Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Sony Launching New PLF Format

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Posted by Aaron Garman (Member # 1653) on 02-14-2019, 08:30 AM:

Sony Launches PLF Format

Sony Announces the World Wide Launch of Sony Digital Cinema Premium Large-format Auditorium at Galaxy Theatres' Las Vegas Location
Galaxy Theatres Luxury+® Boulevard to Offer Movie-goers an Exceptional Experience Highlighted by a Dual Laser Projection System, Powerful Sound and Luxury Recliners

NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Electronics Inc. is introducing Sony Digital Cinema™, the company's experiential premium large-format (PLF) movie theater auditorium. Working in conjunction with state-of-the-art movie theater company, Galaxy Theatres, the world's first location will debut at their Las Vegas Boulevard Mall venue, which is planned to open in spring 2019.

Sony Digital Cinema is a new experience for PLF theaters that includes Sony's industry-leading dual laser projection system – which provides exceptional picture quality and immersion – along with powerful sound and luxury reclining seats. The auditoriums' high-contrast projection systems authentically bring filmmakers' stories and vision to life with a vibrancy that matches their original intent.

As audiences demand unforgettable theatrical experiences, Sony Digital Cinema auditoriums provide a way to visually and emotionally connect and engage fans with big screen stories. The first location, at Galaxy Theatre's deluxe Boulevard Mall site, will be the largest auditorium in the Las Vegas market, further enhancing Galaxy's distinction as the Best Movie Theater in Las Vegas, according to Las Vegas Weekly and Las Vegas Review-Journal.

"This location in Las Vegas is the first in what will be a nationwide rollout of Sony Digital Cinema experiences, which will drive audiences to the movies," said Bob Raposo, head of cinema at Sony Electronics. "Sony has the capability and tools to be involved in every aspect of a film, from capture, workflow and post-production, to film production and distribution, and experiential theater solutions. We are uniquely positioned to understand and develop products that directly impact and elevate cinemas and their audiences."

"We strategically chose Las Vegas, a city synonymous with world-class entertainment, for the launch of our new Sony Digital Cinema auditorium at Galaxy Theatres," explained Rafe Cohen, president of Galaxy Theatres. "We strive to exceed customers' expectations of a best-in-class theatrical destination, from the concessions and the seating to the technology. We turned to Sony, a company known for quality and excellence, to create a first of its kind Sony Digital Cinema auditorium that is sure to make our Boulevard Mall location a destination for those seeking the best cinematic experience on every level."

For more than a decade, Sony has been working with many of the world's biggest and most prestigious theater chains, as well as small independent circuits and art house cinemas to provide exceptional products, service and support that re-invent the movie-going experience. Robust offerings include 4K, laser, lamp, HDR, 2D and 3D projection technology options. Sony solutions provide the flexibility requested by theaters, and the superb image quality and natural color reproduction that enhances audience engagement.

Visit pro.sony/solutions/movie-theatres for more information about Sony's theater capabilities.

About Sony Electronics' Imaging Products and Solutions - Americas
Sony Electronics' Imaging Productions and Solutions - Americas group develops and manufactures video and audio technologies and solutions for a range of professional applications. These include broadcast television and motion picture production, live event production, ENG/EFP, digital cinematography and more. Sony professional technologies are used in market segments including media solutions, imaging solutions, education, visual simulation and entertainment, theater, healthcare and sports. Visit pro.sony for more information.

About Galaxy Theatres
Galaxy Theatres, LLC (galaxytheatres.com) is known for providing guests with an exceptional cinema experience with friendly service in a comfortable and customer friendly environment. Its Luxury + theatres all offer the proprietary DFX large format screens, laser projection and Dolby Atmos® as well as their famous reclining lounge chairs. Ranked by size in the top 5% of its industry by the National Theatre Association, Galaxy Theatres is widely regarded as one of the most technologically advanced theatre circuits in America. Galaxy Theatres was established in 1998 and is a privately owned, fully integrated movie theatre company.

About Sony Electronics Inc.
Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Corporation (Japan), one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K Ultra HD TVs. Visit www.sony.com/news for more information.

SOURCE Sony Electronics

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http://www.sony.com/news

Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 02-14-2019, 08:46 AM:

And this differs from other dual laser projection systems how? Their LCOS imagers?

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 02-14-2019, 10:30 AM:

I am a bit confused that they now use 'Sony Digital Cinema' as the brand name, as they launched their 'Finity' PLF brand only last year or so.

https://www.dcinematoday.com/dc/pr?newsID=5137

https://pro.sony/en_AL/products/4k-digital-cinema-systems/digital-cinema-finity

Maybe someone developed the idea now that 'Sony' should be part of the brand.

- Carsten

Posted by Marcel Birgelen (Member # 6801) on 02-14-2019, 12:16 PM:

I might be mistaken, but isn't "FINITY" just a label for Sony-equipped high-end theaters? A bit like the old-school golden Dolby Digital logo on your door?

While "Sony Digital Cinema" seems to be more like Dolby Cinema and IMAX, where they operate within a profit-sharing agreement with the "sponsoring exhibitor".

I didn't read the whole article, but I didn't find what sound system they're using in their Sony Cinema setup. Is it just "plain old" 7.1?

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 02-14-2019, 01:01 PM:

'powerful sound' - 'sounds' to me as if Sony is explicitly not willing to co-share this branding with Dolby's ATMOS...

Maybe they remain vague about it in order to make SMPTE/MDA object based audio part of it as soon as possible. I don't think you can advertise a new PLF brand in 2019 with 7.1 only.

Currently, the whole thing currently sounds pretty opaque to me.

- Carsten

Posted by Marcel Birgelen (Member # 6801) on 02-14-2019, 02:40 PM:

It might as well be the first PLF brand actually using Atmos as format but going out of their way using the Atmos brand name. [Wink]

But the whole idea of those "co-shared" locations is that the technology partner keeps the place up-to-date.

Dolby Cinema, for example, rolled out their first cinemas without the "Dolby Vision" technology, which they later retrofitted. The same is also happening to IMAX in some extend, where larger venues now slowly are being retrofitted with laser projectors and their 12-chanel sound system.

So, Sony might now chose Atmos, as it is the most widely available technology for big budget releases and move to DTS:X or the finalized open MDA standard later, when it's getting more traction in the industry. Maybe they can brand their implementation of an open MDA playback system SDDS2. [Wink]

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 02-14-2019, 03:41 PM:

S3DDS

Posted by Martin Brooks (Member # 1269) on 02-14-2019, 07:48 PM:

Ya' think maybe the projectors will remove the 3D filter when playing 2D movies so it's not absurdly dim?

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 02-15-2019, 08:52 AM:

LOL!

Posted by Marco Giustini (Member # 4544) on 02-15-2019, 09:22 AM:

Martin
Current 500 DS series doesn’t really show a huge brightness difference with and without the filters. Cannot remember the numbers I measured, I believe it was 2fL difference.

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 02-15-2019, 10:31 AM:

The PLF systems are indeed DS systems with static filters. They are optimized to fit the optical block (which, as all LCOS systems, uses polarized light). So the loss is small, and unlike the previous single-projector systems, they do not use a split lens as well.

- Carsten