Cinedigm Reports on the State of Digital Cinema

Cinedigm Digital Cinema issued an update on the state of digital cinema in the United States. In 2008 and 2009, the digital transition -- defined as the industry's conversion from analog to digital technology -- was slowed, largely due to the lack of necessary financing. That trend shows signs of reversing; financing is now available and industry-wide momentum has returned. Hollywood movie studios have embraced digital cinema, both from a financing and a creative perspective.

At present, there are 7,736 digital screens (these figures do not include IMAX screens) at 2,112 sites in the United States and Canada, representing just over 21% of the approximately 36,000 screens in total. Of those 7,736 digital screens, almost 3,400 (44% of digital screens, 9% of all screens) are 3D-enabled, at 2,000 sites.

Though just under 10% of all U.S. and Canadian movie screens are currently 3D-enabled, industry-wide momentum has picked up markedly in the last few months. In late October, Cinedigm announced that it had secured a commitment letter for a $100 million financing from GE Capital and Société Générale that will support the deployment of up to 2,133 digital systems in 2010. Many exhibitors are also taking advantage of an Exhibitor-Buyer option that will permit them to convert an additional 2,000 to 3,000 screens.

Source: DCinemaToday