Software

Digital Cinema United, SHARC offer content delivery to US theaters

Provided by Digital Cinema United

July 22, 2021

Digital Cinema United, provider of technical content services for theatrical, home entertainment and digital distribution platforms, launched its cloud-based DCU Connect platform into the U.S. to support content delivery for film distributors and theaters, according to a company press release.

DCU Connect is an electronic content delivery platform based on SHARC technology, developed in 2015 for digital cinema packages to be offered directly to movie theaters. Last year, DCU and SHARC entered into a technology partnership agreement. Nearly 1,800 theaters and over 10,000 screens are installed with SHARC technology across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S., with more territories slated to launch by the end of 2021.

"It's always been DCU's objective to streamline distribution and last mile services by offering an integrated digital delivery platform to the global theatrical marketplace and create better value for our film distribution and exhibition partners," Alan Christensen, CEO, Digital Cinema United said in the release.

Nu Metro Cinemas of South Africa has installed DCU connect in 16 of its theaters, according to Johan van Staden, Head of Technical for Nu Metro Cinemas.

"Since installing DCU Connect at our theaters, we have found it to be a reliable delivery platform and it has helped reduce our operational costs," he said in the release.

DCU Connect was developed to allow for fast, easy installation at movie theaters utilizing existing infrastructure and maintaining security measures through delivery. The installation, which consists of downloading the DCU Connect software, takes less than 25 minutes per location and can be done remotely or on-site, according to the release.

"As a technology company, it was important for us to partner with a company that has global reach and industry know-how to support the successful rollout of the platform. DCU checked those boxes for us," Thomas Ramin, CTO, SHARC said in the release. "We're very excited to support the expansion of DCU Connect, which will rapidly grow the footprint of our combined global network."

DCU, founded in 2015, has offices in Los Angeles, London, Prague, Czech Republic and Johannesburg, South Africa.