Going Green

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Wed, 01/27/2010 - 19:00 -- Nick Dager

Independent exhibitor Cinema West has selected Barco DP-2000 digital cinema projectors for every screen in their new Palladio 16 multiplex in Folsom California. With a total seating capacity of 3000 built around an energy- efficient concept the all-digital venue includes six 3D-capable theatres. Once final implementation is complete the Palladio 16 Cinemas will be able to boast the largest solar system on the roof of any movie theatre in the world. “Presently our theatre in Livermore California has the largest solar installation of any theatre ” says Dave Corkill owner of Cinema West “but once our rooftop installation is complete this site will be the largest. All the lighting products used in the theatre are LED-based. Even the poster cases are backlit with LED lighting and what appears to be neon is actually LED rope lighting. It uses about 10 percent of the power. The savings are significant and our goal to be energy efficient extends to the Barco products as well. Barco projectors use far less power than standard 35mm projectors so it all adds up and it makes good business sense.” Dolby supplied the digital servers and theatre management systems and the 5.1 surround-sound digital audio system is supplied by both QSC and Dolby. Theatre Equipment Construction and Service of Santa Rosa California did the installation. “Cinema West has a great policy of wall-to-wall screens wherever possible and these screens are enormous ” says Robert Hawthorne senior technician for TECS. “To install a 53-foot screen in a room that's 55 feet wide was a challenge but the installation went very well and the DP-2000s certainly fill the screens. I'm a big fan of the Barco projectors and the Cinema West team has been just thrilled with what they've seen. From my standpoint the picture is better they're easier to work with and much easier to use.” Regarding the Barco projectors Nate Alchesky general manager for the Palladio 16 Cinemas said “It was the quality and the ease of use. Once we saw the pictures on screen we realized that this was the best way to go. The picture quality is amazing and the install couldn't have been simpler. They were almost plug and play.” “We're honored to have been selected by Cinema West for their new installation which is noteworthy on many levels ” says Terri Westhafer director of business development for Barco Digital Cinema. “Not only are we part of the largest 3D installation in California but we also play a part in the company's high regard for 'green' energy use. This all-digital complex in Folsom is a showplace for customers who are visiting our Sacramento offices. Cinema West's high presentation standards align with our own and Barco is proud to partner with such an innovator in digital technology.”