Thailand's SF Cinema City has teamed up with Christie Digital Systems to become the first Asian exhibitor to install a 2K digital projector, the next generation in digital screening technology.

The Thai cinema chain has installed the system at its signature theatre - the nine-screen SFX Central Ladprao in Bangkok. It was used last weekend to present Disney/Pixar's digital animation Finding Nemo - an event which was hailed by Christie as Asia's first commercial 2K digital screening.

"This screening is a significant event as we will be showcasing the most superior resolution quality currently available to our audience in Thailand," said SF deputy managing director Suvannee Chinchiewchan. "We've observed the visible advantages of the 2K technology in terms of consistency and clarity when compared to film medium and the existing 1.2K format."

SF Cinema City has installed the Christie CP2000-H projector, which features Texas Instruments' 2K-resolution DLP Cinema technology. In future it will be used to screen blockbusters, mainstream and art films in SFX's 550-seat Cinema Six.

Headed by brothers Suwat and Suvit Thongrompo, SF Cinema City entered the Bangkok market four years ago and operates around six sites and 38 screens in the Thai capital. The Thomgrompo family is also a leading distributor and exhibitor in eastern Thailand.