Staff and Visitors Captivated by Color and Image Clarity

Kitchener, Ontario -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/31/2012 -- Thirty-six Christie® MicroTiles® are impressing dignitaries and staff with bright and vibrant images at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs. The school is an interdisciplinary academic center focusing on global issues and has hosted prime ministers, cabinet ministers and ambassadors.

Installed in the front wall of the Vivian and David Campbell conference facility, the 6 units wide by 6 units high Christie MicroTiles array displays Blu-ray videos, still images and PowerPoint presentations for foreign and domestic officials who present their research findings at the facility.

"We were upgrading our technology and wanted not only the newest and the best – but also something very functional," said Sean Willett, IT manager for the school. "We have dignitaries from around the world visit so the technology not only has to be top of the line; it has to look and feel impressive. It made sense to use Christie MicroTiles because they really show off their flexibility and image quality for what we need."

Willett said the center also wanted an aesthetically pleasing display in the customized architectural space that previously housed an older video wall. Christie MicroTiles complement their environment and are a unique proposition in display technology, offering video and data display building blocks to create presentations of varying size and shape.

"It was an amazing project because we had never worked in a space that is used in so many configurations," added Bertine Jerry, director of sales, Global Unified Solutions Services, Inc., project integrator. "It worked out incredibly well and the Christie MicroTiles look great."

Christie MicroTiles Deliver Brilliant Colors in High Ambient Light
"Not only are some of our guests interviewed in front of the MicroTiles under harsh media lights, we have huge windows at the back of the room that sweep around the side and there are also windows right near the MicroTiles wall itself," explained Willett. "We also have lighting that goes all the way across the top of the room. This, traditionally, makes it very difficult to see the images – but this isn't the case with the MicroTiles.

"People are stunned by the color, clarity, and vibrancy of the images displayed on the MicroTiles – and how it looks like a seamless wall. Everyone is also very happy with how well the MicroTiles integrated with the stone, wood and paneling of the room. In fact, the Christie MicroTiles are a showpiece."

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit http://www.christiedigital.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Includes Special Technical Presentations Provided By Simulation Industry Experts

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/14/2012 -- Christie®, a leader in simulation projection display and visualization solutions, is offering a free educational forum dedicated to the world of visual display requirements for simulation on May 9 at the Institute for Simulation and Training at the University of Central Florida.

Whether you're a visual systems software or product development engineer, a program manager or technical specialist in the simulation industry, you will benefit from this one-day, chock-full session that includes technical presentations designed to increase one's knowledge of various visual display requirements: image metrics and quality, system considerations, synchronization, maintenance, specifications, and system integration.(Agenda and program subject to change without notice.)

Learn from special presentations provided by:
- NASA's Dr. Barbara Sweet, aerospace engineer /Human Machine Systems: image quality requirements and impact of system update rates
- Dr. Charles J. Lloyd, President, Visual Performance LLC, on stereoscopic/collimated display integration
- Christie's own simulation and product experts: Static and dynamic image quality metrics, including 3D cues; system and multi-channel considerations, including warping and blending; product specifications and what they mean; system synchronization and latency; system maintenance

Specialists in simulation and training interested in attending are requested to register online by May 4, at Christie SIM University. Limited seating. Questions can be directed to the SIM University team.

About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., 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 an established 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. For more information, visit http://www.christiedigital.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Las Vegas, NV -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/04/2012 -- Christie® announced today at CinemaCon that Cinema 21, Indonesia's largest cinema chain, has ordered 300 Christie DLP Digital Cinema® projectors including the Christie Solaria® CP2220, Christie CP4220 and Christie CP4230 models.

Almost 100 units purchased are Christie's 4K digital cinema projectors. "Our experience with Christie has been a positive one. Almost 90 percent of the installation has been done and Christie provides fast and reliable technical support. The projectors also produce very high-quality and sharp images and they are very reliable in terms of technology," said Suryo Suherman, president, Cinema 21.

Working together with Christie's Indonesian partner, PT Megatech Engineering, the installation is expected to be fully completed by June this year in the entire country. "We've been working with Christie for more than five years and the company has always been a technological leader with groundbreaking advancements such as the Christie 4K projectors as well as high frame rate (HRF) projection development. Through Christie, we hope to bring the latest technologies to the audience in Indonesia," commented Rudy Susanto, president, PT Megatech Engineering.

"Christie, as the pioneer of digital cinema projection technology, and also the first to present digital solutions based on 4K, is committed to deliver the best cinema projection solution and service to our customers. We are very happy to establish this new relationship with Cinema 21. With the cinema industry experiencing such vigorous growth in Indonesia, we are confident we will be able to continue serving film operators like Cinema 21 with the same level of commitment and dedication that we always have," said Lin Yu, vice president, Christie Asia Pacific.

Founded in 1987, Cinema 21 is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year in commemoration of its dominance in the Indonesian entertainment industry. It will soon be presenting an enhanced cinematic viewing experience with its newly-built large-screen movie theaters in Indonesia. The first one is scheduled to open on May 4, 2012, to coincide with the premiere of "The Avengers." It currently operates a total of 575 screens spanning over 122 locations across Indonesia. Its theaters are expected to be 100 percent digital by June 2012.

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit www.christiedigital.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Chain Gets Head Start on High Frame Rate (HFR) Movie Projection

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/03/2012 -- Christie®, a global leader in digital cinema projection, today announced that ArcLight Cinemas has completed the digital conversion of its four locations in California, boasting 33 auditoriums and 61 screens, with Christie Solaria® Series CP2210 2K, Christie CP4220 and Christie CP4230 4K projectors aligned to provide the best in both conventional and premier movie experiences.

The most advanced offerings in Christie's industry-leading Solaria Series, the CP4220/30 projectors in particular provide brilliant 3D images in 4K resolution, along with the highest level of content security combined with easy operations and maintenance.

All auditoriums within the ArcLight brand are premium presentation auditoriums, focusing on a "black box" design aesthetic, which emphasizes undistracted viewing and features the best in sight and sound technology.

"Christie's Solaria series will make it possible for us to present the latest technological advances to our patrons, such as 3D and big-screen experiences, as well as high frame rate (HFR) movies scheduled to launch later this year, beginning with epics such as Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit," said Joe Miraglia, director of design, construction and facilities for ArcLight. "Since we offer a range of movies and theaters to suit distinct audiences, we needed digital projection that could adapt to any need, and Christie gave us the best solution."

The projectors were installed by ACS Enterprises Inc. which chose Christie because of its winning combination of product and support excellence.

"At ACS, we care about our clients, their theaters and their continued success," said Jose Alvarado, chief executive officer of ACS. "Christie is a partner that shares our philosophy and wanted to make sure we succeeded in our digital cinema transitions. By helping us succeed, they too succeed.

"In addition to providing first-rate technology, Christie collaborated in installation design, setup and testing though its Christie Managed Services group, which has been extremely helpful in quickly and efficiently providing the assistance we needed for ArcLight's unique requirements," added Alvarado.

Part of the Pacific Theatres group, the ArcLight chain includes the famous ArcLight Hollywood, which boasts the historic and unique Cinerama Dome – one of only three such theaters in the world today. In keeping with the unique architecture, and to be able to deliver a variety of enhanced movie experiences, the Dome now features Christie Duo™ technology, a configuration of two projectors, advanced software and a space-saving frame that delivers a completely seamless, premium movie experience for the world's largest screens.

Craig Sholder, vice president, Entertainment Solutions for Christie, said, "We offer an unparalleled range of leading-edge product, support, partnerships and financing options to make the benefits of digital projection available to all types of exhibitor in every market. It's because of this commitment, and the loyalty of our customers, that we lead the market for digital projection solutions, and we're pleased to have ArcLight as part of our customer family."

ACS looks forward to many successful deployments with Christie, which dovetails with its long-range thinking to benefit clients. "It is part of our continued support cycle to monitor developments in the industry to make sure our clients are aware of the latest technology advances and what motion picture releases will implement/introduce such programs," said Alvarado. "Our industry experiences have made us recognize that technological advances in motion pictures, with both picture and sound delivery, are usually not successful without the release of a major motion picture that demands these advances. It's a process we consistently monitor; making sure our clients are in a position to adapt and implement when that picture is released to their patrons."

About ArcLight Cinemas
ArcLight Cinemas, created by Pacific Theatres, represents an evolution in the movie going experience. With locations in Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Pasadena and El Segundo, the chain offers an unprecedented combination of technology, amenities, comfort, and customer service. ArcLight Cinema's dynamic programming ranges from the newest Hollywood blockbusters to independent art house fare, cult favorites and classics and 21+ screenings, making it one of the most popular destinations for discerning moviegoers. Its signature amenities include black box auditoriums, extra-wide seats with double armrests, stadium seating, reserved seating at many locations and a wide variety of counter and cafe food options. For more information about ArcLight, visit http://www.arclightcinemas.com.

About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit http://www.christiedigital.com for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Scenes From Warner Bros. Pictures’ “The Hobbit” Brought to Life in 48 Frames per Second on Massive Silver Screen

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/03/2012 -- Christie Duo™ combined with the new RealD XL-DP Cinema System today to project Warner Bros. Pictures' "Sneak Peek" of The Hobbit in 3D, presented at High Frame Rates (HFR) of 48 frames per second, achieving an unprecedented combination of uniformity and brightness. Christie®, a global visual technology company, and RealD, a leading global licensor of 3D technologies, powered today's major studio presentation in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

In the setup for this presentation, projection engineers calibrated the system using brightness measurements taken towards the edges of the screen, rather than at the center. The abundance of light available allowed the center brightness to be reduced considerably and still provided luminance measurements in excess of six foot lamberts (ft-L) across the better part of this massive 70-foot-wide screen. By combining the Christie Duo and the RealD XL-DP 3D Cinema System, exhibitors can actually achieve double the light output over the previous leading large format solutions, and at a significant overall value during regular, commercial movie showings.

"With the new RealD XL-DP Cinema System, there is a technical solution for achieving 3D brightness at 2D light levels on some of the largest movie theater screens in the world," says Rod Archer, vice-president of Cinema Products, RealD. "RealD technology delivers twice the light of other 3D providers, allowing premium large format screens to demonstrate the true potential of digital 3D cinema with a lifelike and immersive 3D presentation without compromising brightness."

Says Don Shaw, senior director, Christie's Entertainment Solutions product management group: "Although it may seem too good to be true, the incredible experience delivered today by RealD and Christie was achieved on a silver screen, using Christie's Pureformity Color™ Technology to 'control' the center brightness, allowing us to obtain the most uniform image possible across this large screen. Standard Christie Solaria® projectors, the Christie Duo integration kit and the RealD XL-DP Cinema System combined to achieve this industry first, which will present a compelling alternative to the more costly, but half as bright, offering from the current large-format market leader."
The RealD XL-DP Cinema System is a pair of matched left and right eye polarizing filters featuring the patented XL light recovery technology. This Cinema System is designed for use on dual DLP projector installations on large screens, usually over 65 feet in width (20 meters). Early users of this combination of the XL-DP Cinema System and dual DLP projectors report 3D presentation brightness at 2D light levels on screens as large as 92 feet (28 meters).

Christie Duo and Christie Pureformity Color™ Technology Immerse Audiences in the Movies

Introduced in February, the Christie Duo is a new dual–projector integration kit intended to give exhibitors the ability to create and deliver their own, branded premium theater experience. The Christie Duo™ integration kit can be used with either 2K or 4K Christie Solaria® Series digital cinema projectors, purchased with new projectors or purchased as a standalone integration kit for Christie customers who already have Christie projectors. Christie Solaria® Series digital cinema projectors are the world's best-selling, DCI-compliant digital cinema projectors, with close to 30,000 shipped and installed to date.

