Sony Launches Digital Service in Japan

Sony will launch a new digital projection system lease and support service for digital theaters in Japan on Oct. 1, the company announced on Monday. Sony plans to introduce the digital systems to 500 screens within four years. Targeted exclusively at the Japanese market, the service will bow with the cooperation of the local offices of Fox, Disney and Sony Pictures Entertainment. The aim is to speed the digitalization of Japan's exhib sector.

The first to use the service will be multiplex operator T-Joy, which will introduce the Sony SRX-R220 digital cinema projector in its theaters in October. The company, an affiliate of Toei, plans to outfit all 15 of its sites -- 16 counting the one skedded to open in Kyoto at the end of 2009 -- with Sony digital projection systems. By 2011, T-Joy plans to have the systems on 150 screens.

One selling point of the support service for pic distribs and producers is a high-quality, reliable digital environment, as well as guarantees of DCI standards and support for new 3-D and 4K projection technologies. Another advantage is savings from eliminating print production and shipping costs, as well as more efficient theater management.

By Mark Schilling, Variety