Sony Announces First 4K, Passive 3D TV: 1080P For Each Eye!

**Editor's Note: Welcome Adam Shear! Adam attends SUNY Oswego in upstate NY where he studies broadcasting and mass communication. He has contributed to LevelSave.com and TripTronicTech.com and I'm excited to have him aboard.

Adam here. After an impressive showing of 4K projection technology at CES, Sony has finally announced its first ever 4K television. 4K, also called Ultra High Definition, has four times a greater picture than 1080p HD.

The Sony XBR-84X900 will be 84 inches and capable of displaying native 4K content. This Ultra High Definition set is also Sony's first TV to use passive 3D technology. Because there are more pixels, you can finally get a full 1080p picture in each eye. It also has virtual 5.1 surround sound built in to the speakers.

While there is no native 4K content available now, it could come soon in the form of digital content stored on hard drives.  In a brochure I received from Sony at CES, it was explained that Blu ray disc players can be upgraded to play native 4K, the same way in which upgrades were needed to play Blu ray 3D content.   

Select Sony stores will have the XBR-84X900 on display starting September 6 with it releasing sometime in the near future, I would guess in the next six months to a year. 

I'm really glad to finally see a 4K TV from Sony.  At CES this past year, I attended their 4K Experience which showed off not just native 4K content, but also 1080p content up-scaled to 4K.  I was really impressed.  It also makes perfect sense for Sony to move to passive 3D.  Now that users can get a full 3D HD picture, there really isn't a need to buy a $100 pair of battery powered glasses.  It's just easier to get a $10 pair of glasses with no technology inside of them.  It might take a few years for 4K to really catch on, but 4K will really enhance the home theater experience, even more so than 1080p HDTVs currently have.

Alama Drafthouse Cinema At Westlakes Expands Digital Roll-out In San Antonio, Texas

Conversion of all 9 screens for a State-of-the-Art Facility to Enhance Every Aspect of the Movie-Going Experience

San Antonio, Texas, July 12, 2011 -- Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas San Antonio is unveiling their digital conversion when it premieres of one of this summer’s most anticipated 3D blockbusters, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” as part of the movie’s nationwide release. The latest installment of the successful movie franchise opens with a midnight screening on July 14, and the innovative exhibitor is celebrating the event with a Harry Potter marathon, showing the previous seven films starting at 6am and leading right up to the premiere of the new movie at midnight.

This digital upgrade at the Alamo franchise location in San Antonio continues the exhibitor’s emphasis on providing a range of amenities such as award winning food, extensive beer selection and world renowned pre-show programming. It will also feature cutting edge technology including Sony’s 4K digital cinema projection technology on each of its nine screens, the first theater in San Antonio to do so.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas is well-known for its inventive alternative content events and rare film programming as well as showcasing first run films. Its latest efforts with the Harry Potter movies is just one more example of how digital technology can broaden a theater’s range of programming options and deliver a unique out-of-home entertainment experience for consumers.

Liz Burt, Director of Sales and Marketing for the San Antonio market, says “We are excited to launch the best film presentation our industry has to offer. We know our loyal customer base will love the advancements that have been made.”

“Sony’s unique 4K technology is an example of how digital technology is allowing exhibitors more flexibility in promoting movies, like the Harry Potter franchise,” said Andrew Stucker, National Account Manager for Sony’s Digital Cinema Solutions Group. “Movie goers will have every detail brought to life as part of an extremely vivid and immersive entertainment experience.”

The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is dinner, drinks, movies and events, all under one roof. Brand expansion has been a key growth strategy for Alamo Drafthouse Cinema since Brandon Arceneaux and Chris Hoegemeyer brought the concept to San Antonio in 2004. Opening the Westlakes 9 screen location first, the company has grown to three theatres in San Antonio, the most recent opening in Stone Oak this past November.

“We could not be happier with how well the San Antonio community has embraced Alamo Drafthouse, and what our concept has to offer,” says co-owner Brandon Arceneaux.

