Now in its 11th year, AWFF continues its mission of elevating Asian filmmakers onto the global stage. This year, Samsung’s participation added something quietly meaningful: not a new layer of technology, but a new level of care in how each story meets its audience.

Filmmakers See Their Stories in a New Light

For many directors premiering work at AWFF, seeing their films on an Onyx Cinema LED screen was more than a technical upgrade, it was a moment of recognition. With traditional projection, even subtle variations in brightness, shadow or color can shift the experience away from how a film should have felt. But inside the Onyx auditoriums, filmmakers found the version of their film that most closely resembled what they created in the grading suite.

▲ “Al Chang’s short film Cindy is presented on the Samsung Onyx Cinema LED screen at AWFF.”

 

▲ Al Chang, director of “Cindy,” talks about the story behind his film at the Asian World Film Festival backdrop.

For Al Chang, director of the short film “Cindy,” the difference was immediate. After screening films in a wide range of theaters, he was struck by the consistency and clarity: “I’ve had short films screen in a lot of theaters, and there’s always some variation — washed-out blacks or colors that don’t translate the way we graded them. Here, it was like watching it on my own TV.”

Executive producer Kira T. Bixby, whose film “Rooftop” tells a Korean American story rooted in Los Angeles, emphasized how much the image supported the story’s emotion. “Everything really popped for us — the colors, the compositions, the details we worked so hard to craft,” she said. “Film is such a visual language, so how you’re able to see it really matters.”

“Seeing movies presented with this level of precision gives filmmakers confidence that their work is being treated with respect.”

— Asel Sherniyazova, Co-Founder and Managing Director, AWFF

The experience resonated with filmmakers from the Korean Parallel Smartphone Film Festival (KPSFF) as well — a program that empowers creators and performers, including those with disabilities, to make films using smartphones. Seeing their work on a large LED cinema screen was both unexpected and affirming.

Director Byun Seung Chae, known for her color-driven storytelling, recalled the moment the film began: “What struck me right away was how unbelievably clear the image was. The colors were beautiful, and I was amazed that a film could look that sharp on such a large screen. I turned to the person next to me and said, ‘I didn’t expect it to look this good!’”

▲ “Directors Byun Seung Chae (left) and Han Kyoung Woo join audiences inside the Onyx auditorium during the KPSFF program.”

LA-based filmmaker Zenon Samuels, who attended the festival and works extensively with nighttime visuals and neon-heavy palettes, echoed that sentiment after experiencing an Onyx screening for the first time. “The blacks are super dark, and with a film that’s so bright and colorful, the high dynamic range made the colors really pop and helped bring the energy and nighttime aesthetic to life.”

▲ “LA-based filmmaker Zenon Samuels shares their viewing experience following an Onyx auditorium screening.”

Together, these voices reflected a consistent theme: Onyx didn’t alter their films — it respected and faithfully recreated the choices behind them. For directors and performers seeing their work in this format, the experience felt both cinematic and deeply personal.

Audiences Rediscover What Cinemas Can Be With Samsung Onyx

Festivalgoers — many encountering Onyx for the first time — described a level of clarity and contrast that felt distinct from traditional projection.

New York attendees Jack Joyce and Matthew Gallopo noted how the presentation shaped their experience: “Those darker colors — and not having that graininess — kind of put you in the moment a little bit. It was cool,” Joyce said. Gallopo added, “The color certainly popped, and a lot of it was pretty crisp.”

▲ “Festival attendees, Matthew Gallopo (left) and Jack Joyce (right) talk about their impression of the Onyx screen at AWFF 2025.”

For some, the impact was emotional as much as technical.

Entertainment lawyer Jesse Weiner, who watches films professionally as part of his work, noted how the detail and richness altered the way he connected with the narrative unfolding onscreen. “Watching this film on Samsung Onyx, the picture was bright, rich… about as good as I can imagine seeing a film with that kind of quality and texture,” he added. “It looked very lifelike — almost like being immersed in the action of the film.”

▲ “Jesse Weiner, a New York–based entertainment lawyer, describes how the picture quality influenced the way he connected with the film.”

Others reflected on what experiences like this might mean for the future of theaters. As streaming, gaming and home entertainment rapidly evolve, festivalgoers were struck by how an elevated cinema environment can bring people together again.

