Our 50th Lunch day was a great success
Sound Associates lunch at BAFTA to mark their 50th Birthday and launch of the new Brand Identity and website was a great success. It was a truly great occasion, attended by many people from the cinema industry with very thoughtful speeches given by key figures in our marketplace.
From Millard Ochs, Warner Bros
To the Family of Sound Associates
I would very much like to thank all the people of Sound Associates but especially to Peter Lodge for all his personal support during the development of the purpose built multiplex cinemas in the UK.
I remember the days of explaining to Peter the intention of automation and how it was to work within the system to create the simplest of functionality for lighting masking, lens turret and sound What seems the norm today was an undertaking 24 years ago. I also very much appreciated that I would give a contract to Peter for a job and not worry about it. At opening night I would look at him with a twinkle in his eye I knew everything was okay.
Today the challenges the industry faces with the conversion to Digital continues to challenge the engineers to stay current with the technology and be able to give a seamless presentation as we move from Digital Pre-show to Film and then eventually Digital Full features to 3D and soon 4D with seat motion I have every confidence that under the direction of Graham and the new engineers at Sound Associates they will meet the challenge placed upon them in the future Again my sincere congratulations to Sound Associates for their Golden Anniversary!!!
Best Personal Regards
Millard Ochs
President of Warner Brothers
From Paul Ingebrigtsen, Williams Sound Corp.
On behalf of Williams Sound, I would like to express my congratulations on your 50th Anniversary! That is a significant accomplishment for any business, especially considering the astounding changes in technology and society we have witnessed over the last 50 years. We are proud of our partnership with Sound Associates. Working together, we have made cinemas more accessible to more people, bringing the gifts of hearing and sight to hearing impaired and blind cinema-goers in the UK and beyond. I have personally enjoyed working with Graham and Jerry these past ten years and count them as friends and valued business partners. Enjoy your celebration, you have earned it! Here's to the next 50 years!
Warm Regards,
Paul Ingebrigtsen
President & CEO
Williams Sound Corp.
From Victor Nicelli, Cinemeccanica (Retired)
I first met Peter Lodge, president and founder of Sound Associates, at the end of the seventies. We started working together on supplies and installations mostly in the Near East. Very quickly a strong friendship was formed as we, apart from our work, shared quite a few interests, as photography and classical music.
When in 1984 Rank Audio Visual lost interest in representing our products I was happy to take the opportunity and appoint SA as our distributor for the UK.
At the end of 1985 we supplied and installed the first UCI (then AMC) multiplex in Milton Keynes. This started quite a long wave of multiplex creation, which is going on still today. The SA business flourished, thanks to the SA team, which was very clever and competent. I remember the SA offices in a little street just across from Bayswater, in an idyllic setting. The premises were later moved to a charming building in Southwark.
I am very thankful to all the people that worked with us in SA with great dedication, doing such a great job, and giving such a good name to Cinemeccanica.
Now a new generation has come in, and there are new, ample and modern premises west of London. They have the best people and the best technologies.
I wish the new SA great success over many coming years, they deserve it.
Victor
MD of Cinemeccanica (Retired)
Re-brand and 50th Lunch
To mark their 50th birthday, Sound Associates have introduced a new brand image. The old logo was inititaly designed to show reel-to-reel tape, although most people have assumed that it represented film reels.
As we move forward into an exciting new age for cinemas a new identiy has been created by design agency October Five – it’s an evolution of the current logo – we retain the circle, the colour and the SA – but it is much bolder and recognisable. We hope you like it as you will see it around a lot over the next 50 years!
Click here to view the brand transformation from old to new.
June 2008 - Falkland Islands
Sound Associates completes the world’s first “digital” only territory.
A brave claim, but true. The Falkland Islands one (and only) cinema has been converted to digital – using a Barco 1500 and a Dolby server. The 35mm equipment has been removed, digital equipment installed and the operators re-trained.
The cinema is operated by SSVC on behalf of the Armed Forces garrisoned in the Falklands. Due to the cost (and delays) of transporting 35mm prints and the turnover of staff due to redeployment, digital become an obvious choice.
So, digital cinema gets it first 100% converted territory.
June 2008 - Paramount Madrid
Following the successful delivery of Paramount’s London facility, Sound Associates has been contracted to design, build and equip a similar facility for Paramount in Madrid.