The integration kit features the choice of two configurations: a compact and convenient stacking system for 3D installations, or a new, innovative physical configuration that perfectly aligns every pixel on the screen for optimal 2D and 3D presentations. Coupled with automated features that easily calibrate, align and optimize the images from both Christie Solaria® Series 2K or 4K digital cinema projectors, Christie Duo delivers a completely seamless, premium movie experience for the world's largest screens.

Pureformity Color™ Technology – a contraction of the words Pure and Uniformity – aptly describes Christie's innovative ability to achieve optimal image color and brightness uniformity. While every Christie projector is built to exact DCI standards, every projection system has inherent color and brightness uniformity variations across the screen, especially towards the left and right hand edges. These effects can sometimes be exacerbated by certain screen materials and auditorium lighting conditions. Christie's Pureformity Color™ Technology provides an unprecedented level of field optimization for these issues so that image quality perfection can easily be achieved across the whole screen.

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit http://www.christiedigital.com.

Christie's Commitment to HFR
The two main goals of Christie's HFR activities are to help the industry develop the best HFR content and the best delivery system for HFR content. The first goal involves assisting leading-edge filmmakers and post-production companies in perfecting HFR movie creation, so the industry has the most engaging, entertaining content possible. The second goal is to assist exhibitors in showing these 3D HFR movies in all their glory. To these ends, Christie is helping create the standards for 3D HFR movies through formal and informal technology-development alliances with major producers and directors, post production facilities, studios and technology partners. On the exhibitor's front, Christie provides one stop shopping for all the hardware, software and services that enable exhibitors to deliver a filmmaker's vision in stunning 3D HFR quality. For more information visit http://www.higherframerates.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Swiss Army Knife of Cinema Processors Combines Audio and Video Processing In an Industry First

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/02/2012 -- Christie® has announced the launch of the new Christie® SKA-3D™ digital cinema processor, a powerful product innovation that delivers flawless audio performance and 2D/3D image playback from virtually any content source on any brand of projector with separate L/R eye dual DVI inputs. It is a true, high-caliber "all in one" cinema processor that ends equipment rack clutter by combining multiple units typically found in a projection booth – an audio processor, digital crossovers, video scaler, 3D decoders, video cross conversion and more – into a single, lightweight and compact box.

On the video front, the new Christie SKA-3D, featuring full support for SENSIO® Hi-Fi 3D and RealD Format, seamlessly switches between multiple 2D/3D alternative content sources – including pre-show advertising servers, Blu-ray players, Sony PlayStation®, set-top boxes, personal computers and satellite feeds – which in turn facilitate new revenue streams for digital cinema owners through the playback of any content available to them.

Additionally, the Christie SKA-3D provides audio support for up to 16 DCI-AES input channels from the cinema server/Integrated Media Block (IMB) and is configurable with up to ten balanced analog outputs and five, two-way crossovers, as well as built-in support for Hearing Impaired (HI) and Visually Impaired-Narrative (VI-N) audio outputs. It is fully equipped with high-end audio processing features such as 1/3 octave EQ for main channels, parametric EQ for LFE channel, adjustable lip-sync delay, individual speaker channel delays, microphone input, and flexible input to output channel mapping to support any installed equipment.

Beyond that, with numerous analog/digital audio connectors and extensive support for Dolby® and DTS® multichannel audio formats, this is the only cinema processor that is up to the task of making a cinema owner's alternative content sound as spectacular as the sound heard in feature presentations.

"The Christie SKA-3D is ideal for new digital cinema installations where performance and value are critical in today's budget-conscious environment. It is also a cost-effective upgrade to those existing installations with older processors that cannot accept digital input from their cinema servers, IMBs, or various alternative content sources," noted Don Shaw, senior director, Entertainment Solutions, Christie.

Swiss Army Knife of Cinema Processors
Many older installations today use multiple boxes for alternative content support, video scaling, A/D & D/A conversion, audio processing, and digital crossovers. "To upgrade their systems, owners would need to add a digital-to-analog converter that can cost thousands of dollars or upgrade their audio processor – all expensive propositions," said Shaw. "The Christie SKA-3D delivers the digital input these older theatres need, while upgrading their processing and connectivity capabilities and integrating the widest range of alternative content feeds and interfaces in a single product and at a reasonable price."

No other audio processor on the market today can match the scaling/processing/switching capabilities of the Christie SKA-3D while providing 3D playback from any consumer product into a digital cinema projector, added Shaw. "With Christie SKA-3D, exhibitors can expand their portfolio offerings at a lower cost, while improving and enhancing the audio quality of their digital cinema presentations," he noted.

"Because it can be used with any projector and brand – not just D-cinema – it can provide professional audio processing for the most popular A/V products and gaming systems in the market," said Shaw. "In fact, although not its primary market, one can even envision the Christie SKA-3D forming part of the ultimate home theater set-up in the future."

The Christie SKA-3D will be on display in Christie booth #2111 and in the Milano Room at CinemaCon 2012, held April 23 – 26 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., 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. For more information, visit www.christiedigital.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

New Products to Power High Frame Rate (HFR) Projection, Premium Experiences and Alternative Content Revenue Streams for Exhibitors

Las Vegas, NV -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/26/2012 -- Christie®, a global visual technology company, will showcase a wide range of innovative cinema projection solutions, backed by its monitoring and support services, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, April 23 – 26. Christie is the world's largest manufacturer, installer and servicer of DLP Cinema® projectors and has contracted for its largest-ever CinemaCon exhibit area to confirm its position as the "Exhibitor's Choice" for attendees of this pre-eminent gathering of movie theater owners from around the world.

"Christie is the key supplier of all the pieces that exhibitors may require to stay ahead of the digital cinema conversion curve," said Craig Sholder, vice president, Christie Entertainment Solutions. "Our latest Christie® Duo™, Christie® IMB and Christie® SKA-3D™ offerings – the latter two being officially announced at CinemaCon – are part of our ongoing commitment to arm our customers with the pieces they need to deliver a wide range of cinema-market applications."

Sholder noted that "independent exhibitors, which encompass drive-ins, film festivals and post-production in-house studios, get the same commitment and dedication that national circuit exhibitors have come to expect from Christie, so that we can deliver to all of them the technology and services they need to leverage cinema and alternative content, in 2K, 4K and in 3D on standard and large-format, 'premium' screens."

In addition to comprehensive solutions on display in Christie booth #2111 and in the Milano Room, Christie is a sponsor of the International Day activities, including its Awards Luncheon on April 23, which Jack Kline, president and chief operating officer, Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. will address. As well, Michael Esch, senior director, Entertainment Solutions product development at Christie, will take part in a panel discussion on "Laser Light Technology: The New Frontier in Screen Brightness" at 9am on April 25 in the Colosseum.

(Esch recently chaired a vibrant information sharing session and discussion on high frame rates, laser projection, and the future of 3D and 4K projection at Christie's worldwide center for engineering, research and development in Kitchener, Ontario, which included the first-ever laser light engine projection of high frame rate cinema and alternative content on to a 30-foot white screen. Attendees at this HFR Summit included recent Gordon E. Sawyer Academy Award winner Douglas Trumbull; Ian Bidgood, Technical Director, Park Road Post Production; Matt Cowan, Chief Scientific Officer, RealD; John Helliker and Bert Dunk, Directors at the Screen Industries Research and Training Centre and Demetri Portelli, Stereographer.)

Christie's HFR 3D Leadership for Cinema/Alternative Content Solutions
Christie will continue to demonstrate its high-frame rate leadership, epitomized by the HFR Summit, Christie's technical alliances with Lightstorm, Park Road, Weta, the Screen Industries Research and Training Centre and other industry leaders, with a number of product introductions and demonstrations at CinemaCon.

The Christie® IMB, an integrated media block solution that seamlessly converts and delivers feature-film and alternative content within a secure, DCI-compliant environment to all of Christie's 2K and 4K, DCI-compliant Solaria® Series 2 projectors will be formally launched at the conference, following several months of commercial field trials. DCI Compliance certification is expected shortly.

As well, Don Shaw, senior director, Entertainment Solutions, Christie will host a High frame Rates 3D Comparison for the media featuring footage from James Cameron in the HFR Theater in Christie's booth on Monday, April 23, and for attendees throughout the duration of the show.

(A four-minute video primer on high frame rates and their future impact on movie-making, delivered by Dr. Paul Salvini, chief technology officer, Christie, is also available at http://vimeo.com/40316231).

The Five Zones in Christie's Booth Showcase Choices for Exhibitors
"Visitors to the Christie booth will have the opportunity to experience our entire digital cinema offering, whose scope encompasses financing the move to digital cinema, establishing an affordable and flexible upgrade path towards new formats and technologies, and turnkey service and support for their operations," said Kathryn Cress, vice president, global and corporate marketing, Christie. "Five zones will amply demonstrate Christie's commitment to be a trusted, one-stop shop for all exhibitor needs."

Zone 1 – High Frame Rates in 3D: A comparison of original film footage provided by James Cameron – projected at 24 frames per second (fps), 48fps and 60fps – will be the talk of the conference in the HFR Theater throughout the duration of the show. Attendees will see how HFR technology reduces artifacts such as motion blur, judder and strobing seen in the current generation of films. The Christie IMB will facilitate the hourly presentations of the HFR footage on a single Solaria CP2220 projector, complete with automatic and seamless switching between different frame rates.

Zone 2 –Lamps and Virtual Print Fees (VPF) Lounge: One size doesn't fit all, and in this zone Christie experts will guide exhibitors through the range of Christie Solaria® digital cinema projectors, Christie Xenolite® lamp options and the details of Christie's Virtual Print Fee (VPF) Program, which offers unprecedented financing options.

Zone 3 – Network Operations Center: Christie remote monitoring will be showcased on an award-winning Christie® MicroTiles® display. Visitors can experience a video demonstration of Christie's state-of-the-art Network Operations Center (NOC) for remote monitoring, maintenance and troubleshooting of digital cinema projection and digital displays. Christie safeguards its customers' visual technology displays, keeping them running 24/7/365. The Christie NOC is remotely monitoring more than 50,000 devices in more than 1,800 locations while also providing the latest in predictive analytics to anticipate and resolve potential technical issues – minimizing theater and lobby downtime.

Zone 4 – Digital Theater Lobby Displays: Find out how the Managed Services group at Christie can design, build and deploy a digital signage network that's right for exhibitors. Christie supports every stage of a digital signage rollout, from strategy and equipment selection to pre-staging and POS software integration, as well as a synchronized deployment and post deployment strategy. Ongoing hardware and software support, maintenance, monitoring and business impact analytics completes this 'one-stop shopping' experience. Additionally, the Managed Services team will showcase their customized booth-less projection system as part of a complete customized solution. This turnkey booth-less solution provides a special lift system that enables projectors to be positioned out of the way during normal operation and lowered for maintenance, freeing up space for seating that would normally have been taken up by the projection booths.

Zone 5 – Christie SKA-3D Audio-Visual Processor: See and hear the newly announced Christie® SKA-3D™ digital cinema processor, a powerful product innovation that delivers flawless audio performance and 2D/3D image playback from virtually any content source on any brand of projector with separate L/R eye dual DVI inputs. It is a true, high-caliber "all in one" cinema processor that ends equipment rack clutter by combining the multiple units typically found in a projection booth – an audio processor, digital crossovers, video scaler, 3D decoders, video cross conversion and more – into a single, lightweight and compact box. On the video front, featuring full support for SENSIO® Hi-Fi 3D and RealD Format, the new Christie SKA-3D seamlessly switches between multiple 2D/3D alternative content sources – including pre-show advertising servers, Blu-ray players, Sony PlayStation®, set-top boxes, personal computers and satellite feeds – which in turn facilitate new revenue streams for digital cinema owners through the playback of any content available to them.

