Does the Future of Digital Cinema Mean the End of Motion Picture Projectors?
GDC, the cinema tech company, on Wednesday announced a PLF theater concept that could offer imagery up to 8K resolution using Samsung LED “Cinema Screen” technology. (Yes, consumer tech giant Samsung is also at CinemaCon, doing private offsite demos of a 34-foot screen created with its modular high dynamic range 4K LED panels).
Dubbed Jetreel Cinema, the GDC model also includes an immersive sound system from Samsung-owned Harman that the company claimed could play back a Dolby Atmos version of a film. And it includes some inviting design features, including massage seats that also offer a charging station for mobile devices.
Jetreel also has a unique business model. GDC says it will provide and install the gear — meaning the cinema owner won’t have to make a large up-front investment — as part of a profit-sharing agreement.
Meanwhile, Sony is showing a dazzling demonstration of its Crystal LED 4K panels, forming a 16-foot screen at its CinemaCon exhibit suite (it plans to show a 32-foot configuration next month at the NAB Show in Las Vegas). But the company cautiously said it is “testing the waters” with exhibitors and studios to see if there’s interest for theatrical use.
Like the Samsung system, it is modular — meaning you could choose the size wanted for a theater, and a large-enough screen could result in 8K possibilities, should that be desired.
These LED systems could also accommodate high frame rates. In fact, as part of its demonstration, Sony played a clip from Ang Lee’s Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk in 4K at 120 frames per second format (the demo was in 2D, though the system could also accommodate 4K, 3D at 60fps).
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