“Innovations in the cinema industry should help audiences truly see the story, and Samsung’s Onyx screens do just that.”

— Georges N. Chamchoum, Executive Director, AWFF

Across ages, backgrounds and filmmaking experience, the audience conversations pointed to the same conclusion: cinema remains powerful — and when the screen elevates rather than competes with the storytelling, the theatrical experience becomes even more compelling.

▲ “The Culver Theater lobby buzzes with filmmakers, audiences and industry guests as AWFF 2025 unfolds.”

A Thoughtful Dialogue on the Future of Cinema

At this year’s festival, Samsung also hosted the panel discussion “Redefining the Cinema Experience with Samsung Onyx,” bringing together leading voices shaping the craft and technology of modern filmmaking. The panel featured:

• Glenn Gainor, CEO & Producer, Hollywood Ventures Group
• Steven Poster (ASC, CSC), Board Member, 6P Color; President Emeritus, International Cinematographers Guild Local 600
• Philip Holland, Director, Cinematographer, Digital Cinema Specialist & Color Scientist
• Craig German, Former C-Suite Executive, Amazon Studios and Paramount

Over the hour-long conversation, the panelists explored how advancements in HDR, color accuracy and display technology are reshaping both creative possibility and audience expectation. Much of the discussion focused on how deeper blacks, wider color gamuts and consistent presentation can reinforce cinematic emotion rather than alter it.

“We had the ability to capture [the darkest of dark and the brightest of bright] on film, but not to project it — until now.”

— Glenn Gainor, Head of Production, Hollywood Ventures Group

Gainor reflected on the shift in audience expectations as viewing environments improve across the board, noting, “Clearly, I work in the movie business, so my home system is probably pretty good. [But it’s] never going to be as good as what we just saw. This is an entirely different, immersive experience.”

▲ “Glenn Gainor (center) shares his perspective on the future of theatrical storytelling during the panel session, joined by cinematographers and experts from across the industry.”

Steven Poster spoke to how companies and the technology they develop can support — not interfere with — creative intent. “Samsung was one of the first to listen to creators with filmmaker mode — and that really mattered,” he said. “Motion interpolation destroyed suspension of disbelief, and now we can have that back.”

Holland pointed out how emissive displays strengthen emotional immersion by revealing details often lost in projection. “Because this tech can achieve such deep black, you don’t get milky shadows,” he said. “In a room like this, there were moments when you couldn’t see the edge of the frame — you felt like you were there.”

▲ “Philip Holland (far right) discusses the role of HDR and contrast in modern cinematic storytelling during the panel session.”

That depth and precision became a larger theme as the panel discussed the creative range made possible by HDR. Gainor described it as an expansion of storytelling itself: “The art of storytelling allows us to get the darkest of dark and the brightest of bright.” Poster added: “We had the ability to capture it on film, but not to project it — until now.”

▲ “Panelists discuss the evolving landscape of theatrical storytelling during ‘The Future of Cinema Experience with Samsung Onyx’ session at AWFF 2025.”

AWFF 2025: Where Art and Technology Meet

During the festival, one theme echoed across screenings, hallways and panel rooms alike: when the viewing experience respects the filmmaker’s intent, the connection between audience and story becomes stronger. That idea also shaped how AWFF leadership reflected on this year’s partnership with Samsung.

Executive Director Georges N. Chamchoum — an Emmy and multiple award-winning film director and producer — said, “AWFF has always been about cultural exchange, introducing Asian filmmakers to the world and giving their stories the visibility they deserve. Samsung’s support strengthens that mission.” He added that “innovations in the cinema industry should help audiences truly see the story, and Samsung’s Onyx screens do just that.”

Co-Founder and Managing Director Asel Sherniyazova highlighted the responsibility of presenting films with care: “A film may travel across continents before reaching our stage. Seeing it presented with this level of precision gives filmmakers confidence that their work is being treated with respect.”

▲ “Executive Director Georges N. Chamchoum (left) and Co-Founder Asel Sherniyazova photographed at AWFF 2025, marking this year’s collaboration with Samsung.”

Samsung’s role at AWFF 2025 reaffirmed that technology can amplify the heart of a story when used with care. By helping films reach audiences exactly as their creators intended, this year’s festival offered a promising look at how cinemas can continue to inspire, connect and bring stories to life.