Christie's Commitment to HFR
The two main goals of Christie's HFR activities are to help the industry develop the best HFR content and the best delivery system for HFR content. The first goal involves assisting leading-edge filmmakers and post-production companies in perfecting HFR movie creation, so the industry has the most engaging, entertaining content possible. The second goal is to assist exhibitors in showing these 3D HFR movies in all their glory. To these ends, Christie is helping create the standards for 3D HFR movies through formal and informal technology-development alliances with major producers and directors, post production facilities, studios and technology partners. On the exhibitor's front, Christie provides one stop shopping for all the hardware, software and services that enable exhibitors to deliver a filmmaker's vision in stunning 3D HFR quality. For more information visit http://www.higherframerates.com.

About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit www.christiedigital.com for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

“Theater of the Future” Brings Luxury and the Latest in Hi-Tech, Low Maintenance Digital Cinema Technology to the U.S.

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/25/2012 -- Less is more for the Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas in San Diego, where Christie Managed Services has implemented cost effective boothless projection systems, powered by low-maintenance Christie digital cinema projectors, the most powerful and most trusted name for exhibitors joining the digital revolution. Boothless systems eliminate the need for traditional projectionist booth space and require no human operator.

Located in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center in Carmel Valley, Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas features two traditional auditoriums and six with boothless projection systems, seating up to 74 guests, 3D and surround sound technologies, reserved seating options, and high back reclining leather chairs for the ultimate in viewing comfort. Designed and installed by Christie Managed Services as part of a complete customized solution, the boothless systems free up space for an additional row of seating that would normally have been taken up by the projection booths. Christie provided an all-inclusive, turnkey solution for a special lift system that enables the Christie CP2220 DLP Cinema® projectors to be positioned out of the way during normal operation and lowered for maintenance. The Managed Services Team at Christie also installed the audio system, screens, processing equipments, lighting, drapes, library management systems, playback and projection systems, in addition to designing and deploying the boothless capability. Recently, an additional six auditoriums were installed with Christie boothless projection systems at the Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas La Costa location in Carlsbad.

"While we are South America's largest theater chain, this is our first entry into the U.S. market, and it was critical that every aspect of our patrons' movie-viewing experience was as perfect as possible," said Carlos Wellman, managing director of Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas. "We selected Christie because they bring more than 80 years in the exhibition industry, and perfectly understand the old-world traditions of the finest movie houses and the next generation of digital technology to meet the sophisticated demands of today's moviegoers."

Matthew Heyman, a Cinepolis consultant on this project added, "Christie's boothless lifts create the space for Cinepolis to transform its theaters into a unique movie-going experience. These boothless concepts, like the ones Christie designs and installs, are transforming the digital cinema environment."

"Exhibitors are looking for solutions that enable them to reduce construction costs, while offering the design flexibility to transform older facilities to the look and feel of the luxury cinema," explained Sean James, vice president of Managed Services for Christie. "Our customers need the benefit of technology without the complexity of integration or the burden of support to accomplish their design and cost reduction goals. We designed and built boothless systems that provide the right environment for the projector and isolate the audience from the noise and heat the projector and server generate while allowing the projection booth to be removed."

Christie Managed Services provides end-to-end solutions for projection and audio in the cinema environment as well as digital signage solutions for theater lobbies. It also offers service packages that provide exhibitors with support that range from 24/7/365 remote monitoring and technical phone support to on-site preventative maintenance/emergency service and fast, local access to spare parts centrally coordinated from Christie's Network Operations Center.

Cinepolis patrons agree that the theater chain got everything right. They rave about the ultra-comfortable high-back recliners and ushers that serve food and alcohol right at their seats in the 21+ theaters. The recliners also have buttons to call for additional service, and special menus are offered to match the theme of the movie.

CinemaCon attendees can view a video that includes the boothless concept at the Christie booth #2111, and speak with a representative of the Christie Managed Services team.

About Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas
Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas brings a revolutionary concept to movie theaters that enhances customers' experience by pampering them in an intimate and comfortable environment. Based in Mexico, where its market share is 61% in terms of box office sales, it runs the largest movie chain in Latin America. It also has theaters in India and serves 116.9 million patrons worldwide. The theaters' menus offer a wide variety of food and beverages, from traditional movie favorites such as popcorn and soft drinks, to specialty coffee drinks, milkshakes, gourmet finger foods, desserts and in a bar menu with beer and wine in its 21+ screens. All its theaters feature state-of-the-art digital sound and projection equipment, including many titles offered in 3D for the whole family.

About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit http://www.christiedigital.com for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Projection, Post Production and Visual Effects Leaders to Exchange Ideas, Test Results and Evaluations on Current Industry Directions

Wellington, New Zealand -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/25/2012 -- Christie® has signed a technology co-operation agreement with Park Road Post Production Ltd. ("Park Road") and Weta Digital Ltd. ("Weta") to work together to advance the state of the art of digital cinema production and projection, with an emphasis on high frame rate (HFR) delivery – the industry's most exciting new technology. For its part, Christie will supply a combination of 'direct to engineering' technical support, Christie Solaria® Series DLP Cinema® projectors and early access to prototype projection technologies, including laser projectors, that Christie is developing.

As part of the agreement, Park Road and Weta will upgrade their current facilities with Christie projectors and provide Christie with review, testing and feedback on new hardware and software developments related to high-bandwidth interfaces and HFR technology, as well as sample movie content (consistent with the content owner's permission) for Christie to use in testing its projectors and integrated media block (IMB) units.

"The team at Park Road has a strong and long-standing relationship with Christie and we are delighted that this will continue into the future," said Cameron Harland, General Manager, Park Road. "We hope that our joint research and knowledge exchange on high frame rates in particular will benefit filmmakers, studios, exhibitors and most importantly the movie-going audience."

Kathy Gruzas, Chief Information Officer, Weta Digital Ltd said, "Christie shares a common vision with our facility and Park Road – that is, to be on the leading-edge of world-class developments in digital cinema – and we look forward to combining the sum total of our collective experience and knowledge to thrill cinema audiences in the upcoming, new world of 3D and HFR."

"We are delighted to be teaming up with these two legends in the post production and visual effects world," said Don Shaw, senior director, Product Management, Christie Entertainment Solutions, "and look forward to pushing the envelope with Park Road and Weta on this exciting endeavor."

Park Road
Park Road is a premier post production facility located in Wellington, New Zealand. Visit http://www.parkroadpost.co.nz/.

Weta Digital
Weta Digital is a five-time Academy Award® winning visual effects facility based in Wellington, New Zealand. Visit http://www.wetafx.co.nz/.

Christie's Commitment to HFR
The two main goals of Christie's HFR activities are to help the industry develop the best HFR content and the best delivery system for HFR content. The first goal involves assisting leading-edge filmmakers and post-production companies in perfecting HFR movie creation, so the industry has the most engaging, entertaining content possible. The second goal is to assist exhibitors in showing these 3D HFR movies in all their glory. To these ends, Christie is helping create the standards for 3D HFR movies through formal and informal technology-development alliances with major producers and directors, post production facilities, studios and technology partners. On the exhibitor's front, Christie provides one stop shopping for all the hardware, software and services that enable exhibitors to deliver a filmmaker's vision in stunning 3D HFR quality. For more information visit http://www.info.christiedigital.com/lp/higher-frame-rates

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit http://www.christiedigital.com for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Ingevideo Supplies Simulation Projectors for Training British Army and Royal Navy Pilots in the new AW159 Lynx Wildcat

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/17/2012 -- Christie®, a leader in simulation projection display and visualization solutions, announced that Indra, the premier IT company in Spain and a leading IT multinational in Europe, has acquired a significant number of the award-winning Christie Matrix StIM™ simulation projection systems to develop three simulators to be used by the British Army and Royal Navy to train their pilots in the use of the new AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopter. The operation was carried out through Ingevideo, a Christie partner in Spain that specializes in simulation. Indra will design and develop the simulators in conjunction with AgustaWestland Limited, one of the world's main helicopter suppliers.

The operation is part of the contract allocated to AgustaWestland by the British Ministry of Defence to design and develop an integrated training solution which includes the construction and equipping of a new modern training center for the AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopter.

Christie Matrix StIM, an advanced DLP® projection system based on LED technology, will be used in two simulators with Full Mission Simulator (FMS) movement and one fixed-based Flight Training Device (FTD) flight simulator. LED systems offer enhanced reliability, supportability and maintainability over current technology.

"Christie projectors meet the high standards of performance required by these simulators," explains Juan Andres Garcia, Indra's director of Helicopter Simulators. "After extensive prior tests, we chose these projectors because of their features associated with infrared simulation."

The simulators enable the planning of training missions and can be configured to adapt to the specific needs of army and navy pilots. These systems have a 6-degree freedom of movement and reproduce vibrations to ensure that pilots experience the same feelings of acceleration as they would on an actual flight.. They also comply with the Joint Aviation Requirements (JAR-FSTD-H) standards, level D.

The systems developed by Indra will be installed in the new training center AgustaWestland is building at Royal Navy Airstation Yeovilton in southwest England that will be the home to the British Army and Royal Navy AW159 Lynx Wildcat squadrons. The training center's simulators will be commissioned in 2013 for Army aircrew training and one year later for Royal Navy aircrew training.

The AW159 is the latest twin-engine multi-role, maritime and utility aircraft developed as a replacement for the extremely successful AgustaWestland Lynx family of helicopters. Designated the Lynx Wildcat by the UK MOD, the AW159 is the multi-role helicopter chosen by the UK to meet maritime attack, surveillance and land reconnaissance requirements.

This helicopter has a complete integrated flight software package which includes electro-optical imaging and electronic surveillance measures, as well as a self-defence suite, among others. All these systems are simulated and integrated in the simulators with the goal of providing the most realistic possible training.

The process that led Indra to opt for Christie simulation technology was very competitive and demanding, and lasted over one year, a period during which Ingevideo and the Christie Spanish office made various demonstrations for the client, as well as proportioning advice and consultancy services in the design phase and presale technical support.

"This is a very important project, not just in terms of the number of units sold, but also because Indra is the most technologically advanced company in Spain and one of the world's leading IT multinationals, working to extremely high standards of performance," says Marcos Fernandez, Christie Country Manager for Spain and Portugal. "These simulators provide first class training for AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopter crews, ensuring unique realism for the differing conditions pilots can expect."

Miguel Angel Piqueras, director of Ingevideo, declares: "We are delighted to be taking part in this project, involving such major companies and organizations as Indra, AgustaWestland Limited, Christie and UK MoD. The sheer magnitude of the operation is incredible, probably one of the most important ever undertaken in Spain in the field of infrared military simulation."

The Christie Matrix StIM —a 1-chip WUXGA DLP® 600 lumen LED projector— is the first LED simulation projection system to provide independent control over both the visible and infrared spectrum, thanks to its night vision stimulation capabilities. "It is also the first solid state, LED based illumination system that guarantees extraordinary image quality, exceptionally long life, low power consumption and low cost of ownership," concludes Marcos Fernandez.

The Christie Matrix StIM features Christie ArrayLOC™, an innovative technology that automatically adjusts and balances the brightness, colour space and black levels of all the projectors in the display in real-time with no additional latency. The technology creates an exceptionally stable platform that provides the ultimate in scalability, with the LED light source and solid-state technology delivering more than 50,000 hours mean-time-between-failure (MTBF) for years of continuous, virtually maintenance-free operation.

