New York, January 9, 2012: CineMuse and SpectiCast, two of North America’s leading players in the growing field of providing alternative video content to both traditional and alternative venues, have announced an agreement to enable their clients to access the libraries of both companies.

SpectiCast provides service primarily to art house and smaller chain theaters as well as alternative venues like performing arts centers and senior living communities, while CineMuse primarily reaches cultural and educational institutions such as museums and universities. "This agreement enables each of us to bring much more content to many new venues," says Mark Rupp, president of SpectiCast. "CineMuse’s library of hi-definition programs from such prestigious organizations such as BBC, Discovery, Polygone, NHK, and Rabbit Ears will be a welcome addition to SpectiCast’s content offerings, and will expand our reach to the theatrical, non-theatrical, and education markets." said Rupp.

Under the agreement, SpectiCast will be able to offer CineMuse content to its existing network of over 150 exhibition venues. "We are thrilled that our content will be reaching a much larger audience through SpectiCast’s Digital Theatre NetworkTM," says CineMuse president Ted Geier, adding, "and we’re thrilled to be bringing to the CineMuse network of museums and schools SpectiCast’s growing library of independent and documentary films, as well as Specticast’s feature-length live and encore cultural arts and educational content from such world-renowned organizations as The Berliner Philharmoniker, The Kirov Ballet, The Mariinsky Theatre, and The New York Philharmonic."

About SpectiCast: SpectiCast is the fastest growing all-digital private network company in North America, distributing film, cultural arts events, and alternative content to both theatrical and non-theatrical venues in digital HD formats over our "Digital Theatre Network". SpectiCast’s content providers include such world-renowned organizations The Berliner Philharmoniker, The Kirov Ballet, The Mariinsky Theatre, The New York Philharmonic, The Free Library of Philadelphia, the Curtis Institute of Music, The National Film Board of Canada, and others. The Company provides a high quality, secured, and fully managed digital distribution service for film distributors and content rights owners primarily to art house, independent, and small chain theaters as well as performing arts and other non-traditional exhibition venues.

Contact: Mark Rupp | SpectiCast | www.specticast.com | (215) 618-3901

About CineMuse: Since it’s founding in 1995 by Ted Geier, when it became the first North American company to present hi-def to the general public, CineMuse has provided informative and entertaining content to millions of viewers in museums, schools, science centers, zoos, and aquariums, as well as through distribution on broadcast networks. The CineMuse Library features hundreds of programs from the world’s leading producers, including BBC, Discovery, NHK, and Rabbit Ears. CineMuse has offices in New York and Quebec.

Contact: Ted Geier | tgeier@cinemuse.com | (212) 965-4660

December 24, 2011: SpectiCast the fastest growing all-digital private network company in North America, distributing film, cultural arts events, and alternative content to both theatrical and non-theatrical venues has announced some of its upcoming new release films and events for calendar year 2012 and beyond.

In addition to its ongoing program presenting beautiful classical music concerts with the Berliner Philharmoniker SpectiCast will be presenting a number of new opera and ballet productions in 2012 and 2013 from venues of great beauty and importance including the historic Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg.

"Our 2012/2013 "Opera in HD" program will feature such titles as Verdi’s "Attila," Prokofiev’s "The Gambler," Wagner’s "Ring Series" as well as Bizet’s "Carmen," and others" said Mark Rupp SpectiCast’s president and chief operating officer. "In addition, our ongoing "Symphony in Cinema" Series features such stars as Anna Netrebko, Sir Simon Rattle, Renée Fleming, Annette Dasch, Jonas Kaufmann, Lang Lang, Sara Sant’ Ambrogio, Daniel Barenboim, Alison Balsom, Claudio Abbado, and of course The Berliner Philharmoniker" said Rupp.

SpectiCast will also continue its tradition of presenting some of the most celebrated voices in the arts, humanities, history, and politics and will offer its exhibitors live and encore special events that include entertaining and informative discussions with special content from such authors as Joan Didion, "Blue Nights," Susan Orlean, "Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend," Lee Child, "The Affair", and MSNBC’s "Hardball" host Chris Mathews in an interview with syndicated radio talk show host Michael Smerconish discussing Mathews New York Times best selling new book "Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero."

