Vue Entertainment has further expanded its 4K footprint, installing Sony Digital Cinema 4K projection systems at the UK operator’s 85th major multiplex opening. The nine-screen complex is a major draw for visitors to The Oval, a 28,000 square meter flagship retail and leisure complex in the market town of Darlington in England’s North East.
Vue has installed a SRX-R515DS dual projection system that delivers 30,000 lumen brightness levels – ideal for presentation in 3D or 2D on Premium Large Format screens. Its efficient, low-maintenance HPM multi-lamp array gives highly affordable running costs, compared with Xenon-based projection lamps, making this a highly attractive choice. Five SRX-R515P and three SRX-R510P projectors individually equip other screens in the multiplex, all offering peerless 4K picture quality and industry-leading 8000:1 average contrast ratio. They’re complemented by three Sony Digital Cinema 3D systems and Sony’s Theatre Management System that streamlines content ingest and management of show playlists.
In addition to supply and installation of all systems, Sony Digital Cinema 4K is providing maintenance and technical support to Vue under terms of the agreement.
“We carefully explored all our projection options at The Oval, and laser was obviously a serious consideration for us,” said Kevin Styles, UK & Ireland managing director, Vue Entertainment. “But as we carefully assessed the market, it only strengthened our belief that no other commercial projection system currently comes close to the Sony 4K in terms of picture quality or reliability of running costs. We’ve always been committed to giving audiences the best possible entertainment experience and our choice of Sony 4K once again assures us of this delivery.”
Vue Entertainment’s relationship with Sony Digital Cinema 4K is long standing, with the operator already standardized on Sony 4K projection across its UK and Ireland estate and Germany and Denmark.
Vue Entertainment has also played a role in stretching the creative and technical potential of 4K Event Cinema. In 2015, the operator confirmed its partnership with Sony Digital Cinema 4K to screen a series of three major stage productions by National Theatre Live, captured with Sony 4K cameras and screened at selected Vue sites. Two years previously, selected matches of the summer’s 2014 FIFA World Cup were screened in Sony Digital Cinema 4K at Vue’s prestigious Westfield multiplex in London.
“Vue is without question one of Europe’s most technically innovative and customer-focused cinema operators,” said Tim Potter, business development manager, Sony Digital Cinema 4K. “It is great Sony has been such a long term partner, delivering solutions that time and again provide the picture quality demanded and at an affordable price. We’re delighted to partner with Vue to be able to bring the Sony 4K experience to customers up in Darlington.”