Harkness Screens 30/01/2019 Harkness Screens 30/01/2019

Harkness congratulates Vox Cinemas on their first cinema in Saudi Arabia

Vox Cinemas is set to open its doors this week in Jeddah, following the lifting of the ban on movie theatres in Saudi Arabia in 2018.

The cinema, based in Red Sea Mall, is the first of 600 planned theatres to be opened by Vox over the next five years and the company announced they would be investing $533 million into this project.

Last year, the global Box Office figures were considered encouraging across the cinema industry and in Asia, Harkness Global CEO Mark Ashcroft highlighted: “We’ve seen in India, massive movies like 2.0 that have obviously impacted the box office. I’ve talked about it before, but Bohemian Rhapsody just continues to go from strength to strength.”

The vision of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to diversify the economy with the growth of new industries, in particular entertainment, has to be a positive for Harkness because of the investment the company is continuing to put into the industry in Asia.

Mark added: “We’ve been honoured to supply Vox for many years and we would like to congratulate the team at Vox for this initiative in Saudi Arabia. Regionally we have invested in state of the art manufacturing and are committed to supporting cinema in the region.”

“In 2013-14, we built a facility in Bangalore and we had a record year in India. In truth, the local team in India have done a fabulous job in identifying Bollywood blockbusters and the release of 2.0 really set the Indian cinema market alight. They want it to be shown on great screens. It helps our business.”

According to the website Rapid TV News, recent research suggests the total cinema revenue in Saudi Arabia will hit $1.5 billion over the next 11 years and would see the country host 2,600 cinema screens across 370 locations.

With screen technology also advancing across the world and with Harkness being the leaders in this particular field, Mark added: “We are excited about our relationships with some of our key movie makers in the Asia region, but also, we have got great cinema partners in places like China.

“Elsewhere in the Asia region, there is great growth. The environmental conditions in Asia means screens tend to get that little bit dirtier a little bit quicker.

“We get a great amount of our existing customers coming back to us and saying ‘Hey, help us improve presentation because we need to replace this screen’ and that’s been the case in Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia and we hope that continues.”

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The Harkness Screens 2019 Q&A with CEO Mark Ashcroft

Global CEO Mark Ashcroft answered questions from journalist Chris Heal on Harkness’ end to 2018 and start to the New Year.

“CineAsia goes with Harkness Screens…Again!”

Q: So Mark, we sit here at the start of 2019 and we are hoping for another big year in the cinema industry. One key point at the end of last year was CineAsia again choosing Harkness as their screen technology provider. That must be pleasing?

MA: It was a great finish to 2018.The fact that the organisers of CineAsia chose our flagship product Clarus XC, was a real complement.

We’ve spent significant dollars and we have invested in numerous manufacturing facilities in Asia. In 2013-14, we built a facility in Bangalore and we had a record year in India. In truth, the local team in India have done a fabulous job in identifying Bollywood blockbusters and the release of 2.0 really set the Indian cinema market alight. Customers want blockbusters to be shown on great screens. It helps our business.

The China factory we completed in 2017 has all our latest technology. We are excited about our relationships with some of the key movie makers in the region, but also, we have great cinema partners in China; not only did Clarus catch their imagination the introduction of Perlux HiWhite created a real buzz. Elsewhere in the Asia region, there is great growth. The environmental conditions in Asia means screens tend to get that little bit dirtier a little bit quicker. We get a great number of our existing customers coming back to us and saying ‘Hey, help us improve presentation because we need to replace this screen’ and that’s been the case in Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia.

We are also really delighted at the start of 2019 and to announce that CinemaCon have once again chosen to partner with Harkness and use Clarus XC as the screen of choice for the sixth year running at the Las Vegas convention.

There is a real respect for Harkness Screen technology and I think when we look at 2018 finishing and 2019 starting, the global box office for 2018 was absolutely staggering - $41.7 billion which was a record. If you had asked a lot of industry experts 18 months ago what the movie slate was for 2018, they would have said not as good as 2017. What I am hearing now is that there is real excitement for the slate for 2019 so let’s be optimistic and I think as an industry, we can beat that $41.7 billion!

Laser projection key for Harkness

Q: Just to go back to something we discussed towards the end of last year, Laser Projection is one of the key topics we have chatted about and the Buyer’s Guide to Laser Projection has been launched. It is co-edited by your colleagues so it must be great to see that Harkness have that sort of influence?

MA: Harkness has, in my experience of its 90 years of history, contributed to the cinema industry as a whole. I was researching the history of Harkness and I found myself smiling because I saw that Harkness were at one point owned by ‘The Rank Organisation’ at the same time they also owned the Odeon Group.

Harkness has been part of the history of cinema. That has been achieved by contributing to industry associations and currently, two of our team Richard Mitchell and Matt Jahans, represent Harkness on technology trade bodies spanning Europe and the world.

It was one of those trade bodies that decided that there was so much new information about laser projectors that it was worth consolidating that in a Buyer’s guide. That’s got to be welcome because the development of laser projections is happening so quickly. Within the four years I have been aware of laser projectors, there have been so many different models from different manufacturers. It is an exciting area because we know that laser projectors give a great presentation to the consumer, but if you are purchasing a laser projector, there is a lot of information out there so I really think the trade body have done an excellent job in putting that guide together.

Perlux Hi White is Premiere

Q: You reference the history of Harkness Mark, but to bring it back to the here and now, I noticed Perlux HiWhite was chosen for the Mary Poppins Returns premiere, what a great way to end 2018?!