SpectiCast’s "Ballet in HD" Series will include Balanchine’s "Jewels" from the Mariinsky Theatre, Minkus’ "Don Quixote," Mozart’s "The Great Mass," and Moretti and Monteverdi’s "Caravaggio."

In addition, SpectiCast distributing some exciting independent films such as "The Red Machine," as well as monterey media’s "Bringing Up Bobby," "Reuniting the Rubins," and Guy Maddin’s "Keyhole."

About SpectiCast
SpectiCast is the fastest growing all-digital private network company in North America, distributing film, cultural arts events, and alternative content to both theatrical and non-theatrical venues. SpectiCast's proprietary Digital Theatre NetworkTM delivers the highest quality audiovisual digital experience using state-of-the-art Internet-protocol technologies operating over a network that has worldwide reach. SpectiCast has extensive experience in the fields of data networking, video transmission technology, video production and distribution, and the cultural arts.

Contact: Mark Rupp
SpectiCast www.specticast.com
(215) 618-3901

LOS ANGELES, December 11, 2011 - The award-winning feature film THE RED MACHINE will be released theatrically starting on Friday, January 20, 2012 by the digital distribution network SpectiCast. This release will make the movie available to a large group of theaters across the United States. It will also demonstrate a new and growing distribution option for independent filmmakers, and source of cinematic content for independent theaters, performing arts centers, and other alternative venues. "During our festival run, we traveled a lot with THE RED MACHINE and loved interacting with theaters and audiences," say directors Stephanie Argy & Alec Boehm. "What's great about collaborating with SpectiCast is that we're able to continue working in that direct and nimble way. They've been a tremendous partner, and we really feel as though we're helping them to develop the independent film distribution model of the future."

Roger Ebert gave THE RED MACHINE "two thumbs up" and called it a "lean, intense thriller...a film with an elegant simplicity." THE RED MACHINE, which was directed by Stephanie Argy and Alec Boehm, is a caper adventure set in Washington DC, 1935. At the height of the Great Depression, a cool-as-ice Navy spy (Lee Perkins) is ordered to work with a professional thief (Donal Thoms-Cappello) to pull off the heist of a lifetime. The Japanese military has changed the codes it uses for secret messages, with potentially devastating results for the U.S., and a prominent Japanese diplomat holds the key in the form of a mysterious new machine. As the spy and thief work together to get their hands on the machine and figure out how it works without anyone knowing that they've done so, they soon discover there is much more to their mission, and they must put aside their differences and find a way to outsmart some of the smartest people in the world.

THE RED MACHINE had its world premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival in Northern California, and its international premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in Scotland. Its awards include:

• Best Independent Feature, Sedona International Film Festival
• Jury Commendation-Best Feature, Durango Independent Film Festival
• Audience Award-Best Feature, Durango Independent Film Festival
• Best Screenplay, The Method Fest (and the movie also received nominations for Best Ensemble Cast and for Lee Perkins' performance)
• Outstanding Achievement in Feature Filmmaking and Best Actor (Donal Thoms-Cappello), Williamsburg International Film Festival.
• Director's Choice, Best Feature, Downtown Boca Film Festival
• Best Director, Sunscreen Film Festival

Theaters booking THE RED MACHINE will also have the option to show the directors' 11-minute mock newsreel GANDHI AT THE BAT. GANDHI AT THE BAT is a based on a short story from the New Yorker magazine, and tells of the little-known (and totally fictional) incident when Mahatma Gandhi pinch-hit for the New York Yankees in 1933. The short has also played and won awards all over the world, including at the Baseball Hall of Fame.

SpectiCast is the fastest growing all-digital private network company in North America, distributing film, cultural arts events, and alternative content to both theatrical and non-theatrical venues. SpectiCast's proprietary Digital Theatre NetworkTM delivers the highest quality audiovisual digital experience using state-of-the-art Internet-protocol technologies operating over a network that has worldwide reach. SpectiCast leverages patented technologies to deliver both live and pre-recorded content in beautiful 1080i format with 5.1 surround sound using standard, commercial-grade Internet connections and a simple to install and manage network appliance with an embedded hard drive and menu system SpectiCast has extensive experience in the fields of data networking, video transmission technology, video production, and the cultural arts.

