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.

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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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

FIND OUT MORE

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Harkness Screens announces further research and development into screen perforation

Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness has announced a new wave of research and development into screen perforation.

CINEMACON, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA, MARCH 28TH 2017 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness has announced a new wave of research and development into screen perforation.

Having launched the acclaimed 4K Digital Perforation Pattern at CineAsia 2015 which has now become the standard perforation pattern on all screens, Harkness is set to embark on a further development to improve the cinema experience.

“Our 4K Digital Perforation Pattern has proved an enormous success since its launch,” explains David Harrison, Chief Technical Officer at Harkness Screens. The current pattern which significantly reduces moiré fringing, has smaller holes and less open area was specifically engineered to meet the requirements of today’s cinema exhibitors and whilst this is has been a huge step forward for the industry, we believe that there is significant work still to be done.

Harkness' 4K Digital Perforation Pattern.

Harkness’ imminent research project will involve inputs from audio companies and leading educational establishments including the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research at Southampton University (UK). The next phase of research will focus on further improvements to speech intelligibility, screen resonance and reduction in sound reflecting between screen and speakers.

“We’re focused on applying scientific expertise to our manufacturing to help improve both audio and visual performance. By applying complex audio-based algorithms we believe we’re able to further push the boundaries on sound performance from the current performance with Digital Perforation. The aim is to create a pattern which has even less open area (through smaller holes) than our current pattern whilst improving audio transmission particularly in the spoken range. By doing this we believe that we can help exhibitors to further enrich the cinema experience with the next generation of cinema technology,” explains David Harrison.

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Harkness Screens launches new web site

Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness has announced the launch of its brand new web site.

CINEMACON, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA, MARCH 27TH 2017 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness has announced the launch of its brand new web site.

This new web site offers quick and easy access to essential information and features that offers visitors a more comprehensive understanding of the company's innovative products and services whilst significantly improving user experience.

“Our previous web site has been a vital asset for the business over the past six years allowing us to share content and better inform customers around the world. During that period the site has allowed us to more than double our online presence and associated traffic,” explains Richard Mitchell, VP Global Marketing & Commercial Development at Harkness Screens. “Given the significant advances over the past few years in the way that we communicate, we felt now was the right time to provide a new platform for knowledge-sharing and learning and we’re extremely excited about launching the site,” he adds.

Created with the user experience firmly in mind, the new web site has been designed using the latest best-in-class technology so that the site is compatible with today's browsers and mobile devices – both tablet and smart phone.

“Over the past year we’ve seen two very identifiable trends emerge on our web site which have helped shaped our new online offering. Firstly there has been a significant increase in traffic to our web site from mobile devices and this now accounts for just over fifty percent of all visits so it ensuring our web site was completely mobile ready was a core requirement. The second identifiable trend was a dramatic growth in visitors from China, Latin America and French-speaking African countries so the new web site offers localised language content in Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese and French to improve user experience for visitors in those regions, ” explains Richard Mitchell.

Harkness Screens’ new website will be updated on a regular basis with news of product launches, business activity, corporate milestones, news and events. Visitors are encouraged to explore the website and sign up for emails from the Company at www.harkness-screens.com.

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Clarus XC the screen of choice for Cinemacon 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 will be the screen of choice for 2D and 3D theatrical presentations during Cinemacon 2017, the industry’s biggest event.

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA, USA, MARCH 7TH 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 will be the screen of choice for 2D and 3D theatrical presentations during Cinemacon 2017, the industry’s biggest event.

The show’s auditorium in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace will feature a 18.2m x 7.85m (71’ x 30.25’) Clarus XC 170 screen used to showcase the latest laser projection technology and current generation xenon projection both in 2D and 3D.

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 our long association with Cinemacon providing our Clarus XC technology to the Colosseum for the fourth successive year,” explains Richard Mitchell, VP Global Marketing & Commercial Development at Harkness Screens. Each year Mitch (Neuhauser) and his team along with the outstanding team from Boston Light and Sound create a truly magnificent environment for major Hollywood studios and manufacturers to showcase the best of cinema and we’re honoured to be a part of that.”