MA: Over Christmas, it was interesting to see the number of people who actually told me they had been to see ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ and how much they enjoyed it. That was young and old, male and female.

They know that I am with Harkness Screens so they always ask ‘Do you know if we were watching it on a Harkness Screen?’ It would be nice to be able to say yes instantly, but with a 90-year history, there are so many of our screens in different locations, many of which we don’t know!

The Mary Poppins experience for us was fantastic in many ways, we were chosen to do the premiere at the Royal Albert Hall with Perlux HiWhite and it looked spectacular. That coincided with another premiere we supported towards the end of 2018 with Bohemian Rhapsody. That was very positive for us and that Bohemian Rhapsody movie has gone from strength to strength; that spectacular premiere gave the movie a massive kick start.

I went to the movies recently and saw the latest Papillon movie. One of the stars of that movie plays the lead in Bohemian Rhapsody; Rami Malek. He was a Golden Globe winner recently. If you get the chance to see his performance in Papillon, it is absolutely fantastic.

The consumer comes first

Q: And finally, Mark, we talk about the experience for the consumer because at the end of the day, they are a vital part in the cinema industry. We saw that Shang’s new cinemas have been renovated with new Harkness Screens to give a ‘red-carpet’ premiere feel about it. That is great news?!

MA: The consumer will choose not to go to back to the cinema if they have a poor viewing experience. As we work with our cinema customers, projector manufacturers and 3D manufacturers, there is no doubt in my mind that the presentation is improving and will be a contributor to future box office records.

I can see that cinemas are going to give the consumer better and better viewing experiences. Let’s face it, that has got to start with the screen. Harkness are heavily invested in new screen surfaces that make that presentation better. We go beyond the screen surface and we are now able to monitor the light on the screen.

My feeling is that ability now allows us to almost put ourselves in any seat in the auditorium and explain to the cinema operator, but perhaps the consumer, what their viewing experience is going to be like. That could well lead to us being able to provide compelling data to cinema operators that would allow them to create dynamic pricing models.

Dynamic seat pricing certainly works for the airline industry, but my suspicion is that it has been difficult to do within a cinema because you have not been able to quantify what each seat is capable of doing.

With our monitoring and modelling technology, we are getting closer and closer to being able to do that. Rather than it being a flat 2D image of a seat plan, give us six months and I believe we will be able to show that in a 3D, beautifully graphic presentation that should keep cinema’s customers coming back.

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“The ‘wow’ obviously starts with the creativity of the film maker”

Global CEO of Harkness Screens, Mark Ashcroft, believes the creativity of a film maker and the technology being used are reasons why the domestic box office has recently hit $10 billion in record time.

According to the website deadline.com, the box office generated $11.4 billion in 2016, but in 2018, it is on course to beat that 12-month figure from two years ago.

Without what is becoming a mandatory Star Wars film to end the year, many would have expected the box office figure to be down, but Mark feels the imagination of the movie maker and the technology used are contributing factors to why the popularity of the cinema is increasing.

“I think this time last year, we were all getting really excited about Star Wars,” said Mark.

“We were excited because the heritage and the backstory is so important to the cinema industry. That movie hit the box office and went superbly.

“That means people are coming to the cinema and are looking to be entertained and looking for a ‘wow.’ That ‘wow’ obviously starts with the creativity of the film maker. You have then got the post-production and then the movie comes to the cinema.

“The projector manufactures have also been investing heavily in new forms of projection technology, lasers particularly. In my mind, we are already on our third or fourth generation of laser projectors and that is in no more than four years.

“Those projectors give a great and consistent light. Movie makers, cinema owners and the audience have all benefitted from the fantastic screens, these great new projectors and the great content.”

In 2018, there has been that ‘great content’ which Mark eludes to. Films such as Venom, A Star is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody have all whetted the appetite of cinema-goers and in turn, these movies have helped enhance the experience for consumers.

Mark added: “We were responsible for providing the screen for the Wembley Premiere of Bohemian Rhapsody. That was one of the premieres of 2018. To have been a part of it and to have contributed to its success is a huge endorsement of what we do at Harkness.

“In terms of the figures in the United States, they are hugely encouraging because people want to go to the cinema. Going to the cinema is not a lonely experience. It has been an experience where you can go with friends and family.

“Looking at a smart phone screen with your headphones in doesn’t have that same experience and also, virtual reality really takes that loneliness a step further because you are putting goggles on and you’re totally removed from everybody else.

“Cinema is the opposite of that. Cinema is about sharing your experience and I do believe that is a really important step in the right direction.

“Fine dining and service to your seat within the cinema has increased. The style and quality of the seating has been upgraded. We have also seen the introduction of new formats and all of this makes the moving-going experience more impactful.”

Despite the positive box office numbers, Mark admitted that in China, the figures were affected because of the limited number of releases that occurred last month.

“What was interesting was the headline figure for the United States was positive yet, in China during October’s national weeks holiday, we actually saw numbers down,” Mark continued.

“That was disappointing. We know that box office has been difficult in China and we also know that there were less Hollywood releases during October that could have influenced those box office numbers.”

However, despite the dip in China and the continuing evolution of phone and television technology across the world, the cinema and movie industry seem to be in a healthy state as we prepare to enter 2019.