June 2008 - BBFC
The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) have recently upgraded to a Barco digital projector.
Due to space and vibration issues (the London underground runs directly underneath), significant building works were needed and a trolley system has been installed to aid servicing the projectors.
May 2008 - Empire Poole
As part of a major refurbish programme, Empire Poole is having new stadium seating installed in all 10 screens. Whilst this work is in progress, all of the sound systems are being upgraded (amps, speakers and processors) and the 35mm projectors are being relocated. Two of the screens have been readied for digital projectors.
May 2008 - Empire Leicester Square
Two new Barco digital Projectors installed in Leicester Square’s newest screens.
Empire Cinemas have recently converted part of the foyer toilets space into two first class cinemas (65 and 70 seats). Both digital only cinemas are equipped with Barco 1500 projectors – installed in specifically designed housings within the auditoriums. Sound Associates worked with Empire, the architects and builders to come up with the design of the housings and then installed and commissioned the digital projectors.
April 2008 - Paramount Chiswick Park
Paramount Pictures International recently moved to a new head office facility in London’s newest media park in Chiswick.
Alongside the modern offices, Paramount have a new, purpose designed and built Preview facility – with 35mm and NEC digital projection equipment – including a 3D facility.
Sound Associates won a competitive tender for all of the works in the projection box and the preview theatre.
A QSC Basis system drives JBL speakers and a dual matt white and silver screen system allows perfect 2D and 3D presentations.
Twickenham Film Studio - Press Release
Sound Associates installs Christie Digital Cinema projector for Twickenham Film Studio
Twickenham Film Studios recently contracted Sound Associates to supply, install and commission a Christie CP2000ZX into their largest editing suite.
Carl Childs - Head of Sound Dept Engineering – commented “We selected the Christie projector due to its technical specification, market acceptance and ease of use. Sound Associates demonstrated that they understood our specific requirements, our plan to replace the existing 35mm projector and our need to integrate this new equipment with our existing operation”
Andy Robertshaw responded “No two jobs are the same, and this project proved once again that we can meet the technical and commercial challenges across a wide range of client expectations. We are delighted to have been awarded the contract and to have worked with Carl and his team”
Sound Associates - Press Release
Sound Associates appoints Bruno to promote Williams Sound equipment
Sound Associates are delighted to announce their newest addition to the team – John “Bruno” Wayte who will be responsible for further growing the Williams Sound range of Infra Red and Tour Guide systems.
John – who is well know to the cinema industry and sound reinforcement customers, brings a unique blend of product experience and market knowledge to a range of products that has been part of the Sound Associates portfolio for many years.
Sound Associates has an enviable reputation in the cinema and theatre markets with their infra red products and has been the largest non- USA based Williams Sound customer for 8 years.
Graham Lodge – Managing Director for Sound Associates – claimed “Williams Sound is a key supplier for our planned growth over the next few years and we are thrilled to welcome Bruno on board to further develop this important range for us. The sales of Infra Red and Tour guide systems continues to grow across many of our markets and Bruno, with his excellent customer relationships, will aid us in introducing these products to many more clients.
Bruno added – The Williams Sound range offers unparalleled coverage, the finest warranty and support in the industry and – importantly in the current market – a highly competitive price – I look forward to bring these benefits to a wider market”.
March 2009 - Sound Associates announces its 150 digital cinema installation.
Since the beginning of 2009 Sound Associates has been awarded a number of digital cinema contracts by both multiplex operators and independent cinemas which have brought their total number of D-Cinema installations to over 150 screens.
Andrew Robertshaw – Projects Director – observed that “Our experience in integrating new digital cinema technology with existing 35mm installations has been a key factor for many of our clients”.
The rapid increase in the 3D rollout has been a factor in achieving this total and all of the projector manufacturers - Barco, Christie, NEC and Sony – are represented within the installed base. Many of the server manufacturers also feature as are the 3D systems from both Dolby and Real D.
Graham Lodge – Managing Director – commented "Whilst it was a slow start initially, Digital cinema is now a significant part of our business. Yes, we continue to install and support 35mm technology, but during 2009 we will set-up more digital projection systems than traditional film projectors. We are grateful to all our customers who continue to trust us with the engine rooms of their businesses."