Contact:
Mark Rupp
SpectiCast
www.specticast.com
(215) 618-3901

Stephanie Argy & Alec Boehm
Co-directors, THE RED MACHINE and GANDHI AT THE BAT
gandhiatthebat.com
www.redmachinethemovie.com
info@redmachinethemovie.com
(213) 448-2965

PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia has signed a collaboration agreement with SpectiCast Entertainment to bring high-definition and enhanced definition performances from its 2011-2012 concert season to the big screen. The performances will be captured live from the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the newly-built Lew Klein Hall at the Temple Performing Arts Center, and will be available at local theaters and venues nationwide.

"The use of technology in arts and culture is moving at a faster pace than ever before," said Derek Pew, C.E.O. of SpectiCast. "We are thrilled to be a part of the Chamber Orchestra’s quest to continue engaging current patrons while appealing to new audiences with the use of the latest technologies."

SpectiCast is the fastest growing all-digital private network company in North America, distributing film, cultural arts events, and alternative content to both theatrical and non-theatrical venues. SpectiCast's proprietary Digital Theatre NetworkTM delivers the highest quality audiovisual digital experience using state-of-the-art Internet-protocol technologies operating over a network that has worldwide reach.

On screen, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia is presenting three concerts from the newly-built Temple Performing Arts Center and one from the acclaimed Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. These performances will feature talented guest artists - trumpeter and Classic Brit Awards 2011 Female Artist of the Year Alison Balsom; Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra David Kim; Principal Clarinetist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra Anthony McGill; and cellist and founder of the Eroica Trio, Sara Sant’Ambrogio.

SpectiCast’s premiere of The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia’s first concert of the season will take place on October 10th, 2011 in select theaters in the United States, including theaters in Connecticut and New York. The concert will feature trumpeter Alison Balsom performing Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto, as well as The Hebrides Overture by Felix Mendelssohn, Schubert’s Third Symphony, and a world-première by the music director of The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Maestro Dirk Brossé.

The next concert in this exciting collaboration will be captured in the intimate Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and will feature Philadelphia Orchestra Concertmaster, David Kim. He will lead The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia in Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Handel’s Water Music Suite No. 1 in F major, HWV 348.

"The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia’s wonderful performances are essential media for us to broadcast on screen," said Mark Rupp, COO of SpectiCast. "They are an organization we are proud to collaborate with; we believe this is only the first step together in making a difference in the technological and arts worlds of the 21st century."

The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia in collaboration with SpectiCast Entertainment presents:

The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia is a founding resident company of The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and performs from September through April in its home, the intimate Perelman Theater. For information, please contact the Chamber Orchestra at 215.545.5451 or visit www.chamberorchestra.org.

Visit www.specticast.com for more information on SpectiCast Entertainment. Go directly to the Chamber Orchestra’s content page on the SpectiCast website by visiting www.listenalittlecloser.com.

This exciting open-air staging of Aida in beautiful High-Definition performed at St. Margarethen took place amidst the intoxicating scenery of a rustically romantic Roman quarry. The Opera Festival St. Margarethen in Austria counts as one of Europe’s most important open-air festivals and over 200,000 opera lovers from all over the world visit it annually. The story of the forbidden love between the Egyptian leader Radames and the beautiful Ethiopian princess Aida was originally commissioned for the opening of the Cairo opera house, which formed part of the celebrations surrounding the opening of the Suez Canal in 1871. This is an opera of epic proportions with horses, elephants, pyrotechnical special effects and more than 400 participants taking the stage.

In May 2011, SpectiCast and EuroArts announced a partnership that will bring European Operas, Concerts, Ballets and documentary films to thousands of independent movie houses, art house theatres, performing arts and community centers, The deal will bring live and pre-recorded events from Berlin’s world famous Philharmonie, Waldbühne (the Forest Theatre), the Sheldonian Theatre at The University of Oxford, the beautiful historic concert hall of Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria, Teatro Real in Madrid, Spain, and the awe-inspiring surroundings of the 1st-century Roman quarry at St Margarethen in eastern Austria.