With Marvel set to release more films from their franchise as well as Toy Story 4, Star Wars XI and the new Avatar film expected to hit our screens next year, Mark is excited for Harkness to carry on working alongside the latest technology in order for consumers to feel the whole cinema experience when watching the headline movies.

“I think for cinemas, the slate of upcoming movies is really important to them”, Mark said. “There are some encouraging signs as we go into 2019. It is often mentioned that Avatar 2 is due out which transformed 3D.

“If you go back 10 years, 3D screens were being installed in their thousands. Those screens, inevitably, would have gone on to frames which were at least 10 years old.

“What we have seen is the cinema have tried to create that experience, by starting to curve and tilt the screens, for example.

“We have seen the walls of the cinema used to display the image. The lobby experience on the way into the auditorium has been upgraded so that complete experience and that immersive effect has been so important.

“I believe as the projector manufactures look at the next generation of lasers, they will be initially looking to take the existing screens and use those screens.

“As the light engine within a laser is modified, we at Harkness, really need to be able to develop optical screen surfaces that can optimise the total presentation.

“For me, one of the most exciting parts of my job is actually working with our R & D team as we look at some of these new optical surfaces and how they can be deployed across our manufacturing units.”

Article by Chris Heal.

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Harkness Screens launches updates to Digital Screen Modeller and Calculator tools

CINEASIA, HONG KONG, DECEMBER 11TH 2018 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness has launched an updated versions for Apple iOS, Android and Web of its industry leading equipment and theatre design and specification tools the Digital Screen Modeller and Digital Screen Calculator.

The latest versions include a number of productivity updates, up-to-date data on Harkness’ Perlux HiWhite screens as well as a current inventory of projection equipment from major manufacturers and the inclusion of including:-

Barco DP4K-36BLPBarco DP2K-36BLP
Barco DP4K-18BLPHC
Barco DP4K-13BLPHC
Barco DP2K-17BLP
Barco DP4K-19B
Christie CP4325-RGB
Christie CP2315-RGB
Christie CP2320-RGB
Christie CP2208
Christie CP2308
NEC NC3541L
NEC NC2041L
Sony SRX-R815P
Sony SRX R815DS

Harkness’ leading app platform has been helping exhibitors and integrators to obtain better outcomes from new build, refurbishment and equipment uplift choices since 2013. The platform consists of five tools and has over 15,000 downloads to date across all platforms.

Further information on the Digital Screen Modeller or Digital Screen Calculator can be found at www.harkness-screens.com or by visiting the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

About Harkness Screens

Harkness Screens™ is the world's leading screen technology company, specialising in the design and manufacture of projection screens and supporting technologies. From single-screen independent theatres to large multiplexes to large format immersive theatre experiences or live events, Harkness supplies thousands of screens every year for cinema, film production, special effects, live events and custom AV applications.

With truly global reach, Harkness is regarded as the world leader in cinema and today has screens in more cinemas worldwide than any other manufacturer. With its industry leading 2D and 3D screen brands (Clarus XC, Perlux HiWhite and Spectral) along with its innovative range of Curolux presentation monitoring tools, iOS/Android apps and ancilliary services, Harkness continues to lead the way in screen technology for cinema.

Founded in 1929, Harkness has manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, France, India and China. Harkness Screens combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology and production methods to provide innovative solutions to the company’s key markets worldwide. For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.

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Clarus XC continues to set the standard as screen of choice for CineAsia 2018

CINEASIA, HONG KONG, DECEMBER 10TH 2018 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness is once again delighted to confirm that Clarus XC technology is the screen of choice for 2D and 3D theatrical presentations during CineAsia 2018, the industry’s leading event for the Asian market.

The show’s auditorium in the Hong Kong Exhibition Centre features a 10.7m x 4.7m Clarus XC 170 screen used to showcase the latest showreels and movies from leading distributors both in 2D and 3D using RealD technology and Christie projection.

Designed to work with all polarized 3D systems and regarded as the premium screen of choice for all 3D presentations including polarized laser 3D due to its speckle reduction properties, Clarus XC screens create visibly deeper 3D content which draws in the audience creating a more captivating viewing experience. A whiter and more uniform look under projection mean that colours look visibly richer and more accurate both in 2D and 3D resulting in a more defined, sharper and crisper picture without the requirement to vibrate the screen.

“We’re delighted to continue our long association with CineAsia providing our Clarus XC technology for the fifth successive year, incorporating our leading NanolastTM technology which improves the visual performance of the screen by creating an even smoother finish,” explains Richard Mitchell, VP Global Marketing & Commercial Development at Harkness Screens.

At its core, Clarus XC technology features 4th generation d-smooth coating technology which has specific properties more commonly seen in white screens. This technology enables Clarus XC screens to benefit from significantly wide viewing angles, improved colour and contrast and better light distribution compared to traditional 3D silver screens.

The screen also features Harkness’ exclusive 4K Digital Perforation Pattern designed to improve sound transmission in the spoken range, reduce moiré effect often seen in 4K projection and increase light reflectivity.

About Harkness Screens

Harkness Screens™ is the world's leading screen technology company, specialising in the design and manufacture of projection screens and supporting technologies. From single-screen independent theatres to large multiplexes to large format immersive theatre experiences or live events, Harkness supplies thousands of screens every year for cinema, film production, special effects, live events and custom AV applications.

With truly global reach, Harkness is regarded as the world leader in cinema and today has screens in more cinemas worldwide than any other manufacturer. With its industry leading 2D and 3D screen brands (Perlux and Spectral) along with its innovative range of tools and iOS/Android apps, Harkness continues to lead the way in screen technology for cinema.