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’ exclusive 4K Digital Perforation Pattern designed to improvesound 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 Matt Plus screen to the Colosseum for showcasing the latest projection offerings from Dolby and Christie.
Cinemacon 2017 attendees will be able to find out further information on Harkness’ products by visiting the Harkness Screens booth #2203A (Augustus Ballroom) during the show.

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Harkness Screens leads the way with screen deployments for laser projection

Harkness Screens, the world’s leading screen technology company continues to set the standard for cinema screens suitable for laser projection both phosphor and RGB. With its premium screen brands, Clarus XC and Perlux Digital supporting the roll-out of laser projection technology across the world.

STEVENAGE, UNITED KINGDOM, DECEMBER 13TH 2016 — Harkness Screens, the world’s leading screen technology company continues to set the standard for cinema screens suitable for laser projection both phosphor and RGB. With its premium screen brands, Clarus XC and Perlux Digital supporting the roll-out of laser projection technology across the world.

Some of its recent laser screen projects have included:

Cineplex Southbank, Australia - Clarus XC 220 with Barco Flagship RGB projector
Vox Cinemas Deira City Centre, UAE – Perlux Digital 140 – Christie 6P projector
Hoyts Cinema, Australia – Clarus XC 170 with Christie 9P projector
Odeon Cines, Spain – Clarus XC 170 with Christie 9P projector
Oostende Film Festival, Belgium – Matt Plus with Barco Flagship projector
NuMetro Canal Walk, South Africa – Clarus XC 170 with Barco Flagship RGB Laser projector
Cinema Megerama, France and Morocco – Clarus XC 170 and Barco Flagship RGB
Haugesund Film Festival, Norway – Clarus XC 170 and Barco Flagship RGB projector
Megabox Hanan, Korea – Clarus XC 270 and Barco Flagship RGB projector
CineAsia, Hong Kong – Clarus XC 170 and Barco Flagship RGB projector

Commenting on the opening of the new Vox Cinemas Deira City Centre, Mark Smith, Technical Director said, “This is one auditorium that makes you want to watch whatever is showing because of the amazing presentation quality. It boasts a 31 metre Perlux Digital 140 screen that comfortably meets DCI specifications for 2D and laser 6P 3D that provides amazing 3D images at 14fL.”

As well as boasting wide viewing angles, vivid image quality, depth of field and providing a more immersive viewing experience, both Clarus XC and Perlux Digital technology benefit from the lowest speckle contrast ratios of coated screens available making them suitable for laser projection.

“Boasting the largest widescreen format screen produced for Australia the Harkness Clarus XC 220 screen enables the Barco DP4K60L Laser Projector to perform at its best displaying stunning 2D and 3D images. Southbank Cinema 5 offers Cineplex audiences the best movie experience with a real WOW factor”, says Cineplex CEO and founder Mr. Leo Catalano.

Aligned to the visual benefits of Clarus XC and Perlux Digital technology, all of Harkness’ screens feature the 4K Digital Perforation Pattern designed to reduce Moiré fringing, significantly increase light reflectance into cinema auditoriums compared to Harkness’ providing a brighter and better quality viewing experience and improve sound transmission in the spoken range.

Further information on Harkness’ screen technology for laser projection, visit www.harkness-screens.com/

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Harkness Screens showcases investment in China cinema market with new production facility in Wuqing.

Harkness Screens, the world’s leading manufacturer of cinema screens has announced expansion of its Chinese operation to meet the increased demand for its products. The new investment sees the creation of a new larger production facility in Wuqing, south of Tiajin in China.

BOOTH #214, CINEASIA, HONG KONG, DECEMBER 8TH 2016 — Harkness Screens, the world’s leading manufacturer of cinema screens has announced expansion of its Chinese operation to meet the increased demand for its products. The new investment sees the creation of a new larger production facility in Wuqing, south of Tiajin in China.

