also in this issue

B&B 1st booth-less theater 5

Center stage at Canadian events 7

Academy Theater at Lighthouse International 8

Superior 4K solution changing digital landscape page 3

Rave selects Managed Services for in-lobby displays page 4

Xenolite® lamps light up screens worldwide page 6

E N T E R T A I N M E N T S O L U T I O N S W O R L D W I D E FALL 10Kinonotes

ENTERTAINMENT SOLUTIONS WORLDWIDE SPRING 11

the exhibitor’s choiceSuperior visuals, support, and service are why exhibitors overwhelmingly specify Christie for their digital conversions

2010 was economically driven. In the past year, the large number of 3D movies escalated the speed of digital cinema conversions. Exhibitors capitalized on the slate of 3D offerings, and also enjoyed the revenue-generating benefits of alternative content. 3D was the compelling factor for so many theater conversions, and to do so quickly. Christie became the dominant digital cinema provider with the most robust and cost-effective digital projection solutions.

� Story�continues�on�page�2

2

the exhibitor’s choiceStory�continues�from�page�1

Exhibitors make the moveGlobal digital conversions in 2011, and moving forward, will be about choosing the best system partners who will be the most accommodating as digital is heavily embedded into theaters. The criteria for becoming the best partner will be “who will give the most support and provide the greatest level of comfort.” As mass deployments of digital cinema continue, it will also be about the matter of greatest trust.

With over 80 years of history and a cinema legacy in both 35mm and digital, Christie has proven that we have the

exhibitors’ best interest

in mind. “We demonstrated it with our

underlying understanding of exhibitors' needs. And, we delivered the most reliable products and provided the support that managed and sustained these cinema systems. Exhibitors, dealers and installers agree that there is no substitute for experience,” notes Jack Kline, president and COO, Christie USA.

“Paramount among exhibitors is the need to choose suppliers for digital conversions

today that they will have to “live with” for the next two decades. Keeping in mind that it's more than just price and delivery, it's also the overriding need for support. Exhibitors are asking the question ‘who will stand behind us,’ as they move into the challenging world of digital cinema,” says Craig Sholder, vice president, Entertainment Solutions at Christie.

Know-how from ChristieRecognized as the only single-source manufacturer with this winning combination, Christie designs projectors and lamps to work flawlessly in sync for the most optimized digital cinema systems. Safeguarding customers’ long-term technology investment is also of prime consideration for Christie, who has heavily invested in maintaining these systems for best possible efficiency.

By developing in-house training programs for customers, creating online training portals, ramping up manufacturing to meet global demand and continued R&D for the enhancements to our digital cimema projectors, exhibitors around the world have come to rely on Christie for maximum return on investment. Kline added, “Our focus has been, and will continue to be, the ultimate in reliability and service, having knowledgeable and well-trained professionals and offering the lowest cost of ownership.

“�Exhibitors,�dealers�

and�installers�agree�

that�there�is�no�

substitute�for�

experience.”Jack Kline

President and COOChristie Digital Systems USA, Inc.

It’s good to have choicesIn making the decision of which digital cinema projection system will best serve the needs of your business and the expectations of your customers, you now have several options to consider.

First, you have a choice between two projection technologies. You can also choose between two approved pixel formats (resolutions). And there is a selection of technologies for 3D—a high value add-on for digital projection. Not all of these decisions are independent. And it’s not always apparent which of them is right for a given theater.

Learn more about the key determining factors and the fundamental differences that are most important for theatrical exhibition: image quality, functionality, reliability and cost of ownership.

To download our white paper entitled: “Digital cinema projection: choosing the right technology,” please go to: www.christiedigital.com/solaria.

Christie is the first manufacturer to reach the unprecedented milestone of over 20,000 digital projectors shipped and installed worldwide.

3

Christie’s ‘superior 4K’ solution changes the digital landscapeThe newest platform addition to the Christie Solaria™ Series

3

The Christie Solaria™ Series 4K DLP Cinema® projector offers the most spectacular cinema projection experience available. To reflect this first-class viewing experience, Christie has repackaged the projector chassis and streamlined the appearance to visually set it apart from other digital projectors.

