MIT acquires the DCS line of speakers from QSC/Q-SYS!!!

[Steve Guttag]

https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272968/

Moving iMage Technologies Expands Global Cinema Market Reach with Purchase of Highly Respected DCS Cinema Loudspeaker Product Line

November 03, 2025 12:20 PM EST | Source: Moving iMage Technologies


Fountain Valley, California--(Newsfile Corp. - November 3, 2025) - Moving iMage Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: MITQ) ("MiT"), a leading provider of cutting-edge out-of-home entertainment technology and services for cinema, Esports, stadiums and arenas, has acquired the assets of the globally recognized Digital Cinema Speaker Series (DCS) loudspeaker product line from QSC. Launched over twenty years ago, DCS is a premium line of cinema loudspeakers, purpose-built for a wide range of cinema use cases, from the biggest premium large format (PLF) multiplex auditoriums to smaller venues, boutique cinemas, studios, postproduction facilities and private screening rooms.

DCS loudspeakers have their roots in QSC's long history serving professional audio and cinema markets. Introduced in 2004, they became a defining product line that helped standardize high-quality, modern cinema sound, gaining significant global market share due to their high quality and performance. MiT will continue to market the loudspeakers under the DCS brand, with a commitment to quality and the highest levels of customer service and satisfaction.

The DCS family is a de facto standard in the cinema industry, consisting of three product lines:

• The SC Series includes screen channel loudspeakers, offering 2-, 3-, and 4-way models with advanced circuitry, aiming, and alignment tools that simplify commissioning and reduce service costs.
• The SR Series includes a wide range of surround speakers suitable for auditoriums of all sizes.
• The SB Series delivers the low-frequency effects and seat-shaking experience that cinemagoers expect from a first-class theatrical environment.

MiT has acquired the DCS loudspeaker line assets, including access to designs, trademarks, other intellectual property necessary to continue to manufacture the line and inventory, and assumes responsibility for all sales, marketing, distribution and warranty and parts servicing for the DCS line. The asset purchase does not include any personnel. Manufacturing and component assembly will continue with existing third-party OEM's, with MiT overseeing the process. MiT funded the acquisition using cash from its solid balance sheet, and the transaction closed on October 31^st.

Included in the asset purchase agreement is the Reference Monitor System (RMS) to support post-production facilities, studios, and high-end residential screening rooms. RMS is a complete system designed for the best possible listening experience when high audio precision is paramount.

"The DCS line of products has a strong legacy and customer base, which made it a natural fit for a focused Cinema provider like Moving iMage Technologies," said Patrick Heyn, Vice President of Q-SYS Marketing at QSC. "This transaction allows MiT to take the lead in supporting and growing the DCS product line, while QSC continues to support the cinema market at the Cineplex level, by creating holistic solutions across the cineplex with the Q-SYS Full Stack Platform."

Moving iMage Technologies President and COO Francois Godfrey added: "Having contributed to the sales and marketing team that developed, launched, and expanded the DCS loudspeaker line, I've seen firsthand its exceptional quality and consistent ability to deliver powerful, immersive audio that meets the demands of even the most discerning cinema customers. The DCS line is a highly complementary addition to our product and services suite that expands our value proposition and growth potential. In addition to substantial potential for this line in North America, we also believe it can be a vehicle to create new customer dialogues on a global basis."

Godfrey continues, "Expanding our product offering while continuing to support platform-based cinema solutions, MiT is proud to continue serving the cinema audio community, combining deep product knowledge with a focus on service, innovation, and operational reliability."

About QSC (https://www.qsc.com/)

Founded over five decades ago, QSC, LLC is a globally recognized leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of award-winning solutions and services.

Leading the company's success is Q-SYS^®, a cloud-first platform for audio, video, and control, built on a modern, standards-based IT architecture. With established solutions across Corporate, Education, Hospitality, Venues, Events, Cinema, Government, Healthcare, and Transportation, Q-SYS is redefining possibilities for live, hybrid, and virtual experiences.

QSC Audio complements these offerings with high-performance loudspeakers, digital mixers, power amplifiers, software, and accessories. These solutions empower creators, performers, and entertainment providers to confidently deliver impactful experiences for their audiences.

QSC is part of Acuity Intelligent Spaces, a business segment of Acuity Inc.

About Moving iMage Technologies (www.movingimagetech.com)

With a focus on innovation, service, and quality, Moving iMage Technologies ("MiT") is a trusted partner in delivering state-of-the-art out-of-home entertainment environments. Founded in 2003, MiT provides products, integrated systems design, custom engineering, proprietary products, software, and installation services for cinemas, screening rooms, postproduction facilities, high-end home theaters, Esports venues, arenas, stadiums, and other entertainment spaces.

MiT manufactures a broad line of digital cinema peripherals in the U.S., including automation systems, projector pedestals/bases, projector lifts, hush boxes, direct-view LED frames, lighting fixtures and dimmers, power management devices, operations software, and Esports platforms. It also distributes and integrates cinema equipment from Barco, Sharp (NEC) Digital Cinema, Christie Digital, LEA Professional, Dolby, GDC, JBL/Crown, LG, Meyer Sound, Q-SYS, QSC, Samsung and others.