“The Chinese market is now the world’s largest and with expansion continuing at such a rapid pace combined with unprecedented demand for our premium screen surfaces, we felt that we could no longer meet local demand from our previous facility in Beijing,” explains Mark Ashcroft, CEO at Harkness Screens. “The new purpose-built facility not only allows us to significantly increase capacity to support the growth in the Chinese and wider Asian markets but also boasts the largest screen coating facility in the Harkness group allowing all of our premium surfaces to be manufactured to bigger sizes than ever before in Asia to support almost every screen required, even the most challenging of Premium Large Format sizes” Ashcroft adds.

The new facility which boasts a maximum coated screen size of 16.00m x 41.00m is now fully operational and will allow Harkness Screens to provide its industry leading brands such as Clarus XC, Spectral, Perlux Digital and Precision White for RealD along with its innovative 4K Digital Perforation Pattern with shorter lead times to better serve local demand in China and across the Asia Pacific region.

“With a completely new facility, we’ve been able to take learnings from our other global production facilities in France, India and the USA and roll these into the Chinese factory to produce a truly state-of-the-art screen technology facility with best-in-class production equipment and techniques,” explains Allen Xing, General Manager at Harkness Screens China. “Quality remains at the forefront of our production process and to that end, we will continue to import our proprietary premium raw materials from Europe to produce our screens,” he adds.

Further information on Harkness’ new production facility in China can be found by visiting:- www.harkness-screens.com/

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Inox Leisure and Harkness Screens partner to provide enhanced movie watching experience with Clarus XC technology.

India’s favorite multiplex, INOX Leisure Ltd announced a strategic partnership with Harkness Screens, the world’s leading screen technology company to install Clarus XC 270 3D screen technology in over 100 screens.

MUMBAI, INDIA, 06 DECEMBER 2016: India’s favorite multiplex, INOX Leisure Ltd announced a strategic partnership with Harkness Screens, the world’s leading screen technology company to install Clarus XC 270 3D screen technology in over 100 screens. The deployment of the Clarus XC 270 3D screens will enable guests to experience 4th generation screens which will provide wide viewing angle, greater uniformity, improved color and contrast during both 2D and 3D screenings.

Designed to work with all passive 3D systems and approved by 3D manufacturers Clarus XC screens create visibly deeper 3D content which is designed to draw in the audience creating a more captivating viewing experience. Clarus XC 270 3D screens feature d-smoothtechnology and are designed for use in all cinema auditoriums where 3D systems using polarized light are deployed. Whilst designed for 3D, the surface type also supports conventional 2D pictures giving a viewing experience similar to that of a conventional white screen.

Commenting on this partnership, Jitender Verma, Chief Technology Officer, INOX Leisure Ltd. said, “INOX Leisure has always been at the forefront of technological innovations. This strategic association with Harkness Screens will set a benchmark in the way patrons experience cinema and we believe going forward it has the potential to be an important differentiator for INOX.”

Commenting on this partnership, Richard Mitchell, VP Global Marketing and Commercial Development, Harkness Screens said, “We’re delighted to be supporting INOX Leisure as they embark on this significant upgrade to their screen estate. This roll-out showcases INOX’s continued commitment to improving the cinematic experience. Through the deployment of Clarus XC technology, audiences across India will receive a truly immersive viewing experience from both 2D and 3D performances.”

About INOX leisure Ltd

INOX Leisure Limited (INOX) is amongst India’s largest multiplex chains with 113 multiplexes, 446 screens spread in 57 cities, making it a truly Pan India multiplex chain. For easy and convenient ticket booking, INOX offers online booking on www.inoxmovies.com and through its smartphone applications.

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Harkness Screens Reality Capture Solution helps transform leading auditorium for Haugesund film festival.

Harkness Screens recently assisted leading Scandinavian integrator Videvox with transforming Screen 1 of Edda Kino in Haugesund, Norway using Reality Capture Solutions.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HAUGESUND, NORWAY, OCTOBER 5TH 2016 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness recently assisted leading Scandinavian integrator Videvox with transforming Screen 1 of Edda Kino in Haugesund, Norway.

The leading auditorium plays host to the prestigious Haugesund Film Festival each August. Ahead of this year’s fesitival, Videvox were tasked with undertaking a major refurbishment of Screen 1 including the installation of Dolby Atmos.