About Indra
Indra is the premier Information Technology company in Spain and a leading IT multinational in Europe and Latin America. It is ranked as the second European company in its sector according to investment in R&D with over € 500 M during the last three years. In 2010 revenues reached € 2,557 M and the international market already accounts for a 44%. The company employs more than 35,000 professionals and has clients in more than 110 countries. http://www.indracompany.com/en.

About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., 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 an established 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. For more information, visit http://www.christiedigital.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Prototype Christie Laser-Engine Projector Shows James Cameron HFR Demo Reel and Generic Clips

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/17/2012 -- Christie® hosted a high frame rate (HFR) Summit yesterday at Christie's worldwide center for engineering, research and development in Kitchener, Ontario, touring cinema-industry luminaries through its manufacturing facility and providing the first-ever laser projection of high frame rate cinema and alternative content on to a 30-foot white screen.

Recent Gordon E. Sawyer Academy Award winner Douglas Trumbull, Ian Bidgood, Technical Director, Park Road Post Production; Matt Cowan, Chief Scientific Officer, RealD; John Helliker and Bert Dunk, Directors at the Screen Industries Research and Training Centre and Demetri Portelli, Stereographer met with Christie engineering and product development staff for a vibrant information sharing session and discussion on high frame rates, laser projection, and the future of 3D and 4K projection.

"Our guests were very impressed with our demonstration of high-frame rate content using one of our prototype laser projectors," said Don Shaw, senior director, Product Management, Christie Entertainment Solutions, "as well as the laser projector development roadmap we shared in these frank discussions."

Big, Bright and Crystal Clear Will Spark Cinema Industry Renaissance

The consensus of the assembled industry experts was that the industry needs to differentiate itself from the plethora of varied viewing options, from tablets to home theaters and all manner of exhibitor setups, to raise itself out of its current malaise.

Doug Trumbull said "Spectacular movies delivered at high-frame rates, on to big and vividly bright screens, will enable the production and exhibition of amazingly immersive cinema experiences that will be far more powerful than any other medium."

Echoing Mr. Trumbull's sentiments, Ian Bidgood suggested that "…3D images must be awe-inspiring to bring back the crowds to theaters worldwide, and the higher brightness levels that are required to do justice to these images, along with higher frame rate material, will be delivered by Christie's technology in the laser field, with new projector and cinema solutions for today and the future."

Christie plans on incorporating laser projection technology into its cinema product line, business products line and visualization and simulation solutions where it benefits its customer base.

The Kitchener facility for projection, visualization/simulation, DLP Cinema and LED-based products and solutions is Registered to ISO14001 (Environmental Management System) and Registered to ISO9001 (Quality Management System).

Christie's Commitment to HFR
The two main goals of Christie's HFR activities are to help the industry develop the best HFR content and the best delivery system for HFR content. The first goal involves assisting leading-edge filmmakers and post-production companies in perfecting HFR movie creation, so the industry has the most engaging, entertaining content possible. The second goal is to assist exhibitors in showing these 3D HFR movies in all their glory. To these ends, Christie is helping create the standards for 3D HFR movies through formal and informal technology-development alliances with major producers and directors, post production facilities, studios and technology partners. On the exhibitor's front, Christie provides one stop shopping for all the hardware, software and services that enable exhibitors to deliver a filmmaker's vision in stunning 3D HFR quality.

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit http://www.christiedigital.com for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/04/2012 -- In co-operation with James Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment, Inc., Christie® supplied its Christie Duo™ dual-projector solution to bring the bright, vivid scenes of Titanic in 3D to life at its world premiere last week at The Royal Albert Hall.

"I'm pleased to have Christie continuing to accompany me on my 'journey of discovery,' which will see studios and theater owners providing stirring 3D and, in due course, high frame rate movies, to fully immerse their audiences in experiences that best represent the creative excellence of today's producers and directors," said James Cameron.

"It truly is an honor for Christie to be working alongside James Cameron on such a prestigious world premiere. This is not only a great testimonial to the trust put in our digital cinema solutions, but also confirms Christie's role as the world leader and a pioneer in this field. With more than 80 years of history in cinema, Christie continues to push the boundaries with major digital innovations, including 3D deployment and high frame rates," said Dale Miller, vice-president, Christie EMEA.

The multi-party effort includes Fox Filmed Entertainment, Bell Theatres Services, Britannia Row Audio and a full orchestra, with Jon Landau appearing onstage with James Cameron at the premiere.

The Christie Duo solution was announced in February 2012 to enable exhibitors to deliver the brightest 2K or 4K movie experiences in 2D or 3D on the largest screens. Coupled with automated features that easily calibrate, align and optimize the images from both Christie Solaria® Series 2K or 4K digital cinema projectors, Christie Duo delivers a completely seamless, premium movie experience to moviegoers worldwide.

When combined with world-leading 3D systems, exhibitors can achieve 3D image brightness levels up to twice as high as what can be achieved using the current large-format market leader — at a significant overall cost saving.

Historic Relationship Between Lightstorm and Christie Continues

Today's announcement represents the continuing co-operation between the two firms, epitomized by the two firms signing a milestone, five-year agreement to exchange research, testing, development and technical support on high frame rate (HFR) projection – the industry's most exciting new technology. The cooperation between these two Hollywood digital cinema powerhouses – officially announced on September 12, 2011 – heralded a significant shift in how movies will be made and shown in theaters.

Christie was also selected by Oscar-winning filmmaker James Cameron to assist him in showcasing the first "mass audience" demonstration of high frame rate (HFR) cinema projection at CinemaCon 2011 in The Colosseum of Caesars Palace on April 4, 2011. Using two Christie projectors, Cameron demonstrated the higher frame-rate delivery necessary for the next generation of 3D films.

Cameron used Christie Solaria® Series DLP Cinema® projectors at the Las Vegas demonstration to project 3D content at up to 60 frames per second (FPS). The current industry standard is 24 FPS, which can result in blurred images ("judder"). The Christie CP2230 and others in its family deliver breathtaking 3D images on the largest screens, which, combined with higher frame rates, will speed the evolution of this next generation cinema experience. They can also be upgraded to HFR capabilities with Christie Previsto™ High Frame Rate (HFR) technology.

Christie's Commitment to HFR
The two main goals of Christie's HFR activities are to help the industry develop the best HFR content and the best delivery system for HFR content. The first goal involves assisting leading-edge filmmakers and post-production companies in perfecting HFR movie creation, so the industry has the most engaging, entertaining content possible. The second goal is to assist exhibitors in showing these 3D HFR movies in all their glory. To these ends, Christie is helping create the standards for 3D HFR movies through formal and informal technology-development alliances with major producers and directors, post production facilities, studios and technology partners. On the exhibitor's front, Christie provides one stop shopping for all the hardware, software and services that enable exhibitors to deliver a filmmaker's vision in stunning 3D HFR quality. For more information visit http://www.higherframerates.com.

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit http://www.christiedigital.com for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/29/2012 -- Christie® MicroTiles® are drawing rave reviews at the recently remodeled University of Iowa's Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The 15,500-seat arena is the home of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes men's and women's basketball teams, as well as the university's wrestling (winner of 23 NCAA championships – including 11 straight starting in 1975), men's and women's gymnastics, and volleyball teams.

Located in the main lobby of the new entrance, the 10 wide (13 feet 4 inches) by 7 high (7 feet) Christie MicroTiles array greets Hawkeye fans with commissioned video art, slideshows and graphics of upcoming events, and videos of current players and alumni of the college powerhouse.

"We collaborated with KJWW Engineering on this project and originally there was another brand of traditional LCD-type video wall that was supposed to go in there," said Nate Lawrence, vice president of operations, Electronic Communications Systems (ECS). "We saw the Christie MicroTiles and thought this renovation project would be a good application for them. ECS has done a lot of video walls and we were really excited to get this new technology in there."

"KJWW Engineering provided the engineering consulting for the project, including technology engineering services, which incorporates telecommunications, AV and security," said Jeff Carpenter, associate principal/national director of technology, KJWW Engineering Consultants.

Carpenter said the university wanted a solution with "pop" since the MicroTiles video wall is in a high profile location with both natural and artificial ambient light.

"From a brightness perspective, the university wanted something that jumped out at you when you walked in the space," Carpenter added. "We set up a demonstration of the Christie MicroTiles for the athletic department and they realized the MicroTiles were the solution they wanted to move forward with."

Lawrence said the virtually seamless display of a Christie MicroTiles display wall means a more cohesive set-up than other technologies.

"When you see the MicroTiles in person, it blows you away when compared with the standard LCD display walls. The ability to create different shapes and sizes with the MicroTiles is also great. The reaction has been extremely positive. When we were putting the wall up, we couldn't work more than a couple of minutes without somebody walking by making comments and wanting to see the wall get fired up and have content running," added Lawrence.

The staff and students at the school are also impressed.

"We're very excited about the MicroTiles. We have the most advanced technology and our young people – who are very aware of the latest technologies – know that," said Dr. Jane C. Meyer, senior associate director of athletics, University of Iowa. "We wanted the most vibrant, high quality pictures on multiple screens – with very small mullions – and we have accomplished that with the MicroTiles display."

Meyer added: "The arena has this wonderful sunlit, airy entry with a video wall that hits visitors with the display; it's a very powerful experience for people first entering the arena. The MicroTiles have the vibrancy in a bright atmosphere that LED would never have achieved."

"The MicroTiles wall is definitely a big focal point of the entire renovation project, both from the people just walking through and from the standpoint of the university itself," concluded Lawrence. "With the overall image quality, brightness and how well it displays full motion video, the MicroTiles have created quite a buzz – everyone's really excited about the overall look and how well everything integrated together."

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit www.christiedigital.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Christie’s Virtual Print Fee Program and DLP Cinema Projectors Part of “One-Stop-Shopping” Solution

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/28/2012 -- Christie® has announced that the 4-screen Sierra Cinemas in Grass Valley, California is the latest among the many regional and local exhibitors making the move into the 21st century of entertainment with the installation of the world's most popular DLP Cinema® projectors from Christie.

"We chose Christie because we believe in the quality of their products. We appreciate the flexibility built into their projectors – the ease in using the menus, and settings that can be adjusted quickly and easily," said Michael LaMarca, general manager of Sierra Cinemas. "As well, we opted for the Christie VPF Program because it fits our unique circumstances, allowing us to fast track our digital cinema conversions."

The Future Looks Bright
Sierra Cinemas has been in the business of creating exceptional movie experiences for customers since Mike and Barbara Getz opened their first theater in 1989. Starting the digital conversion of equipment in 2009 with the installation of a 3D projector, Sierra Cinemas has maintained their high standard of entertainment while successfully embracing the digital revolution.

Following the phenomenal success of the blockbuster "Avatar," Sierra Cinemas upgraded a second auditorium to digital 3D, installing a Christie CP2000-ZX® to present "Alice in Wonderland." Working with dealer/installer American Cinema Equipment (ACE), a certified Christie partner, they then completely digitized the rest of their screens, enabling them for 3D, using Christie Solaria™ Series projectors.

Christie VPF - Virtually Irresistible
Sierra Cinemas contracted for Christie's VPF Program because it was designed for exhibitors who want the most independence in planning a digital cinema conversion. Supported by all the major Hollywood studios, the program allows exhibitors to make the move to DCI Compliant digital cinema simply and cost-effectively.

"We are committed to providing independent theaters the same opportunity larger chains take advantage of when converting to digital cinema," said Craig Sholder, vice president, Christie Entertainment Solutions. "Our VPF Program aims to work with each theater individually every step of the way to ensure the ideal projectors and financing options are chosen."

