Mumbai: Cinema Buying Group (CBG), a buying program for independent theaters administered by the National Association of Theatre Owners, has announced an agreement with digital 3D experience provider RealD to bring next-generation 3D capability to CBG’s independent cinemas, currently totaling over 8,000 screens in the United States and Canada.

The new generation of digital 3D exemplified by RealD has been hailed as the most vital and exciting development in cinema since the advent of color film.

CBG managing director Wayne Anderson said, "As the penetration of digital screens grows, we anticipate RealD installations to top 1,000 among CBG members."

RealD president, worldwide cinema, Joe Peixoto said, "We are very proud to add Cinema Buying Group to our family of exhibition partners. RealD has allowed both large and small exhibitors to take full advantage of next-generation 3D technology. "

NATO vice president and CBG counsel Kendrick Macdowell said, "CBG’s mission is to ensure a thriving community of independent exhibitors in the digital age. The RealD deal takes us a critical step forward in that mission. 3D capability, however, requires a digital projector and server. So it’s now incumbent on all the industry stakeholders, including studios, to get agreements in place that ensure access to affordable digital equipment for independent exhibitors."

The Cinema Buying Group, a NATO-administered program for independent theater operators, currently represents 643 members with 8,125 screens in the United States and Canada.