These premiere North American productions will feature international stars like Renée Fleming, Alisa Weilerstein, Annette Dasch, and Lang Lang, as well as world-renowned conductors; Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, Riccardo Chailly, and Gustavo Dudamel.

Under the terms of the deal, SpectiCast will be the exclusive North American theatrical distributor for EuroArts.

About SpectiCast
SpectiCast is the fastest growing all-digital private network company in North America, distributing film, cultural arts events, and alternative content to both theatrical and non-theatrical venues. SpectiCast's proprietary Digital Theatre NetworkTM delivers the highest quality audiovisual digital experience using state-of-the-art Internet-protocol technologies operating over a network that has worldwide reach. SpectiCast leverages patented technologies to deliver both live and pre-recorded HD content over standard, commercial-grade Internet connections. SpectiCast has extensive experience in the fields of data networking, video transmission technology, video production, and the cultural arts.
www.specticast.com or 866.996.2842

This summer, SpectiCast will distribute the North American theatrical premiere of EuroArts’ production of Giuseppe Verdi’s "Nabucco" to art house theaters, independent movie houses, performing arts centers, small chain theaters and other alternative venues throughout North America. The June 26, 2001 premiere staged at St. Margarethen takes place amidst the intoxicating scenery of a rustically romantic Roman quarry, which provides a unique backdrop for this opera. The Opera Festival St. Margarethen in Austria counts as one of Europe's most important open-air festivals and nearly 220,000 opera lovers from all over the world visit it annually. Nabucco tells the story of Nebuchadnezzar, ancient King of Babylon, who went mad after proclaiming himself God. It is one of the most popular works in the history of opera and was Giuseppe Verdi's (1813-1901) break-through in 1842. It features the most famous of all opera choruses, "Va, pensiero.", which is a tune know to more than just opera lovers. This is an opera of epic proportions and the staging presented truly conforms to this spirit: horses, pyrotechnical special effects and more than 400 participants take to the stage.

In May 2011, SpectiCast and EuroArts announced a partnership that will bring European Operas, Concerts, Ballets and documentary films to thousands of independent movie houses, art house theatres, performing arts and community centers, The deal will bring live and pre-recorded events from Berlin’s world famous Philharmonie, Waldbühne (the Forest Theatre), the Sheldonian Theatre at The University of Oxford, the beautiful historic concert hall of Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria, Teatro Real in Madrid, Spain, and the awe-inspiring surroundings of the 1st-century Roman quarry at St Margarethen in eastern Austria.

These premiere North American productions will feature international stars like Renée Fleming, Alisa Weilerstein, Annette Dasch, and Lang Lang, as well as world-renowned conductors; Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, Riccardo Chailly, and Gustavo Dudamel.

Under the terms of the deal, SpectiCast will be the exclusive North American theatrical distributor for EuroArts.

About SpectiCast
SpectiCast is the fastest growing all-digital private network company in North America, distributing film, cultural arts events, and alternative content to both theatrical and non-theatrical venues. SpectiCast's proprietary Digital Theatre NetworkTM delivers the highest quality audiovisual digital experience using state-of-the-art Internet-protocol technologies operating over a network that has worldwide reach. SpectiCast leverages patented technologies to deliver both live and pre-recorded HD content over standard, commercial-grade Internet connections. SpectiCast has extensive experience in the fields of data networking, video transmission technology, video production, and the cultural arts.
www.specticast.com or 866.996.2842

May 9, 2011 Berlin/Philadelphia: SpectiCast and EuroArts have announced a partnership that will bring European Operas, Concerts, Ballets and documentary films to thousands of independent movie houses, art house theatres, performing arts and community centers, and other alternative theatres throughout North America. The deal will bring live and pre-recorded events from Berlin’s world famous Philharmonie, Waldbühne (the Forest Theatre), the Sheldonian Theatre at The University of Oxford, the beautiful historic concert hall of Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria, Teatro Real in Madrid, Spain, and the awe-inspiring surroundings of the 1st-century Roman quarry at St Margarethen in eastern Austria.

