GDC Technology has added multiple new features to its entire line of SA-2100 digital-cinema servers.

Instant import of data drives allows instant transfer of data drives (i.e., HDD) from one SA-2100 to another, making it possible to move a motion picture quickly from one screen to another. The entire movie data transfer process can be completed within a few minutes.

Instant playback from any CRU drive on the SA-2100A allows content received on a CRU Dataport drive to play back directly from the drive without ingesting. This is useful in emergency situations where the theatre receives content at the last minute.

Instant playback of content held on the GDC TMS (Theatre Management System) allows content residing on the TMS to play back directly through streaming from the TMS without ingesting at the screen server.

The addition of these new capabilities is in response to NATO’s “Digital Systems Requirements,” as well as feedback from customers that these emergency handling capabilities were indeed much desirable. GDC has decided that all existing GDC SA-2100 line of servers will get these new features in the next software upgrade, and servers shipped from May 1, 2009 will have these features built-in.

GDC Technology recently added closed-captioning capabilities to its SA-2100 family of digital servers, using specially designed equipment available on individual theatre seats.

The company also announced new deployment contracts for its SA-2100A line with United Entertainment Corp. in Minnesota and Epic Theatres in DeLand, Florida. GDC also expanded its cinema dealer and service network with the addition of Sonic Equipment Company, a Kansas-based digital-cinema integration company specializing in independent cinemas. GDC has also partnered with Universal Cinema Services on deployments of its servers at Tango Theatres in Guam and Pavilions 12 in Tucson, Arizona.