SFU Theatre Installation Pictures (click to download)

Lightyear’s Demonstration Theatres in Canada & the USA:

Simon Fraser University, Surrey, British Columbia

In March 2010 Lightyear donated a world-class high-definition digital and 3D research, development and demonstration theatre system to Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Surrey, British Columbia (www.surrey.sfu.ca).  This took the form of a retrofit to their existing 200-seat theatre located on the university campus. The venue is a prototypical Lightyear digital theatre and will be used for “proof of concept” demonstration purposes.

Having a demonstration venue in the heart of one of Canada’s most venerated learning institutions is a huge benefit for Lightyear as SFU is home to the School of Interactive of Arts and Technology (SIAT), an institution that plays a leading role in the creation of new media and new technologies. Lightyear and SIAT are excited at the prospect of being able to work together for the advancement of talent in the graduate and under-graduate degree programs.

The SFU campus is exceptionally well connected. There is immediate access to SkyTrain and its rapid 35 minute transit service to downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The Canada/US border crossing into Washington State and Interstate 5 is a 25 minute drive.

Lightyear has committed to distance learning being one of the primary functions of  its digital theatre program and digital distribution network. This is enhanced by the opportunity for Lightyear to work with the students of the cutting-edge SIAT, where they have programs such as Media Arts. This program involves the creation, analysis and understanding of digital media. The SIAT digital film studios, close to the theatre, are used to explore new forms of digital videography, video games, immersive virtual reality and sound synthesis. The SIAT design studios work with new media and interactive applications. The students from these programs now have the opportunity to work with a world-class digital theatre. The main focus of SIAT  is concentrated on how people use technology in their lives to create better interactions, exactly the philosophy of Lightyear’s CIT program.

The Charles Aidikoff Screening Room, Beverly Hills, California:

Acquired by Lightyear in July 2010, the 57-seat Charles Aidikoff Screening Room (www.aidikoff.tv) is a Lightyear research, development and training theatre located in the very heart of Beverly Hills on South Rodeo Drive (at Wilshire Boulevard).

Significant details contained within the theatre form the basis of a Lightyear Compact Interactive Theatre.  These details include a 20ft. screen, comfortable reclining seating, stunning high- definition pictures, 3D exhibition, high impact sound and mission critical reliability.

Approved by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, for Academy screenings, the theatre is used daily by the motion picture and post production industries.

Designed primarily for industry executives and professionals the theatre takes pride in its close association with The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. For over 35 years countless stars, from Elizabeth Taylor to Al Pacino, have graced the theatre’s comfortable seating. The venue is recognized internationally for excellence in high quality presentation and technical reliability.

This private facility, offering a discreet and prestigious location in the very heart of Beverly Hills, is used on a daily basis by the “who’s who” of Hollywood. With its large reception area, the theatre holds regular champagne receptions, film premieres and other catered events for film and television producers, distributors, studio executives, major stars and personalities from the global production and motion picture community.

Lightyear extends an open invitation to all its existing clients or future customers to attend a full digital theatre “proof of concept” demonstration in Surrey, British Columbia or Beverly Hills,  California.