Independent theaters continue rapid pace of Digital Cinema deployments

CYPRESS, CA – (March 15, 2010) – Christie®, a global leader in digital cinema, announced that Sonic Equipment Company has ordered 100 Christie Solaria Series 4K-ready Series 2 digital cinema projectors, which utilize Academy Award-winning DLP Cinema® technology from Texas Instruments (TI) (NYSE: TXN).  As part of the Cinedigm Phase 2 digital cinema deployment plan, the Christie projectors will be installed in theaters across the United States, to upgrade existing multiplexes and as part of new theater constructions.  Sonic Equipment will also now offer Christie Managed Services to all its customers, making available a comprehensive suite of technical support and maintenance services to perfectly match their customers’ needs, from basic to the most robust, 24-hour, year-round support.

Kansas-based Sonic Equipment Company, which also offers full-service consulting, remodeling and new construction to motion picture exhibitors, is also a certified reseller of Christie digital cinema projectors.  With more than 400 screens across thirteen states, they have been rapidly expanding over the past several years to become one of the industry’s fastest growing companies. Christie is a major partner in Sonic’s highly successful digital rollout strategy, which calls for the installation of hundreds of additional projectors in many new locations this year.

Sonic Equipment chose the Christie CP2220 and Christie CP2230 Solaria Series digital cinema projectors for the features that independent exhibitors want most – brilliant picture quality, the lowest cost of operation, and a proven track record of reliability. 

“Having the latest technology is extremely important to us.  We want to make sure our customers are getting the best and widest range of products, with the highest quality technical support.  We recommend Christie DLP Cinema projectors because they have proven to be the most reliable and affordable over the years we have installed them,” said Eric L. Olson, Director of Operations for Sonic. “The Christie Solaria Series offer exceptional brightness and resolution, and at the same time are cost-efficient, which makes our customers confident with our choice of projection solutions.”

Olson added: “Customers ask us, ‘What’s the best technology for digital cinema?’ and we don’t hesitate to say DLP Cinema, which is at the heart of Christie projectors.  We’re extremely well trained in DLP Cinema and absolutely trust its reliability.”

Mike Covey, Digital Cinema manager at Sonic, noted, “We installed digital equipment in over 70 screens in 2009.  Christie has been with us every step of the way and their excellent technical staff has helped us through the many questions that come up in transitioning from 35mm to digital.  Their products and technical expertise ensure the smoothest installations, whether retrofitting existing screens or helping customers design new facilities from the ground-up.”

“Strong working relationships based on trust is key to our continued leadership in digital cinema,” said Craig Sholder, Vice President, Entertainment Solutions, Christie.  “Resellers like Sonic Equipment bring a strong commitment to providing their customers with the highest quality products and services, and we’re proud that our projectors and the technical expertise of Christie Managed Services are integral to their success.”