"We are very excited to be partnering with such a prestigious organization as EuroArts," said Derek Pew, CEO of SpectiCast. "The quality and depth of their content will allow us to offer our theatre partners alternative content that is of the highest production value and more diverse than other similar content being offered in the marketplace". "The EuroArts content is a perfect fit for the theatres and venues serviced by our expanding Digital Theatre Network", added Pew.

These premiere North American productions will feature international stars like Renée Fleming, Alisa Weilerstein, Annette Dasch, and Lang Lang, as well as world-renowned conductors; Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, Riccardo Chailly, and Gustavo Dudamel.

"EuroArts Music is glad to enter into this partnership with SpectiCast and to be able to give the North American audience access to some of the most valuable cultural content and programming from all over Europe, covering some of the finest works in classical music, performing arts and music documentaries." says Dieter E. Gross, CEO of EuroArts.

Under the terms of the deal, SpectiCast will be the exclusive North American theatrical distributor for EuroArts.

About SpectiCast
SpectiCast is the fastest growing all-digital private network company in North America, distributing film, cultural arts events, and alternative content to both theatrical and non-theatrical venues. SpectiCast's proprietary Digital Theatre Network^TM delivers the highest quality audiovisual digital experience using state-of-the-art Internet-protocol technologies operating over a network that has worldwide reach. SpectiCast leverages patented technologies to deliver both live and pre-recorded HD content over standard, commercial-grade Internet connections. SpectiCast has extensive experience in the fields of data networking, video transmission technology, video production, and the cultural arts.
www.specticast.com or 866.996.2842

Los Angeles, CA - With over 80 theatres and other venues already online and a target to reach 200 by year’s end, SpectiCast and monterey media are thrilled to announce an exciting new venture for the digital delivery of feature films to venues across the nation with the launch of the SpectiCast Digital Theatre NetworkTM (DTN), beginning on May 1st.

monterey media, as the exclusive content aggregator of film for SpectiCast’s DTN, will bring independent films to thousands of independent movie houses, art house theaters, performing arts and community centers, and other alternative theaters around the country. Delivering HD content using state of the art Internet-protocol technologies, the SpectiCast DTN efficiently and securely distributes films, providing better economics and greatly simplified operational and distribution logistics to partners and theatres.

The initial film package will include first-run theatrical releases of Monte Hellman’s Road to Nowhere (which Film Comment declared a “certifiable masterpiece”); acclaimed Small Town Murder Songs from the Toronto International Film Festival; and a slate of films packing Hollywood star power, including Michelle Monaghan, David Strathairn, Marcia Gay Harden, Toni Collette, Ray Liotta, Elizabeth Banks, Martin Landau, Ellen Burstyn, William Hurt, Ben Gazzara, Joseph Fiennes, and more.

"We are very excited to begin our launch into film distribution with an organization of the caliber of monterey media," said Mark Rupp, Co-Founder and President of SpectiCast. "The breadth and depth of monterey's film library combined with their ability to select highly-acclaimed award winning films from other distributors makes this a perfect fit for the theaters and venues serviced by our expanding Digital Theatre Network", said Rupp.

On the new venture, CEO and Managing Partner of monterey media, Scott Mansfield said, "After extensive research on various digital systems, we partnered with SpectiCast because in line with the constant changes of the marketplace, its pioneering technology creates incredible agility and efficiency in the delivery process." Under the terms of the agreement, monterey will supply films for distribution over the Digital Theatre Network for which monterey is the exclusive distributor as well as acquire rights to independent films from other distributors and rights holders.

About SpectiCast
SpectiCast is the nation’s fastest growing all-digital private network company distributing film, cultural arts events, and alternative content to both theatrical and non-theatrical venues. SpectiCast’s proprietary Digital Theater Network delivers the highest quality audiovisual digital experience using state-of-the-art Internet-protocol technologies operating over a network that has worldwide reach. SpectiCast leverages patented technologies to deliver both live and pre-recorded HD content over standard, commercial-grade Internet connections. SpectiCast has extensive experience in the fields of data networking, video transmission technology, video production, and the cultural arts. www.specticast.com or 866.996.2842

SpectiCast, Monterey to launch theater network

By MARC GRASER

SpectiCast Digital broadcaster SpectiCast has paired up with Monterey Media to launch the SpectiCast Digital Theater Network to provide smaller exhibitors with slates of digitally distributed independent films and alternative programming.