“The age of the site meant that there were very fewCAD drawings available for us to reference against and those available did not represent the auditorium in its current state. Given the timescales and the proposed refurbishment plans, we needed accurate documentation to ensure that we could refurbish and refit the auditorium in time for the festival, explains Ulf Qvicklund, Key Account Manager at Videvox. “We also needed to obtain information about the void above the suspended ceiling to ensure we could correctly place the overhead speakers for the Dolby Atmos installation,” he adds.

Edda Kino Screen 1 Section - Ceiling.JPG

In order to obtain sufficient information, Harkness provided its Reality Capture 3D digital surveying solution. Reality Capture from Harkness Screens is an affordable service providing exhibitors, project managers and architects with a rapid 3D digital surveying service designed to authenticate existing building drawings (2D CAD or 3D BIM) and provide accurate information and platforms for building performance simulation.

The rich data captured from the survey was used to create a measurable 3D dataset from which accurate auditorium measurements could be obtained. Furthermore the data was reused to create 2D DWG sections and plans of the auditorium.

“Within a few days of the Harkness engineer attending site we had all of the information required including new DWG filesthat reflected the state of design in the auditorium. The efficiency of collection along with the accuracy and quality of the data enabled us to get into the project quickly and turnaround the refurbishment efficiently with a huge element of riskremoved. We couldn’t have done this as efficiently without Harkness’ solution,” says Qvicklund.

The fully refurbished Screen 1 at Edda Kino re-opened in time for the Haugesund film festival equipped with Dolby Atmos, Barco Flagship Laser Projector (DP4K-60L), MasterImageHorizon 3D and Harkness screen technology including a Clarus XC 170 surface and a Qalif Optimizer to monitor and maintain presentation quality.

“The importance of accurate real-estate data for exhibitors, architects and engineers cannot be understated. In the midst of retrofit projects, updating documentation to reflect changes particularly in the auditorium, is often overlooked. This in turn can lead to increased risk and uncertainty when future projects are undertaken which in turn can lead to delays and sometimes costly on-site errors. We were delighted to be able to assist Videvox in obtaining and creating accurate construction documentation for the Haugesund site which in turn allowed Ulf and the team to complete a potentially complex refurbishment ahead of time”, says Richard Mitchell, VP Commercial Development at Harkness Screens.

Further information on Harkness’ Reality Capture solution can be found by visiting:-www.harkness-screens.com/

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.

About Videvox

Videvox is one of Scandinavia´s oldest cinema technology companies and has supplied equipment to the cinemas since 1978.The company has, during the technology shift from analog to digital screenings, been the leading integrator in the Swedish cinema market. Videvoxgruppen now includes departments with considerable expertise in network architecture and content distribution, with a broad market segment as target. The core business has always been around professional screenings, but to meet the ever growing demands for flexibility and system integration Videvox has developed into a full-service digital video and audio distribution company.

Videvox is also manufacturer of Digital Signage solution, Incode which was become the market leading cinema related digital signage system in Norway.

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Harkness Screens Unveils New Version of Digital Screen Verifier App.

CINE EUROPE, BARCELONA, SPAIN, JUNE 23RD 2016 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness has launched an updated version of its ground-breaking cinema white light meter app for iPhone.

CINE EUROPE, BARCELONA, SPAIN, JUNE 23RD 2016 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness has launched an updated version of its ground-breaking cinema white light meter app for iPhone.

The new version now features a 5-point light reading option designed to allow measurements to be taken in accordance with the SMTPE/DCI guidelines for measuring light on cinema screens. The software has been designed to guide users through the process providing outputs as both light readings in foot lamberts (fL) and as a percentage of uniformity from centre to edge.

A low-cost, highly accurate light meter, the Digital Screen Verifier is a unique utility for iPhones that allows cinema engineers and exhibitors to ensure that brightness levels in digital cinema are regular checked and maintained. Quick and easy to use, this relatively accurate low-cost light measurement tool allows brightness readings to be taken (in foot lamberts) using white test patterns from a digital cinema projector.

