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TECHNOLOGY <strong>2020</strong> CINEMA TECH PREVIEW A SURVEY OF THE YEAR’S COMING INNOVATIONS by Rob Rinderman >> Taking a closer look at what’s new and notable in cinema technology, <strong>Boxoffice</strong> <strong>Pro</strong> checked in with some of the global industry leaders to discover the latest enhancements moviegoers will be encountering and enjoying at their local theaters in <strong>2020</strong> and beyond. ANG LEE (seated, right) CHRISTIE Christie has been a fixture in the cinema business for more than 60 years, including its introduction of the first digital projection technology to theaters. Fast forwarding to <strong>2020</strong>, the organization is continuing to look to the future with laser projection that offers lower cost, higher brightness, and higher ROI for exhibitors. Launching this year is the new Christie CP4450-RGB for PLF (premium large format). It is the first cinema projector to play back 4K content at a high frame rate of 120fps (frames per second). Put two units side by side, like the Cinity (also see below) built for Huaxia Film Distribution in partnership with GDC Technologies and RealD, and you have the world’s first dual-RGB laser projection system to display a new advanced cinema format meeting the aforementioned state-of-the-art standards in 3-D, with over 82,000 lumens at an unprecedented 6000:1 contrast. The system was installed in the U.S. for the debut of Paramount Pictures’ and director Ang Lee’s release of Gemini Man at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. The CP4450-RGB, which previewed at CineEurope, also features high-speed CineLife+ electronics and RealLaser illumination and includes modern inputs such as 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0. CINIONIC Cinionic continues its mission to move the cinema industry forward and help drive the equipment renewal wave currently happening worldwide. Solutions such as its Barco Series 4 laser projectors, which debuted during Cinema- Con 2019, are helping exhibitors further enhance the entertainment experience for the benefit of global cinemagoers, while simultaneously providing advanced service solutions for the theater-owner community. In late November, on the heels of a series of announced collaborations with Muvi, Cineplexx, Cineworld, Miraj, and National Amusements, the company announced a new strategic relationship with Les Cinémas Pathé Gaumont. According to the agreement, Cinionic will bring its all-laser solutions to the European exhibitor with install plans for more than 200 Barco Series 4 laser projectors at new builds located in France and Africa. According to Serge Plasch, Cinionic’s chief commercial officer, “Our strategic relationships with key exhibitors such as Les Cinémas Pathé Gaumont allow us to continue raising the bar for audiences around the world, so anyone, anywhere can have the best moviegoing experience.” DOLBY Dolby continues to reach global audiences with its cinema products and Dolby Cinema premium offerings, currently up to nearly 240 locations. The first cinemas in the U.K., Japan, Germany, and Kuwait opened in the last year, and a recent new partnership with Kino OKKO brings Dolby Cinema to Russia, giving it a presence in seven of the top 10 global box office markets. Dolby also has had several products and updated features roll out over the recent 12-month period. Its cinema processor CP950 is designed with more of the capabilities that streamline exhibitor partners’ operations. The processor is flexible, modular, and provides a cost-ef- 48 JANUARY <strong>2020</strong> 0120_CinemaTech.indd 48 12/19/19 11:38 AM