A proven history of mission-critical reliabilityThe new Christie Solaria™ Series 4K DLP Cinema® projectors were designed to meet exhibitors demanding expectations for exceptional brightness, stunning resolution and reliable performance for their premium screens. As the leading digital provider worldwide, Christie’s robust and cost-effective design along with the aesthetics of the new, sleek projector, matches our reputation for delivering a superior 4K digital solution.

“Among our key initiatives was to design a new optical path for the 4K chipset. The new 4K DLP Cinema® chip features four times the number of pixels in a package that is only nominally larger than the previous 2K chip.

Our team of world-class engineers met all of the challenges that the new technology

presented. The net result is a projection platform that delivers all of the brightness, contrast, and uniformity seen in our acclaimed 2K line of projectors, with the additional sharpness of a 4K image,” notes Don Shaw, director, Product Management, of Christie’s Entertainment Solutions.

The 4K+4 Christie advantageIncreased performance, highest resolution and the sharpest image for the largest of screens make the Christie Solaria™ Series 4K DLP Cinema® projectors the brightest and most energy-efficient 4K digital cinema projectors in the world. Christie Brilliant3D™ for 4K ensures the brightest visuals for 3D applications, and the new Christie Pixel Track™ technology for perfect image quality streamlines time-consuming maintenance procedures.

“Along with lowest cost of ownership and ease of maintenance, exhibitors will realize incomparable savings while their customers will experience the brightest images, and every detail, on the largest of screens,” says Craig Sholder, vice president, Entertainment Solutions at Christie.

The future-proof Christie Solaria™ Series 4K DLP Cinema® projector is perfect for the industry's gradual transition to 4K film production.

4

Christie’s success in digital projection goes beyond the hardware and technology, focusing on the high reliability and service aspects of supporting its projectors.

David Guthrie, director of Christie Managed Services notes that “we developed a support infrastructure centered around a 24/7, technology- driven Network Operation Center (NOC) which maintains round-the-clock call center staff and remote monitoring of digital cinema networks.

Along with a nationally deployed team of service engineers and a network of more than 50 secure field stocking locations, Christie ensures the ‘right technician, right part, right place, right time’ guarantee, and keeps networks running smoothly 365 days a year.”

Comprehensive Digital Signage SolutionsFor Rave Motion Pictures, Christie leveraged its years of experience in cinema, and combined it with the Christie Managed Services team approach.

Brad Wardlow, vice-president of Operations at Rave, said, “We wanted the same type of solution to our digital signage needs that we had experienced with digital cinema projectors. Christie’s expertise and their solution-based

approach and service-based attitude seemed to be a natural fit.”

The Christie Managed Services team – supported by seasoned technology, logistics and business professionals – works with integrators and many other partners in the digital signage arena. Ranging from content design and creation to deployment and post deployment services, Christie delivers solutions for a wide array of challenging applications.

Christie Managed Services’ strategy has been built based on a hardware and technology agnostic approach. It is available for almost any digital signage rollout that includes displays, media players, software, infrastructure cabling and mounting solutions, as well as a multitude of technology complimentary items that allow these networks to operate efficiently and reliably in a cinema environment.

“As digital signage moves forward, exhibitors will find that they need to apply these critical capabilities to their digital lobby networks. What’s important to note is that we’re not creating this structure as we go; we have been developing this approach for the last decade so that the technology, infrastructure and people resources are in place and running today,” Guthrie notes.

Wardlow added, “This solution makes total sense for us operationally, financially and aesthetically. The only question we have been asking ourselves is, ‘Why did we take so long to make the decision?’”

Christie extends Managed services’ capabilities to Rave’s in-lobby digital displays

Christie’s comprehensive Managed Services solution gives Rave Motion Pictures peace of mind, and allows them to focus on their core competencies.

“�This�solution�makes�

total�sense�for�us�

operationally,��

financially�and��

aesthetically.”Brad Wardlow

Vice-President of OperationsRave Motion Pictures

Photo: Scott Frances

5

Christie projectors power Missouri’s first booth-less theatersThe all-digital Wildwood 10 represents new face for B&B brand

The groundbreaking Wildwood 10 booth-less auditoriums are a first for B&B Theatres. The 25th largest theater company in North America, B&B Theatres — a family owned and operated company founded in 1924 — currently operates in Florida, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

“The booth-less auditoriums create a ‘cool

effect’ that we believe is the way to go in our

new theaters,” said Dennis McIntire, director of

strategic planning for B&B. “While allowing for

creative and cost-effective use of the space, it

also eliminates the traditional projectionist booth.

