GDC remains exclusive digital cinema server provider for Southern Theatres’ upcoming deployment

CINEMACON, Las Vegas (March 29, 2011) – GDC Technology (“GDC”), a world leading digital cinema solution provider, is pleased to announce today the signing of a repeat order with partner Southern Theatres, LLC., the management company for VSS-Southern Theatres. The contract will see the deployment of a total of 198 units of GDC SX-2000A Digital Cinema Servers with Integrated Media Block (IMB) at 20 sites across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. To date 51 units have already been deployed in 2010 and the remaining 198 units will be installed this year, commencing in April 2011 and completing by year-end.

 

A number of parties are joining forces to undertake this project. GDC will retain it’s role as the exclusive server provider, while Ballantyne Strong will supply NEC Series 2 DLP Digital Cinema® Projectors and will be responsible for providing the servers and projectors to Southern. Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM), the global leader in digital cinema conversion programs, is responsible for structuring and implementing the underlying VPF agreement that enables Southern’s conversion to digital cinema, as well as providing the entire administration responsibility of the VPF program for Southern.

 

Launched in May 2002, Southern Theatres operates state-of-the-art multiplexes with stadium-seating, in 20 locations and totaling 292 screens. GDC servers were first deployed in Southern Theatres in May 2010. Following the successful deployment, Southern Theatres has decided to stick to GDC servers for its next phase of deployment, opting for GDC’s latest SX-2000A server incorporated with Integrated Media Block (IMB). The cutting-edge IMB has recently been awarded the industry’s first FIPS 140-2 Level 3 security certification, one of the highest level security requirements specified by Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI). GDC’s IMB offers the unique advantage of allowing for a much fuller color spectrum which is 500 times richer than that of a legacy server when screening 3D movies; overall the IMB is a state-of-the-art digital cinema accomplishment that is
4K future proof.

 

“The number of new entertainment avenues added to Southern Theatres is rising fast as we enter into our next phase of digital deployment, and we require reliable and feature-rich products to cater to the needs of our business growth,” said George Solomon, CEO of Southern Theatres, LLC. “Having worked with GDC in the past, we know our high expectations will always be met and we can rest assured that whatever they promised, they will deliver.”

 

“We are heartened to see Southern Theatres stick to GDC and take advantage of our server upgrade to the SX-2000A with IMB model,” said Dr. Man-Nang Chong, founder and CEO of GDC Technology. “I am confident that patrons of Southern Theatres will be thoroughly impressed with the stunning 3D colour richness brought about by our IMB. We will continue to work hard to bring the best in digital cinema to our customers to make sure their patrons will always enjoy the richest possible cinematic experience.”

 

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About GDC Technology (www.gdc-tech.com)

GDC Technology (“GDC”) is a subsidiary of the Hong Kong publicly listed company – Global Digital Creations Holdings Limited. GDC is one of the leading solution providers for digital cinema, media delivery and display markets. GDC has successfully delivered and installed over 1000 operating digital cinema servers worldwide, including Austria, Africa, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the Netherlands, the Philippines, the US and UK. More than 500 feature titles have been released digitally on GDC’s Digital Cinema Servers.

 

About Southern Theatres, LLC. (www.thegrandtheatre.com)
Southern Theatres, L.L.C., owned and operated by George Solomon, was formed in May of 2002. Mr. Solomon has been in the theatre business with his family for over 50 years and launched Southern Theatres, L.L.C. to develop and operate state-of-the art multiplex stadium-seating movie theatres. In April 2005, Veronis Suhler Stevenson (VSS) made a $30 million equity investment in Southern Theatres, L.L.C. VSS is a private equity and mezzanine capital fund management company dedicated to investing in media, communications and information industries in North America and Europe. Southern Theatres, L.L.C. is responsible for the daily operations of The Grand Theatres and Amstar Cinemas in 20 locations with 292 screens in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. The Company is well positioned for continued expansion in key markets throughout the Southeast.

 

About Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (www.strong-world.com)
Ballantyne Strong, Inc. is a provider of digital cinema projection equipment and services as well as cinema screens, motion picture projectors and specialty lighting equipment and services. The Company supplies major and independent theatre chains, top arenas, theme parks and architectural sites around the world.


About Cinedigm (www.cinedigm.com)
Cinedigm is a leader in providing the services, experience, technology and content critical to transforming movie theaters into digital and networked entertainment centers. The Company partners with Hollywood movie studios, independent movie distributors, and exhibitors to bring movies in digital cinema format to audiences across the country. Cinedigm’s digital cinema deployment organization, software, satellite and hard drive digital movie delivery network; pre-show in-theater advertising services; and marketing and distribution platform for alternative content such as CineLive® 3-D and 2-D sports and concerts, thematic programming and independent movies is a cornerstone of the digital cinema transformation. Cinedigm™ and Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp™ are trademarks of Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp.

GDC Media Contact:

Laura Matthews
Email: laura.matthews@gdc-tech.com

Southern Theatres, LLC Media Contact:
Jodi Pine
Email: [email protected]

Ballantyne Strong Media Contact: 
Kevin Herrmann
Email: [email protected]

Cinedigm Media Contact:Dave McNamee (HL Group for Cinedigm Digital
Cinema Corp.)
Email: [email protected]