London Facility
D-Cinema “Test-Bed”
Set For June Launch
LONDON – The European Digital Cinema Test-Bed – said to be a neutral trial ground for the examination of all aspects of digital cinema – was set to launch June 17 at the National Film Theatre (NFT) in London.

A joint venture between the British Department of Trade and Industry and the British Film Institute’s NFT, the Test-Bed is expected to run for two years and encourage discussion and feedback on the topic of d-cinema amongst exhibitors, distributors, filmmakers and equipment makers.

Organizations such as the European Digital Cinema Forum, the British Kienematography Sound and Television Society, the British Society of Cinematographers and the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers are all expected to provide input. The Test-Bed is also expected to work closely with Hollywood’s Entertainment Technology Center. 

German Cinema Rocks
Sony Beams Etheridge
Concert To Five Sites
BERLIN, Germany – A May 16 event featuring a Los Angeles performance by Melissa Etheridge was beamed live into four German moviehouses and a radio studio in Holland.

The d-cinema hookup also allowed Etheridge to participate in a Q&A with European audiences. The 30-minute live segment was followed by a 78-minute telecast of music videos from the singer’s upcoming music DVD.
“Technology has allowed me to take part in this amazing satellite event,” noted Etheridge. “Performing live for my fans in Germany and Holland and being able to talk with them directly is very special.”

Participating exhibitors in Germany included Cinestar in Berlin, Cinemaxx in Hamburg and Cinedom in Cologne.