Qube Cinema Premiere XP-I Digital Cinema Server at ShowEast

Qube Cinema will introduce the new XP-I digital cinema server at ShowEast.
Based on the Qube XP-D Series 2 server platform, the XP-I is designed to work in conjunction with the Qube Xi 4K Integrated Media Block (IMBs) installed in the projector. Along with support for a wide variety of formats, the Qube XP-I server and Qube Xi 4K IMB will play content at up to 4K resolution, and stereo 3D at high frame rates of 48 and 60 frames per second.
"The XP-I is the next step on our roadmap for digital cinema," said Rajesh Ramachandran, CTO of Qube Cinema.
"With the growing movement towards higher resolution and higher frame rates, theater owners need to know their equipment will be able to handle new content when it comes."
Ramachandran also explained that since the Qube XP-I server and Xi media blocks connect via Dual Gigabit Ethernet rather than PCI Express, the server can be located anywhere in the facility, with no concerns about distance or shielding issues.
By contrast, PCI Express signals degrade over a very short distance and are subject to interference, requiring servers to be located close to the projectors. With Qube's solution, exhibitors are free to move their servers into a central room, or install them anywhere they wish, simplifying maintenance and freeing up valuable real-estate for more seating or other revenue-generating activities in the theatre complex.
The Qube XP-I is a DCI-compliant server, designed to integrate seamlessly with major Theatre Management Systems (TMS). This offers exhibitors flexibility in the way they manage content, schedule shows, control projectors and automate cinema operations.
The Qube XP-I offers up to four terabytes of storage with hot-swappable drive bays, and features an external RAID controller ensuring rock-solid playback performance. "Qube uses robust hardware in every part of the servers," explained Eric Bergez, director of sales and marketing for Qube.
"The system is designed to keep exhibitors up and running."
The Qube Xi 4K IMB works with any current digital projecter that supports an IMB, including all of the major DCI-compliant digital cinema projectors on the market. The Qube Xi 4K is a secure system that decrypts and decodes content in real time at the projector. It supports HD, 2K, 4K in all commonly used formats and compression standards, as well as stereoscopic 3D content at 24, 48 and 60 fps.
"The combination of the XP-I digital cinema server and the Xi IMB gives theatre owners tremendous flexibility," said Ramachandran. "The system works out of the box for existing theatres and is perfect for exhibitors looking to upgrade or renovate their cineplex."
Qube Cinema will demonstrate the XP-I server with the Xi IMBs at ShowEast 2011, Booth 620 at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Miami, Oct. 24-27, 2011.
(BMcC/CD)