January 2009 - Sound Associates completes Phase 3 of 3D projection systems for Odeon cinemas.
ODEON and UCI Cinemas, Europe’s largest cinema operator, has further extended its estate of 3D equipped DCI-compliant Digital Cinema screens in the UK – adding another 24 screens opening in time for Ice Age 3D.
Odeon once again contracted Sound Associates, the UK‘s leading cinema equipment installer, for the installation of the 3D systems.
Each system uses an NEC projector, Doremi server, Real D 3D system and appropriate network and ADSL hardware and cabling – all housed in the Sound Associates SA digibase.
Graham Lodge – SA Managing Director – commented “
January 2009 - Sound Associates fit-out forms part of £800,000 redesign
Following a design makeover costing £800,000, the Cine lumiere arthouse reopened recently with a special appearance by the acclaimed French actress, Catherine Deneuve.
Forming part of the Grade II-listed South Kensington-based Institut français, the cinema unveiled a new digital facility, including the first UK application of Christie’s CP2000-M digital projector, specified and installed by Sound Associates.
With its compact form factor, Sound Associates’ sales and marketing director, Jerry Murdoch, believes, “Had it not been for the reduced footprint of the CP2000-M I am not sure this project would have gone ahead digitally.” Given the space constraints, the decision had been dependent on being able to scale down their standard projector digi-base. “And with the CP2000-M we were able to reduce it to 75% of the normal depth.”
Murdoch continued, “It was an absolute no brainer to specify the Christie CP2000-M — it was our prime choice from Day One. It delivers excellent picture quality and is an easy machine to use. This was one of the key requirements but it also fitted into the Institute’s commercial demands.”
The most compact DLP Digital Cinema® projector in the world, the CP2000-M delivers up to 12,000 lumens of output power, specifically designed to maintain DCI luminance requirements on smaller screens up to 35 feet wide. Weighing less than 100lbs, the projector can be transported and installed by only two people. Based on .98” DLP Digital Cinema® technology, the CP2000-M uses new high efficiency CDXL-20SD 2000 watt Xenon lamps, while competitive models require larger, 3000 watt lamps for the same light output — a clear Christie advantage on cost of ownership and lumens per watt.
The CP2000-M also features eight new motorised zoom lenses to guarantee the right solution for virtually any auditorium, with no need for resizing or scaling. Brought in by architect Stefanie Fischer of Burrell Foley Fischer LLP the Sound Associates team, led by Andrew Robertshaw, first needed to redesign and enlarge the projection room to enable the resident 35mm, 16mm and digital projectors to be positioned more centrally to the screen and avoid image distortion. To complete the digital delivery they fitted a Doremi DCP-2000 DCI JPEG2000 Digital Cinema (DCI-compliant) server and the Christie Cine IPM 2K image processor for scaling — and upgraded the sound system (enabling the facility to additionally be used in a staging presentation mode).
The work that took place within the beautiful art deco building, with its marble foyer, included new carpeting and replacement of all 249 seats within the cinema while the integrity of the art deco interior has been reinstated. Cine lumiere also boasts disabled facilities (including a platform lift) in compliance with the DDA regulations.
At the same time new acoustic performance doors and window glazing prevent noise intrusion and break-out, while the stage at the front of the auditorium has again been reduced in depth so that the art deco windows closest to the stage can be revealed, therefore reinstating the original architectural integrity of the room.
The funding initiative for this project had been driven by Laurence Auer, director of the Institut français; approximately 30% of the renovation budget was provided by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the remaining 70% by individual and corporate donors solicited as part of the fund-raising campaign.
In the decade since opening, Ciné lumiere quickly established itself as one of London’s top repertory cinemas, and by 2008 its programme had expanded to over 800 screenings a year, specialising in French, European and World cinema.
When the cinema reopened it was with two prestigious art house titles (A Christmas Tale and The Class) — and a special visit from veteran French director Claude Lelouch. The facility is also easily switchable to ‘stage mode’ for presentations and video conferencing.
The new CP2000-M was quickly pressed into action, much to the delight of senior projectionist Benjamin Helies and use of digital is already running at 40% of the total films screened.
“We considered different levels of investment and various product options but ended up backing Christie after reviewing its performance in different cinemas and checking maintenance issues. The CP2000-M is also easier to use than other models we looked at.”