Founded in 1929, Harkness has manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, France, India and China. Harkness Screens combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology and production methods to provide innovative solutions to the company’s key markets worldwide. For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.

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Meet Harkness Screens at CineAsia 2018

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'One Vision' - Creating the perfect image for Bohemian Rhapsody

The SSE Arena, Wembley was the scene for a lavish production on a scale even Queen themselves would have been proud of: the world premiere of Bohemian Rhapsody, charting the band’s rise to fame and the life of their legendary frontman, Freddie Mercury.

In keeping with their over-the-top approach, this was no ordinary premiere. An audience of 7000 film makers, studio executives, media, special guests and Queen fans joined the cast of the film and band members Bryan May and Roger Taylor on the red carpet and at the screening, at the scene of Queen’s renowned performance at Live Aid in 1985. Such a special occasion demanded a specially-installed screen too – courtesy of Harkness…

Interview with Mark Ashcroft, Harkness Screens CEO

In a series of short interviews, acclaimed Jazz historian Ted Gioia sits down with Harkness Screens CEO Mark Ashcroft to talk about the movie industry, the movie-going experience, screen technology and manufacturing.

Current Developments at Harkness Screens

Differentiating the cinema going experience

Developing screen technology for the future

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Clarus XC the big screen of choice for Cine Europe 2018

CINE EUROPE, BARCELONA, JUNE 5TH 2018 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness is delighted to confirm that Clarus XC technology will be the screen of choice for 2D and 3D theatrical presentations during Cine Europe 2018.

The show’s auditorium inside the CCIB will feature a 26.35m x 7.5m Clarus XC 170 screen used to showcase both 2D and 3D content from distributors.

Designed to work with all polarized 3D systems and regarded as the screen of choice for polarized laser 3D presentation due to its speckle reduction properties, Clarus XC screens create visibly deeper 3D content which draws in the audience creating a more captivating viewing experience. A whiter look under projection mean that colours look visibly richer and more accurate both in 2D and 3D resulting in a more defined, sharper and crisper picture.

“We’re delighted to continue the long association with the biggest and best movie convention in Europe providing our Clarus XC technology once again explains Richard Mitchell, VP Global Marketing & Commercial Development at Harkness Screens. Each year Bob and Andrew Sunshine along with the team at the FilmExpo Group and Kelonik transform the auditorium within the CCIB into a state-of-the-art cinema creating an incredible venue for movie studios and manufacturers to showcase the best of cinema. We’re very honoured to see our products performing such an important part in this.”

At its core, Clarus XC technology features 4th generation d-smooth coating technology which has specific properties more commonly seen in white screens. This technology enables Clarus XC screens to benefit from significantly wide viewing angles, improved colour and contrast and better light distribution compared to traditional 3D silver screens.

The screen will also feature Harkness’ NanolastTM coating technology launched in 2017 which provides additional improvements in visual performance as well as added durability and robustness. It will also feature Harkness’ proprietary 4K Digital Perforation Pattern designed to improve sound transmission in the spoken range, reduce moiré effect often seen in 4K projection and increase light reflectivity.

Cine Europe 2018 attendees will be able to find out further information on Harkness’ products by visiting the Harkness Screens suite during the show (Meeting Room 131, 1st Floor CCIB).

With global reach, Harkness is regarded as the world leader in cinema and has screens in more cinemas worldwide than any other manufacturer. With its industry leading 2D and 3D screen brands (Perlux HiWhite, Clarus XC and Spectral) along with an innovative range of presentation monitoring tools, digital surveying services and suite of cinema design and specification apps, Harkness continues to lead the way in screen technology for cinema.

Founded in 1929, Harkness has manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, France, India and China and combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology and production methods to provide innovative solutions to the company’s key markets. For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.

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Independent research shows image quality matters to movie-goers and can drive incremental revenue.

CINEMACON (BOOTH #2203A), LAS VEGAS, APRIL 24TH 2018 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness has announced the results of an in-depth consumer research study conducted by National CineMedia into presentation quality, auditorium technology and the influences these have on the choices the movie-goer makes when choosing to visit the cinema.

Carried out during March and early April 2018 and with over 1,000 responses from movie-goers across the United States, this latest research showcases the requirement for cinema exhibitors around the world to look closely at presentation quality and to consider the impact that sub-standard presentation has on movie-goers.

“Whilst it is very clear from the research that movie-goers overwhelmingly prefer the cinema to watching a movie at home because of the immersive nature of the big screen and the shared experience, it is essential that exhibitors focus on getting the most out of their existing equipment, optimise their auditoriums, monitor presentation performance and carefully consider upgrade and replacement programs for all items including screens to ensure that movie theaters continue to differentiate from the experience movie-goers receive at home,” explains Richard Mitchell, VP Global Marketing and Commercial Development at Harkness Screens.

The research suggests that technology remains a key part of the cinema experience with movie-goers having a distinct awareness of the technology present inside the auditorium and more than two thirds of respondents claiming that this has a strong bearing on their decision as to which movie theater to visit. Specific to the technology inside the theater, 88% of movie-goers polled suggested that image quality is extremely important both in the decision to visit a theater and also to their enjoyment of the movie. This is further exemplified by over 40% of movie-goers suggesting that they would be more willing to consider watching more movies in 3D again if presentation and image quality was improved.

