From the monthly archives:

November 2009

Executive Summary

November 2009

  • Kodak exits digital cinema. Not so surprising to readers of mkpeReport.
  • US exhibitors want more choice in deployment options.
  • European Commission seeks further input on the technology and business of digital cinema.
  • Satellite and terrestrial distribution in Europe.
  • ISDCF update includes discussions of the March SMPTE DCP demo, audio channel reassignment, hard drive failures and audio watermarking.
  • SMPTE prepares for December meetings. Topics will include Series 2 projector security and activity in the area of multiple frame rates and audio setup in the theatre.
  • Understanding the TDL. An essay on digital cinema security.
  • MPAA deploys Pirate Eye in its capture of pirates.
  • First meeting for a common media block interface is scheduled for early December.
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Kodak Exits Digital Cinema

November 2009

Kodak has a history of developing new technology and then pulling out of the market when execution demands commitment.  Those who read my bi-annual Industry Reports know that the demise of Kodak Digital Cinema was inevitable - only the timing remained to be learned.  So it came as little surprise that Bob Gibbons, the division’s [...]

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European Commission

November 2009

The EC is carrying out a public fact finding mission to learn the business challenges of converting to digital cinema.  Its request for information is posted at http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/media/overview/consultations/index_en.htm.
There are four questionnaires, each geared for a different industry segment.  Naturally, many questions are pointed directly at Hollywood decision making:  (some questions paraphrased)

Are you comfortable with [...]

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Satellite and Terrestrial Distribution in Europe

November 2009

Distribution infrastructure patterns in Europe are beginning to emerge.  This year, Arqiva signed deals with Arts Alliance Media and Dolby to provide satellite distribution infrastructure and services for digital cinema.  This month Kinepolis joined Europalace in agreeing to install Central Library Servers from TDF-owned SmartJog.  Unlike most other infrastructure providers, SmartJog delivers content on both [...]

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Exhibitors Want Choice

November 2009

With the closing of Kodak Digital Cinema, Hollywood studios are faced with the fact that 50% of the US deployment entities towards which they spent considerable legal resources have failed to produce the desired results.  This includes deployment agreements signed with Dolby, Kodak, and Technicolor.  Fortunately, Cinedigm, DCIP, and Sony remain active in their pursuit [...]

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ISDCF Update

November 2009

This month’s ISDCF meeting delved into a number of interesting topics.  First was a review of progress towards the March demonstration of SMPTE DCP standards compliance.  In discussing the readiness of products, the most significant report was that from TI.  TI re-ordered its priorities, and will pursue the upgrade of Series 1 projectors to support [...]

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SMPTE Update

November 2009

SMPTE 21DC meets in December.  Since the last meeting in September, significant work has been put into a solution for the TI Series 2 security messaging problem.  A revision to SMPTE 430-6 Auditorium Security Message (ASM) has been drafted and will be proposed for ballot.  For users of digital cinema equipment, servers that support the [...]

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Essay: Trusted Device List

November 2009

The Trusted Device List continues to be one of the most misunderstood concepts in digital cinema.  In a technology where a little bit of knowledge can be dangerous, the name invites misguided thoughts of centralized data and the means to block competition.  This causes politicians to needlessly gravitate towards implementation of government policies and regulations.
The [...]

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