Access Integrated (AMEX:AIX)
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In its first long-term commitment to digital cinema,
Twentieth Century Fox ("Fox") has reached an agreement to supply its
feature films to digital cinema projection systems deployed by
Christie/AIX, a unit of Access Integrated Technologies ("AccessIT")
(AMEX:AIX). For Fox, this "first-of-a-kind" distribution arrangement
to supply digital content to projection systems will include an
increasing number of feature films from Twentieth Century Fox, Fox
2000 Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Animation, and Fox Searchlight
Pictures production units.
Christie/AIX will initially deploy up to 4,000 systems throughout
the US and Canada over the next few years. Fox's non-exclusive
agreement to supply its feature films to these Christie/AIX digital
projection systems and to pay virtual print fees for movies projected
on Christie/AIX-funded systems further underscores the studio's
commitment to support Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC
("DCI")-compliant digital systems and further advances Fox's support
of the industry's transition to digital cinema. Christie/AIX digital
system installations will be DCI-compliant -- either initially, or
upgraded to full DCI compliance as components become available.
AccessIT's Christie/AIX unit serves as the funding vehicle and
administrator for the company's 4,000-screen digital cinema rollout
expanded from the plan originally announced in June 2005. Christie/AIX
will act as the financing intermediary between content-owners --
including major studios and independent distributors -- and
exhibitors, who will utilize the DCI-compliant digital cinema systems
featuring Christie DLP Cinema(R) projectors, JPEG 2000 servers and
related hardware and software including AccessIT's unique Theatre
Command Center. The raising of capital for funding of the initial 200
systems was completed on July 21, 2005 and orders for these systems
have been placed. Installation of 150 systems is anticipated by
December 31, 2005.
Bruce Snyder, President of Distribution at Twentieth Century Fox,
said: "We could not be more thrilled. We look forward to supporting
our partners, Christie/AIX, in this venture and in delivering Fox
movies to their systems. We believe the efficiency, image quality and,
most importantly, the overall movie going experience will be greatly
enhanced through these DCI-compliant digital projection systems.
Christie has been developing their DLP Cinema projectors for many
years and they have proven to be of the highest quality. Additionally,
these systems should provide our partners in exhibition with
alternative uses and benefits."
Julian Levin, Executive Vice President, Twentieth Century Fox, who
spearheaded Fox's participation in the DCI process and is also the
senior Fox architect for this arrangement with Christie/AIX, added:
"Having been involved in the digital cinema transition for almost four
years, I am delighted to have concluded this arrangement with our
friends at Christie/AIX for the distribution of Fox product to their
digital projection systems. I have worked with all the folks at
Christie/AIX throughout the ongoing transition from conventional
mechanical film projectors to digital systems and Christie's
projectors have always been at the forefront of the technology."
Chuck Goldwater, President and Chief Operating Officer of
Christie/AIX, added: "Today's announcement enables the evolution of
digital cinema to take another great step forward. We are pleased to
secure Fox's early and invaluable support for our digital cinema
rollout plan."
Jack Kline, President and COO, Christie, noted: "Fox has been a
visionary leader in helping to establish the critical standards for
digital cinema, a key factor in assuring exhibitors of compatibility
and interoperability. With Fox's commitment to this rollout, digital
cinema is no longer a dream, but a practical reality that will benefit
the Hollywood community and the exhibitors, making them partners in
bringing this exciting new technology to theaters. It is a win-win
situation that will provide moviegoers with the highest quality visual
experience today."
Bud Mayo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AccessIT, said:
"We have enjoyed a long relationship with Fox, clearly one of the
pioneers in the digital distribution of feature films. Its commitment
to digital content distribution and exhibition is an important
milestone in the broad adoption of digital cinema by the entire
industry."
About Twentieth Century Fox
One of the world's largest producers and distributors of motion
pictures, Fox Filmed Entertainment produces, acquires and distributes
motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are
produced or acquired by the following units of FFE: Twentieth Century
Fox, Fox 2000, Fox Searchlight Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox
Animation.
About Christie
Christie 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. Christie offers comprehensive
solutions for cinema, large audience venues, control rooms, business
presentations, training facilities, 3D and Virtual Reality, simulation
and education as well as industrial and government environments. For
more information, visit www.christiedigital.com.
About AccessIT
Access Integrated Technologies Inc. (AccessIT) is an industry
leader in offering a fully managed storage and electronic delivery
service for owners and distributors of digital content to movie
theaters and other venues. Supported by its robust platform of
fail-safe Internet data centers, AccessIT is able to leverage the
market-leading role of its Theatrical Distribution System (TDS) with
its innovative digital delivery capabilities and in-theatre software
systems to provide the highest level of technology available to enable
the emerging digital cinema industry to transition from film with
changing workflows. For more information on AccessIT, visit
www.accessitx.com.
DLP Cinema(R) is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments.