Sony Professional announced that it has selected Arqiva as its technology partner for distributing the 2011 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships to worldwide cinemas live in 3D.
For more information visit: www.pro.sony.eu ; www.arqiva.com
Unedited press release follows:
Arqiva Partners With Sony to Deliver 3D Wimbledon Tennis to Worldwide Cinemas
LAS VEGAS, March 31, 2011 — CinemaCon — Sony has selected Arqiva as their technology partner for the live global 3D distribution of the 2011 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships to worldwide cinemas. This will be the first time this famous tournament has been transmitted live to cinemas or seen in stunning high-definition 3D, and so it represents an innovative and unique viewing opportunity for tennis enthusiasts all around the world. Four key matches will be transmitted – the men’s semi-finals, the women’s final and the men’s final.
Working closely with Sony and their theatrical distribution partners Supervision Media, Arqiva will provide the complete global transmission chain via Arqiva’s Digital Cinema Satellite Distribution System including SNG, teleport services and satellite capacity. Arqiva’s Digital Cinema platform on IS-905 will electronically distribute Sony’s feed to European cinemas with multiple international satellites used to reach 3D capable cinemas around the globe.
George Eyles, Head of Digital Cinema at Arqiva Broadcast & Media, said: “We have an excellent working relationship with both Sony and Supervision and are delighted that they have asked us to distribute this famous sporting event in such an innovative and high-tech medium. We will provide considerable input into the many technical aspects of the transmissions, drawing on our previous experience of delivering 3D cinema events including the 2010 Rugby Six Nations, 2010 Football World Cup and the world’s first live 3D Opera. Our digital cinema platform on IS-905 is well established for European HD and 3D cinema distribution while our integrated international network delivers the necessary global reach for a truly international sporting event.”
David McIntosh, Director of Digital Cinema for Sony Europe, added: “Arqiva’s international infrastructure offers us the flexibility and reliability we need to bring this prestigious sporting event to appreciative audiences all around the world. They have proven expertise of successfully delivering major sporting events in 3D so we will be drawing extensively on their experience and knowledge to ensure that cinemas around the world can show the matches in the highest possible quality and with maximum confidence. Sony’s 3D broadcast experience, combined with Arqiva’s track record in 3D distribution and Sony Digital Cinema 4K projection of ‘easy on the eye’ superior 3D, will ensure we bring the best 3D experience to fans in cinemas.”
Daniel Webber, Managing Director, SuperVision Media, commented: “Having worked with Arqiva on previous international events we are delighted that they will be providing the distribution elements of these important transmissions. With a huge anticipated take-up by cinemas spread right across the world, it’s vital to have a technology partner who understands and can professionally handle all the regional variations in equipment and standards – Arqiva is that company.”
About Sony Professional
Sony Professional, a division of Sony Europe, is the leading supplier of AV/IT solutions to businesses across a wide variety of sectors including, Media and Broadcast, Video Security and Retail, Transport & Large Venue markets. It delivers products, systems and applications to enable the creation, manipulation and distribution of digital audio-visual content that add value to businesses and their customers. With over 25 years’ experience in delivering innovative market-leading products, Sony Professional is ideally placed to deliver exceptional quality and value to its customers. Sony’s Professional Services division, its systems integration arm, offers its customers access to the expertise and local knowledge of skilled professionals across Europe. Collaborating with a network of established technology partners, Sony delivers end-to-end solutions that address the customer’s needs, integrating software and systems to achieve each organisation’s individual business goals. For more information please visit www.pro.sony.eu
About Arqiva
Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, operates at the heart of the broadcast, satellite and mobile communications markets. The company is at the forefront of network solutions and services in the digital world. Arqiva provides much of the infrastructure behind television, radio, satellite and wireless communications in the UK and has a significant presence in Ireland, mainland Europe and the USA. Customers include major broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, BSkyB and the independent radio groups, major telco providers including the UK’s five mobile network operators, and the emergency services.