“The Digital Screen Verifier has proved an enormous hit with the industry democratising brightness measurement to a larger group of people than previously possible due to the high barrier to entry of traditional light meters. We believe the Verifier, along with our other light measurement tools in our Curolux range are helping to improve presentation quality which can only be a good thing for movie-goers around the world,” says Richard Mitchell, VP Global Marketing & Commercial Development at Harkness Screens.

The ground-breaking technology at the heart of the Digital Screen Verifier allows light readings to be taken accurately to within +/-1fL. Its unique functionality not only allows for light readings to be taken but also to be directly imported into Harkness’ cloud-based Digital Screen Archiver tool in real-time to form a semi-automated entry-level solution for screen monitoring and auditorium maintenance.

The Digital Screen Verifier is available now via the Apple App Store priced $29.99 (€29.99) and is exclusively available for the iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, 6 plus, 6s and 6s plus. Further information can be found at www.harkness-screens.com/verifier

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Harkness Screens introduces "The Harklets" Starring the Voice of Brian Blessed OBE.

CINE EUROPE, BARCELONA, SPAIN, JUNE 21ST 2016 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness has launched its new storytelling animated characters, the Harklets.

Designed to help educate and inform the movie industry in a simple and fun way, the Harklets are set to tackle a number of cinema-related subjects starting with Harkness’ leading 3D digital surveying service, Reality Capture.

‘The Harklets in Reality Capture for Cinema’ is a short, fully animated adventure voiced by legendary British actor and explorer Brian Blessed OBE. Famed for his big booming voice and personality, he is famous for his iconic roles including Prince Vultan in 1980 cult movie Flash Gordon, as the voice of Boss Nass in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and in countless Shakespearian productions on both stage and film.

“This is a landmark day in the evolution of our messaging, says Richard Mitchell,” VP Global Marketing at Harkness Screens. “Over the past five years we’ve spent considerable time and energy finding new ways to educate and communicate with the industry be it presentations, web seminars, apps or augmented reality. We’ve tried to do things differently, to inject fun and vigour into our brand whilst conveying very serious subjects. The Harklets is a continuation of that and we believe this conveys our incredible passion for the cinema industry,” he adds.

Having received its world premiere at the International Cinema Technology Association seminar at CineEurope on 19th June, ‘The Harklets in Reality Capture for Cinema’ movie can now be found online across various video sharing sites including YouTube.

Reality Capture from Harkness Screens is an affordable service providing exhibitors, project managers and architects with a rapid 3D digital surveying service designed to authenticate existing building drawings (2D CAD or 3D BIM) and provide accurate information and platforms for building performance simulation.

The movie can be seen by visiting www.harkness-screens.com/harkletsmovie

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Harkness The Screen Of Choice for CinemaCon 2016

CINEMACON (BOOTH #2203A), LAS VEGAS, APRIL 11TH 2016 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness is once again the preferred screen partner for the industry’s biggest event, Cinemacon 2016.

The show’s auditorium in the Coliseum at Caesars Palace features two 18.2m x 7.85m Harkness screens; one a Clarus XC 170 2D/3D screen, the other a Matt White screen. The Clarus XC 170 screen will be used to showcase current generation xenon projection both in 2D and 3D whilst also supporting Barco’s 6P laser projection technology. The Matt White screen will be used to showcase Christie’s 6P laser projection offerings.

Designed to work with all passive 3D systems and widely regarded as the screen of choice for polarised 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.

At its core, Clarus technology features 4th generation d-smooth coating technology 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.

Both the Clarus XC and Matt White screens feature Harkness’ 4K Digital Perforation Pattern launched in December 2015. This exclusive perforation pattern improves sound attenuation in the spoken range, helps reduce moiré effect and increases reflectivity.

In addition to the two screens installed in the Coliseum, Harkness has also provided additional screens across the show including two Perlux Digital 180 screens for use in the Octavius ballroom and a number of Clarus XC 170 and Matt White screens for a number of industry partners including Barco and Sony.

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Harkness Screens Named Exclusive Global Partners For Highland Technologies Solutions Qalif Family.

