Case Study

Modernizing Cinema, Broadcast, and Live Event Technology for One of America's Premier Media Institutions

By Max French

June 16^th, 2026

Project Overview

The Paley Center for Media stands as one of the nation's foremost institutions dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of television, radio, digital media, sports, and entertainment. Its New York headquarters hosts a diverse range of programming including film screenings, television premieres, industry conferences, executive discussions, educational programs, live productions, and special events featuring many of the world's most influential media professionals.

To support the evolving demands of modern content presentation and production, the Paley Center undertook a comprehensive technology modernization initiative spanning 2025 and 2026. Digital Media Systems was selected to plan, integrate, and commission new cinema, broadcast, audio, video, networking, and presentation systems throughout multiple performance and event spaces.

The objective was to create a future-ready technology platform capable of supporting cinematic presentation, live production, streaming, archival media playback, hybrid events, and audience engagement from a unified infrastructure.

The Challenge

Unlike traditional cinemas or performing arts centers, the Paley Center operates at the intersection of cinema, television, broadcast production, education, and live events.

The facility regularly hosts theatrical screenings one day and nationally recognized media discussions the next. Systems must seamlessly transition between cinema presentation, panel discussions, live audience interaction, remote participation, content capture, and broadcast-quality production workflows.

The modernization effort required Digital Media Systems to execute a flexible platform that could support multiple event formats without compromising presentation quality, operational simplicity, or long-term scalability.

Cinema Presentation Systems

The Paley Center's theater modernization included significant upgrades to cinema playback, projection, screen presentation, and immersive audio capabilities.

Digital Media Systems deployed Dolby CP950A cinema processors and Dolby Atmos licensing infrastructure to provide object-based immersive audio presentation throughout the facility. The Bennack Theater received a Christie CP4415 RGB RealLaser 4K cinema projection system paired with a Dolby IMS3000 cinema server, while the Gillespie Theater renovation incorporated the relocation and integration of an existing Christie CP4415-RGB projector within the newly reconfigured presentation environment.

Beyond the projection systems themselves, the renovation included enlarged screen surfaces and updated projection geometries designed to maximize image size, audience immersion, and viewing impact. Custom Stewart Filmscreens were integrated into both theaters, providing premium projection surfaces optimized for modern laser cinema presentation. The combination of larger image presentation and Christie RealLaser technology significantly enhanced the visual experience while maintaining exceptional brightness, color accuracy, and image uniformity.

The Christie RealLaser platform was selected for its ability to deliver outstanding color reproduction, long-term reliability, and superior visual performance for theatrical screenings, television premieres, archival content, and special events. Combined with Dolby Atmos audio processing, enlarged Stewart screen surfaces, and advanced media server infrastructure, the upgraded theaters now provide a presentation experience that reflects the Paley Center's standing as one of the world's leading media institutions.

The result is a cinema platform capable of supporting modern theatrical releases, television premieres, industry screenings, archival presentations, and special event programming while maintaining the highest standards of image and sound quality.

Immersive K-Array Cinema Audio

A key component of the project was the complete redesign of the cinema and PA sound systems within the Bennack and Gillespie Theaters.

Digital Media Systems provided new Dolby Atmos loudspeaker environments utilizing K-Array professional loudspeaker technology throughout both auditoriums. The systems incorporate K-Array KP102i screen channels, KP52i surrounds, KF210 and KF26 overhead channels, KU-series subwoofers, and KSC18P low-frequency effects systems powered by K-Array KA-series amplifiers.

The result is a highly immersive sound environment that delivers exceptional clarity for both cinematic content and spoken-word presentations while maintaining the flexibility required for multi-use programming.

Digital Media was awarded K-Array top 10 integrator of the year award for this project.

Broadcast and Content Production Systems

Recognizing the increasing importance of live and hybrid events, Digital Media Systems integrated a sophisticated broadcast production environment.

The installation includes multiple Panasonic AW-UE160 4K PTZ camera systems strategically deployed throughout the Bennack and Gillespie Theaters. These cameras provide broadcast-quality image capture for live events, panel discussions, interviews, educational programming, streaming productions, and archival documentation.

Camera operations are centralized through Panasonic AW-RP150 control systems, providing operators with precise camera movement, preset management, and production control capabilities.

This infrastructure enables the Paley Center to create, distribute, and archive professional-quality content while expanding audience reach through digital platforms.

LED Display and Digital Engagement Technologies

The modernization project extended beyond traditional theater spaces to include new visual communication and audience engagement technologies.

A large-format direct-view LED display was integrated into the Bennack Concourse utilizing Flip-Chip COB LED technology with a fine-pitch .93mm pixel architecture. The display serves as a dynamic communications platform for event promotion, sponsor recognition, media presentations, donor engagement, and visitor information. Integration and installation of the LED Video Wall was supported by EC Pro Video.

The LED installation creates a visually impactful focal point while supporting the Paley Center's mission of engaging audiences through innovative media experiences.

Professional Audio and Event Infrastructure

The project included extensive upgrades to wireless audio, assisted listening, voice reinforcement, and event support systems.

Digital Media Systems integrated Shure ULX-D wireless microphone systems, RF Venue antenna distribution, and specialized event connectivity systems throughout the facility.

These technologies provide presenters, moderators, performers, and guests with reliable audio performance while ensuring accessibility and operational flexibility for a wide variety of event formats.

Enterprise AV Network and Control Infrastructure

Underlying the entire modernization effort is a robust network and signal distribution architecture.

The infrastructure incorporates Netgear AV-over-IP switching, Soundweb London networking, Extron signal transport systems, extensive fiber and SDI distribution, custom connectivity panels, equipment racks, and integrated control systems designed to support future growth and evolving media workflows.

This backbone provides the reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency required for a facility that serves as both a public venue and professional media environment.

Project Impact

The Paley Center modernization represents a convergence of cinema, broadcast, production, and live-event technologies.

Through the integration of Christie RealLaser cinema projection, enlarged Stewart Filmscreens, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, K-Array loudspeaker systems, Panasonic broadcast cameras, direct-view LED displays, enterprise networking, and professional production infrastructure, Digital Media Systems has helped position the Paley Center for the next generation of media presentation and audience engagement.

The completed systems provide a flexible foundation capable of supporting theatrical screenings, television premieres, executive forums, educational programming, live-streamed events, content production, and emerging media experiences�all from a unified technology platform.

For an institution dedicated to preserving media history while exploring its future, the technology now reflects that mission.

Project Highlights

Project Type: Cinema, Broadcast, and Media Technology Modernization

Scope:

• - Cinema Systems Engineering
• - Dolby Atmos Design & Integration
• - Broadcast Video Systems
• - PTZ Camera Infrastructure
• - Projection System Upgrades
• - LED Display Systems
• - Wireless Audio Systems
• - Network Infrastructure
• - AV Integration & Programming
• - Commissioning & Training

Key Technologies:

• - Christie CP4415 RGB RealLaser 4K Projection
• - Stewart Filmscreen Custom Projection Screens
• - Dolby CP950A Cinema Processors
• - Dolby IMS3000 Cinema Servers
• - Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio
• - K-Array Loudspeaker Systems
• - Panasonic AW-UE160 4K PTZ Cameras
• - Panasonic AW-RP150 Camera Control Systems
• - EC Pro Video Direct-View LED Display
• - Shure ULX-D Wireless Audio Systems
• - Netgear AV Network Infrastructure

Outcome: A future-ready media presentation environment capable of supporting cinema, broadcast, streaming, live events, educational programming, and hybrid audience engagement from a single integrated technology platform.