Movie studios sign up for DCDC satellite distribution system
updated 06:33 am EST, Fri March 8, 2013
Theaters to use satellite, terrestrial service for digital film distribution
Five movie studios have signed an agreement with the Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition (DCDC) to distribute films through its satellite network. Disney, Warner Bros, Paramount, Universal, and Lionsgate will be using the network as a way to delivery movies and other content to theaters across North America.
A collaboration between US theater chains Regal Entertainment, AMC, and Cinemark, the system will use both a satellite and terrestrial network to digitally distribute main features, promotions, pre-show items, and live content to theaters. The system seeks to be a way for movie studios and theaters to distribute films without resorting to costly physical media, such as physical drives or the older film reels, and bypassing the Internet.
The new satellite service would “provide a seamless and secure system that will enable us to streamline and expedite access to our latest content,” according to Disney executive vice president Dave Hollis, “This is a crucial advancement in theatrical distribution.”
The initial network rollout is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
