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Christie and Sonic Equipment Company Bring Digital Conversion Solutions To Independent Theatres

CYPRESS, CA – (March 11, 2009) – The conversion to digital cinema by theatre operators throughout the United States continues and is gaining momentum as the 2009 schedule of 3D movies are released. With the soon to be released Monsters vs. Aliens (Dreamworks/Paramount), independent theatre operators have recognized the benefits of converting to digital cinema. Sonic Equipment Company, an authorized Christie cinema re-seller, is equipping dozens of independent theatres across the U.S. Midwest with the latest Christie DLP Cinema® projectors with Brilliant3D™ technology which enables 3D content to be projected in full 2K resolution with the industry’s lowest operating costs.

Using Sonic’s Complete Digital Package, which offers financing options and a low cost Preventative Maintenance Service Program, theatre owners have found a high quality solution. “Christie offers us the best choices in technology, performance and reliability for our customers while also keeping prices affordable. Independent theatres are looking for the best deal with the most ‘bang-for-the-buck’ and have found it here with our package options,” says Eric L. Olson, director of operations, Sonic Equipment Company.

“Our install and service teams have stepped up to meet the growing demands of customers ready to convert their 35mm booths to digital. The relationship we have with Christie has helped to make it easier to sell lots of digital projectors and present the most compelling offer to our customers through training, product availability and their ongoing commitment to their re-seller network,” continues Olson.

Craig Sholder, vice-president of Entertainment Solutions at Christie, adds,  “With exhibitors excited about bringing new movie experiences to audiences and more 3D Hollywood content slated for this year and next, we are excited to enable Sonic to bring the best digital experience to independent theatre operators throughout the U.S.” 

Introduced at ShowEast 2008, Christie’s Brilliant3D technology, available on all Christie CP2000 DLP Cinema projectors, delivers 33% more brightness for 3D than the competition, costs less to operate and uses a single lens solution regardless of the 2D and 3D movie formats. Christie digital cinema projectors are found in more than 60% of 3D digital theatres in North America.

Over the past few months, Sonic Equipment Company has converted dozens of screens to digital, and more are on the way, including:
 
Arkansas
Sun Valley Cinema 6 - Mountain Home, AR    

Kansas
Blair Theatre - Belleville, KS     
Derby Cinema, Derby, KS

Missouri
B & B Theatres Festus 8 Cinema - Festus, MO 
B & B Theatres Liberty Cinema 12 - Liberty, MO
Great Eight Cinemas - Union, MO   
Sullivan Cinema 6 - Sullivan, MO

Ohio
Athena Grand - Athens, OH    

Oklahoma
B & B Claremore Cinema 8 - Claremore, OK

Texas
Times Square Cinemas - Tyler, TX    

About Sonic Equipment Company

Sonic Equipment Company has been installing systems across the Midwest from Ohio to Texas and has begun a major conversion effort with B & B Theatres (www.bbtheatres.com) in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Sonic is currently servicing over 400 screens and Christie is a major partner in their digital rollout.  For more information on Sonic, visit www.sonicequipment.com.

About Christie

Christie, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925), is a leader in visual solutions for world-class organizations, offering diverse applications for business, entertainment, and industry. A leading innovator in film projection since 1929 and a pioneer in digital projection systems since 1979, Christie has established a global reputation as a total service provider and the world's single source manufacturer of a variety of display technologies and solutions.  With the acquisition of Vista Controls Systems, Corp., Christie offers the most complete and advanced solutions for cinema, live venues, control rooms, business presentations, training facilities, 3D and Virtual Reality, simulation and education as well as industrial and government environments.