RGBH expected to deliver 3-year payback for Royal Cinemas

WOKINGHAM, UK. – Director of PDJ Cinemas, James Jervis, says the cost-effectiveness of Christie’s new RGB hybrid phosphor projector was a key factor in replacing a legacy Xenon projector in the flagship screen at Royal Cinemas. At a time when exhibitors are balancing rising operating costs with the need to deliver premium cinema experiences, the installation is already demonstrating meaningful savings. Initial forecasts estimated payback in 3.5 to 4 years, but higher energy costs have shortened that timeline to about 3 years.

Installed at Royal Cinemas, the 15,000-lumen CP4415m-RGBH delivers 4K resolution, 14.2 lumens per watt — approximately 30% greater efficiency than competing models — and high-contrast imagery with reduced speckle, making it well suited for premium screens seeking lower operating costs and improved image performance.

Jervis said image quality and the projector’s hybrid technology were equally important in the decision. “Our business model is to create best-in-class picture and best-in-class sound. We have a high-gain, 12m screen in our flagship auditorium. We can now have a brand new 4K laser projector and fantastic pictures without high speckle. The contrast ratio is 5000:1, and when Christie VDR is available for this projector, we’ll add it – it’s an enablement technology that will further enhance the on-screen experience and operational efficiency. That upgrade should increase the contrast ratio to 10,000:1. The color depth and contrast are very, very good, and it provides a fantastic 4K picture out of what is ultimately quite a small box.”

“I think the value for money for the Christie hybrid laser range is phenomenal,” said Jervis.

The hybrid projector replaced a Xenon projector from another manufacturer at the Royal Sutton Coldfield cinema, an Art Deco venue in the Midlands, UK. Family-run PDJ Cinemas, which owns six multiplexes and specializes in restoring historic sites, acquired the cinema a few years ago.

A fifth-generation family operator, Jervis said, the decision reflects a broader challenge facing exhibitors upgrading aging Xenon systems in a difficult economic climate.

“We had a 4K Xenon projector that was around 10 years old and incredibly energy-hungry. We spent a fortune on a new bulb every eight weeks. Between energy savings and the absence of lamp costs, we expect to save about £10,000 ($13,400 usd) a year. At the same time, we’re delivering better picture quality and performance for our audience. Operators looking to upgrade are probably in a similar position. When you can improve the presentation and see a payback like this, it makes sense to take the plunge.”

“The hybrid technology uses even less energy than a pure RGB. You don’t have to run the projector at 100%, which supports long-term value, and I think the price compares favorably with competitors. Hopefully, it will last for at least 10 years, so you’re investing in something that is cost-effective while also delivering a brilliant image, on par with, if not better than, anything in the industry. It allows you to offer the very best to your customers, regardless of the size of the operator.”

“The feedback I received from the tests was so good we already placed an order for the CP4410m-RGBH,” said Jervis. “We’ll definitely be using the Christie hybrid cinema projectors in the future.”