First digital cinema drive-in movie theatre in the
country selects Barco
July 27, 2010
Source: Barco
Barco announced that it has deployed its
digital cinema projectors at Spud Drive In, making the venue
the first “true” digital drive-in in America. While
other outdoor theatres have utilized digital projectors to
show DVDs to large outdoor audiences, Spud is the only drive-in
to date to actually employ digital cinema projection and surround
sound audio, with 3D technology planned for August showings.
John Fithian, President of the National Association of Theatre
Owners, commented, “Drive-ins are an important part of
the theater business. At NATO, we are pleased to see Barco
providing a digital projector solution capable of illuminating
drive-in screens. We are confident that drive-ins will continue
to flourish in the digital age and congratulate the Spud on
being the first of many drive-ins to offer their customers
the digital experience.”
United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association (UDITOA) President
Paul F. Geissinger stated, “We congratulate the Spud
Drive In and their digital partner Barco in providing their
patrons and the motion picture industry with the first digital
projection system at a traditional drive-in theatre. This
is an historic event for drive-in theatres, a true icon of
Americana, which we view as only the beginning of what will
be a huge transition to the digital age by drive-in motion
picture theatres.”
When Spud made the decision to go digital, timing was of the
essence. Since the drive-in movie season is relatively short
in Idaho, it was important to get a projector online quickly
for the June opening. Barco was able to provide a projector
within a few weeks.
“We looked at a lot of options, but the Barco projector
was the ideal fit for the drive-in movie environment because
of its low power requirements, liquid cooling, and of course,
incredible image quality and reputation for reliability,”
commented Spud's Chief Operating Officer, Keith Zednik. “It's
just amazing – like nothing I've ever seen before! With
the Barco projector, we'll be able to continue for another
50 years, not only as a movie exhibitor, but as a total entertainment
provider” continued Zednik. Spud plans to offer alternative
content packages to customers, including wedding receptions,
non-profit, club and community functions, and even live simulcast
sports events and concerts.
The exhibitor launched its digital premiere with a double
feature on Friday, July 9th, showing Despicable Me and Robin
Hood. Attracting hundreds of moviegoers from around the county,
Spud enjoyed its largest crowd of the season, breaking records
for its Monday night “$15 per car” promotion. “The
image quality was picture perfect, and it was so easy to use
– no technical problems at all. The Barco has made my
life a million times easier,” commented Zednik.
Roger Bockert, owner of Heartland Theatre Services who installed
the new system, commented “If anyone out there is still
uncertain about putting digital in a drive-in, Spud's experience
will put their mind at ease. The results have been even better
than expected as far as picture quality, light output, and
reliable image.” In business for more than 20 years,
Bockert has installed hundreds of digital projectors throughout
the Midwest in traditional theatres, and looks forward to
additional business in the drive-in market based on the success
of Spud's deployment.
The Barco projector utilizes Texas Instruments' DLP Cinema®
technology, which produces higher contrast video, deeper black
levels and reduced pixelation in a compact package. The projector
is able to utilize standard lenses with no modifications to
the electronics or housing, and project a crystal clear, precise
image from a long distance.
“We're honored to work with Spud Drive In to pioneer
the first true digital cinema drive-in theatre. This opportunity
demonstrates the power and versatility of Barco's products.
We applaud Spud's entrepreneurial spirit and desire to extend
their entertainment options with alternative content, which
will showcase the Barco projector's features and delight patrons
for years to come,” said Todd Hoddick, VP Digital Cinema
North America.
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