Laurence Auer added. “The day that we switched over to digital was amazing. It is a far better solution than the 35mm, and in fact Claude Lelouch used it during his masterclass.”
She added that a lot of the success was attributable to their relationship with Sound Associates and particular their engineers on site – led by Andy Atkinson.
The final word came from Jerry Murdoch: “It’s the first time we’ve used a CP2000-M, but from its success at the French Institute we already have two further contracts.”
January 2009 - Sound Associates installs 3D projection systems for Odeon cinemas
ODEON and UCI Cinemas, Europe’s largest cinema operator, is currently installing dozens of new 3D screens as it further extends its network of DCI-compliant Digital Cinema screens in the UK, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany & Austria. Sound Associates, the UK‘s leading cinema equipment integrator, is installing the 31 systems for phase 1 in the UK.
As part of the strategy, ODEON & UCI will triple its coverage of 3D digital screens in response to the wealth of 3D blockbusters due for release in 2009. By the end of March, over 100 sites across Europe will be equipped for 3D, with 52 screens in the UK alone, more than any other UK exhibitor.
Following its site survey of each location, Sound Associates assembled, configured and tested each system at its facility in West London prior to installation. A system consists of an NEC projector, Qube or Doremi server, Real D 3D system and appropriate network and ADSL hardware and cabling – all housed in the specially adapted Sound Associates SA DigiBase.
Drew Kaza, Executive Vice President of Digital Development for ODEON and UCI Cinemas, said, “The installs have been going incredibly smoothly. We are pleased that the vast majority of upgraded screens are actually running ahead of schedule at this stage, enabling us to unveil the benefits of 3D even sooner to our film fanatics across the UK. This is the next important step as we accelerate our moves into digital in 2009.”
Graham Lodge, Managing Director of Sound Associates, said “We are delighted to be working with ODEON and UCI on this groundbreaking project and I am particularly pleased that our engineers are managing to keep up with the demanding install schedule. ODEON and UCI have been able to show 3D films ahead of the planned date – this has to be good for the cinemas and for the customers”.
November 2010 - A new 4 Screen Cinema opens in Reykjavik, Iceland.
SAMFILM, along established customer of Sound Associates, and the largest exhibitor in Iceland has opened an exciting all digital new 4 screen complex in Egilsholl.
Sound Associates were used to supply, install and commission all of the digital cinema and sound equipment as well as a Theatre Management system.
November 2010 - QSC introduced to Iceland.
The new 4 screen cinema, developed by SAMFILM in Egilsholl, Iceland - features an end-to-end sound solution from QSC. The system utilises QSC speakers, amplifiers and cinema processors and was specified, installed and commissioned by Sound Associates.
November 2010 - Unique Theatre Management System.
The new 4 screen cinema, developed by SAMFILM in Egilsholl, Iceland - features a Theatre Management System from Unique, which simplifies the operating of the site and helps to minimise the operational costs of the venue. The system utilises QSC speakers, amplifiers and cinema processors and was specified, installed and commissioned by Sound Associates.
November 2010 - South West Screens – Portable Touring equipment.
In an unusual project, Sound Associates have provided a portable Digital Cinema System to South West Screens, who will tour it across a number of their venues.
Three of the venues have also have bespoke cinema sound systems installed, and the other venues will continue to use the portable sound equipment.
The kit has been designed to fit into a standard transit van – and to be up and running within 30 minutes of arrival at the venue. It is fully DCI compliant and it will help bring digital cinema to rural communities.
September 2010 - Apollo Cinemas Completes its Digital Cinema rollout.
Apollo Cinemas have completed their planned rollout of Sony 4K digital projectors across all the designated sites, within time and budget. All screens are equipped with the Sony R320 4K projectors, and most screens are also equipped with Real D 3D.
Each site also has the ability to show a range of other content (satellite/DVD/laptop etc) through a specially developed portable rack system.
The project to convert all screens took less than a year, and involved removing all of the 35mm equipment, upgrading the sound systems, installing and commissioning the Sony 4K projectors.
Sound Associates are providing the on-going planned maintenance service and the on-site support.
September 2010 - New Personnel.
