Cypress, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/15/2011 -- Christie® today announced its Virtual Print Fee (VPF) program for North America exhibitors seeking a simplified plan that enables them to make their move to DCI Compliant digital cinema projection systems in the near future.

With support from all the major Hollywood studios including the Walt Disney Company, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures, the new Christie VPF program is for exhibitors wanting the greatest independence in planning a digital cinema conversion with VPF financial support through the Christie plan.

“Based on our experience in helping to convert more than 20,000 theatres worldwide, we specifically designed Christie’s VPF program to be a perfect match for exhibitors who are looking to convert from film to digital in the most cost-effective and seamless manner,” said Craig Sholder, vice president, Entertainment Solutions, Christie. “Simply put, we are providing a path to all exhibitors interested in making the conversion from film to digital.”

“The Christie VPF program is another step toward full conversion of the North American theatrical marketplace to digital cinema,” says Noah Bergman, Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Planning at Universal Pictures. “This agreement, which expands upon our long-standing relationship with Christie, provides exhibitors with great flexibility in adopting digital cinema in their theatres. Universal remains committed to ensuring that every moviegoer is provided with the highest quality cinema entertainment experience.”

“Christie is the frontrunner in digital cinema. Paramount is happy to be a part of their VPF program, which will give exhibitors one more path for conversion of 35mm film auditoriums to d-cinema,” said Mark Christiansen, EVP of Operations for Paramount Pictures Domestic Distribution.

“The rollout of the Christie VPF fills an urgent need on the part of the vast majority of exhibitors across North America for a way to fast track their conversions to digital cinema. As well as providing moviegoers with the technical brilliance that Christie projectors are famous for, the new VPF also brings peace of mind to exhibitors, as it is backed by a wide range of services that will help a smooth transition to digital cinema. Fox is pleased to be a partner in this latest endeavor that will see our quality products reach an even wider audience,” said Julian Levin, Executive VP, Twentieth Century Fox.

With more than 80 years of experience in the cinema industry, having architected and executed the first VPF program in 2005, Christie has earned a reputation for integrity, and delivering products and services that meet the highest standards of quality, performance and reliability. In addition, Christie’s Managed Services business unit in conjunction with its network of certified digital cinema dealers offers comprehensive maintenance and technical expertise.

Christie’s VPF program offers expert support and flexible options for all phases of the digital conversion process including: DCI Compliant digital cinema projection systems and Christie’s Network Operations Center (NOC) services, currently monitoring and supporting more than 47,000 devices in over 1,800 locations with 24/7 technical phone support and on-site parts service across North America.

“The Christie VPF plan is ideal for independent exhibitors, which represent some 10,000 to 15,000 screens in the U.S. and Canada and who are seeking a trusted partner in the industry,” added Sholder. “The Christie VPF program is specially designed to help exhibitors convert in the simplest, most cost-effective and affordable way possible.”

To learn more about Christie's virtual print fee (VPF) program in person, exhibitors can register at http://info.christiedigital.com/lp/makethemoveseminars for Christie's “Make the Move” seminar, which will be held during the ShowSouth conference (August 24), Geneva Convention (September 22) and ShowEast (October 2011) NATO shows. To learn more about the program or to sign up, visit http://www.christiedigital.com/vpf.

About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925), is a leader in visual solutions for world-class organizations, offering diverse applications for business, entertainment, and industry. A leading innovator in film projection since 1929 and a pioneer in digital projection systems since 1979, Christie® has established a global reputation as a total service provider and the world's single source manufacturer of a variety of display technologies and solutions. With the acquisition of Vista Controls Systems, Corp., Christie offers the most complete and advanced solutions for cinema, live venues, control rooms, business presentations, training facilities, 3D and Virtual Reality, simulation and education as well as industrial and government environments. For more information, visit http://www.christiedigital.com.

For more information contact:
David Paolini, Christie
(519) 749-3127
david.paolini@christiedigital.com

Mario Almonte, Herman & Almonte Public Relations
(212) 616-1190, ext. 267
malmonte@Herman-Almontepr.com

Christie® is a registered trademark of Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc.
DLP® is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments.