Thursday, January 24, 2008

The Hollywood factor

The Hollywood factor, though, may remain a constraint for Indian multiplexes, which, in fact, still largely go for the traditional, non-digital format. The second constraint is quality. DCI proponents say that DCI quality is better due to 2K projection technology. UFO, which works on 1.3K projection technology, impassionately opposes this point of view, quoting research that states how the human eye can barely distinguish quality beyond 1K. Besides, Kanwar also points out that their technology based on MPEG-4 with predictive frame technology, is better than the JPEG-based DCI technology. And to top it all, the commercial aspect goes heavily in favour of UFO, since DCI costs theatre owners anywhere in the league of Rs.6-8 million to install. Definitely DCI would be quite a non-starter in India, where multiplexes are already finding it hard to sustain. So while UFO has a surplus of demand from Class B & C centers, it should also aggressively tap cinema halls in metros.

And the best expansion strategy would perhaps be to get the backing of Indian production houses, as well as similar markets like China where Hollywood sharks are harmless. If they gang up & enforce UFO’s technology as a default standard, UFO could actually be in a position to reap the full benefits of this technology. After all, to totally vanquish the enemy, it makes sense to play their game, & much better than they do.
For Complete IIPM Article, Click here

Source: IIPM Editorial, 2008

An IIPM and Management Guru Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri's Initiative

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