Sierra Appreciates Christie's Managed Services
LaMarca is also impressed with Christie's service and support. "It was absolutely a major deciding factor. Christie is serious about service, and they are responsive and professional."

Christie Managed Services was engaged to provide Sierra Cinemas with remote monitoring and comprehensive maintenance, with round-the-clock support through Christie's Network Operations Center (NOC), along with preventative servicing and on-site emergency response.

"Christie is there when we need them. We selected Christie for three very different cinemas, because they represented our interests and were willing to work with us. Now that we have 'the whole kit and caboodle,' we feel pretty confident going forward," LaMarca added.

About Sierra Cinemas
In 1989, Mike and Barbara Getz opened Sierra Cinemas, a 4-screen, first run movie theater in Grass Valley, California. Passionate about creating outstanding movie experiences for their community they opened Sutton Cinemas, a 2-screen theater in the Brunswick Plaza in 2001. Continuing their expansion, in 2003, the Getz's purchased the Del Oro Theatre in downtown Grass Valley and began an extensive remodeling effort, which culminated in the Grand Re-Opening and Tower Lighting ceremony in October, 2004. Today, Sierra Cinemas is the flagship theater of Sierra Theaters, and continues to stay true to the family business values of providing quality entertainment.

About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., 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. For more information, visit www.christiedigital.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Christie-partner CLACO Continues Digital Conversion for Megaplex

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/21/2012 -- Christie®, a global leader in visual display technology, is providing the 4K DLP Cinema® projection solution at a new screen at the Megaplex Theatres at Jordan Commons, which debuts March 15 with VIP seating, table service and full reclining chairs as part of Megaplex's transition to complete digital projection throughout its chain. Megaplex, a leading independent cinema chain in Utah, is converting all of its screens to digital projection, drawing from the Christie Solaria™ Series. The new projectors, including the Christie CP4230 driving the VIP experience at Megaplex Jordan Commons, are being installed by CLACO Equipment and Service.

Specific to Megaplex Theatres at Jordan Commons, Christie's CP4230 was chosen to deliver massive, crisp resolution of 4096 x 2160 pixels, with 34,000 lumens brightness, to make 3D movies come alive. This is in keeping with Megaplex's emphasis on providing an industry-leading viewing experience for its guests. It is this commitment that led the chain to evaluate various suppliers for digital projection in 2011, and then chose Christie equipment and CLACO to deliver it.

"We know that moving to digital projection provides our guests with the best image quality, and helps us keep filling the seats for blockbuster titles as studios release them. After looking at the available choices and with the advice of CLACO, we decided that Christie had the best product, both technically and in terms of energy savings, service and support," said Blake Andersen, senior vice president and general manager of Megaplex Theatres. "These new projectors let us offer more options to our advertisers and partners as well."

Noted Eric Butterworth, sales manager at CLACO, "Christie was easily our recommended choice for Megaplex. The combination of Christie Digital Cinema projectors, Christie's excellent customer service and 24-hour tech support, and their Christie Digital Xenolite Lamp (CDXL) technology were just some of the reasons why we went with Christie.

"CDXL lamps give us more options in terms of the brightness delivered on the screen, to achieve best image quality. This flexibility means that I could go with a lower lamp size, and still maintain the necessary brightness that the customer required, which provided greater savings," said Butterworth. "For example, rather than be forced to run a 6,000 watt lamp in a non-Christie projector, I opted to install a Christie DCP with a 4,500 watt lamp, delivering the same or better brightness, with the attendant cost savings."

Christie's warranty and service plus packages provide Megaplex with peace of mind across its theatre chain. These services range from quick access to spare parts, on-site preventative maintenance/emergency service, 24/7/365 remote monitoring and technical phone support from Christie's Network Operations Center.

Christie solutions installed or to be installed by CLACO at Megaplex Theatres include the CP2220, CP2230, Christie ACT (automation controller) and CP4230, as well as the Gefen Scaler scaling and switching unit.

"When our customers make the transition to digital projection, they're looking for the terrific image quality and technical capabilities that digital offers," said Craig Sholder, Christie's vice president, Entertainment Solutions. "We work with local partners to develop a solution that meets the customer's unique needs, and provide ongoing service and support, to make the transition smooth and rewarding."

Megaplex Chain Stands Out Among Independent Exhibitors

The Megaplex Theatre chain (http://www.megaplextheatres.com) is known for innovative architecture and commitment to the community. The flagship Megaplex 17 at Jordan Commons in Sandy, Utah, was built on the former site of Jordan High School and the lobby was designed to look like downtown Salt Lake City in 1870. In 2002, it was North America's highest grossing theater for the opening weekend of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." Less than a year later, the theater sold over 120,000 tickets for "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," making this location the top-grossing movie theater in the world for this film.

With six multi-screen complexes in Utah, Megaplex Theatres was founded in 1999 by the former owner of the Utah Jazz, Larry H. Miller, and is now operated by his son Greg Miller, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. Two of the locations share screens with nearby museums where museum content is viewed during the day and Megaplex offers first-run movies in the evenings. Many locations offer reserved seating, lots of additional food options and D-box (moveable) seating.

About CLACO
CLACO represents all major manufacturers of motion picture theater equipment and is a specialist in new installations, upgrades and maintenance of both projection booths and auditoriums. Founded in 1980 and based in Salt Lake City, UT, it has grown to service almost all of the Western United States, offering a full line of cinema supplies and parts both new and used. Visit www.clacoequipment.com.

About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit www.christiedigital.com for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery Wins First Apex of the Year Award

Las Vegas, NV -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/14/2012 -- Christie®, a global visual technology company, winds down a triumphant appearance at Digital Signage Expo® (DSE), March 6 – 9, with several of its products featured in partners' winning entries at last night's prestigious Annual Digital Signage Expo Awards celebration in Las Vegas. Christie and partners walked away with gold, silver and bronze awards in four categories, with the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery installation, featuring Christie® MicroTiles® and content by Zebradog, selected as DSE's first Apex of the Year award recipient.

The Apex awards honor innovation in the development and deployment of technology in the global digital out-of-home networks (DOOH) industry, while the Content Awards honor innovative and compelling content created for digital signage in the DOOH networks.

Chosen by an independent panel of five industry journalists, many of the following award recipients had one thing in common ? they featured high quality Christie products and or Christie Managed Services for their integration or deployment support. Following last night's award presentations, Christie's partners took home seven awards in four categories on top of the Apex of the Year award. The categories included: Business, Industry & Government, Retail, Event Venues, Hospitality and Education & Healthcare.

GOLD
Under the Education and Healthcare category Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery was honored with a Gold Apex Award, with content partner Zebradog.

Sun Life Financial won Apex Gold Award for the Sun Life Financial BuzzWall™, installed at the Hollywood and Highland Centre (formerly the Kodak Theatre). The BuzzWall features Christie MicroTiles, with content created by partner Arsenal Media and installation by Christie Managed Services.

Arsenal Media also received a Gold Content Award for the Miami Dolphins BuzzWall, featuring Christie MicroTiles.

SILVER
Fresh (a Louis Vuitton Company) was recognized for the renovation of its flagship store in New York City featuring Christie MicroTiles, with expert technical installation and consultation by Christie Managed Services, integration partner Materials and Methods and architectural firm Mapos LLC.

Under the Education and Healthcare category, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics received a Silver Apex Award, with design and integration partner Westbury National Show Systems.

BRONZE
Christie and partner Arsenal Media received a Bronze Apex Award for the digital technology installation at the Christie Network Operations Center (NOC). Arsenal Media also took home a Bronze Content Award for this same installation.

Sean James, vice president, Christie Managed Services, says that each project was a significant accomplishment demonstrating continuous innovation in content creation of digital signage specialty visualization. He adds, "With the collaborative efforts of multi-disciplined teams of experts, the installations delivered incredibly engaging visual experiences. We congratulate all of our integration, installation, content and architectural design partners on these awards."

About Christie MicroTiles
As the world's first fully creative, modular, digital display tiles, Christie MicroTiles, along with Christie's content providers, have received an unprecedented 18 awards to date, in addition to the Apex Awards. These include Best Retail AV, Most Innovative, as well as an Eco-Design honor. MicroTiles have also won recognition as an Outstanding Creative Product by France's Institut Francais du Design and Best Content,in Corporate Communications, with partner Scala, for Christie's European headquarters lobby installation. Its many accolades include praises for MicroTiles' extremely bright and high-resolution images, which are ideally suited for window displays and in-store installations. They have become increasing popular among architects for enhancing building designs, in shopping malls for creating compelling signage, as well as in retail spaces, theaters, and public venues such as sports stadiums, casinos and airports.

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Christie Technology in Action at Keynotes and on Partner Booths

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/12/2012 -- Christie® is proud to be the platinum sponsor for IEEE Virtual Reality (VR) 2012, the world's premier international technical conference and exhibition on all aspects of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. The event has been held annually since 1993 and this year's program of workshops, tutorials, conference and exhibits at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California is co-located with the IEEE Symposium on 3D User Interfaces (3DUI).

As well as its platinum sponsorship, Christie will be supporting the four days of conference keynote addresses in the Westin's Plaza Ballroom with four projectors: two Christie Mirage WU7K-M (3-chip WUXGA 3D DLP® 6,300 lumen) and two Christie DHD800 digital projector (1-chip, 1080 HD DLP 8000 lumen) units. Key displays for three Christie partners – Advanced RealTime Tracking (ART – http://www.ar-tracking.de), TechViz (http://www.techviz.net) and WorldViz (http://www.worldviz.com) – will also feature Christie projectors and related technologies.

"Christie, with its well-earned reputation for accelerating innovation in advanced visualization/3D and simulation, has a significant presence at this world-leading event, as we continue to partner with other VR experts to bring integrated solutions to market," said Zoran Veselic, vice president of Christie's Visual Environments. "Many Christie customers are among the 700 decision makers that have assembled for IEEE Virtual Reality 2012 and the IEEE Symposium on 3D User Interfaces, and on behalf of the company, I thank them for their loyalty and continuing use of Christie solutions."

WorldViz (Booths #6 and #7)
Christie Personal Immersive Environment (PIE)
Comprised of Christie FHD551-X HD LCD flat panels, the Christie PIE concept features a five-panel arrangement in portrait mode for an innovative, way to create an immersive environment with a roughly 180 degree Field of View (FOV). WorldViz will provide 3D content that enables participants using a Kinect for Xbox 360 controller to virtually "fly" through a piazza for full body gaming. It uses groundbreaking technology to deliver smooth, continuous graphics that respond to an intuitive 3D hand control. WorldViz will also showcase a driving simulator with a virtual steering wheel using PIE. Additional flat panels can be added to increase the FOV to as much as 270 degrees. Easily flipped into landscape to suit the user's needs, it is a low-cost faceted visualization display system that creates an immersive visual experience with high performance and flexibility.

Advanced RealTime Tracking (Booths #10 and #11)
ART will demonstrate a TRACKPACK4 system. Utilizing this system, this optical-tracking system pioneer will show Virtual Reality interaction (Flystick, Fingertracking) with software ported into immersive VR through TechViz middleware. Users will be immersed with ARTs tracking solution and a Sensics HMD display for visual stimulus. Visuals provided will be mirrored onto a Christie Mirage-WU L LED-based 1-chip WUXGA DLP® 600 lumen 3D projector in a 72" rear projection enclosure for high fidelity stereoscopic display.