Sound Associates has further strengthened its team in support of cinema exhibitors. Reacting to the growing business and recognising the future opportunities new positions have been created in sales administration, technical stores, drawing support and the workshop. It is also anticipated that the engineering team will be eXPANDed in the next few months.
August 2010 - Soho House Berlin.
The prestigious members only Soho House group have increased their estate with the opening of the new Soho House Berlin club and hotel.
The hotel includes a state-of-the-art single screen cinema, featuring a fully DCI compliant digital cinema facility.
Supplied and installed by Sound Associates, this is the first venue of itsknd in Germany.
June 2010 - Sound Associates Supports Apollo Cinema Awards Ceremony.
Apollo Cinemas have introduced an annual awards ceremony to celebrate individual and team successes throughout their company.
Held this year at Apollo Leamington Spa, Sound Associates have sponsored the Projection Team of the Year.
June 2010 - Southampton University Cinema goes digital.
Southampton University has upgraded its student teaching facilities with the installation of a DCI compliant digital projector and cinema server.
After a competitive tender process, Sound Associates were delighted to be awarded the supply and installation contract.
May 2010 - Technicolour 3D.
Sound Associates has installed the newly launched Technicolour 3D system for 35mm projectors at an independent cinema on the south coast.
Feb 2010 - Vue Westfield.
In February, Europe’s largest digital only cinema opens at the Westfield shopping centre in London’s Sheppard’s Bush. Fully equipped with Barco digital projectors and Dolby digital cinema servers, all of the sound and projection works were carried out by Sound Associates.
As the shopping centre – which opened in 2009 – was fully operation, a specific works project plan was initiated to ensure minimum disruption to the rest of the shopping centre.
5 of the 14 screens are 3D enabled, and many of the screens are also able to show other non-cinema content. It is expected that a number of film premiers will be held at Vue Westfield.
Novermber 2011 - The First UK installation of the Barco DP2K-P
Post Production Digital Cinema Projector
Sound Associates have recently completed the UK’s first installation of the Barco DP2K- P- a digital projector specifically designed to meet the needs of the post production market. To meet the specific needs of post-production houses, the DP2K-P projector delivers an improved contrast, superior brightness uniformity, and a greatly expanded colour gamut.
The DP2K-P post-production projector is bundled with a special version of the Barco Communicator software, enabling full customization of 2D and 3D look-up tables and increased control over the colour space.
The installation was carried out at the London offices of Onsight
Novermber 2011 - Everyman Maida Vale
At the end of November, Everyman Cinemas opened its latest London venue – the 2 screen cinema at Maida Vale.
This iconic venue was previously open as a restaurant – the one that featured in the film “About a Boy”.
The Everyman cinema group have taken a disused restaurant and turned it into a vibrant two screen cinema which is capable of showing first run movies, 3D movies, classic films, alternative events and it is also available for private hire.
Sound Associates were involved in the project from its inception and assisted in key elements of the design. The sound and projection systems are all state of the art – NEC projectors with XpanD 3D systems – and are all monitored through a Sony CHIPS rack.
The venue opened to rave reviews and Everyman have established a “destination cinema” in an attractive part of London.
October 2011 - SSVC Cyprus
SSVC (the Services Sound and Vision Corporation) is a registered charity with the aim of entertaining and informing Britain's Armed Forces around the world.
For over fifty years, SSVC Cinemas has provided hundreds of thousands of hours of entertainment for British Forces and their families around the world. Now Sound Associates have helped SSVC cinemas join the digital revolution by converting all three cinemas in Cyprus - the Astra Akrotiri, Key Dhekelia and Mercury Ayios Nik - the with the latest digital cinema technology.
The conversion required the decommissioning and removal of the 35mm equipment, which was replaced by the latest Barco DP2K-15C projectors. The cinemas opened with Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1 on Wednesday 30th November and on Friday 2nd December the audiences experienced 3D for the first time with The Adventures of Tin Tin.
October 2011 - Sony Press Release
Of the approximately 3,500 cinema screens in the UK it is estimated that by the end of next year over one thousand of them will be equipped with Sony 4K digital cinema projectors.
