Cinemas could replace projectors with massive Samsung 4K HDR displays

Samsung is making a play to replace projectors in cinemas. It has announced a 34-foot 4K HDR LED display that is designed specifically for movie theatre use.

The Samsung Cinema Screen is LED backlit, so does not need front projection. It can therefore offer greater brightness in cinemas so, Samsung states, better pictures. It is claimed to offer peak brightness 10 times higher than conventional cinema projection (146fL over 14fL).

High dynamic range technology will also ensure better contrast than many theatre projectors are capable.

It exceeds specifications set by Digital Cinema Initiatives, a partnership of the major movie studios that ensures picture quality is regulated and matched across theatres internationally.

Samsung

The Cinema Screen is being debuted during the CinemaCon 2017 conference in Las Vegas, it is partnered with an audio solution by Harman Professional Solutions’ Cinema Group. Samsung recently acquired the Harman group to expand its technology business.

“As the popularity of advanced home entertainment systems and streaming platforms increases, theatres must reposition themselves as a destination for an incomparable viewing experience that consumers simply cannot encounter anywhere else,” said Sang Kim, vice president of Samsung Electronics America.

Our only worry is that there is a reason for high levels of brightness in the home, we more often than not view entertainment in rooms with ambient lighting. Would the same levels in a fully-darkened cinema be comfortable? Time will tell.