Carmike Signs Satellite Deal with Deluxe/EchoStar

Bookmark and Share

Fri, 05/13/2011 - 20:00 -- Nick Dager

Deluxe/EchoStar will deliver movies through its satellite system to 239 theaters owned by Carmike Cinemas as soon as the necessary equipment is installed. Both companies expect deliveries to begin by the end of the year. Carmike's theaters include more than 2 100 digital screens that will get movies trailers and live programming through the satellite system. Nearly 600 of the digital screens can show 3D films. Carmike's theatres are primarily located in communities across small-town America. This new service will deliver 2D and 3D digital cinema prints in 2K and 4K formats 2D and 3D alternative content trailers as well as connect to live events and other media programming. The system also accommodates closed captioning sub-titles and gaming. Benefits include faster delivery of content by transmitting a movie in hours and a trailer in minutes as well as reducing traditional freight costs associated with shipping hard drives to theaters. Carmike Cinemas president and CEO David Passman says As one of the pioneers and earliest adopters of theatrical digital cinema presentation Carmike is delighted to partner with Deluxe/EchoStar on this new venture. We look forward to providing our valued cinema-going customers with cutting-edge experiences featuring a tremendous array of digital content through this important mutually beneficial agreement. Deluxe/EchoStar is committed to building a satellite distribution infrastructure so that exhibitors can connect to all forms of entertainment content including current releases classic films and live events says Rick O'Hare senior vice president Deluxe Entertainment Services Group and general manager Deluxe/EchoStar. With Carmike Cinemas' dedication to presenting the best possible movie going experience for its patrons I am pleased that we were chosen to be a part of that experience says John Wolski vice president exhibitor services for Deluxe.