Sony Electronics’ Digital Cinema Solutions and Services group has signed a non-exclusive digital cinema deployment agreement with Universal Pictures. As part of the agreement Universal has committed to distribute feature films digitally for playback on Sony’s 4K SXRD projection technology deployed by the DCSS group across the United States. The deal which supports transition costs through virtual print fee payments will provide further digital equipment choices to exhibitors converting to digital cinema technology. Discussions are also underway to expand the agreement to include other key international markets. “Coming to agreement with Sony Electronics for the roll out of digital cinema technologies is another exciting step in the ongoing transition to digital ” says Nikki Rocco Universal's president of distribution. “Universal is committed to providing exhibitors with valuable options in the current digital cinema marketplace. We look forward to supporting Sony’s activities and supplying our digital movies to exhibition partners giving moviegoers the highest quality cinema experience available.” Universal is the fifth major studio to sign a virtual print fee agreement with Sony’s digital cinema group joining Walt Disney Twentieth Century Fox Paramount Pictures and Sony Pictures Entertainment. “We’re excited to be working with Universal as part of the industry’s ongoing digital transition ” says Mike Fidler senior vice president of Sony’s Digital Cinema Solutions and Services group which provides turn-key solutions for exhibitors enabling them to efficiently convert their operations to digital technology. “Universal understands the value of digital cinema technology and the improved experience it enables. We are excited to move forward continuing to provide the theatrical exhibition business with an integrated range of digital cinema services and solutions.”
