The oldest drive-in movie theatre in America goes digital with GDCTechnology, Barcoand Ballantyne Strong

Hong Kong (February 4, 2014) –GDC Technology Limited (“GDCTechnology”), a world-leading digital cinema solutions provider, is proud to announce that Shankweiler’s Drive–In Theatre in Pennsylvania, has selected GDC Technology’s SX–2000AR server with Barco’s DP2K–32B projector and Ballantyne Strong for its digital conversion.

Shankweiler’s Drive–in Theatre, the oldest drive–in movie theater in the United States opened up for its 80th season in April last year. The theatre’s owners, Paul F. Geissingerand his wife, Susan, have been upgrading the theatre throughout the past three decades and successfully turned it into a Pennsylvania hangout for people of all ages during the summer months.

“I chose GDC Technology because I am deeply impressed by its outright desire to help the Drive–Ins and its servers are very well received by the industry for their reliability and ease of use. With Barco’s projector which is well–known and competitively priced, I am able to elevate the movie presentation quality to a new level with the brightest available output. I have great confidence in their respective abilities to help our transition from film to digital. It’s comparable to switching from analog to high–definition television,” Paul F. Geissinger, owner of Shankweiler’s Drive–In Theatre, explained of the enhanced quality he now owns.

“We applaud Shankweiler’s Drive–In Theatre for evolving its tradition of excellence in outdoor cinema by selecting Barco digital projection for its unparalleled brightness, which will ensure their continued ability to deliver the highest quality movie presentation for their loyal patrons,” comments Patrick Lee, Vice President of Digital Cinema for Barco North America.

“We are very pleased to help Shankweiler’s Drive–In with its conversion to a digital platform and further enhance the moviegoing experience for its customers,” said Ray Boegner, SVP of Ballantyne Strong, Inc. “With more than 60 years of experience providing sound systems and 35 mm projection systems to drive–in theatres, combined with our field services organization staffed by more than 50 service techs experienced in drive–in theaters and digital technology, Ballantyne Strong is an ideal partner to help Shankweiler’s Drive–In continue providing an outstanding entertainment experience.” 

GDC Technology is honored to partner with Barco and Ballantyne Strong on the digital rollout for Shankweiler’s Drive–in Theatre,” said Dr. Man–Nang Chong, founder, and CEO of GDC Technology. “It means a lot more than just the digital cinema deployment, but to support Shankweiler’s Drive–in Theatre’s commitment in preserving America’s oldest drive-in with the best cinema technology. 

About GDC Technology Limited (www.gdc–tech.com)

GDC Technology Limited (“GDC Technology”) is a leading global digital cinema solutions provider with the largest installed base of digital cinema servers in the Asia–Pacific region and the second-largest globally. GDC Technology develops, manufactures, and sells digital cinema servers that meet the highly demanding performance, security, and reliability requirements established by Hollywood studios. GDC Technology also provides a comprehensive suite of digital cinema products and services providing exhibitors and distributors with a one–stop solution for exhibiting digital cinema content, including integrated projection systems, 3D products, projector lamps, and silver screens. Its subsidiary, GDC Digital Cinema Network Limited, has 6 years of VPF experience and manages over 4,600 screens across 600 VPF agreements with worldwide content distributors and exhibitors. Founded in Singapore in 1999 and headquartered in Hong Kong, GDC Technology has established a global market presence and strong brand recognition with 11 offices and 28local service centers around the world. GDC Technology is a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group.

About Shankweiler’s Drive–In Theatre (www.shankweilers.com)

Located on Route 309 about 90 minutes northwest of Philly near Allentown, Pennsylvania, Shankweiler’swas the second drive–in theatre built in the United States (1934). Shankweiler maintains the title of oldest continuously operating drive–in theatre in the country (it also became the first to offer audio in FM broadcast stereo in 1986). Paul Geissingerco–owns Shankweiler’s with his wife, Susan.

About Barco(www.barco.com)

Barco, a global technology company designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets. Barco has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D, and Manufacturing in Europe, North America, and the Asia Pacific. Barco (NYSE Euronext Brussels: BAR) is active in more than 90 countries with about 3,900 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of 1.156 billion euro in 2012.

About Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (www.strong–world.com)

Ballantyne Strong is a provider of digital equipment, screens, and managed services as well as specialty lighting equipment. The Company supplies major and independent theater chains, top arenas, theme parks, and architectural sites around the world. Through its subsidiary, Convergent Media Systems, the Company is also a leading player in digital signage and content creation and distribution systems for the retail, hospitality, financial services, cinema, and government markets.

GDC Technology Media Contact:

Claire Cheung

Email: claire.cheung@gdc–tech.com

Shankweiler’s Drive–In Theatre Media Contact:

Paul F. Geissinger

Email: shankweilers@aol.com

Barco Media Contact:

Alison Maxson

Email: Alison.maxson@barco.com

Ballantyne Strong Media Contact

Tricia Ross

Email: tross@finprofiles.com