TechViz (Booth #3)
TechViz will be demonstrating at IEEE VR real time maintenance operations with full body tracking directly in a CAD application (CATIA Siemens-PLM Jack), using a Christie Mirage WU-L LED-based 1-chip WUXGA DLP® 600 lumen 3D projector in a 72" rear projection enclosure for high fidelity stereoscopic display.

About WorldViz
WorldViz is an industry leader in interactive virtual reality solutions. The company's flagship products are VIZARD, the VR community's favored interactive 3D content creation software, and PPT X4, the most cost effective wide-area tracking system currently available. WorldViz provides high quality, low-cost immersive 3D products to researchers, educators, designers, manufacturers, and other professionals, integrating all common VR products on the market and delivering complete turnkey solutions.

About Advanced RealTime Tracking (ART)
ART is a leading manufacturer of high-end optical tracking systems for Virtual and Augmented Reality. In addition, ART provides solutions for industrial measurement, medical applications and Motion Capture for ergonomics. The company is located near Munich, Germany. Founded in 1999, ART became one of the most important suppliers of infrared optical tracking solutions for the automotive and aerospace industries, and for research institutes and universities. ART offers a variety of tracked input devices, such as Flysticks and Fingertracking, particularly designed for Virtual Reality applications. Moreover ART provides the only solution for optical tracking inside multi-sided projection systems.

About TechViz
TechViz is expanding still and confirms a leading position as provider in advanced visualization solutions for 3D applications. With TechViz, display your 3D virtual prototypes in real time in high resolution directly from your desktop 3D application into your 3D virtual environment, improve production cycles, reduce costs and time to market of your products by having a better understanding of your 3D data. http://www.techviz.net.

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan, (JP:6925), designs, sophisticated virtual reality, simulation systems and control room environments including high-resolution power walls, multi-sided immersive environments, curved screen displays, domed simulation and multi-projector arrays. Industries and organizations that rely on Christie range from government agencies to oil and gas, aerospace to entertainment, and manufacturing and design to pharmaceuticals. Christie is listed among Military Training Technology magazine's Top 100 simulation companies and has been awarded the Red Ribbon for Best Program for the Christie Matrix StIM™. The award recognizes companies around the world that have made a significant impact on the military training industry across the spectrum of technologies - serious gaming, live training, constructive simulation, modeling, virtual simulation and others. For more information, visit http://www.christiedigital.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Fully Immersive, Affordable Cinema Experience Soon To Be Available To All Exhibitors

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2012 -- Christie® today announced Christie Duo™, a new dual–projection integration kit as a solution intended to give exhibitors the ability to create and deliver their own, branded premium theater experience.

"Exhibitors have invested heavily in building their own brand in their respective markets. With Christie Duo, we're providing an opportunity for our exhibitors and our business partners to enhance their offerings with a premium experience," said Don Shaw, director, Product Management, Christie Entertainment Solutions. "Now any exhibitor can deliver the brightest 2K or 4K movie experience in 2D or 3D on the largest screens. We're excited to give exhibitors a solution to help them further leverage and market their own premium brand to today's sophisticated movie-going audiences."

The Christie Duo™ integration kit can be purchased with either 2K or 4K Christie Solaria™ Series digital cinema projectors or as a standalone integration kit for Christie customers who already have Christie projectors — the world's best-selling DCI-compliant digital cinema projectors with more than 28,000 shipped and installed to date.

The integration kit features the choice of two configurations: a compact and convenient stacking system for 3D installations, or a new, innovative physical configuration that perfectly aligns every pixel on the screen for optimal 2D and 3D presentations. Coupled with automated features that easily calibrate, align and optimize the images from both Christie Solaria™ Series 2K or 4K digital cinema projectors, Christie Duo delivers a completely seamless, premium movie experience for the world's largest screens. When combined with world-leading 3D systems, exhibitors can achieve 3D image brightness levels up to twice as high as what can be achieved using the current large-format market leader — at a significant overall cost saving.

One-time Investment Puts Customers First
Building on its history of delivering industry-first solutions for exhibitors, Christie has responded to the global market demand for a solution that delivers a cost effective and financially accessible premium movie experience, one that is affordable today and tomorrow.

"We pride ourselves on responding to customer needs and our customers approached us for a flexible and economical solution to deliver a premium cinema experience. They wanted a low initial investment in equipment and not to be constrained by business models that may require them to share ongoing box office revenues with the equipment supplier. With Christie Duo, we're delivering high value at a price point that provides immersive cinema experiences to all," Shaw added.

Early Demonstrations and Installations Confirm Market Acceptance
In December 2011 Christie successfully demonstrated a dual-stacked 4K digital cinema projection solution, displaying true DLP Cinema® 4K resolution in 3D with incomparable brightness levels of 68,000 ANSI lumens, using two Christie CP4230 digital cinema projectors. Using Christie Duo technology, the demonstration was conducted in a theater in Shanghai to leading cinema owners and exhibitors in China (http://www.christiedigital.com/stacked-4k-demo). Attendees experienced a presentation featuring unmatched brightness, sharpness and superior 3D images — generating an enthusiastic and welcoming response from industry attendees.

Early adopters of Christie Duo include Grupo Araujo de Cinemas in Brazil and ArcLight Cinemas in the United States, which recently installed the solution at several ArcLight Cinemas, including the historic Cinerama Dome in Hollywood.

"We've put our trust in a Christie Duo system to dazzle audiences in our world-famous ArcLight Hollywood theater," commented Joe Miraglia, director of design, construction and facilities at ArcLight. "We look forward to receiving and installing the next components in this system – an automated alignment and calibration solution – to ensure optimal image quality and brightness, at 4K resolutions for our most discerning audiences."

Marcos Araujo, director, Grupo Araujo de Cinemas, Brazil, concurred. "Affordability, without sacrificing quality, is paramount for us and we are pleased to be partnering with Christie to bring the premium theater experience to our customers throughout Brazil."

Christie dealer Kelonik Transisom installed Christie Duo at Grupo Araujo de Cinemas. Noted Isaac Besso, director, Kelonik Transisom, "We pride ourselves on introducing the newest and most innovative products to our clientele, reflecting our desire to provide maximum customer service to them, and certainly the Christie Duo solution fits perfectly with this strategy."

Product Availability
Demonstrations of Christie Duo are scheduled for CinemaCon 2012, with wide product availability in the summer of 2012. The combination of two Christie Solaria projectors and the Christie Duo Integration Kit is expected to deliver significant cost savings compared to other branded 'big screen' solutions. The solution will be fully compatible with recently announced Christie® Previsto™ High Frame Rate (HFR) technology.

Christie's Commitment to HFR
The two main goals of Christie's HFR activities are to help the industry develop the best HFR content and the best delivery system for HFR content. The first goal involves assisting leading-edge filmmakers and post-production companies in perfecting HFR movie creation, so the industry has the most engaging, entertaining content possible. The second goal is to assist exhibitors in showing these 3D HFR movies in all their glory. To these ends, Christie is helping create the standards for 3D HFR movies through formal and informal technology-development alliances with major producers and directors, post production facilities, studios and technology partners. On the exhibitor's front, Christie provides one-stop shopping for all the hardware, software and services that enable exhibitors to deliver a filmmaker's vision in stunning 3D HFR quality.

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan, (JP:6925).

Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit http://www.christiedigital.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Digital Display Technology Allows for the Creativity of Architects to Realize Their Vision

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/15/2012 -- World-class technology converges with world-class facilities at the Stephen Hawking Centre at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ont., Canada, where 84 Christie® MicroTiles® are visually communicating a range of scientific research, training and outreach messages for a variety of audiences – including some of the world's brightest minds. Located in the lobby, itself a mix of angles and multiple perspectives, the Christie MicroTiles array is assembled as an irregular hexagon, creating a dynamic media wall to welcome and inform all visitors.

"The video wall's shape is arranged in a 'V' with a narrow base of three MicroTiles wide and works its way up to eight wide at the top of the array," said Randy Pagnan, President, RP Visual Solutions (RPV). "Any MicroTiles array greater than five tiles high benefit greatly from a consolidated back frame, which is what RPV constructed; our adjustability and capability to align each MicroTile guarantees the tight seams of the video wall. MicroTiles allow the flexibility to provide that 'architectural' look Perimeter was seeking to achieve."

The scale, diversity, and modular design of Christie MicroTiles in architectural spaces allow a building's design and the organization occupying it to 'speak' with the Christie MicroTiles as the creative medium.

"The wall's design is a fusion of messaging, mission and architecture – and it all came together because of the Christie MicroTiles technology," said John Matlock, Director of External Relations and Public Affairs at Perimeter Institute. "The flexibility of MicroTiles allowed for the whole space to come together in a very exciting way. The unique shape of the media wall – including a functioning passageway – is in line with the architect's vision of the main entrance to Perimeter Institute."

Matlock explained that Perimeter's small in-house graphics and audiovisual team needed a visual display technology that would enable them to manipulate and update zones, backgrounds and the overall display with ease. With the use of vibrant color, the MicroTiles' digital canvas enables the Institute's graphic artist to create, import, and display high-resolution and highly detailed scientific animations to help share abstract concepts in theoretical physics. In addition, the MicroTiles display will share daily news about the many research, training and outreach activities taking place throughout the facility.

"In the past we had plasma displays to impart basic information – times, dates, names. However, in expanding the research center, the Christie MicroTiles' high-resolution capabilities, color and clarity really took us to that next level where we could bring information to life in all new ways, including the display of highly detailed scientific images and computer-generated animations," Matlock continued.

"Many different communities – researchers, trainees, students, teachers, members of the public and even our many stakeholders – pass by and speak in overwhelmingly positive tones about the media wall. The Christie MicroTiles provide a 'wow' factor when we share information about Perimeter's purposes and other messaging. I think we are in an ideal position with Christie MicroTiles to keep the communications as fresh, impactful and awe-inspiring as the Stephen Hawking Centre itself."

"Christie MicroTiles allow for the creativity of architects to realize their vision and do things they couldn't do only a few years ago," Pagnan concluded.

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit www.christiedigital.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Christie Digital Cinema Projectors Light Up 90-Ft Screens at the “Big Sky” and “The Stars & Stripes”

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/08/2012 -- They say everything is bigger in Texas, and with the installation of award-winning Christie® digital cinema projectors at two of the Lone Star State's most popular drive-in theaters, they are now also the brightest. The Big Sky Drive-In in Midland and the Stars and Stripes in Lubbock, both featuring outdoor screens up to 90 ft wide, now offer a superior movie viewing experience thanks to Christie's DLP Cinema® projectors, which are recognized as the brightest and most powerful in the industry.

"Drive-in theaters have always been a romantic business venture that faced many technical challenges," noted Craig Sholder, vice president, Entertainment Solutions at Christie. "The limited amount of light that can be projected on the screen from even the most powerful film projectors is not always sufficient to compete with the ambient light of the outdoors. This has often seriously affected the quality of the projected image and undermined the movie-viewing experience for many patrons. Christie projectors are ideally suited for the outdoor environment where ease of operation – especially to focus and scale images – and high brightness levels are critical."

Thinking Big
As a major sponsor of the 12th annual convention for the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association (UDITOA), February 6 – 9, in Kissimmee, Florida, Christie is partnering with dealers such as Sonic Equipment Company to help lead America's drive-in theaters into the digital age. Backed by more than 80 years in the exhibition industry, Christie is offering complete, turn-key solutions that include design, consultation, installation and support services. As well, Christie can provide interested customers with 24/7 support and maintenance through its Network Operations Center (NOC), located in Cypress, California.

Among the first drive-ins in the country to "see the light" of digital technology were the

Stars & Stripes and the Big Sky drive-ins – the first multi-screen drive-ins in the country. Christie projectors, rated at 30,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, covered their entire screen surfaces with the sharpest digital images ever seen in a drive-in theater.