Digital projectors sit on platforms supported by 16-foot beams that moviegoers can walk under, with a control room on a lower level that is the heart of the digital cinema system. A total of 10 Christie CP2220 4K-ready DLP Cinema® projectors were installed with six of them set up for Real D 3D presentations.

Kansas-based Sonic Equipment Company, a

total sales, service, consulting, remodeling and

new construction company, installed the Christie

projectors. Sonic has completed over 200 digital

conversions.

Continuous worry-free performance“Booth-less auditoriums are an exciting new development and, at Sonic, we thrive on being on the leading edge,” said Eric Olson, director of operations, Sonic Equipment Company. “We needed projectors that would eliminate the fear of the unknown, and Christie took the fear

factor out of the equation. We have enormous confidence in the reliability of Christie projectors and would not have attempted the booth-less auditoriums without them.”

McIntire added that they have had a very

strong track record with Christie. “Since the

projectors’ platforms are designed to be low

maintenance, we needed a projection system of

the highest quality and durability, and Christie

was the best fit.”

Wildwood 10, Missouri’s first all-digital

multiplex, features two plush “Marquee Suites”

for patrons over 21, as well as a spectacular

56-foot wide, wall-to-wall Grand Screen lit up by

a Christie projector that offers the latest in 3D

video and audio technology.

Sonic’s Eric Olson stated that Christie Managed

Services also played an integral role in his decision

to recommend Christie projectors. “It allows us

to offer our customer a wider range of support

and maintenance to help them best manage

their new high tech digital system. Christie

Managed Services blends seamlessly with our

technical capabilities that include expertise in

planning, procurement, logistics, pre-staging and

integration, as well as implementation of system

rollouts.”

“I am amazed with how little the

theater manager has to worry about.

Christie Managed Services is like a

full time projectionist continuously

monitoring the systems,”

comments Olson.

“The best projection systems

in the world are of little value if

they are not also highly reliable,”

noted Craig Sholder, vice president,

Entertainment Solutions, Christie.

“B&B’s new booth-less theaters are

a tribute to the confidence they

have in Christie projectors and

our commitment to meeting

the most challenging needs

of our customers.”

“�…we�needed�a�

projection�system�of�

the�highest�quality�

and�durability,�and�

Christie�was�the�

best�fit.”Dennis McIntire

Director of Strategic PlanningB&B Theatres

The façade has an Art Deco spire and vertical signage built from the ground up on the site of a former bank.

6

Exhibitors who want to maximize performance and reliability choose the perfect combination of Christie lamps and Christie digital projectors. Jim Dukes, Cinema product manager at Christie, notes that the popular Christie CDXL Xenolite® lamps — designed for digital projection — meet the rigorous lamp needs for the growing global cinema marketplace. “Along with our acclaimed digital projectors, they have become a powerful duo that delivers a potent ‘one-two’ punch,” Dukes remarks.

Longer lamp life and lower operating costs are among the key features that exhibitors and installers look for in selecting lamps. “To me, it is more about how long the customer can use the lamp and obtain good results, while at the same time, reduce operating costs,” says Frank Schmitz, head of sales for Film Ton Technik (FTT) in Germany.

To many, reliability means having the utmost security and an excellent warranty that backs it up. 99.999% reliability is a major factor in installing Christie Xenolite lamps. With less frequent replacements, maintenance costs are low. “Our customers are very happy with the performance of Christie lamps. They find that ‘more light-less wattage’ translates to less power used and that means savings in energy use,” explains Guillermo Younger, president, Cinema Equipment Supplies, located in Florida. “Our customers have never experienced any failures or explosions using Christie lamps, and rarely, if ever, do we get a lamp returned for warranty replacement,” says Younger.

With a range of lamp sizes that provide greater light output and longevity, exhibitors enjoy the

higher performance and lower operating cost of Christie Xenolite lamps.

“I consistently experience the extended life of the lamps well beyond their warranty hours and have had virtually no returns due to failures. Christie lamps give me the lowest cost of ownership,” notes Jacques Dornbierer Hogan, president of Dor Internacional, S.A., adding, “I have been using Christie Xenolite lamps for over 14 years, and I love the fact that Christie is always working on R&D to develop better and more efficient lamps.”