“We have long championed that exhibitors need to do more to ensure that they are providing movie-goers with the best possible presentation and that it has a profound effect on the revenue line of the exhibitor. Not only does the research point very strongly towards this but also shows the potential to create incremental box office through premium pricing on 3D movie tickets. With more than half of our panellists suggesting that improved image and presentation quality would make them more likely to visit the theater more often, it is clear that exhibitors investing in maintaining and upgrading their presentation equipment, particularly their 3D and projection technology (where there have been enormous advances since the 3D roll-out eight years ago) are creating a differentiator and driving a return on the investments they continue to make,” Mitchell adds.

For more information on this research visit www.harkness-screens.com

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Harkness Screens Launches New Perlux HiWhite Technology

Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness has launched its brand new 2D and Active 3D screen surface, Perlux® HiWhite.

CINEMACON (BOOTH #2203A), LAS VEGAS, APRIL 23RD 2018 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness has launched its brand new 2D and Active 3D screen surface, Perlux® HiWhite.

Perlux HiWhite re-imagines Harkness' previous Perlux products to create the whitest ever gain screen with ultra-wide viewing angles, improved uniformity, superior colour and contrast rendition and natively laser-ready.

“Our Perlux screen range has been the industry standard in white gain screens for over thirty years. During that time, Perlux technology has overseen the transition from film to digital and been a key component in helping exhibitors to provide an outstanding visual experience to movie-goers around the world, whilst enabling exhibitors to manage operational budgets on power consumption and consumables such as projection lamps. Perlux HiWhite maintains that proposition whilst dramatically improving the overall visual performance of the screen delivering an incredible experience to every seat in the auditorium showcasing content as the film-maker intended,” explains Matt Jahans, Director of Cinema Technology at Harkness Screens.

Perlux HiWhite screens also benefit from Harkness’ recently launched NanolastTM technology helping to create an even more durable screen less prone to installation or surface damage. By adding additional strength to the base coating technology, the most often seen types of screen damage are mitigated and therefore risk of exhibitors requiring screen replacements is reduced thus improving total cost of ownership from their Harkness coated cinema screens.

Combining these two technologies together delivers ultra-wide viewing angles with a minimum 40% increase in half-gain angle, dramatically improved uniformity, superior color and contrast rendition and compatibility with all laser light sources.

“Whether it’s to improve on-screen brightness from ageing projectors, reduce operating and lamp costs or to convert from silver 3D screens back to white 2D screens, we believe that Perlux HiWhite has a number of valid uses all of which help to enrich the movie-going experience and we are delighted with initial feedback from leading exhibitors around the world who are already seeing enormous improvements in presentation quality from utilising Perlux HiWhite technology, Jahans adds.

Perlux HiWhite is available globally in three gain levels (1.4, 1.8 and 2.2) with a maximum size of 60’ (18.28m) in height and screens can be shipped either rolled or folded in a box for expedited delivery.

Visitors to Cinemacon 2018 will be able to see Perlux HiWhite screens the show in the Octavius ballroom and samples of the new screen surface will be available on the Harkness Screens booth #2203A (Augustus Ballroom).

For more information on the Perlux HiWhite family visit www.harkness-screens.com

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Vox Cinemas installs Clarus XC screens for first cinema in Saudi Arabia

CINEMACON, LAS VEGAS, , USA, APRIL 24TH 2018 —Harkness Screens, the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness, has partnered with Majid Al Futtaim owned Vox Cinemas to provide its premium 3D and 2D Clarus XC screen technology to support the opening of the new 4-screen Riyadh Park, Vox Cinemas first site in Saudi Arabia.

Clarus XC technology has been specially selected by Vox Cinemas for its ability to provide breath-taking presentations in 3D and 2D with outstanding uniformity, contrast and 3D depth.

“We’ve worked with Vox Cinemas for many years supplying our entire range of screen surfaces to support their growth,” explains Tony Dilley, VP Sales, EMEA at Harkness Screens. “Vox Cinemas have always invested in the very best equipment available to provide movie-goers with an unforgettable experience and we’re delighted to partner with Vox to bring a premium experience to the first movie-goers in over 35 years, in Saudi Arabia.

Designed to work with all passive 3D systems, Clarus XC screens create visibly deeper 3D content which draws in the audience creating a more captivating viewing experience. A whiter look under projection mean that colours look visibly richer and more accurate both in 2D and 3D resulting in a more defined, sharper and crisper picture.

Mark Smith, Technical Director at Vox Cinemas, said, “When it comes to showcasing content as the film-maker intended in 2D but particularly in 3D, there’s no doubting that Clarus XC adds a level of sharpness, clarity and depth, that makes for a high quality immersive experience."

The fourth generation d-smooth coating technology at the heart of Clarus XC has specific properties more commonly seen in white screens. This technology enables Clarus XC screens to benefit from significantly improved light distribution compared to traditional 3D silver screens. Through this, visible hot-spotting is reduced and uniformity is greatly increased, making compliance with 2D industry standards more easily achievable.

For more information on Clarus XC visit www.harkness-screens.com/

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Harkness the exclusive screen supplier to Cinemacon 2018

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA, USA, APRIL 6TH 2018 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness is delighted to confirm that Clarus XC technology will be the screen of choice for 2D and 3D theatrical presentations during Cinemacon 2018, for the fifth successive year.