MiT's Caddy Products division designs and sells cupholders, concession trays, and venue accessories that enhance concession sales and improve the guest experience.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements above that are not purely about historical facts, including, but not limited to, those in which we use the words "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "target" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these forward-looking statements represent our current judgment of what may happen in the future, actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by these statements due to numerous important factors. Our filings with the SEC provide detailed information on such statements and risks and should be consulted along with this release. To the extent permitted under applicable law, we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Follow us on X: @movingimagenews
Follow us on LinkedIn: MiT on LinkedIn

MITQ Investor Relations Contacts
Chris Eddy or David Collins
Catalyst IR
mitq@catalyst-ir.com or 212-924-9800

SOURCE: Moving iMage Technologies

It would appear that the purge of cinema from Q-SYS is continuing and, once again, MIT is the new home for what was. This time, it is the DCS line of cinema speakers (including surrounds and subwoofers). This also includes the reference series of speakers for screening rooms.

About all that is left that is cinema-specific at QSC/Q-SYS are the DCA amplifiers (can be used by anyone wanting an analog amplifier), DPM cinema processors and the DCIO/DCIO-H for Q-SYS.

If the UPC line of ADA equipment is any indication, MIT will be a good new home for the speakers, some of the best in the industry.

[Leo Enticknap]

Thanks Steve. I only found this out this morning, as the PR is being handled tightly and well above my pay grade. All I am authorized to say publicly is that the DCS loudspeaker line has been acquired with the clear intention of fully supporting, maintaining, and growing the product family within the professional cinema space, and that we are committed to supporting existing customers, continuing relationships with OEMs, and ensuring products remain available and well-supported going forward.

If anybody existing user or potential new customer for these speakers has any queries, please feel free to reach out to me privately, and I'd be happy to put you in touch with the right person.

[Harold Hallikainen]

Interesting! Is QSC continuing non-cinema loudspeakers?

[Brad Miller]

This is excellent news. The QSC line of speakers have been my go-to for the last 20 years and I'm glad to see MiT picked up the line and will continue to manufacture and support them.

[Steve Guttag]

I'm sure they are since they've added to them in within the past 3-months. However, what they are concentrating on are speakers for traditional AV spaces (ceiling speakers, utility speakers, even PoE speakers). I think this is just a further shedding of the cinema line of equipment as they have nobody left there (or just about nobody) with any cinema interest/talent. They clearly made their decision when they ended the cinema division.

Remember too, Q-SYS was acquired this year (well...last year) by Acuity Brands Inc. That may even further dictate how they want to run Q-SYS and consolidate their resources, including having to manage large equipment like cinema speakers.

[Harold Hallikainen]

QSC is also really big in live sound. We use their speakers.

[Steve Guttag]

Yes, but QSC and Q-SYS have been trying to separate themselves to the point they are maintaining two different web sites (but linking to each other). There is "QSC Audio" and "Q-SYS." If you go to the QSC Audio site and then look at their amplifier selection...they're all "discontinued." Touchmix is gone. Even in the powered speakers they are cutting down on the offering.

It appears that Q-SYS is really doubling/tripleing down on zoom rooms and like spaces. That and distributed sound while emphasizing control aspects. The bigger the speaker is (physically) the greater the likelihood that it is discontinued.

[Leo Enticknap]

My impression is also that Q-Sys is focusing on meeting spaces, events, transportation infrastructure (passing through an airport a couple of weeks ago I noticed a gate agent operating a Q-Sys touch panel next to a jet bridge entrance), education, and that sort of stuff, and that both QSC entities now regard cinema as too small and too niche a market for it to be worth their while to focus on.

If that's the case, the question arises as to how long the DCIO / DCIO-H will be with us. The only significant functionality it has that I can think of that cannot be obtained via any other Q-Sys hardware is the ability to disembed compressed audio from HDMI (Dolby and DTS) and turn it into Q-Sys audio channels. As of now, at any rate, Q-Sys HDMI endpoints can only handle LPCM embedded audio. However, I'm sure that it would be possible to add this functionality to the Q-Sys endpoints, possibly by means of an optional license that could be purchased with each one.

...even PoE speakers...

If they require the same, mega powered POE++++++++++ switches that their HDMI endpoints need, you could likely buy enough passive speakers and amps to deafen a sellout crowd in the Staples Center for the same price as using PoE speakers to play muzak in an elevator.

[Steve Guttag]

Leo, I think you'll see the Pro-Audio division end, honestly too. It isn't just that Cinema is too niche, in my opinion...it is that it represents much of what they are running away from...large power and lots of physically large equipment that takes up warehouses to stock/store and transport. While I've found Q-SYS freight policy (a percentage of the sale price) to really disadvantage Cores, it is almost a steal for cinema speakers. It is significantly cheaper to ship a double-18 subwoofer versus a Core 610.

