Digital cinema is not just the most significant technological change in cinema exhibition since the launch of sound, but an occasion for re-writing the financial rules for how films get distributed and screened in the all-digital age. Past discussions have centred on technology and standards, with the focus only recently shifting to issues of business and finance.

The comprehensive roll-out of high-end digital projection in cinemas could begin as early as 2004. Yet already today there are several thousand low-end networked digital projectors installed in cinemas around the world, being used every day, whether for pre-show digital advertising, alternative content, business meetings, gaming and more.

Digital Cinema Business Models examines every aspect of the new technology and change in business practices to establish who will benefit from the transition and where there is new money to be made or savings to be had, as well as the opportunities for new players and new forms of large screen entertainment and content.

This report is the essential tool for understanding the greatest challenge to face the cinema industry in its 100-year history.

Key Points:

* Winners and losers profiled: what will be the dominant technologies and which manufacturers have the best chance to cash in on the digital cinema conversion process.
* Role of digital advertising: The 2,750 digital 'pre-show' projectors currently in use around the world are having more of an impact than the 160+ digital cinema projectors in Europe, Asia and North and South America.
* Global lessons: Early trials in Brazil, China and Sweden could re-write the rules for how films get screened in both existing multiplexes as well as new screening sites
* New entertainment: Alternative content is maturing as a business proposition and 2003 promises to be a breakthrough year for new forms of large screen entertainment.
* Film analysis: Detailed breakdown of ALL films screened in digital cinemas in US and internationally gives explanation of hidden costs and problems of digital releasing.
* Driving factors: Key factors in driving conversion to digital cinema, including changing release patterns, growth of day-and-date international releases and ultra-wide releases are weighed up against $1.36bn annual saving from eliminating making and handling of film prints.

Digital Cinema Models: The Global Outlook