Having carried out digital cinema installations for SGC’s Movies @ … multiplex operations in Swords and Dundrum, GFD recently completed the third roll-out (in Gorey), providing a JBL solution.
Cinemas have become one of the core market sectors for Conor Anderson’s GFD Communications Ltd. Conor worked with General Film Distributors (GFD) from 1965, taking over the operation in 1986, and since then has watched SGC’s estate of movie houses grow to around 50 units.
With digital cinema (and particularly 3D capability) taking off in Ireland as it is everywhere, he has consolidated GFD’s position as the leading supplier of cinema equipment in Ireland.
“Over the years we have seen names like RCA, Rank and Westrex pull out of Ireland and starting with 35mm film, we have grown into digital, and from our base in film rental, back in 1958, we have really developed the technical side.”
His relationship with JBL’s proprietary cinema systems dates back to the 1970’s and today he finds himself specifying 7.1 systems.
“I find JBL has the best quality of sound in the business with their softness and tone — others seem too harsh and sharp.
“I have therefore remained consistent with JBL — other than when the decision has been customer driven it’s been 99.9% JBL passive or active 2-way systems, tied in with Crown amplification.”
At Movies @ Gorey where the 7-screen digital multiplex has been developed by Spurling Group Cinema (SGC) on a green field site, he has taken the passive approach.
Screen 1 has been equipped with three (L/C/R) JBL 4670 front systems and a JBL 4645 subwoofer and Screen 6 with three JBL 3678 Screen Channel systems and a JBL 3635 sub.
“In all others we have used three JBL 3677 Screen Channel Systems and a JBL 3635 sub,” he said.
Each theatre has additionally been equipped with JBL 8320 Compact Cinema Surround speakers — ranging between eight and 14 units — and processed by a Dolby CP750 which are set for 7.1’s.
The JBL rigs are driven by a combination of Crown XLS 402 and Crown XLS 802 amplifiers. All JBL and Crown components were supplied by Sound Technology Ltd, the Harman Pro distributors for the UK and Ireland.
As Gorey continues to develop as a holiday destination, and with the extended motorway network enhancing its status as a South Dublin satellite town, the exhibitors are delighted with their new €7 million development, in which all screens are 3D capable.
Movies @ Gorey provides a total of 1200 seats — all at ground level. Every major film will be exhibited there and plans are also in place for a series of live broadcasts including opera, ballet, concerts and major sporting events — to give it multi-usage.