In the developer's section, I have an "idea" posted, that has gotten some traction to have a QIO-HDMI peripheral. In fact, I wanted it over having the DCIO-H as the "H" part is a very expensive option that, for no good reason, couldn't be added to an existing DCIO. So, I'd rather just sell DCIOs and for those systems that need the HDMI audio decoding, add that in, whenever it is needed (or even make it portable). I also want full Dolby True-HD support and not make it this quasi-support with DTS up to Master Audio but Dolby just to Dolby Digital Plus (low-bandwidth). I need a system to "just work" so I can't have clients checking to ensure that a disc or whatever source has the right bitstream audio. It needs to be like a consumer system of just plug it in and it will work.

My sources within Q-SYS seem to think that the DCIO is "safe" for now. I think the real tell will be when its parts supply depletes if they will keep the design or refresh it or just drop it. I suspect, as Q-SYS pulls further away from cinema, will become more and more of a niche product within the industry to the point that the DCIO's numbers will not justify its existence. Regardless, my "wish list" for it has been submitted (some time ago) to make it even more cinema ready/appealing. I want things like buttons (assignable) on its face so a touchscreen can be omitted but give the user the ability to switch formats, put it into bypass, control a booth monitor. I want a S/PDIF connector on the back with suitable Dolby/DTS decoding (either optical or coax or both...there are reasonably cheap adapters out there to get you one if you have the other). I also want some proper GPIO. And, of course, I want the fader to be selectable between linear and dB. I think the odds of a redesign now are significantly diminished. I'll continue to use them on every cinema installation of mine. I use most of the DCIO's features, even on Atmos houses. My least used feature is the GPI.

[Harold Hallikainen]

https://www.avnetwork.com/news/qsc-divests-its-digital-cinema-speaker-dcs-product-line-to-moving-image-technologies

QSC Divests its Digital Cinema Speaker (DCS) Product Line to Moving iMage Technologies

By Cindy Davis ( AV Network ) published yesterday
Q-SYS Vice President of Marketing, Patrick Heyn, in an exclusive interview with AV Technology’s Cindy Davis, discusses the details of the divestiture of the QSC DCS product line to Moving Image Technologies, and what it means for both companies.

QSC, a leader in professional audio, video, and control solutions, has announced a strategic decision to divest its DCS (Digital Cinema Speaker) product line to Moving iMage Technologies (MiT). This decision underscores QSC's long-standing commitment to expanding its Q-SYS networked device portfolio, a foundational component of its Full Stack AV Platform. About the Transaction

(Image credit: QSC)

As of October 31, 2025, MiT has assumed full responsibility for the manufacturing, distribution, and servicing of all DCS products. The deal includes the entire Digital Cinema Series (DCS) loudspeaker product line, including all products sold under it. This specifically covers the Screen Channel ("SC"), Subwoofer ("SB"), Surround ("SR"), and Screen Channel ("RSC") product lines.

Moving iMage Technologies (MiT), a publicly traded company and a prominent provider of technology, products, and services to the Motion Picture Exhibition industry, is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California. MiT was founded in 2003 and has a history of collaboration with QSC, having acquired QSC's USL Accessibility product line in 2022. “It feels nice to be passing this legacy onto a company with whom we have a strong history, and we trust will continue to do great things with this line,” Heyn said.

“As a longstanding focus to grow Q-SYS, the DCS loudspeaker product line has become a non-core part of our long-term growth strategy,” Heyn added. “However, the DCS product line’s strong legacy and customer base made it a natural fit for a focused cinema provider like MiT.” This transaction allows MiT to take the lead in supporting and growing the DCS product line, ensuring continuity of service for existing customers, while QSC simplifies operations and focuses on its core businesses.

A Laser Focus on Full-Stack AV

While divesting the DCS loudspeaker line, QSC assures its customers that the Q-SYS Full Stack AV Platform is primed for the cinema market. “Cineplexes operators are always looking to create seamless, connected experiences across their multiple space types— lobbies & concessions, hospitality zones, rental meeting spaces, arcades & immersive attractions, and more.

Heyn explained the Q-SYS customer value and key differentiator through the lens of Place, Space, and Applications. “Traditional AV providers tend to operate only at the Application level—offering point solutions that were not designed to connect those Applications across an entire Space, much less bridge the data-driven insights necessary to deliver a truly holistic experience for a given Place like a cineplex.”

The Q-SYS Full Stack AV Platform, however, was designed to unify Spaces and scale across diverse Places—whether high-performance workplaces, higher education environments, or entertainment destinations.

[Marcel Birgelen]

QSC has quite an international distribution network and network of dealers. Any clue yet what this entails for international customers?

[Elia Orselli]

MiT created a landing page for the product line https://www.dcsreference.com/ (with a sign up for updates form)

[Leo Enticknap]

QSC has quite an international distribution network and network of dealers. Any clue yet what this entails for international customers?

We've just hired a global logistics specialist who is starting work on this area. The DCS line will be available worldwide (subject, obviously to any national issues/restrictions in individual local markets).

[Steve Guttag]

I would presume other MIT products also have a world wide distribution...like the UPC28 systems and even the pedestals, automations...etc.

[Fraser Falconer]

Hello Everyone,

Yes, I purchase the UPC28 systems from MiT here in New Zealand.

Cheers Fraser