23/10/2006

The number of digital screens throughout the world has doubled as multiplexes continue to rise, after a 2005 in which there was a decrease of over 100m admissions in European cinemas. These are the first results to emerge from the 15th edition of the European Cinema Yearbook of annual data, published by MEDIA Salles and presented in Rome on October 20.

At the end of 2005, there were 591 screens equipped with DLP CinemaTM technology throughout the world. According to MEDIA Salles, as of June 30, 2006, there are now more than twice that amount – 1,354 to be precise – with an increase in the past six months alone that reached 130%.

The previous semester saw the US leap forward with a total of 763 units, to represent over 56% of the global digital market. That this is no longer just an experimental phase is proven by the fact that various US changes have announced they are going 100% digital. This growth rate is also reflected, although to lesser degrees, in Europe (262 screens, +35%) and Asia (309 units, +51.5%).

The MEDIA Salles data on the rise in multiplexes (complexes with at least eight screens) in Europe – albeit at a slower pace than in the past (+5.4% between 2005 and 2006, compared with +8% in the 12 previous months) – brings the overall number of screens to 11,072 in a total of 30 countries.

While investment in the industry has been significant, admissions have nonetheless suffered a general drop in 2005. Western Europe, unable to avoid the trend effecting practically the world, has seen its number of admission pass from 962m to 861m (-10.5%). The first nine months of 2006, however, showed a return to cinemas throughout the European markets.

(Translated from Italian)