Reel advance for cinemas

The movie industry is promising to reveal real progress this week towards using long-delayed digital projection systems that could revolutionise the way movies are screened.

Since the late 1990s, people at industry gathering ShoWest in Las Vegas have been told how new "digital cinema" systems will boost revenue and attract business.

But its introduction stalled over technology and cost issues, leaving theatre owners with cases of deja vu.

However, industry players say major progress was made last year towards setting technology standards and for Hollywood studios to fund a wide use of digital cinema systems, which promise audiences better picture quality.

The studios look forward to using the technology to shave millions off their distribution costs.

- REUTERS