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New UV Disinfection Technique Could Make Movie Theaters Safe Again
Christie announced the launch of its CounterAct line of commercial UV disinfection products for use in movie theaters, theme parks, museums, and other indoor venues. The products use the patented narrowband filtered Care222 excimer lamps of parent company Ushio to emit far-UVC 222nm light, which Christie says is the only UV technology capable of "continuously and significantly" reducing pathogens, including coronaviruses.
With the number of reported COVID-19 cases on the rise as multiple countries enter the second wave of the pandemic, movie theaters are being forced to close their doors once again due to the lockdowns being imposed in order to slow the spread of the virus. However, even before the second wave lockdowns were enforced, exhibitors were struggling to attract patrons due to a lack of new releases and concerns about whether or not moviegoers would be safe in a crowded indoor venue.
According to Christie, the Care222 excimer lamps featured on the CounterAct fixtures include a proprietary short pass filter that prevents the emission of longer wavelengths of UV light capable of penetrating human skin, meaning they can actually be used when people are present, unlike other UV technology. The company adds that the products can be controlled remotely and are capable of being installed on the ceiling as easily as commercial lighting fixtures. "People are essential to the entertainment industry, and their level of comfort in public venues is paramount to the industry's success. We are very proud to be able to offer this product with Ushio's Care222 technology to our partners, and we are excited about the possibilities the technology will have in bringing customers back to the places they love, such as movie theaters and theme parks, " said Zoran Veselic, president and COO, Christie, in a statement. "The fact that far-UVC light – specifically, our new Christie CounterAct far-UVC fixture – can be used in the presence of people is a real differentiating factor. By harnessing these benefits as part of a user-friendly product that can be quickly deployed, we hope to provide a much-needed boost to our partners across the entertainment industry who are currently struggling to attract wary customers." Mass production of the CounterAct fixtures is scheduled to begin in January 2021.
Provided the new products are successful in their goal of making movigoers feel safe returning to theaters, they would be the second potential solution for struggling theaters to come from Christie. The company previously announced it has been issued a U.S patent for hardware that will enable exhibitors to stream films directly to the homes of consumers.
Still, until the CounterAct products or the streaming tech is widely available, theater owners will have to continue thinking outside the box to keep their doors open. For example, Cinemark has started offering private watch parties for surprisingly affordable prices if patrons are able to gather enough friends.