Nearly 80 venues have already signed on to use the service, which formally bows May 1, and aims to grow to 200 by the end of the year.

Monterey serves as the network's provider of pics for the network and will supply films it has the rights to distribute, as well as pick up titles from other distribs.

Aim is to provide the network to smaller indie and arthouse theaters, performing arts and community centers, and other alternative theaters around the country.

The initial film package will include theatrical releases like Monte Hellman's "Road to Nowhere," which Variety executive editor Steven Gaydos penned and produced, and "Small Town Murder Songs."

"After extensive research on various digital systems, we partnered with SpectiCast because in line with the constant changes of the marketplace, its pioneering technology creates incredible agility and efficiency in the delivery process," said Monterey Media CEO and managing partner Scott Mansfield.

Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

PHILADELPHIA (April 13, 2011) - SpectiCast, the US’s fastest growing all-digital private network company that distributes film and cultural arts events, has selected Amino set-top boxes to deliver high quality content to theaters worldwide.

SpectiCast’s proprietary Digital Theater Network (DTN) delivers the highest quality audio visual digital experience using advanced Internet-protocol technologies operating over a network that has global reach.

Amino has worked with SpectiCast to integrate their proprietary technologies into its A540 personal video recorder (PVR) set-top box to enable the delivery of broadcast quality audiovisual content using standard, commercial-grade Internet connections.

SpectiCast’s services leverage patented technologies to deliver extremely high quality audiovisual content using standard, commercial-grade Internet connections for both live and pre-recorded content. SpectiCast has extensive experience in the fields of data networking, video transmission technology, video production, and the cultural arts.

The SpectiCast DTN supports live simulcasts as well as the secured transfer of digital content to theaters over the Internet to an A540 residing at the customer venue, for subsequent locally managed playback.

"The form factor and system capability of the A540 provides an extremely cost effective way for us to deliver live and pre-recorded content to theaters," said Mark Rupp, Co-Founder and President of SpectiCast.

"The ease of use factor has proven to be a significant value proposition to both professional theater managers and event coordinators at alternative venues," he added.

Since the fall of 2008, SpectiCast's DTN has delivered live simulcasts, as well as encore performances for organizations like The Philadelphia Orchestra Association, The Curtis Institute of Music, and The Free Library of Philadelphia. SpectiCast is currently expanding into traditional film distribution to independent and art house theaters as well as non-traditional theaters such as performing arts and community centers.

"Our technology platform allows us to provide a very cost effective turnkey digital service that can deliver live and pre-recorded content such as independent films, repository collections, and re-issue films, at any time, to multiple locations any place in the world," said Rupp.

"This platform allows us to efficiently distribute high quality content at a much lower cost than traditional satellite-based systems or more complex network server-based systems, thereby providing better economics and greatly simplified operational and distribution logistics."

Amino CEO Andrew Burke said: "This is a great example of how our next generation devices can be adapted to deliver a great quality entertainment experience across IP networks to a number of different markets. Audience feedback to SpectiCast events has been excellent - with very favorable comments about the audio and visual quality."

The A540 PVR uses the new STi7105 system-on-chip processor and is supported by an extensive ecosystem of set top box middleware, browser, conditional access and DRM options required for the widely varying configurations of the IPTV market.

About Specticast
SpectiCast is the nation’s fastest growing all-digital private network company distributing film, cultural arts events, and alternative content to both theatrical and non-theatrical venues. SpectiCast’s proprietary Digital Theater Network delivers the highest quality audiovisual digital experience using state-of-the-art Internet-protocol technologies operating over a network that has worldwide reach. SpectiCast leverages patented technologies to deliver both live and pre-recorded HD content over standard, commercial-grade Internet connections. SpectiCast has extensive experience in the fields of data networking, video transmission technology, video production, and the cultural arts. For more information, visit www.specticast.com.