The show’s auditorium in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace will feature an 18.2m x 7.85m (71’ x 30.25’) Clarus XC 170 screen used to showcase both 2D and 3D content from major distributors.

Designed to work with all polarized 3D systems and regarded as the screen of choice for polarized laser 3D presentation due to its speckle reduction properties, Clarus XC screens create visibly deeper 3D content which draws in the audience creating a more captivating viewing experience. A whiter look under projection mean that colours look visibly richer and more accurate both in 2D and 3D resulting in a more defined, sharper and crisper picture.

“We’re delighted to continue the long association with Cinemacon providing our Clarus XC technology for the fifth time to the Colosseum,” explains Richard Mitchell, VP Global Marketing & Commercial Development at Harkness Screens. Each year Mitch (Neuhauser) and his incredible team along with Boston Light and Sound transform the Colosseum into one of the best cinema auditoria in the world creating a truly magnificent environment for major Hollywood studios and manufacturers to showcase the best of cinema. We’re very honoured to see our products performing such an important part in this”.

At its core, Clarus XC technology features 4th generation d-smooth coating technology which has specific properties more commonly seen in white screens. This technology enables Clarus XC screens to benefit from significantly wide viewing angles, improved color and contrast and better light distribution compared to traditional 3D silver screens.

The screen will also feature Harkness’ NanolastTM coating technology launched in 2017 which provides additional improvements in visual performance as well as added durability and robustness. It will also feature Harkness’ proprietary 4K Digital Perforation Pattern designed to improve sound transmission in the spoken range, reduce moiré effect often seen in 4K projection and increase light reflectivity.

In addition to the showcase Clarus XC screen, Harkness will also provide a number of Harkness’ newly launched Perlux HiWhite screens which will be on display in the Octavius ballroom.

Cinemacon 2018 attendees will be able to find out further information on Harkness’ products by visiting the Harkness Screens booth #2203A (Augustus Ballroom) during the show.

About Harkness Screens
Harkness Screens™ is the world's leading screen technology company, specialising in the design and manufacture of projection screens and supporting technologies. From single-screen independent theatres to large multiplexes to large format immersive theatre experiences or live events, Harkness supplies thousands of screens every year for cinema, film production, special effects, live events and custom AV applications.

With truly global reach, Harkness is regarded as the world leader in cinema and today has screens in more cinemas worldwide than any other manufacturer. With its industry leading 2D and 3D screen brands (Perlux and Spectral) along with its innovative range of tools and iOS/Android apps, Harkness continues to lead the way in screen technology for cinema.

Founded in 1929, Harkness has manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, France, India and China. Harkness Screens combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology and production methods to provide innovative solutions to the company’s key markets worldwide. For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.

Harkness Screens 15/02/2018 Harkness Screens 15/02/2018

Harkness Screens, official supplier to 68th Berlinale

BERLIN, GERMANY, 15TH FEBRUARY 2018 - Harkness Screens, the world leader in screen technology and manufacturer of premium cinema screens, has been confirmed as an Official Supplier to the 68th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) due to take place between 15th and 25th February 2018.

The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) was founded in 1951. Today, the festival is not only the biggest audience film festival in the world and one of the most important dates on the international film industry‘s calendar but a can‘t-miss cinema fest for all film lovers. The Berlinale presents the entire spectrum of cinema with its wide variety of Sections and Initiatives, all with their specific profile.

This year, Harkness Screens will be an Official Supplier to the festival providing a number of Clarus XC 170 screens incorporating Harkness’ proprietary 4K Digital Perforation and new Nanolast coating technology throughout venues in Berlin.

Festival Director Dieter Kosslick remarks: “As a film festival we always endeavour to present the participating films in the best possible quality. Therefore we are very excited about the support of Harkness Screens to provide state of the art projection Clarus XC screens for our premiere venues Berlinale Palast and Friedrichstadt-Palast amongst others.”

Designed to present 2D content and to work with all polarized 3D, Clarus XC screens create visibly deeper 3D content which draws in the audience creating a more captivating viewing experience. A whiter look under projection mean that colours look visibly richer and more accurate both in 2D and 3D resulting in a more defined, sharper and crisper picture. Clarus XC screens are also regarded as the screen of choice for polarized laser 3D presentation due to its speckle reduction properties.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with colleagues at Berlinale to bring our leading Clarus XC screen technology to audiences at what is widely regarded as one of the most important global film festivals,” explains Richard Mitchell, VP Global Marketing & Commercial Development at Harkness Screens.” Our Clarus XC screens along incorporating our new Nanolast technology will allow venues across the festival to show 2D content with exceptional uniformity, colours and contrast whilst still allowing 3D content to be shown. We’re confident that our screens will help provide an unforgettable experience for film-makers and audiences alike,” he adds.

Whilst improving robustness, Nanolast technology also enhances the visual performance of screen surfaces by creating an even smoother, whiter and more uniform finish. This improvement creates a more immersive viewing experience by increasing the richness of colours, adding further depth of field to 3D presentations and widening viewing angles.

Further information about Harkness’ Clarus XC screen technology, Digital 4K Perforations and Nanolast technology can be found at www.harkness-screens.com

With truly global reach, Harkness is regarded as the world leader in cinema and today has screens in more cinemas worldwide than any other manufacturer. With its industry leading 2D and 3D screen brands (Perlux and Spectral) along with its innovative range of tools and iOS/Android apps, Harkness continues to lead the way in screen technology for cinema.

