Solutions
Media and Entertainment | September 14, 2023
Entertainment technology industry leader IMAX Corporation® (NYSE: IMAX) and PFT, the creator of AI-powered technology solutions for the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry, today announced plans to expand their strategic relationship beyond theatrical and into the streaming ecosystem.
Under the arrangement, IMAX will expand access to its Stream Smart™ technology to PFT customers across Europe, Asia, and Australia. The expanded partnership will dramatically increase the global availability of Stream Smart™, which helps streaming platforms deliver maximum picture quality while significantly reducing distribution and storage costs.
"We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with IMAX, an industry trailblazer with a remarkable legacy of revolutionizing the global entertainment industry," said Ramki Sankaranarayanan, Global CEO of PFT. "For over a decade, CLEAR®, our flagship product, has spearheaded digital packaging and delivery services for prominent streaming platforms worldwide. CLEAR® & Stream Smart will help optimize our customers' encoding pipeline, so they deliver better streaming quality while optimizing CDN & storage costs."
"Many of Hollywood's biggest streaming platforms use Stream Smart™ to ensure quality and reduce costs, and we're excited to work with our partners at PFT to extend the reach of our technologies throughout key markets in Europe, Asia, and Australia," said Vikram Arumilli, General Manager of Streaming and Consumer Technology at IMAX. "Our suite of streaming technology products, including Stream Smart™, provides a best-in-class service for direct-to-consumer broadcast and streaming companies, and PFT's' ability to leverage this for their customers is a win-win for both organizations."
PFT and its parent company, DNEG, are industry leaders providing a full suite of technology and creative solutions, including IMAX post-production and 3D mastering.
IMAX and DNEG joined forces in 2022 for post-production, which included Indian films like Jawan, Pathaan, and RRR. This extended partnership will build upon the established theatrical relationship between IMAX and DNEG to develop a comprehensive video optimization solution. Stream Smart™ is an enterprise software product designed to deliver the best image quality and optimize delivery to unlock cost savings. This product was built from cutting-edge scientific advancements, state-of-the-art engineering, trusted studio relationships, and rooted in a real-world at-scale Emmy®-winning collaboration with Disney Streaming Services and SSIMWAVE.
Stream Smart™ will be the centerpiece of the IMAX showcase at IBC 2023. Sign up to meet with PFT and IMAX Streaming & Consumer Technology group at IBC:
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX systems to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, making IMAX's network among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.
IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. As of June 30, 2023, there were 1,718 IMAX systems (1,638 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, 68 institutional) operating in 87 countries and territories. Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "1970."
About Prime Focus Technologies
Prime Focus Technologies (PFT) is the creator of CLEAR® and CLEAR® AI. It offers streaming platforms, studios, and broadcasters transformational AI-led technology and media services powered by the cloud that help them lower their Total Cost of Operations (TCOP) by automating their content supply chain. PFT works with major companies like Walt Disney-owned Star TV, Channel 4, ITV, Sinclair Broadcast Group, A&E Networks, Warner Media, PBS, CBS Television Studios, 20th Century Fox Television Studios, Lionsgate, Showtime, HBO, NBCU, TERN International, Disney+ Hotstar, BCCI, Indian Premier League and more.
About DNEG
DNEG (www.dneg.com) is a world-leading visual entertainment services company for the creation of feature film, television, and multiplatform content, with worldwide offices and studios across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
DNEG's critically acclaimed work has earned the company seven Academy Awards® for Best Visual Effects and numerous BAFTA and Primetime EMMY® Awards for its high-quality VFX work. Current and upcoming DNEG projects on behalf of its Hollywood and global studio and production company partners include Spy Kids Armageddon (September 2023), No One Will Save You (September 2023), The Gilded Age S2 (October 2023), Nyad (November 2023), Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (December 2023), Lift (January 2024), Dune: Part Two (March 2024), Mickey 17 (March 2024), Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (April 2024), Garfield (May 2024), Borderlands (August 2024), Furiosa (2024), That Christmas, Coyote vs. Acme, The Gorge, and Animal Friends.
