DTS has reached agreement with DCL to upgrade the first phase of DCL’s Irish d-cinema installation. The agreement provides for both parties to work together to facilitate the wider rollout of d-cinema in Ireland.
Under the agreement, DTS will upgrade DCL’s existing network to ensure compliance with the latest studio requirements for release of d-cinema movie content. This will require meeting the JPEG2000 file format compatibility and security features defined in the DCI standard specification. DTS will also bring additional functionality to the network by introducing its management software toolset. This suite of tools is designed to make distribution and playback of d-cinema movie content a simple and reliable process for both the studios and exhibitors.
“We are very pleased and excited to be working with DTS in the upgrade of our current system,” commented Ian Kirby, MD of DCL. “This critical upgrade brings us to a level of compliance with the DCI specifications that is essential for the receipt and playback of d-cinema movie content today, and puts us firmly on track to maintain the compliance levels we will need going forward.”
The agreement also calls for DTS to work together with DCL to manage the upgrade, expansion and operation of the network. DTS will work with DCL and local film distributors to acquire, prepare and deliver content to the screens.
The announcement reflects DTS’ recent moves to develop its business as a specialist provider of solutions for digital cinema by separating its business into two autonomous divisions. Tony Nowak, MD of DTS’ European cinema business, continued: “Under this change of strategic direction for the company, we are developing our flexible solutions to meet the needs of content owners and exhibitors in the transition to Digital Cinema. We are very happy that DCL have chosen to work with us on this upgrade, and we plan together to roll out the full 500-screen network in the coming months.”
These new strategic objectives for DTS build upon the current business. “Of course, we will continue to support the needs of our existing DTS Digital Sound audio coding business as part of our strategic plan,” Nowak said. “We have demonstrated our commitment to the movie business over the years, and we plan to be there to support content owners and exhibitors as a part of its future.”