Service and supportChristie is recognized for its ‘before- and after-sale support’ that helps customers get the most out of their Xenolite lamps. By following Christie’s “Best Practices” exhibitors find out how to select the ideal lamp size to meet their projector and screen requirements. “Working with Christie is a total joy, very professional, always there for us. Christie service, support and training is the backbone of their company,” Younger adds.

“Our lamps meet or exceed both Academy and DCI standards to deliver well beyond their warranties, typically outperforming other brands by providing more value per hour. Bottom line: a worry-free operation that translates into no lost revenue. Along with meeting exhibitors’ needs for over 40 years, peace of mind is why customers continue to endorse Christie lamps,” sums up Dukes.

Christie lamps light up screens across the globeCombination of Christie lamps and Christie projectors optimizes digital cinema systems“�Our�lamps�meet�

or�exceed�both�

Academy�and�DCI�

standards�and��

deliver�well�beyond�

their�warranties…“Jim Dukes

Cinema Product Manager Christie USA

6

Christie takes center stage at events in Canada

7

Christie supports debut of digital films at Ciné-Québec showcase The four-day cinema industry celebration, Ciné-Québec ‘Le Rendez-Vous Festif et Éclaté,’ took place in Saint-Adèle, Québec early this year. Christie was a sponsor at Ciné-Québec,

a showcase where Québec cinema industry professionals congregate to learn and share. “We were grateful to have Christie back as a sponsor this year,” said Jean Colbert, president, Ciné-Québec. “We viewed two new films for the first time on a Christie digital projector.”

Established in 1948, Cinéma Pine, the oldest, continuously

operated, family-owned theater business in Québec, presented the private screenings of two new Québec releases, using a Christie DLP Cinema® projector. In 2008, Cinéma Pine realized the business potential and benefits of digital technology and selected Christie to outfit one of their theaters.

According to Cinéma Pine owner Tommy Fermanian, “My family built its reputation on presenting high quality images on the screen. It was important to us to work with Christie, which designs and manufactures flawless performance products for both small and large cinemas. We plan to convert all of our remaining theaters with digital equipment over the next few years.”

“Independent theaters serve an important niche in the cinema marketplace. They cater to local audiences and provide a connection to their communities. We want to collaborate with small independent theater owners like Cinéma Pine to demonstrate the affordability of upgrading to the world’s most preferred, and proven, line of digital projectors,” explains Dave Muscat, senior director of sales, Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc.

Christie celebrated 10th year of TIFF sponsorshipChristie projectors showcased the new generation of filmmakers at the Toronto International Film Festival held last fall. With a growing audience of over half a million, this major world class event had 1,285 screenings of 335 titles from 64 countries, of which close to half of all titles were screened digitally. Christie Solaria™ Series

4K-ready projectors screened a record number of digital titles as digital technology gains increasing popularity in the cinema industry.

“With the digital cinema revolution in full swing around the world, Christie has been instrumental in ensuring we are able to meet the growing demand for the sharp, vivid images that are the hallmark of digital technology,” noted Diane Cappelletto, TIFF’s director of production.

Traditional Japanese Theater screened in HD At the forefront of popular culture for over 400 years, and rarely seen outside of Japan, Kabuki Theatre is a Japanese art form that combines stylized song, dance and acting skill. Christie technology made high definition (HD) digital screenings of traditional Japanese Kabuki Theatre possible at select Cineplex theaters in Toronto and Vancouver, using Christie DLP Cinema® projectors.

Produced by leading Tokyo motion picture/theater company, Shochiku Co. Ltd., and hosted by The Japan Foundation, Toronto, the Consulate General of Japan and TomoeArts of Vancouver, the colorful and dramatic Cinema Kabuki performances made their debut in February to excited audiences.

Christie provided powerful Cine-IPM 2K processors to the Cineplex theaters to present the premiere Cinema Kabuki screenings of “Heron Maiden,” “Rakuda: Party with a Dead Man” and a repeat screening of the ever-popular “Triple Lion Dance.” Christie’s Cine-IPM 2K converts analog or digital signals of Christie digital cinema projectors, while controlling quality, and accurately displaying alternative content.