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Applications
Xsolla | September 21, 2023
Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, has announced a new online destination called Xsolla Mall. This platform allows video games to host multiple landing pages where players can access exclusive in-game items, game discounts, and premium experiences directly from developers and publishers or via campaigns with content creators and payment providers.
Developers can showcase and monetize content from their games on a specific branded landing page within the platform, even the entirety of a game. There is already a growing library of cloud games accessible through the Xsolla Mall, supported by the Xsolla Cloud Gaming solution. Xsolla Mall also merges video game content and the convenience of multiple local payment methods with the power of content creators and influencers into one cost-effective platform, providing a wide range of generating incremental revenue for games.
Xsolla Mall provides developers and publishers with a new distribution channel, reducing overall customer acquisition and retention costs, growing brand awareness, increasing player engagement, and generating more profit for their business.
"Xsolla Mall unlocks a new direct-to-consumer distribution channel for delivering games and in-game content on the web," said Chris Hewish, CEO of Xsolla. "We aim to help developers tackle current market challenges like the high cost of acquiring and retaining players, high distribution fees, and increasing the number of paying players so they can earn and keep more of the profits from the sale of their games and in-game content. Xsolla Mall perfectly aligns with our mission to bolster the gaming community by providing developers, influencers, and players with a safe, practical, and engaging platform."
About Xsolla
Xsolla is a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry. Since its founding in 2005, Xsolla has helped thousands of game developers and publishers of all sizes fund, market, launch and monetize their games globally and across multiple platforms. As an innovative leader in game commerce, Xsolla’s mission is to solve the inherent complexities of global distribution, marketing, and monetization to help our partners reach more geographies, generate more revenue and create relationships with gamers worldwide. Headquartered and incorporated in Los Angeles, California, with offices in Berlin, Seoul, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo and cities around the world, Xsolla supports major gaming titles like Valve, Twitch, Roblox, Ubisoft, Epic Games, Take-Two, KRAFTON, Nexters, NetEase, Playstudios, Playrix, miHoYo, and more.
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Solutions
businesswire | August 14, 2023
Leia Inc., the leading provider of 3D display hardware and content services, and the creator of the award-winning 3D•AI Lume Pad 2 tablet, announced today the acquisition of Dimenco, an innovator in the display technology space. This strategic move unites the capabilities of two leaders in the 3D market, set to accelerate mainstream adoption of immersive 3D experiences across platforms and devices.
“We are living in a 3D world, and it’s inevitable that our digital experiences will align with this reality. While VR/AR headsets have their place, the breadth of our technology allows any familiar personal device to offer a seamless, immersive 3D experience,” says David Fattal, CEO of Leia Inc. “Our customers wanted a unified solution across all devices – and this acquisition delivers exactly that.”
By joining forces, Leia and Dimenco will eliminate the existing technological divide, merging the strengths of both companies. Previously, Leia focused on the Android platform catering to the mobile and automotive markets, while Dimenco led on the Windows-based laptops and monitors for professional use. This merger will benefit customers who have been seeking a single, cross-platform solution based on a common industry standard.
Additionally, the robust content ecosystem developed by Leia, which includes 3D video calling in partnership with Zoom, 3D movie streaming featuring top-tier Hollywood titles, 3D photo sharing, a generative AI platform and games from leading studios like Gameloft, will now be extended to all devices, providing consumers with unparalleled immersive experiences.
“We’re excited to be part of the Leia family and it delivers perfectly on our promise to provide immersive experiences accessible to anyone, anywhere on any device without the need for wearables, “says Maarten Tobias, CEO of Dimenco. “This joint entity is not only setting the industry standard, but it combines cutting edge display technology, an established high volume supply chain and a unique dynamic content ecosystem, both for consumers and professionals.”
Maarten Tobias will join Leia as Chief Commercial Officer, leveraging his industry experience to further consolidate Leia’s position in the market and expedite the integration of teams to meet the rising demand for consumer-friendly 3D solutions.