Driving this momentum are two key theatrical systems integrators who made the decision to work with Sony based on the unique technical capability to project 4K and deliver on demand 3D. Sound Associates has worked with Sony on the installation of its digital cinema projectors since October 2009. Its installations includes 79 projectors for Apollo Cinemas – 50 per cent of which are 3D enabled; 11 for the Everyman Cinema group; one to a hotel cinema in central London and over 200 screens so far for Vue Cinemas, including 17 for the brand new flagship site at Westfield Stratford City, the 2012 Olympic venue.
“From an integrator’s point of view, working with Sony gives a one stop solution whereas with other digital cinema solutions we have to integrate a projector from one company with a server from another,” explains Graham Lodge, Managing Director. “Whilst that is ‘what we do’ as integrators, the Sony solution is less complex. Having a manufacturer that supports the product to such a high level makes life much easier for us.”
All of the equipment is monitored by an American company - Convergent. Everything is IP connected all the time so issues can be seen and often fixed before there’s a problem.” A key part of the system is establishing a working IP infrastructure that is robust and secure enough to enable these activities and allow digital content to be sent and received. As part of this, Sony can provide a highly effective, consistent, reliable and secure solution tailored to individual cinema needs. This includes network design engineering, provision and installation, field service and maintenance, backed by 24/7 monitoring and support.
The move to digital cinema offers many advantages, from improved quality to new revenue streams. It also opens the door to a whole range of services that allow cinemas to integrate all aspects of the multiplex into a faster, better-run operation. Sony is working with thousands of cinemas across the world to manage the move to new technologies, backed by the Sony quality assurance and a range of integrated services centred around Sony 4K.
August 2011 - Vue Westfield
In August 2011 Sound Associates proudly completed the sound and projection installation at the latest Vue cinema – the exciting 2,500 seat cinema at Westfield Stratford City. The cinema is in the heart of the Westfield complex, which boasts a large number of world renowned shops and restaurants.
This is one of one of the largest all-new, all-digital cinemas in Europe with 17 all digital screens, at the gateway to London's Olympic Park in the heart of Stratford City.
Featuring Sony 4K digital projection, Incredible Vue Digital 3D and Dolby 7.1– Vue Westfield Stratford City is leading the way in innovative cinema technology. All screen have stepped stadium seating and there are over 500 luxury VIP seats throughout the cinema.
Sound Associates also installed the five Real D 3D enabled screens and the two VueXtreme super-sized large format screens.
May 2011 - Lighthouse Cinema, Newquay
Continuing its long relationship with the WTW cinema group, Sound Associates completed the sound and projection installation at the new Lighthouse Cinema in Newquay in May 2011.
As the first, purpose built all digital cinema in the South West, The Lighthouse brings the world of big screen entertainment back to the town for the first time in 16 years.
The 650 seat venue has four screens all featuring digital NEC projectors, and two of the screens are also equipped with MasterImage 3D systems. All screens have Digital sound systems and wall to wall screens for maximum picture size.
Screen one also features Dolby Surround 7.1 sound for selected films.
The family-run business, WTW Cinemas, owns and operates cinemas The Plaza in Truro , White River Cinema in St Austell and The Regal in Wadebridge.
May 2011 - GRAHAM LODGE ACCEPTS APOLLO CINEMA’S FIRST EVER SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
On Tuesday evening (10th May) Sound Associates attended the Annual Apollo Cinemas awards ceremony – an event where Apollo recognise excellence within their cinemas in a variety of categories – to present the “Projection Team of The Year” award – won this year by Apollo Fareham.
This year there was something of a surprise – for the first time Apollo introduced a Special Recognition Award – and Graham Lodge was called to the front to receive an engraved plaque that is now proudly displayed in our meeting room.
We are grateful that our work with the Apollo Group has been recognised and we look forward to continuing to work alongside their local management teams in the future.
Thank you Apollo!
May 2011 - XDC, the n°1 digital cinema service company in Europe deploys the 1000th digital screen contracted within its European VPF studio agreements.
And the installation was carried out by Sound Associates.
The 1000th digital installation is at the "Rio Cinema" in Dalston, London, UK, a member of the DFP (Digital Funding Partnership). This marks the first installation under the DFP/XDC deployment agreement.
Serge Plasch, XDC CEO, said: "We are very excited to have reached this important step and especially with the Rio Cinema being a member of the DFP which we are very proud to be working with, it's a double celebration!"