About Alamo:
The Alamo Drafthouse is a lifestyle entertainment brand with an acclaimed cinema-eatery, the largest genre film festival in the United Sates and an online collectible art store. Named “the best theater in America” by Entertainment Weekly, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has built a reputation as a movie lover’s oasis not only by combining food and drink service with the movie-going experience, but also introducing unique programming and high-profile, star studded special events. Alamo Drafthouse Founder & CEO, Tim League, created Fantastic Fest, a world renowned film festival dubbed “The Geek Telluride” by Variety. Also regarded as the “Comic Con of film festivals” Fantastic Fest showcases eight days of offbeat cinema from independents, international filmmakers and major Hollywood Studios. The Alamo Drafthouse’s collectible art boutique, Mondo, offers breathtaking, original products featuring designs from world-famous artists based on licenses for popular TV and Movie properties including Star Wars, Star Trek & Universal Monsters. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is expanding its brand in new and exciting ways, including the launch of Drafthouse Films, a new film distribution label and plans to extend its theaters and unique programming philosophy to additional markets across the United States. More information about Alamo Drafthouse franchise opportunities are available on the official website.

Alamo Drafthouse – http://www.drafthouse.com
Fantastic Fest -- http://www.fantasticfest.com/
Mondo -- http://www.mondotees.com/

About Sony Electronics Digital Cinema Solutions
Sony Digital Cinema Solutions group combines a full range of Sony technologies, purchasing options, alternative content offerings, training and service to provide a broad range of solutions for exhibitors. The world’s only manufacturer of commercially available 4K resolution digital cinema projection systems, the group also offers (projectors and media blocks); central servers; Sony TMS (theater management system); digital signage hardware, software and content development; security systems and Network Operations Center (NOC) services for the exhibition community. For more information, visit www.sony.com/digitalcinema.

I CLOSELY watch Sony (an end to end S3D company) AND the Alamo chain as I think they both represent the future of movie exhibition. Stay tuned for more whenever I get it...

Recent Sony 4K Projector Installations Pushing Not Only 3D Movies, But 3D Sports, Concerts and Gaming!

Jim here. Here is an update on how Sony is doing with their 4K digital projector installations and associated RealD 3D deployments. Muvico Theaters, Uptown Entertainment and Wildwood theaters have installed the systems and couldn't be more thrilled. Each are looking for premium entertainment experiences for their customers and it seems that Sony has fit the need. And as you'll read, it is not only about the movies:

Muvico Theaters (whose motto is "Drink, Dine and Watch") now has 89 screens outfitted with Sony 4K projectors, of which 17 are RealD enabled for 3D. Further, Muvico has partnered with Sony for alternative content programs which I have been a huge advocate of since day one - especially for S3D). We are talking in-theater gaming with Sony's PlayStation and special live broadcast events like concerts. Muvico Theaters has reserved seating for patrons 21 years and older with complementary popcorn, and a restaurant / bar to utilize during your night out.

Uptown Entertainment (owned by the Ilitch family of Little Caesar's and Detroit Tigers fame) has moved to Sony 4K on an initial 19 screens of which several will be upgraded to Real D 3D. Again they are not only into movies, but also sporting events or music concerts.

Wildwood Theaters is going Sony 4K digital almost across the board, albeit with a smaller number of screens. 20 of their 26 screens are now Sony 4K of which 4 will be RealD 3D.

Sony has what's called their Digital Cinema Solutions and Services group that will work with theater owners on the integration, installation, maintenance and service support for its 4K conversion, providing the exhibitor with a complete turn-key solution for converting to digital technology. The solution covers not only movies, but the all important alternative programming discussed earlier.

Sony 4K projectors offer 8.8 million pixels and are the industry leaders for digital projection from what I have seen. The difference between 2K and 4K is staggering and you really do need the extra resolution for 3D movies and events. You can tell the difference immediately.

Alternative programming should allow theater owners to reduce screen downtime dramatically. With creative local managers, these facilities should be raking in revenue morning, afternoon and night.

Digital projection is the future of cinema and Sony has a heckuva offering. I will have more notable developments in the digital 3D projection world as they happen.

UPDATE: Photo From The UNCHARTED 2 Theatrical Gaming Events

Jim here. Got an update photo from the Sony's UNCHARTED 2 video gaming sessions that took place here. As you will remember, Sony set up 5 on 5 events on theatrical screens to demonstrate opportunities for the cinema chains during down time from movies. Awesome idea of course.

Further, this translates to stereoscopic 3D gaming too down the road. Can't wait for these events to add the third dimension! Looks like a blast. Thanks Johnno for the image.

SONY 4K TECHNOLOGY BRINGS MULTI-PLAYER GAMING TO DIGITAL CINEMA THEATERS

Jim here. See my notes at the bottom - these are 2D events, BUT we know Sony is looking seriously at 3D - so events like this could be in stereoscopic 3D soon. Thought you guys should be warmed up to the idea - because it is a winner.