By taking a quantum leap towards achieving its vision and mission, Leia is setting the stage for a 3D revolution, propelling the industry towards a future where digital interactions are as immersive and intuitive as real-world experiences.
About Leia Inc
Leia Inc. is a leading provider of glasses-free 3D display hardware and software solutions. Our breakthrough technology, born from pioneering research at HP Labs, leverages advanced optics and AI to transform ordinary displays into naturally immersive experiences. We envision a future where the three-dimensional reality of our physical world is seamlessly mirrored in the digital space, and endeavor to make 3D accessible to everyone, anywhere, on any device. The company is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA.
About Dimenco
Dimenco, a leader in spatial visualization since 2010, integrates hardware, software, and technology to create rich, immersive three-dimensional experiences without the need for wearables. Originating from Royal Philips Electronics, and headquartered in Veldhoven, The Netherlands, the company's mission is to pioneer simulated reality and spatial computing, transforming the way we interact with displays. Their groundbreaking products, built on SR technology, are redefining the future of display technology.
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Applications, Vendors and Suppliers
businesswire | August 23, 2023
HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, today announced the HyperX x VALORANT Champions Tour Spark Limited Edition Keycap. Specifically designed for VALORANT fans, the new tournament-exclusive keycap allows fans to personalize their desk setup. The keycap is uniquely crafted to showcase support for your favorite VALORANT Champions and competing teams.
HyperX and Riot Games collaborated to create a champion-tier keycap that boasts a gold color and showcases the VCT Spark logo and tournament year. Additionally, the keycap features the tagline “One More,” symbolizing the endless competitive spirit of players and fans who constantly strive for victory. This collaboration with Riot Games has resulted in a fun, spirited, and memorable design that perfectly captures the essence of competitive gaming during this year's Champions tournament.
“HyperX is a huge part of the VCT event experience for both our pros and fans, so we’re thrilled that our collab on this limited-edition VALORANT Champions keycap is now live and available during our most hyped event of the year,” said Leo Faria, global head of VALORANT Esports at Riot Games. “The 2023 VALORANT Champions Tour has been an incredible ride worthy of a commemorative item that captures the ‘One More’ Champions moniker, and we’re excited to offer this keycap to our fans.”
The culmination of the 2023 VALORANT Champions Tour is currently underway in Los Angeles with the Bracket Stage kicking off on August 16 where eight teams are still in the hunt for the Champions trophy and the title of VALORANT World Champion.
“Joining forces with VCT has been an exciting collaboration, and together we've crafted a champion-tier keycap that embodies the competitive gaming spirit,” said Jessany Van’t Hoff, director of partnerships, HyperX. “This design represents the relentless pursuit of excellence showcased by the players and fans during this year's thrilling Champions tournament.”
HyperX's HX3D 3D printed custom keycaps collection now includes the HyperX x VALORANT Champions Tour Spark Limited Edition Keycap as its fifth addition. Previous keycap drops have shown a popular demand for personalized keyboard accessories and HyperX is committed to continuing to collaborate with game developers, esports teams, content creators, influencers, and internal creative teams to bring even more unique and fan-friendly keycaps to the market. These keycaps can be used while gaming or collected as keepsakes or cherished collectibles.
With unparalleled design freedom, other 3D printed products are also planned for launch in the future through the HyperX HX3D personalization initiative. HX3D 3D printed products are produced on HP Inc. 3D printers as part of the growing cooperation with HP Inc., leveraging their experience and bringing synergy, innovation and color printing skills to gaming. HyperX’s personalization products are manufactured using re-used powder nylon.
About HyperX
For 20 years, HyperX’s mission has been to develop gaming solutions for every type of gamer and the company is consistently recognized for delivering products that provide superb comfort, aesthetics, performance, and reliability. Under the tagline of “WE’RE ALL GAMERS,” HyperX gaming headsets, keyboards, mice, USB microphones, and console accessories are the choice of everyday gamers as well as celebrity ambassadors, pro gamers, tech enthusiasts, streamers and influencers.
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