China debuts cutting-edge CLED cinema tech at science museum

The giant screen theater of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, which recently completed it's 13-month renovation, debuted a new "CINITY science" system. Equipped with a full acoustically transparent CLED screen, it hosted the global premiere of the large-format film "Horse Power" on Jan. 9.

A giant CLED screen installed at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum's newly renovated giant screen theater is unveiled in Shanghai, Jan. 9, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Film Group]

This is a groundbreaking moment being the world's first application of an LED cinema projection system in a giant screen theater within a science museum.

"Scientific and technological innovation and science popularization are the two wings driving innovative development," said Fu Ruoqing, chairman of China Film Group, at the event. "The CLED giant screen unveiled today is precisely the fruit of the simultaneous flight of these two wings — technological dreams and the mission of science popularization. Five years ago, China Film Group initiated the development of the CINITY science product line with the aim of equipping China's science education venues with our own top-tier screens, and to carry both cultural confidence and technological confidence with 'Created in China'."

According to Fu, the CLED projection system has already proven itself with outstanding results in the commercial cinema market. Recently, it set new dual records in both box office revenue and audience satisfaction. This ties in with the release of "Avatar: Fire and Ash." By crossing over from entertainment into the field of science education, this system is acting as a funnel for those curious enough. The system brings cinema-grade audio-visual quality to the forefront of science popularization, serving a broader future audience, he said.

"Horse Power" is the world's first Chinese zodiac animal documentary film. It was meticulously crafted by an internationally renowned team led by filmmaker Mark Brownlow — known for highly acclaimed documentaries like "Blue Planet II" and "Frozen Planet II." The film journeys through stunning landscapes to capture the horse's spirit of relentless movement, creating a cross-cultural natural epic. Brownlow praised the screen for fully realizing their creative vision and leading the audience into the world of horses. It thoroughly impressed the audience at its premiere.

Ni Minjing, director of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, noted that the "complete renewal" of the museum's giant screen theater with China's most advanced CINITY technology is to ensure that from the moment audiences step into the theater, "they are fully immersed, enjoying a truly stunning audio-visual feast."

This CLED screen at the Shanghai museum measures 23.68 by 18 meters, breaking traditional formats with a custom 4:3 aspect ratio for science education. Equipped with top-tier features like 4K, 3D, high frame rate, high brightness, and advanced acoustically transparent screen technology, it delivers a unique, six-story-high viewing experience with clarity unaffected by light and palpable 3D sound. Certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue light and flicker-free performance, it also provides eye-safe viewing ideal for student visitors.

A "CINITY science" brand representative stated they will leverage their audio-visual strengths to use technology as a bridge, creating imaginative new science education scenarios that turn science into an immersive world people can "step into."