▲ “The Culver Theater, where the 11th Asian World Film Festival brought together filmmakers and audiences from around the world.”

Now in its 11th year, the Asian World Film Festival brings together acclaimed filmmakers and award-contending titles from across more than 30 Asian countries, serving as a cultural bridge between East and West. By supporting AWFF, Samsung underscores its commitment to advancing cinematic innovation and empowering creators through technology that enhances visual storytelling.

“Samsung is proud to support the Asian World Film Festival and celebrate filmmakers who are redefining storytelling on the global stage,” said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Through Samsung Onyx, audiences can experience cinema with a level of precision and realism that mirrors the director’s true intent.”

▲ The festival’s opening and closing films, along with awards ceremony, will be presented in Samsung Onyx auditoriums at the Culver Theater.

Elevating the Cinema Experience With Samsung Onyx

Samsung’s Cinema LED Onyx screen will take center stage at AWFF, transforming how audiences experience films at the Culver Theater. Key moments — including the opening and closing films and the awards ceremony — will be presented in Onyx auditoriums, where the festival’s cinematic artistry meets Samsung’s cutting-edge innovation.

As the world’s first DCI-certified cinema LED display, [1] Samsung Onyx redefines the moviegoing experience by replacing traditional projection-based systems with advanced LED technology that delivers vivid color, true black levels and exceptional brightness. The result is a brilliantly immersive HDR viewing experience that faithfully preserves each filmmaker’s creative vision, ensuring every detail is seen just as it was meant to be.

“The Asian World Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing the highest standards of cinematic excellence,” said Georges N. Chamchoum, AWFF Executive Director. “Partnering with Samsung allows us to deliver the next-generation viewing experience that elevates the artistry and visual storytelling of every film we present.”

The Culver Theater features four Samsung Onyx Cinema LED auditoriums and one Samsung The Wall 8K LED auditorium, making it one of the most advanced LED multiplexes in the world.

Leading Industry Dialogue on the Future of Cinema

As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing cinematic innovation, Samsung will host a panel discussion, “Redefining the Cinema Experience With Samsung Onyx,” in collaboration with the Asian World Film Festival on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Culver Theater.

The session — featuring a panel of leading filmmakers, cinematographers and industry experts — will explore how LED display technology, including Samsung Onyx, is redefining the creative and technical frontiers of filmmaking. Discussions will focus on how advancements in color accuracy, contrast and dynamic range are empowering directors and cinematographers to bring their stories to life in new and immersive ways.

A Shared Commitment to Innovation and Artistry

Beyond the festival, Samsung continues to drive innovation across the global cinema industry as well. Earlier this year, the company introduced the new Onyx (ICD model) — the latest evolution of the world’s first DCI-certified LED cinema display — at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.

The upgraded Onyx combines brilliant HDR performance with peak brightness of 300 nits, frame rates up to 120Hz in 4K [2] and precise DCI-P3 color accuracy, delivering ultra-smooth motion and lifelike visuals in every frame. Its scalable design, available in 5-, 10- and 14-meter sizes, allows theaters to maximize screen size without sacrificing image quality, while an industry-first 10-year warranty ensures reliability and long-term value [3].

Through these innovations, Samsung is redefining the cinematic experience — empowering filmmakers, exhibitors and audiences to experience the emotion, color and detail exactly as it was envisioned.

[1] Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) is a consortium of major studios formed to establish specifications for an open architecture for digital cinema systems. ︎

[2] Based on the screen’s internal data bandwidth. Actual frame rates may vary depending on the connected IMB. ︎

[3] Based on internal research and publicly available information. Onyx includes a standard five-year warranty on parts, with options to extend coverage up to 10 years. ︎

Samsung Onyx is the world’s first cinema LED display, introduced by Samsung Electronics in 2017. The first theater equipped with Samsung Onyx opened that same year at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul, Korea, followed by five additional Lotte Cinema locations[1] around the country.

Now, in October 2025, the latest evolution of Samsung Onyx — the company’s first major update to the technology in eight years — makes its Korean debut at Lotte Cinema Sillim’s Gwang-eum LED theater, the cinema brand’s seventh LED venue.

