Samsung says they are the “next generation of cinema” that may replace movie projectors one day. Compared to projectors, Onyx screens are 10 times brighter, according to the company, and colors are amplified. A Samsung spokesman explained that showing movies directly on screen instead of through a projector is the key to higher quality and brightness. Measuring five meters wide and 2.7 meters in height, the six Onyx screens at the Shanghai venue can also present films in 3-D. It will be run as a premium cinema for VIP guests. Each cinema has around 50 to 60 seats. “Onyx technology was designed to bring the visual power of LED picture quality to the big screen and begin the shift to ultra-modern movie theaters for the future,” said Kim Seog-gi, the executive vice president of Samsung Electronics’ visual display business. 

“The entire Samsung team is thrilled to be part of history with the first ever Onyx multiplex from Wanda Cinemas in Shanghai, China.” Samsung and Wanda have previous experience working together. The first Onyx screen in China was installed inside Wanda’s Wujiaochang Theater earlier this year. The local electronics giant is also partnered with India’s PVR Icon, which installed its first Onyx screen late last month, as well as Malaysia’s Golden Screen Cinemas and Austria’s Cineplexx Cinemas, which are all the largest cinema chains in their countries.