Founded in 1929, Harkness has manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, France, India and China. Harkness Screens combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology and production methods to provide innovative solutions to the company’s key markets worldwide. For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.

# # #

HARKNESS CONTACT:
Richard Mitchell – VP Global Marketing & Commercial Development
Unit A Norton Road
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 2BB

Email: marketing@harkness-screens.com
Web: www.harkness-screens.com

Harkness Screens 11/12/2017 Harkness Screens 11/12/2017

Clarus XC Technology the official screen of CineAsia 2017

CINEASIA, HONG KONG, DECEMBER 10TH 2017 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness is once again delighted to confirm that Clarus XC technology is the screen of choice for 2D and 3D theatrical presentations during CineAsia 2017, the industry’s leading event for the Asian market.

The show’s auditorium in the Hong Kong Exhibition Centre features an 10.7m x 4.7m Clarus XC 170 screen used to showcase the latest showreels and movies from leading distributors both in 2D and 3D using RealD technology and Christie projection.

Designed to work with all polarized 3D systems and regarded as the premium screen of choice for all 3D presentations including polarized laser 3D due to its speckle reduction properties, Clarus XC screens create visibly deeper 3D content which draws in the audience creating a more captivating viewing experience. A whiter and more uniform look under projection mean that colours look visibly richer and more accurate both in 2D and 3D resulting in a more defined, sharper and crisper picture without the requirement to vibrate the screen.

“We’re delighted to continue our long association with CineAsia providing our Clarus XC technology for the fourth successive year, this time incorporating our brand new NanolastTM technology which improves the visual performance of the screen by creating an even smoother finish,” explains Richard Mitchell, VP Global Marketing & Commercial Development at Harkness Screens.

The screen also features Harkness’ exclusive 4K Digital Perforation Pattern designed to improve sound transmission in the spoken range, reduce moiré effect often seen in 4K projection and increase light reflectivity.

Harkness Screens 13/11/2017 Harkness Screens 13/11/2017

Harkness Screens unveils new more robust coating technology for all screens.

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA, USA, NOVEMBER 6TH 2017 - Harkness Screens, the world leader in screen technology and manufacturer of premium cinema screens, has announced the introduction of its new high performance coating technology Nanolast TM.

Nanolast coating technology is an improvement added to the formulation of all of Harkness’ coated screen families (including Clarus XC, Perlux and Spectral). The new technology adds a stronger polymer structure to the existing coating technology to create a significantly more robust and durable surface with added visual performance improvements.

David Harrison CTO of Harkness Screens said “At Harkness we strive to continue to improve the performance of our screens. Nanolast technology is a major enhancement providing exhibitors with a more durable screen less prone to installation or surface damage. By adding additional strength to the base coating technology, we are able to mitigate the most often seen types of screen damage and therefore reduce the risk of exhibitors requiring screen replacements thus improving total cost of ownership from their Harkness coated cinema screens.”

Whilst improving robustness, Nanolast technology also enhances the visual performance of screen surfaces by creating an even smoother, whiter and more uniform finish. This improvement creates a more immersive viewing experience by increasing the richness of colours, adding further depth of field to 3D presentations and widening viewing angles.
“Many of our customers are now starting to rapidly adopt the latest projection technologies including phosphor and RGB laser. The unique properties of Nanolast provide a complementary surface for showcasing the visual improvements offered in the latest generation of cinema projectors such as 4K, HDR and wide color gamut,” Harrison adds.

Nanolast technology is an incremental improvement added to all Harkness coated screens and is now available from Harkness’ global manufacturing facilities in USA, China, UK, France and India.

Further information about Harkness’ new production facility can be found at www.harkness-screens.com

Harkness Screens 03/10/2017 Harkness Screens 03/10/2017

Harkness Screens showcases major investment with new state-of-the-art USA cinema screen production facility.

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA, USA, OCTOBER 3RD 2017 - Harkness Screens, the world leader in screen technology and manufacturer of premium cinema screens, has announced that it will open a new manufacturing facility in the USA. The state-of-the-art facility based in Roanoke, Virginia will replace the existing plant, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and will commence manufacturing of Harkness’ leading screen technologies from Fall 2017. Meanwhile, the company will retain a presence in Fredericksburg with the opening of a new commercial and administration office.

Mark Ashcroft, Global CEO of Harkness Screens said “The significant ingenuity and creativity that goes into producing and presenting a movie, from distribution all the way through to exhibition, deserves a premium screen to create a fantastic movie-going experience. That’s what Harkness is all about and that’s what the new factory is all about. These are exciting times for the movie industry, for Harkness Screens and our cinema customers and this significant investment demonstrates our continued commitment to producing premium screen technology locally to serve the US and Latin American market.”

At close to 100,000 square feet, the new facility increases capacity five-fold. Harkness’ high-performance coated 2D and 3D screens including Clarus XC, Perlux Digital and Spectral which maximize brightness, uniformity and enhance colors and contrasts can now be made bigger, up to 60 feet in height and over 140 feet in width. The new factory is equipped with the proprietary Harkness Digital Perforation process for superior 4K and laser image quality and enhanced audio transmission.

Mark Ashcroft further commented, “With the conversion of cinemas to luxury formats, we are seeing an increased demand for similar upgrades to the screen, to ensure that it too is part of the new enhanced movie experience for consumers. After listening carefully to our customers about their needs in the coming years we have shaped the new factory to not only meet that increasing screen demand but also to be able to best deploy exciting new coating technologies under development that will further optimize screens for 2D and 3D presentation as well as supporting emerging projection and sound technologies.”