STEVENAGE, UNITED KINGDOM, 29TH MARCH 2016 — Harkness Screens and Highlands Technologies Solutions (HTS) today announced an agreement that recognises Harkness Screens as the exclusive global partner and commercial licensee of Qalif light measurement products for commercial cinema.

Developed by HTS with key technical inputs from Harkness, the Qalif range encompasses a number of tools designed to allow cinema exhibitors to improve, maintain and manage presentation quality in cinema. The range of tools include the automated audio and visual monitoring tools in Qalif Ultimate, Optimiser and Lite along with the recently released Qalif Spectro (a spectroradiometer) and Qalif Aligner, for use in automatically aligning double and triple beam 3D systems.

Commenting on the announcement, Harkness CEO, Mark Ashcroft said "we are delighted to have secured this exclusive global licence allowing us to further integrate Qalif technology into our Curolux screen monitoring platform. From our industry-leading screens, through to our people and the best in breed technologies, we’ve been committed to supporting cinema exhibitors in their drive to improve the cinematic experience for movie-goers and with the Qalif suite of tools, we are now able to provide a platform that can monitor and maintain presentation quality in a way that up until recently only a traditional projectionist could.”

Harkness will showcase the Curolux screen monitoring platform during Cinemacon 2016 with live demonstrations in the Turin Room (Caesars Palace).

The new fully integrated package will allow cinemas to take advantage of Harkness’ unique offering helping them to optimise presentation quality at design stage and then maintain this for the lifetime of the screen.

HTS CEO, Patrick Zucchetta said, “The Harkness team has been instrumental in the development of the Qalif products to date and their insights and knowledge have been invaluable in creating a robust set of tools that are changing the way cinemas look at presentation setup and quality. In Harkness we believe we have the perfect partner to help us meet our desire, to assist exhibitors in improving presentation quality.”

Harkness has also confirmed that existing HTS partners CineActive Solutions and Labodigital will become non-exclusive principal resellers for the USA and Latin American respectively.

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Harkness Screens Reveals Its New 4K Compliant Digital Perforation Pattern.

CINEASIA, HONG KONG, DECEMBER 8TH 2015 -Harkness Screens, global leaders in screen technology, have revealed plans to transition from its existing standard perforation pattern to a new pattern for their leading screen surfaces.

The new Harkness Digital Perforation Pattern will become the standard perforation pattern for all screen types replacing the existing standard pattern. The new pattern has an open area of over 4% with over 65,000 holes per square metre. This helps to significantly increase light reflectance into cinema auditoriums compared to Harkness’ previous standard perforation pattern and provides a brighter and better quality viewing experience. The smaller holes also allow for a closer viewing experience with less visible seams, while the increased quantity of perforations provides better sound attenuation.

Harkness’ Digital Perforation Pattern has been specifically designed to reduce the onset of the Moiré effect, explains David Harrison, Chief Technical Officer at Harkness Screens. “Moiré fringing is caused when the weave pattern of a screen aligns and then interferes with the projector’s pixelated images resulting in an undesired, strobe-like effect across the screen, which can have a huge impact on cinematic experience. With the resolution of projectors growing, it is a common issue in contemporary digital imaging and the new perforation pattern helps to offset this.”

Some screen perforations can accentuate Moiré, this is due to hole sizing and spacing compared to projection pixels. The Digital Perforation Pattern works in harmony with current 4K projectors and the natural hole variations work to reduce alignment with projection pixels, providing a flawless, high definition image.

As part of the switch to Harkness’ new perforation pattern, Harkness has increased the width of its industry leading base materials, reducing the number of seams required to make a screen significantly.

“As well as all of the visual benefits, the new perforation pattern has led to one significant improvement in our manufacturing process. Whilst we pride ourselves on invisible seams under projected light, we recognise that for exhibitors in general and especially post production and screening room operators, the desire to have a screen made of the fewest seams possible is significant. With our new perforation process, we’re able to reduce the number of panels required to make a screen significantly meaning a reduction in seams of at least 30%,” Harrison concludes.

The new Harkness 4K Digital Perforation Pattern is available from Harkness US factory and will be extended to its Asian operations in early 2016, with European operations following shortly after.

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