So why is Lotte Cinema expanding its lineup of cinema LED theaters and moving away from traditional projectors? Samsung Newsroom visited the new Gwang-eum LED theater to experience the difference firsthand and hear what moviegoers and theater representatives had to say.

▲ Lotte Cinema Sillim’s Gwang-eum LED theater, where Samsung’s latest Onyx technology made its Korean debut

A Rich Interplay Between Contrast and Color

▲ At Lotte Cinema Sillim’s Gwang-eum LED theater, a Samsung Onyx trailer plays before each movie begins.

The difference was clear the moment the screen lit up. As fine beams of light gradually filled the pitch-black display, Samsung Onyx delivered breathtaking contrast and deep blacks, while the interplay of light and color revealed an exceptional range of hues that almost felt tangible.

▲ The Samsung Onyx display delivers 4K resolution with 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, reproducing every hue and texture just as film creators intended — without distortion.

Unlike conventional projector systems, Samsung Onyx generates its own light through LEDs, producing perfectly defined blacks and whites along with an exceptionally rich color palette. Its outstanding contrast ratio and deep blacks ensure uniform brightness across the entire screen without light bleed, allowing even the darkest scenes to maintain their texture and depth.

▲ The Samsung Onyx screen delivers brilliant HDR visuals with peak brightness levels of 300 nits (87.6fL), true black levels and precise color accuracy.

“Even during the brightest and darkest scenes, my eyes didn’t feel strained,” shared moviegoer Jeonghyeon Yoon after watching a popular animated film at the theater. “The frames flowed so smoothly that it made watching the movie even more enjoyable.”

The vivid color and contrast of the Samsung Onyx screen appeal not only to audiences but also to animation filmmakers. “On the Onyx, these little details were perfectly visible —details which give a lot to the atmosphere, to the peaceful tone of the scene,” said Matīss Kaža, producer of the dialogue-free animated film “Flow” — which won a Golden Globe® Award for Best Motion Picture — Animated, an Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature. “Cinema is all about detailing in the visual storytelling, and this comes through on Onyx very well.”

In addition, Pixar Animation Studios has collaborated with Samsung to master its animated film such as “Elemental,” “Inside Out 2,” and “Elio” making it available in 4K theatrical HDR format compatible with Samsung Onyx.

▲ (From left) Jinha Jeong and Yongseop Yoon of Lotte Cultureworks note that Samsung’s ongoing technological innovation and reliable product quality have enabled the delivery of a consistently premium cinema experience.

“Samsung Onyx enables sophisticated color expression and reproduces true blacks, earning highly positive feedback from audiences,” said Jinha Jeong, Senior Manager at the Operations Innovation Team at Lotte Cultureworks. “Many animation fans now say that certain movies must be watched in Onyx LED theaters. With such strong audience satisfaction, LED theaters have now established themselves as one of Lotte Cinema’s signature screening formats.”

Mega-Sized Screens That Transform the Atmosphere

The evolution of Samsung Onyx goes beyond picture quality. The 2025 model (ICD) is reshaping not just the visuals but the very environment of the movie-going experience.

A new screen nearly 11 meters wide has been installed at Lotte Cinema Sillim’s Gwang-eum LED theater — the largest size possible within the theater’s dimensions. This was made possible by Samsung Onyx’s flexible scaling options, which allows for custom sizing beyond the standard widths of 5 meters (1.25mm pixel pitch), 10 meters (2.5mm), and 14 meters[2] (3.3mm). In Lotte Cinema Sillim’s case, additional cabinets were added to the sides and bottom of the standard 10-meter model, enlarging the display by more than 30 percent.

“Due to the structural limitations of the Sillim branch, we were previously able to install only a 10.24-by-5.4-meter LED screen,” Jeong explained. “However, with Onyx’s scalability, we expanded it to 11.52 by 6.3 meters[3], creating a captivating sense of immersion that fills the viewer’s entire field of vision.”

▲ Yongseop Yoon and Jinha Jeong explain that thanks to Onyx’s scalability, they were able to install the largest possible screen for the Gwang-eum LED theater’s space.

In Samsung Onyx-equipped theaters, every seat offers a crystal-clear view without edge distortion or resolution loss, ensuring the optimal viewing experience from any angle. Unlike traditional projector-based theaters, Samsung Onyx delivers uniform brightness and color accuracy across the entire screen for every single viewer.