“It is exciting to show ancient Kabuki Theatre to 21st century moviegoers on digital film. Canadian audiences experienced the colors, sounds and drama of a live Kabuki production. We are grateful to Christie for providing the digital cinema image processors to make this viewing possible,” stated Mr. Masayuki Suzuki, director, The Japan Foundation, Toronto. “Without these processors, our dream of showing traditional Kabuki on the big screen would not be realized.”

The Toronto Film Festival enjoys a global reputation for nurturing major new talent.

Christie projectors bring an ancient form of Japanese theater to audiences in Toronto and Vancouver.

Founded in 1927 by 36 of the most influential men and women in the motion picture industry at the time, the Academy is an honorary membership organization whose ranks now include more than 6,000 artists and professionals, dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of motion pictures. Best known for its annual Oscar® telecast, the Academy is involved in a wide array of education, outreach preservation and research activities.

The Academy Theater at Lighthouse International In addition to numerous Los Angeles area events, the Academy hosts programs in New York City at the 210-seat Academy Theater. The Academy and Lighthouse International recently signed a ten-year contract that extends the relationship they have had since 2002.

Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International, a leading nonprofit organization, is dedicated to fighting vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment. It achieves this through clinical and rehabilitation services, education, research and advocacy. “Our partnership with the Academy has certainly improved our facility

and created a state of the art theater. It benefits both organizations,” says Mark G. Ackermann, president and CEO of Lighthouse International.

Featuring 3D capability and other state-of-the-art film and video technology, the recently renovated Academy Theater is home to the Academy's screenings and special events that include their monthly Monday Nights with Oscar® public film series, as well as Lighthouse-related activities such as first run movies and previews for their donors, other VIP events, staff meetings and briefings.

Christie projector is cornerstone of screening roomThe Christie digital projection system was specified and installed by Digital Media Systems, Inc. They specialize in providing complete equipment and engineering support for world premiere screenings, preview screenings, multiplex and screening room installation service and maintenance.

“I’ve personally worked with Christie projectors since 1996, and six years ago my company partnered with Christie because we believed they had the best cinema equipment available, and over the years they have proven me right time and again. Our clients, which include the studios and post-production houses, are also most comfortable with Christie products,” notes Gregg Paliotta, the president and owner of Digital Media Systems.

“The features we looked for that met the Academy’s prime requirements were exceptional bright light output, outstanding reliability, and ease of service, and the Christie CP2000-X (now part of the Christie Solaria™ Series) fit the bill. The Academy, who relies on their professional consultants, agreed with our decision, since they recognized the strength of Christie’s reputation and the support it has in the cinema industry.”

In addition to the digital projector, the Academy Theater uses Christie CDXL Xenolite® lamps and the Christie Cine-IPM 2K to process a variety of alternative content such as computer graphics, standard definition video and HDTV.

the academy theater at lighthouse international voted 'yes' to Christie

Photo: Scott Frances

Photo: Scott Frances

8

© 2011 Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. All rights reserved. All brand names and product names are trademarks, registered trademarks or tradenames of their respective holders. Printed in Canada on recycled paper. CHRI9507 KinoNotes Spring 11.pdf

Contact us

Visit our website at: www.christiedigital.com

Corporate offices

Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. USA – Cypress ph: 714 236 8610

Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc. Canada – Kitchener ph: 519 744 8005

Worldwide offices

United Kingdom ph: +44 118977 8000

Germany ph: +49 2161 664540

France ph: +33 (0) 1 41 21 44 04

Spain ph: +34 91 633 9990

Eastern Europe and Russian Federation ph: +36 (0) 1 47 48 100

United Arab Emirates ph: +971 (0) 4 299 7575

India ph: +080 41468941 – 48

Singapore ph: +65 6877 8737

China (Shanghai) ph: +86 21 6278 7708

China (Beijing) ph: +86 10 6561 0240

Japan (Tokyo) ph: +81 3 3599 7481

Korea (Seoul) ph: +83 2 702 1601

Independent sales consultant offices

Italy ph: +39 (0)2 9902 1161

South Africa ph: +27 (0) 317 671 347

We welcome your comments, questions, story

submissions, updates and installation inform ation.

Send correspondence to:

Kati Bujna

kati.bujna@christiedigital.com

KinoNotes is published 3x a year by Christie

and distributed in print to our cinema partners

and customers. We wish to thank our customers

for their support in producing this newsletter.

No part of this newsletter may be reproduced

in whole or in part without the written consent

of Christie.