Technicolor Selects
Mainstream Data as Satellite Provider for SkyArc Digital Cinema
Network
(11 July 2005) Mainstream Data
has entered into an agreement with Thomson and its Technicolor Digital Cinema
business to provide an end-to-end high-speed digital satellite network for the
distribution of pre-show content to theatres across North America.
Mainstream Data will be the provider of satellite
distribution services for Technicolor's SkyArc system.
The proprietary
Technicolor SkyArc system has been designed to serve the unique needs of
digital cinema advertising and is being used to distribute the digital pre-show
program for Screenvision, the largest cinema advertising company in the United
States. It is built on state-of-the-art technologies including High Definition
MPEG-2 content, 5.1 digital surround sound, high brightness digital projection,
secure encryption of content, and satellite or broadband distribution to
theatres across North America.
The SkyArc system design represents a
significant step forward for cinema advertising, including the first completely
High Definition cinema advertising network being deployed in North America
today. As part of the roll out, Technicolor Digital Cinema will deploy
Mainstream Data DVB+ satellite receivers and associated applications, plus high
brightness digital projectors in Screenvision partner theatres.
"After
an exhaustive process of vetting leading satellite networking companies, we
chose Mainstream because of its outstanding technology and unparalleled
twenty-year record of providing survival-dependent content distribution
services for the world's leading content creators," according to Tim Rust,
general manager, Operations, Technicolor Digital Cinema. "With an application
like ours, we couldn't afford but to select a reliable and proven service
provider such as Mainstream."
Scott E. Calder, President and CEO of
Mainstream Data, said "We are extraordinarily gratified that Technicolor
Digital Cinema selected us as its satellite-based network services provider. We
see this win as another ratification of our strategy of providing the world's
leading no-compromises digital media networks including interactive distance
learning, digital signage, and business television."
According to
Maureen Ahern, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Mainstream, "The
Technicolor bidding process was extremely demanding and rigorous, a real model
for the industry. There were high expectations to satisfy in terms of our DVB
satellite receiver, our technical integration and our IP expertise. But at the
end of the day, Technicolor told us that it was our absolute determination to
meet their needs that made the difference."
About Mainstream Data,
Inc.
Mainstream Data is a leading global content delivery solutions
provider offering a comprehensive range of services, equipment, and
applications for the collection, distribution, and display of digital media.
Since 1985, Mainstream Data networks have delivered breaking news, real-time
stock quotations, digital images, audio, and video to subscribers around the
world for blue-chip customers including Bloomberg, Dialog (a Thomson Company),
the European Pressphoto Agency, IDC ComStock, and Reuters. Mainstream Data
provides centrally managed IP-based information distribution services and
associated applications via DVB satellite broadcast, two-way VSAT networks, and
terrestrial connections.
About Thomson - Partner to the Media &
Entertainment Industries
Thomson provides services, systems and
technology to help its Media & Entertainment clients - content creators,
content distributors and users of its technology - realise their business goals
and optimise their performance in a rapidly changing technology environment.
The Group intends to become the preferred partner to the Media &
Entertainment Industries through its Technicolor, Grass Valley, RCA and Thomson
brands.
About Technicolor Electronic Content Distribution Services
Technicolor Electronic Content Distribution Services is a part of
Thomson's Services division, and is a leader in providing the preparation,
distribution, and exhibition of digital theatrical content for customers
worldwide through its Technicolor Digital Cinema business. In addition, ECDS
provides managed services to enable content distribution over IP networks that
allow customers to deliver a differentiated content offering.
(source:
Mainstream Data)