A Big Improvement at The Big Sky
Big Sky owner Sam Kirkland opened in October 2005 with two screens, both using 35mm projectors. He added a third screen in 2007. Two of Big Sky's three screens are 45 ft by 90ft, with parking spaces for 436 cars and 382 cars; the third screen, at 35 ft by 70 ft, can handle 198 cars. The conversion to Christie digital projectors was done by Sonic Equipment Company, of Iola, Kansas.

"When a drive-in goes to digital movies, it's a big difference from film, and audiences see the difference immediately," said Sam Kirkland, owner of The Big Sky. "Our Christie projector gives us a gorgeous picture and our customers love it!"

Lamont Furlow, the 60-year old general manager of Big Sky, whose parents managed a local drive-in theater, recalled that he was virtually born into the movie theater business.

"Directly or indirectly, I've been in the exhibition business all my life, and have a special passion for the drive-in," he said. "I'm not real computer literate, but when we had some initial challenges the first week, we called our Christie representative and he talked us through the situation right over the phone. The show started on time and the entire system has worked beautifully every since!"

Most importantly, Furlow noted, "Now that we're digital, lighting the screen is no longer an issue. Our patrons enjoy even the darkest scenes in a movie."

In the past, Big Sky also had serious problems getting the picture focused when running 35mm projectors. "With Christie digital projectors, it's now in perfect focus," he said."My immediate reaction when we showed our first movie in digital was, 'That can't be my screen!"

He added: "We couldn't be more pleased with our new Christie projectors."

A Bright Idea at the Stars & Stripes
Ryan Smith had fond childhood memories of working in his grandparents' indoor theater, as well as nights spent at the local drive-in. In 2003, at the age of 24, he opened the Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre with two screens and two used 35mm projectors, assisted by his parents.

Today, with two screens that measured 35 ft by 70 ft, and one measuring 45 ft by 90ft, the earliest lesson he learned about drive-in theaters, said Smith, was that, "you just can't get enough light on those big screens."

Smith selected Christie projectors, financing the cost of the digital conversion himself. Sonic Equipment Company of Iola, Kansas, supervised the installation and helped to train Smith and his staff.

The impact was instantaneous. According to Smith, in the first week they opened, "People noticed that something was different. They realized the picture was brighter. And I was thrilled to provide my customers with 'indoor-movie' picture quality."

Smith is now eager to explore the expansion of his business with new kinds of content, such as sporting events, concerts, and cultural performances. "We were always constrained by film," he said. "With digital, there are no limitations. We are very pleased with our Christie projectors."

"Our customers have all praised the outstanding image quality of Christie digital projectors and we love their ease of use, and their low cost of operation," said Steve Zimmerman, director of business development at Sonic. "As a Christie certified partner, we look forward to helping America's drive-ins enter the digital age and bring a new level of entertainment to the next generation of moviegoers and beyond."

About Sonic Equipment Company
Sonic Equipment Company is a leading provider of sales, service, installation, new construction, remodeling, and consulting to community-owned theaters and independent exhibitors. They staff a fully trained and certified group of technicians, installers, and sales managers to meet the needs of today's growing digital cinema industry. Visit http://www.sonicequipment.com.

About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., 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. For more information, visit http://www.christiedigital.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Iconic Part of American Cinema History Gets New Lease on Life

Kissimmee, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/06/2012 -- As part of its national initiative to usher America's drive-in theaters into the digital age, Christie® is a sponsor of the 12th annual convention for the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association (UDITOA), February 6 – 9, in Kissimmee, Florida, and has partnered with leading dealers across the United States to bring the benefits of digital cinema technology to a sector characterized by traditional 35mm projection.

"No single institution in American cinema history offers the sense of nostalgia, romance and freedom that drive-in theaters convey," said Craig Sholder, vice president of Christie's Entertainment Solutions. "With more than 80 years serving the exhibition community, Christie understands first-hand the challenges of running drive-ins and we are eager to bring them into the modern age, preserving this important legacy of cinema history."

Christie offers the world's best-selling and most powerful digital projection system, the Christie Solaria™ Series of 2D and 3D projectors, to light up the largest drive-in screens under the most challenging twilight conditions. In the southern and Midwest states specifically, Christie has joined forces with two of the country's most renowned dealers – Sonic Equipment Company and Entertainment Supply and Technologies (ES&T) – to offer complete, single-source digital cinema solutions. Design, consultation, installation, and ongoing support are available from Christie and its partners. As well, Christie's Network Operating Center (NOC) can provide 24/7 technical support and ongoing maintenance.

A Storied Past and Confident Future
At the height of their popularity in the 1950s, more than 4,000 drive-in theaters covered the American landscape. Changing movie viewing habits saw their numbers dwindle, but there are now exciting signs that they're making a comeback, according to UDITOA. The association notes that drive-in theaters not only remain a time honored American institution, but in a battered economy, they still offer one of the best values for family entertainment.

With moviegoers seeking to recapture the magical memories of their youth, digital technology represents for drive-ins a distinctive competitive edge against the "hard tops" (indoor theaters) by offering alternative content such as major sporting events, musical and other cultural performances, in a unique outdoor environment, under the stars. The installation of powerful Christie DLP Cinema® projectors allows audiences to experience the brightest and sharpest images on these big outdoor screens at the lowest cost of operation, eclipsing traditional 35mm film projection.

Florida Exhibitor Seizes the Opportunity
For more than 60 years, the Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre has been a landmark in central Florida, where it was the first of its kind to open in Lakeland. Today, the Silver Moon continues to operate successfully, offering a double feature of first-run movies on two screens. "We are the last drive-in theater in Polk County, but we are here to stay," said owner Harold T. Spears.

Entertainment Supply and Technologies, LLC (ES&T), a full service cinema industry dealer and certified Christie partner from box office to projection booth "and everything in between," recently completed the digitization of Silver Moon. ES&T chose the Solaria Series Christie CP2230 digital projectors as the most effective for lighting up the two massive screens of 55' and 70'.

"Audiences have remarked how much brighter and sharper the images on the screen are now," said Bruce Schneiter, vice-president, Technical Services, at ES&T. "Christie was our first choice, because they have always provided top-level products and service, and they stand behind everything they offer. They are unparalleled for their technical expertise and industry experience."

Missouri Leads the Charge at B&B Moberly Five and Drive
Recognized by the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO) as one of the oldest family-owned circuits in the Midwest, B&B Theatres have seen the coming of sound, color, widescreen, digital, 3D and countless other advances in stereo sound and projection technologies. Currently, B&B Theatres operate in towns of all sizes, opening multiplex theaters in many of the same places that once housed their old-time, single-screen and twin theaters. When B&B Theatres decided to replace its two aging downtown movie houses in Moberly, Missouri with a new, multi-million-dollar multiplex, they built on their drive-in theater lot – vacant since 1985 – and put the drive-in screen back to work as well. The new theater complex, opened in 1997, is called the Moberly Five and Drive.

Sonic Equipment Company, a Kansas-based digital cinema integrator and certified Christie partner, installed a Christie CP2230 DLP Cinema® projector with a 4,500 watt bulb for the drive-in's large, 64'-wide screen. According to Dan VanOrden, circuit general manager of B&B Theatres, "I was extremely impressed with the results. The audience, too, absolutely loved the bright new look. The drive-in is so bright now that Highway 63 is lit up in front of it!"

VanOrden noted that the conversion to digital gave Moberly many more options for alternative content, as well. "We've been able to run DVD's of classic movies, for example, and they actually look much better on that huge screen than their old 35mm prints did."

Sonic had previously installed Christie digital projectors in six drive-in screens in Texas, including the Stars and Stripes in Lubbock, as well as the Big Sky in Midland.

"Speaking for The Big Sky, our Christie Solaria™ projector gives us a gorgeous picture and our customers love it!" said Sam Kirkland, owner of The Big Sky. "When a drive-in goes to digital movies, it's a big difference from film, and people see that difference immediately. The quality at drive-in theaters using Christie projectors is as good as the indoor theaters now."

Steve Zimmerman, director of business development at Sonic, agreed. "Both Sonic and the theater owners at these locations in Texas were extremely impressed with the end result, allowing us to confidently recommend Christie to B&B Theatres."

"Christie is committed to ensuring that America's drive-ins remain competitive for generations to come by providing them with the dazzling images of digital cinema and the expanded revenue streams of alternative content. As we have been for more than 80 years, we are here for the long term to support them with superior customer service," said Sholder. "Along with exceptional partners such as Sonic and ES&T, we want movie goers everywhere to rediscover the pleasure of watching the big screen under 'the big sky.'"

About Entertainment Supply & Technologies
ES&T is the single source dealer for all cinema needs, from 35mm and digital projection and sound equipment, to cinema parts and supplies. It also deals, distributes and installs concession stands, box office counters, cocktail bars, and guess services casework, as well as stage draperies and food service equipment. ES&T is also a provider of FF&E installations and project management services on new construction sites, remodels, and design and decor coordination. Visit http://www.ensutec.com.

About Sonic Equipment Company
Sonic Equipment Company is a leading provider of sales, service, installation, new construction, remodelling, and consulting to community-owned theaters and independent exhibitors. They staff a fully trained and certified group of technicians, installers, and sales managers to meet the needs of today's growing digital cinema industry. Visit http://www.sonicequipment.com.

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., 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. For more information, visit http://www.christiedigital.com.

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Unlocks the Potential of Large Format Digital Canvases

Amsterdam, Netherlands -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/02/2012 -- Christie® today announced the official launch of its Christie JumpStart content management solution at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show in Amsterdam. JumpStart makes it easy to put stunning, high resolution content onto a multi-display or tiled digital canvas.

Christie JumpStart targets architectural markets including museums, universities, stadiums, corporate offices and retail stores needing high resolution, reliable content playback across large video walls. Rental stagers will also benefit from JumpStart's speed and ease of setup, and support for unique display configurations.

"Christie is leading the way in developing simple, user-friendly solutions for integrated, large-format, digital displays," said Richard Heslett, senior product manager, Business Products, Christie. "Christie JumpStart can be used with any digital display that has up to four inputs, and is the ideal companion for small and medium-sized Christie® MicroTiles® video walls – giving customers the ability to get the most out of their MicroTiles displays."

Combining user-friendly JumpStart software with reliable HP hardware, Christie JumpStart enables users to position and play back a wide range of content including video, graphics, applications, Blu-ray and DVD movies, remote video sources, color swatches and text.

When used with Christie MicroTiles, Christie JumpStart communicates directly with the master External Control Unit (ECU), automatically picking the best resolution for the MicroTiles canvas, regardless of shape or cabling layout, and showing the location of every tile so that snapping content into position is a breeze.

Benefits of Christie JumpStart:

- Multi-windowing capabilities including video files, applications and text

- Seamless integration with Christie MicroTiles, automatically optimizing resolution of the Christie MicroTiles display

- Supports non-standard resolutions and independent resolutions

- Simple user interface allows for quick changes and intuitive user controls

- Integrated solution with single PC/software bundle means no additional hardware and no ongoing software costs or licenses

- Positioning and playback of content can be accomplished by seasoned designers and less technical users

- Plays media locally so no external source PCs or movie players are required

- Scheduling of playlists within each content window (scheduling by date is not supported)

Christie JumpStart is now shipping with a three-year warranty and the hardware bundle is backed by HP, providing peace of mind.

Winner of 18 industry awards since debuting in November 2009, Christie MicroTiles are installed throughout the world including Seoul's Incheon International Airport, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, London Stock Exchange and Deutsche Bank's Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong.

