JVC Professional Products Company, a division of JVC Americas Corp., today announced it has partnered with the Independent Theatre Alliance (ITA) to offer the “Cinema Libre” digital cinema projection system for independent movie theater operators facing the end of 35mm film prints. The Cinema Libre system includes a JVC D-ILA projector with 4K precision coupled with a DCI-compliant server.
Bill Dever, ITA founder and president, said studio motion pictures are expected to only be available in digital format in the United States by the end of 2013, so independent theater owners have a limited time to convert 35mm operations. “This was an issue that had to be addressed. It will be a financial challenge for a lot of independent theater owners to implement a digital delivery system,” said Dever.
The Cinema Libre system has been tested on a variety of screens and delivers the brightness necessary for movie theater projection. “We evaluated several manufacturers, but we chose JVC because of cost, contrast, and ease of use,” Dever added. “Plus, we felt that JVC really grasped the challenges of independent operators today.”
“As far as clarity, color, resolution, and lack of pixelization, the JVC 4K projector blew away the competition,” said Buck Kolkmeyer, ITA co-founder and owner of Nova Cinemas, which has already purchased six Cinema Libre systems. “This could be a real game-changer for independent theaters that must convert to digital by the end of next year.”
“Owners are facing a tight deadline for converting their independent film theaters to digital. The Cinema Libre system offers an affordable option that uses our D-ILA technology to deliver stunning images for moviegoers,” said John Havens, marketing manager, JVC Visual Systems Division. “We look forward to working with the ITA and keeping the tradition of neighborhood movie theaters alive.”
An association of independent theater owners and movie industry professionals, the ITA is an advocate for its members on a variety of issues. It represents close to 100 theater owners who have nearly 600 screens in theaters and drive-in locations across the country. The Cinema Libre system is available now and can be purchased through the ITA. For more information, visit www.ita-usa.com
ABOUT JVC PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY
Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, JVC Professional Products Company is a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVC Kenwood Corporation. JVC is a leading manufacturer and distributor of broadcast and professional video and audio equipment, security products including IP network cameras and recorders, premium front projection systems for home theatre use, and projection displays and optics used in aviation simulators. The JVC Technology Center provides advanced technology in support of major JVC business alliances. For further product information, visit JVC Professional’s Web site at http://pro.jvc.com or call (800) 582-5825.