Four-City Event Tour to Launch New PlayStation3 Game Demonstrates the Potential of Alternative Content

Sony is joining forces with movie theaters across the country to create a unique series of multi-player gaming events that highlight the potential of “alternative content” as an additional revenue source for exhibitors during non-peak times.

To support the release of the PlayStation3® title UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves™, Sony Computer Entertainment of America and Sony Digital Cinema Solutions and Services are producing four exclusive “sneak peek” events. Attendees will have the chance to play UNCHARTED 2 on the big screen, powered by Sony Electronics 4K digital cinema technology, which provides image resolution four times greater than high-definition consumer televisions.

“Sony 4K Digital Cinema technology delivers an enhanced viewing experience unlike anything seen in theaters before,” said Mike Fidler, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Digital Cinema Solutions and Services Group. “But it also offers exhibitors additional programming options from alternative content such as gaming events, simulcasts, pre-recorded concerts, and sporting events, to maximize a movie theater’s profitability and fill auditoriums during non-peak times.”

As the move to digital cinema continues, exhibitors across the United States are increasing their menu of services and amenities to elevate the theater-going experience, turning theaters into “digital entertainment destinations.”

According to Fidler, this type of in-theater gaming event gives gamers and movie-going consumers an unprecedented out-of-home experience.

“As a total entertainment company, Sony is able to draw upon resources across its professional, consumer and content groups to create diversity and value for consumers and a practical solution for exhibitors,” Fidler said.
The “sneak peek” events will take place on October 5 and 6, 6-11 p.m., at the following theaters:
• Landmark Embarcadero, San Francisco, Calif.
• Muvico Theaters, Rosemont, Ill.
• Muvico Theaters, Thousand Oaks, Calif.
• Lincoln Square Cinemas, Bellevue, Wash.

Please visit www.us.playstation.com/PSN/Events/Cinema/index.html for more information.

After speaking with Sony, I am convinced that their future is tightly entwined with stereoscopic 3D and thus future events like this will be in 3D. Sometimes we have 2D stories on MarketSaw if we believe it contributes to the 3D revolution - this story fits the bill. Can't wait to see these gaming events in 3D!

3D Shorts: FINAL DESTINATION Gets New Name; 50 YEARS Gets Distribution; HUMPTY DUMPTY Gets New Poster

Hey Jim here. Got some quick 3D news for you...

- FINAL DESTINATION: DEATH TRIP 3D is no longer. It has been renamed to THE FINAL DESTINATION - nothing too drastic, but better if you ask me. Almost sounds like a reboot attempt from scratch rather than as part of a franchise. (Source: Box Office Mojo)

Ok. Name change. Not sure about the timing, but I didn't really like the first one anyway...

- AROUND THE WORLD IN 50 YEARS has picked up distribution while at the Cannes Film Festival through Universal Music Group. Apparently the deal was consumated after a presentation of the movie which also included about 15 minutes of 3D. Moreover, it is not just for North American theatrical distribution but also DVD, TV, Non-theatrical and global soundtrack rights. (Source: Animation Magazine)

Love it when a plan comes together. Looks like UMG fell in love the project - can't wait to see it.

- Sony and Regal Cinemas have shaken hands on a 4K digital projector rollout to ~5,000 screens over the next 3 to 5 years. Of special note is that they have a grand total of ~6,700 screens right now, so digital will be making up about 75% of all their screens. This comes right on the heels of another massive 4K projector deal with AMC (4,700 screens) - making Sony 4K the industry leader right out of no where. That is if you can ever say that about Sony. 4K is the real deal guys. Congrats on the deals. And bring on 3D! :-)

Well if you had any doubt about Sony's entry in digital and 3D, you can drop them now. That is a rather resounding industry endorsement don't you think? I have seen the tech first hand (albeit a smallish screen) and it does look amazing.

- HUMPTY DUMPTY has revealed his box office teeth early - a new poster has the human/alien creature pulling a Jack Nicholson from behind a hole in a door. The movie is about an alien that wreaks havoc on humans after his mother is "abused by two rednecks in the Deep South". I think it has a great deal of potential... (Source: MySpace via ShockTilYouDrop)

Kinda disturbing character don't you think? And if the Executive Producer (Mark Ordesky) has anything to do with it, the FX are gonna be WILD.