Distribution & Exhibition

Barco has introduced what the company is calling “a groundbreaking update” for its digital cinema projector families. Named Barco Alchemy, this new generation combines media server functionalities with cinema processing electronics to further increase reliability and ease-of-use in the projection booth. The Barco Alchemy technology is fully compatible with all new and installed Series 2 Barco projectors. The company says that the 4K Barco Alchemy projectors are the first to show 4K movies at 60 frames per second and 4K 3D content on a single projector.

In less than two weeks the major movie studios and theatre owners will gather at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas for the annual CinemaCon conference, hosted by the National Association of Theatre Owners. Despite the implementation of new laws, new anti-piracy technology, and I heightened industry awareness, the Motion Picture Association of America estimates it loses billions of dollars each year to movie theft, although some people believe the number is in the millions. In any case, theft is theft, and as movie budgets tighten and theatre owners face increased competition, every dollar counts. Via email I recently interviewed Patrick Corcoran, vice president and chief communications officer for the National Association of Theatre Owners about the state of the piracy battle and for a preview of the trade show.

More2Screen has been appointed as the international distributor for the British Museum’s second big screen event, Vikings from the British Museum, a recorded release available to cinemas worldwide (except the UK and Ireland) beginning June 6.