First Live 3D Opera Broadcast To Cinemas

Communications infrastructure and media services company Arqiva, has worked with major rights holder More2Screen to deliver a world first to digital cinema audiences around the UK and Ireland.
On 23 February Arqiva's digital cinema satellite platform distributed the world’s first live opera to cinemas in digital 3D. The English National Opera performance of Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia was directed by Oscar-winning film director Mike Figgis.
Arqiva provided on site uplink, satellite capacity on their digital cinema satellite platform on IS905, as well as extensive teleport services, monitoring and helpdesk facilities. This enabled Odeon, Vue, Apollo and Ormonde cinemas to present the performance to appreciative audiences in stunning digital 3D with full Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.
Head of Digital Cinema at Arqiva George Eyles, commented: "More2Screen has a reputation for leading the way in digital cinema distribution of alternative content and Arqiva is proud to have played such a central role in this successful world first.
"Our experience with both live cinema events and 3D distribution was invaluable in ensuring that audiences enjoyed this thrilling and groundbreaking experience without a hitch. 3D certainly adds an exciting new dimension to what is fast becoming a very popular way to watch world-class opera."
Managing Director at More2Screen Christine Costello, added: "Arqiva is well known for being at the cutting edge of worldwide digital cinema distribution. Their technical expertise and extensive experience is backed up by an international infrastructure that makes them an ideal technology partner – especially as we strive for ever more exciting and innovative ways to bring the best of the arts to world audiences. Arqiva’s state-of-the-art digital cinema solution gives us the confidence to push the boundaries of live digital cinema entertainment ever further."
Arqiva operates at the heart of the broadcast, satellite and mobile communications markets. The company is at the forefront of network solutions and services in the digital world. Arqiva provides much of the infrastructure behind television, radio, satellite and wireless communications in the UK and has a significant presence in Ireland, mainland Europe and the USA. Customers include major broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, BSkyB and the independent radio groups, major telco providers including the UK's five mobile network operators, and the emergency services. See: arqiva.com
(JG)