MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Releasing International (SPRI) has entered into an agreement with Sony Electronics‘ Digital Cinema Solutions and Services (DCSS) group for 4K DCI-compliant digital cinema deployments in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.SPRI is an international motion picture distribution arm of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE).

SPE and DCSS had earlier announced plans to work together in the deployment of digital cinema projection systems in Europe and North America. This announcement will now provide exhibitors in major parts of Asia with operational and financial resources needed to implement Sony Electronics‘ DCI-compliant 4K SXRD (TM) projection technology. DCSS has already entered into agreements with four major studios — Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International – for deployments in the United States and Canada. DCSS now has agreements with two major studios for Asia – Sony Pictures Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox.

Sony Electronics‘ 4K digital projection technology will provide exhibitors and distributors with technology that will make it possible to offer consumers a wider selection of programming choices including 3-D and alternative content. To support this digital deployment effort, SPRI will supply its upcoming releases, when booked, in digital form and provide financial contributions for a limited time to promote DCI-compliant technology.

SPRI president Mark Zucker says, “As we move toward an all-digital future, exhibitors are going to need the product, resources and marketing support of companies like Sony Electronics and its Digital Cinema Solutions and Services group in order to offer their customers the most compelling state-of-the-art cinema experience available today”.

The DCSS group was formed to provide turn-key solutions for exhibitors that will enable them to efficiently convert their operations to digital technology.

Sony Electronics‘ Digital Cinema Solutions and Services Group senior VP Mike Fidler says, “The growth of digital cinema is a worldwide technological reality, so it makes sense that any agreement covers the broadest reach possible. We‘re extremely pleased to be working with SPRI on our expanded joint efforts.”

In addition to digital projection system deployment, Sony Electronics‘ DCSS group offers installation, maintenance and support services. The group also works with exhibitors on the deployment of alternative content – including gaming, sporting events and music concerts – in order to develop more revenue-generating opportunities as the industry transitions to digital delivery.