PHILADELPHIA By David Patrick Stearns, Inquirer Music Critic -

The idea keeps catching on - even if audiences are still catching up.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic is preparing for its second live movie-theater simulcast on Sunday - only a week after Carmen in 3-D leapt from London's Royal Opera and a few weeks before the English National Opera's 3-D Lucrezia Borgia arrives on DirecTV. More quietly, the Philadelphia Orchestra continues on an alternate route, eschewing satellite technology for the Internet in the seventh of a series of nine simulcasts March 20.

The music world can't help but be dazzled by the Metropolitan Opera's recently released simulcast numbers: The nine transmissions in the 2009-10 season sold 2.4 million tickets, grossed $48 million, and eventually made a net profit of $8 million for the opera company.

Yet the question of translating 19th-century art into a 21st-century visual culture remains unanswered for symphony orchestras, especially Los Angeles', which follows in the Met's footsteps with simulcasts in 450 of the same theaters - without the Met's eye candy or culturally ingrained tradition of Saturday-afternoon radio broadcasts.

"Costumes, tenors and animals, that's an easy translation to a visual form," said Los Angeles Philharmonic president Deborah Borda. "We have a different kind of product . . . but it's a work in progress and we'll develop it over time." Her trump cards are the Frank Gehry-designed Disney Hall and conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who has screen presence and more name recognition than any conductor since Leonard Bernstein.

The first simulcast in January was an all-orchestral program of John Adams and Beethoven hosted by TV, stage and recording star Vanessa Williams. On Sunday, the music is inspired by Shakespeare and enjoys a marketing synergy with a just-released, Dudamel-conducted CD of the same program. Thanks to its close proximity to Hollywood, Sunday's simulcast will feature Shakespearean characterizations by the likes of Orlando Bloom and Malcolm McDowell.

"We've done quite a few TV shows, and at this point, it makes sense for us," said Borda after the January simulcast. "Will we change the future? We might. I've gotten close to 100 texts from people throughout the country talking about how good the sound was."

However, attendance figures aren't being released. And in the U.S. symphony world, it's a bandwagon of one. Though the New York Philharmonic and the Minnesota Orchestra are also riding high thanks to charismatic music directors, they're sticking closer to what they know - audio technology. The Berlin Philharmonic is indeed a visual experience with Simon Rattle at the helm, but it offers live and on-demand video streaming to home computers in subscriptions that average about $22 a concert.

The Philadelphia Orchestra has experimented for years with Internet-based simulcasts, and has now evolved to a season of nine - but in only 75 or so venues across the country, in places like Amherst, Mass., and Oberlin, Kan. Half are independent movie theaters such as the Bryn Mawr Film Institute (now a partner of the producers, SpectiCast), which charge about $20. Other venues are senior citizen communities, which often break even with a $10 admission because the only technological requirement is a small cable TV-style signal box, rented for $300, as opposed to a satellite dish.

Though symphonic simulcast production costs run into the six figures and operatic ones are easily $1 million, the Philadelphia Orchestra has only 30 percent of the usual costs because Verizon Hall is already equipped with robotic cameras, said Stephen Millen, vice president and orchestra general manager. "We're the envy of the orchestra world for having all of this technology in the hall," he says.

Yet technology is only the starting point - especially with matters from promotional to legal still catching up. The star power of simulcasts can be, in some cases, muted by the varying requirements of media clauses. Emerging artists - such as the leading tenors for the two 3-D opera productions, Academy of Vocal Arts graduates Bryan Hymel in Carmen and Michael Fabiano in Lucrezia Borgia - welcome such exposure.

However, the varying limitations on artists' control over how and where their performance is marketed after the simulcast is reported to be an increasing point of contention, especially in opera. While assessing Philadelphia Orchestra concerts for possible simulcast, SpectiCast president Mark Rupp is occasionally warned away from artists with media clauses and limited patience for intermission inteviews. Los Angeles's first program was all-orchestral, says Borda, to establish an identity. But she also avoided establishing a precedent of superstars such as Lang Lang.