Charles Rubinstein, General Manager of The Rio Cinema said: "We are impressed with the speed that XDC supplied and installed the system through Sound Associates. We had a deadline of 1st May and fortunately the DFP and XDC were able to arrange our installation to meet this. We are all highly delighted and relieved!"
Steve Perrin, CEO DFP added:"Congratulations to XDC on their 1000th installation! I am especially pleased that it is the Rio cinema that achieved this milestone for XDC. It really emphasises what the DFP is all about when we can help our traditional independently owned cinemas like this. We are all looking forward to the main phase of our roll-out in the very near future.
Mar 2011 - Vue cinema group to install Sony Digital Cinema 4K projection for all screens in all of the group's 68 sites
Sound Associates are delighted to be working with Vue Cinemas and Sony Digital Cinema on the rollout of 4K projectors across the whole of the Vue estate.
Following the signing of a formal agreement between the two parties, Vue Entertainment will become the largest European cinema chain to be equipped with Sony’s 4K digital cinema projection technology. All of the 657 screens across the 68 sites will have Sony projectors, with approximately 30% of the screens being 3D enabled. Sony’s CHIPS theatre management system will be installed across the estate.
Sound Associates have been fortunate enough to have worked with both Vue Entertainment and Sony Digital Cinema in the past - equipping the Vue new build sites with sound and projection and supporting Sony to deliver other digital rollouts. This project encompasses the supply of some of the equipment requirements, the installation and commissioning of the projectors and theatre management systems, and the post installation support.
Feb 2011 - RAAM Award Winning Cinema Chooses Masterimage 3D
Masterimage 3D supply Independent cinemas in UK WTW Cinemas, who operate 10 screens across three sites in Cornwall, UK won the prestigious RAAM Award for Independent Cinema of the Year 2011, which was presented in February at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London.
The independent, family-owned cinema company has been in the cinema business for over 65 years and continues to grow, with a new four screen cinema opening in Newquay, Cornwall in the spring. The award went to WTW's four-screen state-of-the-art White River cinema in St Austell, beating off tough competition from Zeffirellis in Cumbria and The Lexi in London. Mark Williams, General Manager of White River cinema collected the award.
WTW Cinemas were an early adopter of 3D and have experience of three different 3D cinema systems over recent years. At the UK Cinema Exhibitors Association 3D conference in 2010 WTW cinemas compared their experiences using the different systems, and it was interesting then to hear about the practical problems of dealing with 'active' glasses and of the relative costs of operating the different 3D systems.
During 2010, Screen 1 at St Austell, which had used XPAND 3D for more than a year, changed to MasterImage 3D, and WTW have decided that their new all digital cinema in Newquay will use MasterImage 3D exclusively. They have found that the MasterImage technology is simple for the technical team at the cinema to operate, and the projection box preparation required was minimal - UK cinema installation and service company Sound Associates installed and support the MasterImage 3D systems at the WTW cinemas.
Since the change, feedback from audiences has been very positive, with people preferring the lightweight glasses. Brian Kercher of MasterImage 3D said that they are coming across more and more situations where cinemas are replacing previously installed systems with MasterImage 3D, once cinemas realise the true cost of ownership over time of the various alternative solutions.
Feb 2011 - Philips release a long life lamp for NEC projectors
After extensive research and testing, NEC have given approval for Philips to market the 4001N – specifically designed as a longer lasting lamp for the NC range of digital projectors. The new version of lamp has an industry beating 1500 hours warrantied life.
Jan 2011 - Barco launch Post Production projector
Barco have announced the introduction of a new projector, specifically designed to assist the critical post production facilities. A specification sheet and other details will be available shortly – please contact Sound Associates to register your interest.
January 2012 - RNAS Culdrose
Continuing its work with SSVC (the Services Sound and Vision Corporation) Sound Associates has just completed the transition from 35mm projectors to digital technology at the RNAS base in Culdrose, Cornwall.
The site will be opening on Thursday 12th 2012 with an advance screening in 3D of the latest 20th Century Fox film - The Darkest Hour.
Following recent digital conversations in Cyprus and Germany, SSVC continues to ensure that our troops and their families get to experience cinema in its finest form. Sound and projection have all been upgraded and the addition of 3D ensures that the cinemas remain “state of the art”.