Further information about Harkness’ new production facility can be found at www.harkness-screens.com

Harkness Screens 08/06/2017 Harkness Screens 08/06/2017

Free Screen Cleaning, Curolux and Building Performance Simulation Demos at CineEurope.

With so much incredible technology to show this year, we've decided to put it all in one room! Join us in our suite (Room 131, First Floor, CCIB) for refreshments and a personalised demonstration of screen maintenance techniques, state-of-the-art presentation monitoring tools and 3D building performance simulation. You can book your free appointment online now by clicking on the relevant button below.

Screen dusting, cleaning and Maintenance

How long should a screen last? When is it time to replace a screen? Can a screen be dusted and spot cleaned to improve performance?

Learn More

Curolux presentation monitoring

Automated and manual tools powered by Qalif designed to monitor and maintain audio and visual quality in cinema to ensure excellence.

Learn More

Building Performance Simluation

Rapid 3D modelling allows you to understand how your building performs; from retail efficiency through to security and evacuation plans.

Learn More

Harkness Screens 16/05/2017 Harkness Screens 16/05/2017

Harkness Screens announces the return of the Harklets at CineEurope 2017

Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in presentation quality has announced the forthcoming release of its animated sequel starring its storytelling characters, the Harklets.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, 10TH MAY 2017 - Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in presentation quality has announced the forthcoming release of its animated sequel starring its storytelling characters, the Harklets.

Designed to help educate and inform the movie industry in a simple and fun way, the Harklets return at CineEurope 2017 in their second animated adventure tackling a dirty screen in need or urgent attention.

‘The Harklets in The Dirty Cinema Screen' is a short, fully animated adventure following on from the 2016 adventure 'The Harklets in Reality Capture for Cinema' and sees the return of legendary British actor and explorer Brian Blessed OBE as the voice over. Famed for his big booming voice and personality, he is most remembered for his iconic roles including Prince Vultan in 1980s cult movie Flash Gordon, as the voice of Boss Nass in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and in countless Shakespearean productions on both stage and film.

“After the success of the first adventure last year, we're delighted to bring the brilliance of Brian Blessed OBE and our quirky blue friends back to the movie industry and premiere the new story at CineEurope, says Richard Mitchell,” VP Global Marketing at Harkness Screens. “Right now cinema exhibitors are focused on utilizing capital to improve the movie-going experience primarily through the implementation of reclining seating and lobby experiences rather than through technology upgrades to the auditorium. During this period it's important that exhibitors don't lose sight of the requirement to provide an excellent movie presentation experience and the importance of a well performing screen,” he adds.

The short will receive its world premiere at the International Cinema Technology Association seminar at CineEurope, ‘The Harklets in The Dirty Cinema Screen’ will be found online across various video sharing sites including YouTube from June 19th 2017.

“Through the new Harklets movie, we're able to highlight the types of screen damage that affect presentation quality and require a screen replacement whilst at the same time showing the industry how, with minimal financial outlay and particular care, an existing screen that may be coming towards the end of its useful life might be preserved for a little longer until exhibitors are able to go back and retrofit the auditorium with next generation sight and sound equipment,” Mitchell adds.

Further information can be found by visiting www.harkness-screens.com/harklets

Harkness Screens 29/03/2017 Harkness Screens 29/03/2017

Harkness Screens launches new 3D BIM content library to support improved cinema design and construction

Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company has announced the launch of its 3D BIM (Building Information Modelling) content library aimed at helping architects and those involved with cinema design improve the outcome of their digital modelling projects.

CINEMACON, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA, MARCH 29TH 2017 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company has announced the launch of its 3D BIM (Building Information Modelling) content library aimed at helping architects and those involved with cinema design improve the outcome of their digital modelling projects.

This new content has been developed to support those designing cinemas using Autodesk’s Revit platform, the world’s leading 3D BIM platform.

“The pace of technological change in the construction industry has been very similar to that which the cinema industry undertook when converting from 35mm to digital projection. Over the past ten years, the wider construction industry outside of cinema has moved from designing in 2D CAD to a significantly more collaborative, dynamic and data-rich 3D environment,” says Richard Mitchell, VP Global Marketing and Commercial Development at Harkness Screens. “This change has helped project teams deliver better outcomes for their clients through improved project planning, reduced risk, smarter project coordination and increased levels of information which enable the client to manage their asset (a building) more efficiently. A key component to providing clients with a rich level of information about their building is relevant content from product manufacturers.” he adds.

The new Harkness Screens BIM content library covers the company’s complete portfolio of cinema screen products (including Perlux, Clarus XC and Spectral) and allows cinema designers to size screens based on common screen formats or custom sizes and then use innovative technology to analyse the impact on potential viewing experiences based on auditorium and screen design within the BIM model. In addition the content library also feature the company’s screen packaging which allows design teams to identify potential on-site clashes that may occur when transporting screens into the auditorium and plan construction sequences accordingly to mitigate on-site delays or costly errors.

“This latest addition from Harkness further extends our commitment to helping enrich every cinema experience by providing innovative solutions to support architects, exhibitors and integrators in improving design, specification, install and use of cinema screens and their ongoing maintenance,” explains Richard Mitchell.

The new Harkness BIM library is now available via the Harkness website - www.harkness-screens.com.

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