With some simulcasts, word isn't getting out, or at least not to the right people. Though the Philharmonic had promotional partnering with 70 orchestras across the country, Philadelphia-area attendance appeared to be thin, fewer than 40 people in two of the area theaters. Ditto for Carmen in 3-D: Publicity efforts were directed toward the film world rather than the opera community. As for Lucrezia Borgia, the specialized DirecTV has only vague references to an April broadcast on its website.

The main local commercial venue for the Philadelphia Orchestra simulcasts is the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, where executive director Juliet Goodfriend reports that attendance is 90 on a good day - in a theater that seats 350. She'd love a promotional boost from the orchestra and SpectiCast. It's here that the orchestra's current state of transition gets in the way of a clear simulcast prognosis.

Verizon Hall is as photogenic as Los Angeles's Disney Hall. And however glamorous Vanessa Williams was in January, Philadelphia public TV veteran Willo Carey has more live-on-camera polish. However, Philadelphia's counterpart to Dudamel, ebullient music director-designate Yannick Nézet Séguin, isn't yet a full-time presence. Also, the Philadelphia Orchestra's current preoccupation with financial challenges means that simulcast promotion is neglected.

"We help a little bit," says Millen, "but not as much as we would . . . if our live-experience [audience] numbers hadn't been declining. That's our primary concern."

Yet Philadelphia simulcasts don't have the kind of expectations that come with Los Angeles' network of 450 North American theaters. With a lower overhead, can independent art-house theaters such as Bryn Mawr Film Institute hold out until the orchestra's situation stabilizes and marketing mechanisms are in place? Goodfriend's answer: "Yes."

Contact music critic David Patrick Stearns at dstearns@phillynews.com.

The "LA Phil LIVE" simulcast is carried by seven area movie theaters at 5 p.m. Sunday. Information: www.fandango.com. The Philadelphia Orchestra simulcast at 2 p.m. March 20 is carried by the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 610-527-9898 or www.brynmawrfilm.org.

About SpectiCast
Based in Philadelphia, SpectiCast broadcasts live cultural arts and entertainment events, never before available, through its private digital network to Multi-Viewer Venues^TM including Assisted Living Facilities, Independent Care Facilities and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. The company delivers the highest quality audiovisual digital television experience via the Internet in the comfort, convenience and safety of private auditoriums, theatres, and living rooms.

PHILADELPHIA (February 15, 2011) - SpectiCast, a digital distribution company that distributes films, and produces, directs, simulcasts and distributes cultural arts & entertainment events, and other alternative content, to both traditional and non-traditional venues across North America, has teamed up with syndicated radio talk show host and television personality Michael Smerconish to deliver "Book Club with Michael Smerconish" in high-definition to theaters across the country.

Since 2008, SpectiCast has delivered live simulcasts as well as encore performances of arts and cultural content through its advanced Digital Distribution Network for organizations such as The Philadelphia Orchestra Association, The Curtis Institute of Music, and The Free Library of Philadelphia.

"We are very excited to be working with Michael and his team to bring this amazing program to theaters across the country," said Mark Rupp, President of SpectiCast.

The 2011 season promises to be the biggest year yet for Book Club, including Ted Gup, discussing, "A Secret Gift," Vanguard founder Jack Bogle on, "Don't Count on It," Jane Leavy with, "The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America's Childhood," and James Kaplan discussing, "Frank: The Voice." These four events will all take place at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute in Bryn Mawr PA.

According to Smerconish, "There is always something new on my nightstand or in my Kindle. As with my politics and music, my reading tastes are difficult to characterize. In my study, Bob Woodward sits next to Nelson DeMille. Bottom line - if I'm taken by a book, I want to bring it to my audience. Our partnership with SpectiCast will allow even more people to participate and enjoy Book Club."

For more information, contact SpectiCast at info@specticast.com or call toll free at 888.996.2842. www.specticast.com

About SpectiCast
Based in Philadelphia, SpectiCast broadcasts live cultural arts and entertainment events, never before available, through its private digital network to Multi-Viewer Venues^TM including Assisted Living Facilities, Independent Care Facilities and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. The company delivers the highest quality audiovisual digital television experience via the Internet in the comfort, convenience and safety of private auditoriums, theatres, and living rooms.