, and Cinemark) have announced major commitments to deliver digital cinema at the definitive 4K resolution at virtually all of their properties in the United States.

No, they haven't. They've committed to having that capability by installing 4K projection equipment. They haven't committed to 4K servers (or, in Sony's parlance, media blocks) in those installations. Nor have the studios, with the notable exception of Sony, committed to distributing 4K DCP's, or even 4K digital intermediate mastering.

Projection, with newer technology, is actually the easiest piece of the puzzle to put into place. Mastering, distribution, and server capabilities are a bit more involved.