Screen Int'l DC Conference; David Hancock (Screen Digest)

David jokes about always being the second speaker after the leynote and delivering numbers, research and overview after the flashier presentation.

Headline figures on digital cinema growth. 1,474 digital screens 1H 2006, Sept is closer 1,800. (Same figures as IBC I'm guessing.) 264 per cent growth, 84 per cent J2K screens. Echoes Karagosian's point that we are still in the "early phase" with US growth down to spike of one large exhibitor. Growth 1H05 to 1H06 US was 687.8%, but Korea close behind. Seoul (52) tops London (25) for cities with most installations.

Debate "not as far advanced" in Europe as in US. Policy makers starting to wake up to what DC might mean. However, "worrying quietness" about what DC might mean. Presents Digital Cinema Conversion Index. US and UK tops, while Norway and Finland languish near the bottom, though David highlights the "X Factor" of the Norwegian gov't's initiative in the digital cinema field. Very interesting explanation of the breakdown of factors and how they quantify factors. "Single broad model may work I as long as differentiated by market." Also, gov't intervention may be required.

David's slides appear to have been screwed up as lines drop off the page and numbers overlap. Discusses the potential role of government in digital cinema roll out. Conclusion; "Questions remain!!" but get started now.

Also a very good presentation. Even better than the IBC presentation he gave a few weeks ago. Sets the bar high the rest of today's presentations and panels.