Falklands Islands Cinema Goes Digital

In June 2008, the Falkland Islands became the world's first 100% 'digital only' territory.
The island's only cinema, the Phoenix, is managed by SSVC Forces Cinemas (Services Sound and Vision Corporation (which has provided and operated cinemas for the British Forces for more than 50 years), in partnership with the British Armed Forces stationed in the Falklands.
The new Barco 1500 2K digital cinema projector and Dolby server, installed by Sound Associates, is fully DCI (Digital Cinema Initiative) compliant and allows all Hollywood content to be played out in high quality imaging without any print or sound degradation over time.
Not only is the digital projector easier to use and maintain, which is particularly important, due to the regular change of cinema staff, the electronically watermarked presentations provides an additional guard against piracy. The new equipment means the cinema facility can be used to support briefings and is future proof with the capability to transmit alternative content directly on to the big screen. The equipment can also be upgraded to deliver 3D films.
The digital films are distributed on hard drive format which is easier and less costly to transport than 35mm and SSVC will be in a position to obtain the latest films within 1-2 weeks of UK release dates compared to the current 4-6 week wait for some box office hits. In order to ensure a smooth transition, the 35mm equipment will run alongside the newly installed digital equipment for a short period while the operators receive training.
Warner Bros have provided the first digital print, 'Speed Racer', which will be shown at the Phoenix during July and August.
SSVC has been operating cinemas in partnership with the British Forces for over 50 years with facilities in Germany, UK, Northern Ireland, Cyprus and, of course, the Falklands. The Corporation also has an 80-seater mobile cinema, which is currently fulfilling operational requirements overseas.
Nicky Ness, Director of Entertainment, said: "We are really excited about this new chapter in cinema history and delighted that the Phoenix cinema is the first in our network to convert to the new technology. The new possibilities for the future of the film going experience have created a real buzz in the industry and we know that the Falkland Islands' audience will deservedly benefit from the extra morale boost these will provide."
Further information is available at: www.ssvc.co.uk.
(KMcA/JM)