NEWS RELEASE: BARCO
"Barco Digital Cinema Announces Partnerships Creating the Largest Dealer Network in Digital Cinema History"
Filed by Barco
Las Vegas -- March 6, 2001 -- Barco, a world leading manufacturer of high resolution, large screen video displays, has announced they have signed major contract agreements with eight leading cinema dealers. Abbott Theatre Equipment Co., Inc., Bell Theatre Services, Ltd. United Kingdom, Bright Star Systems, Cinema Equipment Sales of California, Inc., Media Technology Source, LLC, National Cinema Supply Corporation, Omnex Pro Film, Ltd. United Kingdom and Universal Cinema Services, Inc., have all signed rental agreements with Barco Digital Cinema. Barco Digital Cinema is one of only three licensees of Texas Instruments DLP CinemaTM technology. TI developed DLP Cinema(tm) technology working in close co-operation with the key players in the movie industry, and will continue to work closely with BARCO to develop commercial products based on this technology, which meet the requirement of Film Production people, Studios, Film Distributors, and Exhibitors alike.
"One of the most frequently asked questions about digital cinema is: Where are the engineers and technicians going to come from, to install and service equipment in this new technology?" said Harry Mathias, Barco's Director of Digital Cinema, America. "The dealers, that are our new partners, are the companies who designed, equipped, and serviced, most of the major new stadium seating multiplexes in the world today. These dealers have an army of experienced cinema technicians that are being trained in the new technology by Barco's extensive training department."
Barco has been committed for years to constantly develop new and better display technology, and then train qualified service people in this technology. Barco operates an extensive training facility in Atlanta for this purpose.
Abbott Theatre Equipment Co. Inc.: For more than 63 years, Abbott Theatre Equipment Co., Inc. has specialized in the sales of all major brands of motion picture projection, sound equipment, auditorium seating, screens, crowd control, and concession equipment sales and service. In addition, they sell circuits such as GKC, Kerasotes, LCD, and local independents. They also service some AMC, Goodridge, and Regal Theatre concession repairs.
"We wanted to enter the digital market place, and we believe Barco is the best for theatre applications," said Connie Korose, Vice President, Abbott Theatre Equipment Co. Inc.
Bell Theatre Services, Ltd.: UK sound and projection equipment dealers, Bell Theatre Services have supplied and installed in excess of 450 screens over the last twelve years. In addition, they are invloved in supplying and supporting preview theatres, labratories and studios with sound, projection and recording systems. Design, consulting and projection equipment rental complete the diversity of the company.
"We are proud to be associated with Barco, and have been very impressed with all aspects of the company," said Max Bell, Managing Director, Bell Theatre Services, "From research and development to assembly and testing, a quality product can consistently be delivered to the customer."
Bright Star Systems: Bright Star Systems represents all of the major manufactures of motion picture projection and > sound equipment. They have been involved in selling, consulting, and installing theatres to numerous customers throughout the US and South America. The company has been in business since 1989. "We wanted to be associated with a proven leader in the manufacture of video projectors. Barco is renown worldwide for it's innovation and quality," stated John Norton, Bright Star Systems President.
Cinema Equipment Sales of California, Inc.: Cinema Equipment Sales of California, Inc., established in 1986, is a source for motion picture theatre projection and sound equipment, theatre furnishings, and related accessories. The company specialized in 16mm - 35mm - 70mm projection equipment and digital sound for cinemas of all sizes. In addition, they offer architectural and technical consulting and planning.
"We are pleased to add the Barco Digital Cinema projector and its support systems to our product line," said Carl Williams, President, Cinema Equipment Sales of California, Inc., "Barco's worldwide leadership in digital projection systems is widely recognized. As system providers to industry post-production facilities and state-of-the-art cinemas and special-venue applications, we look forward to contributing to the new cinema technology."
Media Technology Source, LLC: Media Technology Source, LLC is a subsidiary of Showorks Entertainment Group (SEG). MTS has worked as a consultant and supplier to cinema and other venues that use film, video, sound and other forms of communication for entertainment and business for over 52 years.
MTS provides services from design and consulting, to full-line equipment sales, project management, freight consolidation and coordination, installation and customer support. MTS has outfitted several of the largest US and International cinema circuits as well as many independent owner/operator cinemas. Their present customer base includes over 2,500 customers, 4,000 circuit screens and more than 1,000 screens owned by independents.
David Lund, Media Technology Source, LLC Vice President, Engineering stated, "We chose Barco because we were attracted to the wide range of video and technology products available from a single, world renowned vendor."
National Cinema Supply Corporation: NCS Corporation provides complete sales, service, installation, and construction management services for motion picture mega-plex theatres. Established in 1926, circuit cutomers of NCS include United Artists Theatre Circuit, AMC Entertainment, Loews Cineplex Entertainment Corporation, Consolidated Theatres, and Carmike Cinemas. NCS Corporation has an exhibitor customer base of approximately 11,000 screens worldwide.
"NCS Corporation is excited to enter into a business partnership with Barco Digital Cinema," said Barney Bailey, President NCS Corporation. "As our company prepares for the conversion to digital cinema, we feel Barco can compliment our effotrts in serving our customers during these times of change." Omnex Pro Film, Ltd.: Stockport based Omnex Pro Film, Ltd, has been a sound and projection supplier and a systems designer to the UK cinema industry since the mid-1980's. Omnex's established relationship with production and post production houses, as well as many independent theatres in the UK will broaden Barco's representative base.
Universal Cinema Services, Inc.: Universal Cinema Services, inc., has assisted with the development and outfitting of multiplex theatres around the world for over nine years. They specialize in equipment specification and sales, installation and supervision, construction management, design consultation, technical drawings, and parts and supplies.
"Barco's leadership in the field, coupled with the technical excellence of their equipment, made our choice a very easy one to make," said Stan Lamb, President and COO for Universal Cinema Services, Inc., "Barco is obviously well positioned to be in the forefront of the digital projection revolution."
Barco Background: Barco is headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, and operates five major lines of business: Barco Projection Systems, Barco Graphics, BarcoView, BarcoVision, and Barco Subcontracting. Barco has a network of subsidiaries, distributors and agents in 97 countries throughout the world. Barco Digital Cinema is one of Barco's U.S. subsidiaries. It is based in Kennesaw, Georgia. Barco Projection Systems is an ISO 9001 registered world leader in developing and manufacturing large screen projection systems for a broad range of applications, from digital cinema, business presentations and training to rental and staging, simulation and process control. |