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit http://www.christiedigital.com. 

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Partners With RAW Design Architectural Firm for Interactive Entrance Display That Transforms Ideas Through Technology

Toronto, Canada -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/27/2012 -- Christie®, a global visual technology company, will demonstrate its powerful digital visual display capabilities that are transforming the architectural/design, retail, and corporate branding display industries at Canada's largest contemporary design fair, the Interior Design Show (IDS), January 26 to 29, at the Metro Convention Centre in Toronto. The multi-faceted entrance installation, "StripTease", designed by RAW Design, will feature the latest in projection and an ingenious, two-sided Christie® MicroTiles® configuration with interactive capabilities provided by GestureTek® and Acid Technologies, for creating a blend of high touch and high tech.

As an integral part of the StripTease entrance display at IDS, the two-sided Christie MicroTiles design evokes a city skyline with 50 Christie MicroTiles and two external control units (ECUs) that drive the interactive content, camera-enabled, gesture-recognition technology from GestureTek, with content developed by Acid Integrations. The projection element consists of 1,300 individual strips of felt that create the 52-foot-by-19-foot "screen" with front-projection using two Christie Roadster S+22K-J 3-chip DLP® digital projectors capable of delivering brightness levels of 20,000 ANSI lumens. Show visitors will experience a live video camera feed of themselves interacting with the content on the Christie MicroTiles. Conceived by Canadian architectural firm RAW Design, it is the first installation of its kind at IDS that integrates visually dynamic content with interactively playful technologies.

"RAW is delighted to be working with Christie using their projection solutions to add an additional layer of enjoyment onto our StripTease felt installation. The incorporation of an interactive component using their MicroTiles adds a particular richness to the experience, with its potential for rotating through digital art across an expansive and malleable canvas," said Roland Rom Colthoff, principal architect and partner at Raw Design. "We particularly like the fact that the shape of the images on the MicroTiles are not limited to simple rectangles but can take on complex shapes to suit the designer's vision."

Coltholff added: "MicroTiles are interesting because they allow for changeable images that can be manipulated individually or in any combination without having to fit discreetly into a screen or one frame. We look forward to engaging visitors by the playful interplay between the projected images and the MicroTiles."

"The old saying, 'you don't get a second chance to make a first impression,' has never been truer than at IDS," said Shauna Levy, Vice President of MMPI Canada and Director of the Interior Design Show and IDS Week. "A signage concept must meet the highest standards of innovation and art to dazzle and amaze design professionals, savvy consumers, and media converging at the show. In StripTease, Raw Design, with Christie and other partners, have created a visually compelling installation that fully delivers the 'wow' factor and effectively sets the tone for the astounding range of innovative displays to be found inside."

At IDS, Christie is introducing its Christie MicroTiles technology to the Canadian design community – the architects and designers who imagine solutions to achieve almost any design element installed in virtually any indoor space - whether it be a museum, a condo building or corporate lobby, a fashion show, or retail display. Christie MicroTiles offer spectacular color and image quality, modular flexibility and maximum creativity. They are also a green solution – RoHS compliant, an important consideration when many of today's builds require LEED certification.

Many of Christie's award-winning turnkey signage solutions are also 2012 Apex Award Finalists, for Digital Signage Expo 2012 in March. They are found in diverse venues such as Calgary's Telus Spark, The New Science Centre, Fresh® beauty stores, the London Stock Exchange, the HP Pavilion at San Jose, and Milan Design Week, where Christie partnered with BlackBerry® PlayBook™ to help British lighting and furniture company Tom Dixon realize its highly praised Multiplex exhibition last year.

About RAW
Spearheaded by architect Roland Rom Colthoff, RAW is one of Toronto's fastest growing architecture studios. Since being named Best Emerging Practice by the Ontario Association of Architects in 2009, RAW's portfolio has expanded exponentially to cover a diverse range of projects throughout the GTA and Canada. Their impressive roster varies from edgy mid-rise urban infill developments to large mixed-use and commercial environments covering entire city blocks.

RAW's work on the Tannery District in Kitchener, Ontario recently won the 2011 CUI Brownie Award for Best Overall Project. Cleaning up and revitalizing a former industrial site of over 300,000 sq. ft. in Kitchener's downtown, RAW transformed a turn-of-the-century leather factory into high tech office and community space that has become a magnet for economic and industry growth.

Pushing boundaries in Toronto's condo boom, RAW is known for bringing edgy contemporary design to some of Toronto's oldest avenues. From building in laneways to challenging infill sites, RAW's work is significantly impacting Toronto's emerging streetscapes and the way we engage with it. Visit RAW Design for more information at http://www.rawdesign.ca.

About Christie
Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit http://www.christiedigital.com for more information.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Business Analytics Giant Adds Christie Spyder and Christie MicroTiles to Headquarters

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/25/2012 -- SAS has selected and installed 197 Christie® MicroTiles® comprising five walls, four Christie projectors and four Christie Spyder X20 video processors at its worldwide headquarters in Cary, North Carolina. SAS, the largest independent vendor in the business intelligence market, provides business analytics, data management and IT management software and services to the financial services, government, retail, energy, life sciences, manufacturing and numerous other industries.

"In designing our new state-of-the-art executive briefing center, SAS was creating a technology and functional showpiece," said Woody Weaver, SAS senior manager of engineering and operations.

"MicroTiles, with their 1 mm bezel between each tile, provide a virtually seamless wall with the flexibility to build almost any configuration. Our building is platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified and MicroTiles met our requirements as a green solution with their low power consumption and no consumables."

"You see the LEED Wall (4 Christie MicroTiles wide by 2 Christie MicroTiles high) as soon as you enter the building," continued Weaver, "along with a second, smaller video wall nearby (5 MicroTiles wide by 4 MicroTiles high). The showcase display is the 40-foot long Welcome Wall (28 MicroTiles wide by 4 MicroTiles high), which becomes the backdrop for our registration area. We also have the Future Wall (12 MicroTiles wide by 3 MicroTiles high) displaying current and upcoming events."

Located on the sixth floor, the executive wing's Executive Wall features a 7 MicroTiles wide by 3 MicroTiles high array displaying computer models, cable television content and digital signage.

"We often send content from our auditoriums and meeting rooms to the Executive Wall, so others can watch the presentations," added Weaver. "Even with a skylight overhead, the MicroTiles still look good. Next, we're implementing a touchscreen application using infrared sensors."

Christie Spyder and Christie MicroTiles – The Ideal Combination

Two Christie Spyder X20 video processors manage and control the content fed to the Christie MicroTiles.

"We can transform our lobby into a technology showcase and use the Welcome Wall in conjunction with our Spyders for our conference registration areas," said Ken Weaver, senior IT manager, SAS. "For example, for an education conference here our graphics team designed a themed background for the wall, to which we added letter logos to facilitate the registration process. We often repurpose one wall several different ways just by changing up the display content."

Four Christie Projectors and Two Additional Christie Spyders

Two additional Christie Spyders deliver top-notch content in the center's two auditoriums. Both spaces feature two rear-projected Christie HD10-M projectors with a Christie Spyder X20 blending the content onto impressive 30-foot wide by 10-foot high screens. Two Christie HD6K-M projectors in each auditorium present content for two smaller, flanking screens.

"We chose Christie because it is good product. The MicroTiles have been very reliable," Woody Weaver concluded. "The MicroTiles run 12 hours a day, six days a week and definitely provide that 'wow' factor for our clients when they walk into the building."

Integrator AVI-SPL was pleased to install MicroTiles at the high-tech firm after becoming very familiar with the technology on other installations. Will Parry, senior vice president, special projects groups at AVI-SPL said, "We were happy to use the MicroTiles again after several large installations. We've had great success with them in the past, and highly recommend them to our clients."

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925).

Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit http://www.christiedigital.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Professional AV Rental Staging, Fixed Install and Corporate Solutions Community Can Try Christie’s Latest Offerings First-Hand

Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/18/2012 -- Christie® today announced that Solutions that Rock, a free event introducing several of its new display solutions to organizations involved with professional AV rental staging, fixed installs and corporate AV environments, stops at Sound Matrix Studios in Orange County, California, January 18 – 19.

"Solutions that Rock" provides a unique opportunity for consultants, architects, service planners and designers to get hands-on experience with some of the top projection systems available and discover inspiring ways for projection to help turn their ideas into reality.

The free event runs from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. both days with Draper presenting the certified AIA training course from 10:00 a.m. until noon each day. Attendees will also enjoy free refreshments and gifts, plus a chance to win an Apple iPad. Along with Christie, local integrator Spinitar is co-sponsoring Day 1 with VMI, another local integrator, co-sponsoring Day 2.

"Solutions that Rock" is also an informal opportunity for dealers, integrators, distributors and end users to learn how Christie's solutions deliver captivating visual experiences. Attendees will also have the chance to share in technology demonstrations and participate in hands-on learning exercises for each projection solution.

Products on Display
A Christie® MicroTiles® tower will display striking images. Winner of 18 industry awards, Christie MicroTiles are the industry's most flexible, high-resolution modular design technology and are installed in a variety of settings including the London Stock Exchange, Church History Museum and Seoul's Incheon International Airport. Built on proven DLP® technology, MicroTiles are designed for premium image quality in demanding indoor, high ambient light environments.

New for 2012, Christie is presenting multiple display solutions using its newest HD and 2K LCD platforms as well as showcasing its Christie J Series Xenon 3-chip DLP® platform, which will display vivid images onto a 30-foot wide screen.

The Christie Spyder X20 multi-image video processor will control and manage the displays – including the stereoscopic 3D demonstrations. Also featured is the Christie Vista URS. This all-in-one matrix switcher accepts numerous sources in any format (from analog composite to digital 4K) and seamlessly routes its sources to any of eight user-configurable outputs, each configurable for all analog or digital output formats.

Also on display is the new Christie Roadster HD14-J, which will be showing images in portrait orientation. Launched in September 2011, the Christie J Series is earning praise for its embedded Christie Twist™ that enables warping and blending of multiple curved images faster and easier than through traditional, manual methods – without needing to purchase additional electronics cards.

Designed for multi-panel displays, Christie's new FHD551-X 55-inch flat panel LCD will also be featured. To fulfill the need to interface with IT systems, Christie is demonstrating its network solutions with all projection and multi-image systems connected to, and managed through, the IP network – including wireless control of all devices. Christie AutoStack™ – a camera-based, software driven solution, used for maintaining projector alignment in multiple blend and stacked designs – will function across the network, offering a solution that manages both flat and curved screen designs for fixed install and rental staging applications.

To register for the Orange County Solutions That Rock event, please visit: http://www.christiedigital.com/solutionsthatrock2012

Following its Orange County stop, the tour visits San Mateo, Calif., February 1–2 as part of the Emerging Technology Expo & Communications Summit (ETEC), presented by Snader and Associates Inc.

About Christie®
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925), designs, builds and installs customized projection display solutions. Christie® delivers turn-key solutions for sophisticated virtual reality, simulation systems and control room environments including high-resolution power walls, multi-sided immersive environments, curved screen displays, domed simulation and multi-projector arrays. Industries and organizations that rely on Christie range from government agencies to oil and gas, aerospace to entertainment, and manufacturing and design to pharmaceuticals. Christie is listed among Military Training Technology magazine's Top 100 simulation companies and has been awarded the Blue Ribbon for Innovation as well as the Red Ribbon for Best Program for the Christie Matrix StIM™. The awards recognize companies around the world that have made a significant impact on the military training industry across the spectrum of technologies – serious gaming, live training, constructive simulation, modeling, virtual simulation and others. For more information, visit http://www.christiedigital.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm