A project NORDIC to digitalize cinemas is under way in Norway. NORDIC means Norway’s Digital Interoperability in Cinemas. The cinemas and a State fund is paying for this together with international film interests. Similar projects are in progress in other countries. The American Digital Cinema Initiative DCI is also financing part of the project.
Some say it will not improve the viewing quality at all?
An all-digital distribution to the end user is the aim. Optical broadband lines are required as the digital files are large 1-4 TB, or 200-1000 DVDs. The technical side is a big challenge including format and equipment decisions.
The politics are not easy either: is this an American control mechanism or establishment of a monopoly to keep out others? Can others take part and is there a licence fee to pay? Are there standards that apply? Will we all be in the pockets of American studios? Will others have to establish their own systems?
The use of the system could be widened to include “heavy-duty” transmissions requiring sharp pictures, e.g. surgery, footballmatches. It is also hoped that smaller cinemas can be included, attracting many more viewers. Not a word about prices so far.
What happens to DVDs and internet streaming of movies, TV-movies?
This seems to be progress in many ways. It will also push forward better internet speeds, or maybe bit-torrent techniques will come in useful? May be the new technology will induce more people to come to the cinemas in the future.
Special “narrow” films can easily be shown, old films can be distributed like never before, special shows outside the big marketing efforts can be arranged easily, broader distribution is possible: you can watch the film in a little cinema at the same time as the big ones.
This will be exciting with sensible policies!