▲ The Onyx screen’s ability to reproduce the colors and textures exactly as creators intended allows viewers to enjoy vivid, distortion-free images without loss of resolution — no matter where they sit in the theater.

“Dynamic scenes such as explosions and battles appeared incredibly sharp, and the vibrant colors made the viewing experience even more immersive,” shared Eunjeong Lim, another moviegoer, after watching a film at the Gwang-eum LED theater.

“Even the outlines of the subtitles were crystal clear, and compared to other screens, the colors felt noticeably richer and more vivid,” added fellow viewer Byeongrok Kang.

▲ Both on-screen text and subtitles appear exceptionally sharp and clear on Onyx screens.

In addition, Samsung Onyx delivers peak brightness levels of up to 300 nits — about six times brighter than those of conventional projector systems — offering crisp, lifelike visuals even in well-lit environments. This enables theaters to use the space not only for movie screenings but also for a wide range of events such as live concert broadcasts, sports match screenings, and dining cinema experiences.

“When watching concert footage, the LED screen vividly captures even the darkest corners of the stage,” Jeong explained. “In the Gwang-eum LED theater, where the Onyx screen is paired with powerful sound, audiences can immerse themselves to an astonishing degree.”

“We’re expanding differentiated services like Onyx LED theaters to deliver a more vivid and immersive viewing environment that can only be experienced in cinemas,” Yongseop Yoon, Head of the Projection System Network Operation Center (NOC) at Lotte Cultureworks, added. “Beyond technological advancement, our goal with the Samsung Onyx screen is to convey the emotional essence of film in its purest form.”

“Personally, I highly recommend watching a visually stunning sci-fi movie at the Gwang-eum LED theater in Sillim,” he added.

Entering the Next Generation of the Cinema Experience

Samsung Onyx is more than just an LED screen — it’s a space where viewers can experience the future of cinema right before their eyes. Those who have experienced the cutting-edge technology often comment that they can’t wait to experience it again.

“The speed and intensity of the action scenes felt very real, and the vivid colors made me feel as if I were part of the movie,” Lim shared. “With this level of picture and sound quality, I definitely want to watch my next film at an Onyx theater.”

“For films by directors like Makoto Shinkai, where color and visual style are essential, watching them here would feel completely different,” added Jeonghyeon Yoon.

In an era when the boundaries between streaming and theatrical releases are becoming increasingly blurred, Samsung Onyx reminds viewers of the irreplaceable emotion that only theaters can provide. The growing popularity of special sing-along screenings and theatrical releases of animation series proves that the in-theater experience remains truly unique.

Audiences today seek theaters that offer ultimate immersion and an experience that rekindles the magic of cinema. That’s why the phrase “a movie that has to be watched in a theater” still holds true. Amid this shift, Samsung Onyx is redefining the value of theaters through technological innovation and by opening new possibilities for cinematic experiences. The future of cinema that Samsung Onyx envisions is already unfolding — right before our eyes.

▲With its exceptional image quality and superior space effiiency, Samsung Onyx is shaping the future of cinema.

For more information, please visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/

[1] Charlotte Private at Lotte World Tower, Konkuk University Entrance, Suwon, Cheonan Buldang, and Busan Centum City in addition to the inaugural World Tower screen

[2] 5, 10, 14 meters correspond to 16, 33 and 46 feet, respectively.

[3] Roughly 38 by 20 feet

– Matīss Kaža, co-writer and co-producer of Flow (2024)

Visual and immersive storytelling is central to how a film is experienced on the big screen by moviegoers. As more people seek premier theater experiences, filmmakers are increasingly embracing cinema LED screens over projectors to deliver their creations in a way audiences haven’t experienced before, fully immersing the viewer in the worlds they create.

Following the launch of the latest Samsung Onyx (ICD), Matīss Kaža, Golden Globes® winner, Academy Award® winner, and producer of the film Flow, shared his insights on how Onyx is pushing the boundaries in cinema.

Q: Could you tell us a bit about what the film Flow is about?

Flow is an animated film, without any dialogue, telling the story of a solitary, individualist cat who likes to be by himself. Then suddenly comes this huge flood, destroying the cat’s home and forcing it upon a boat with other animals. On this boat, the cat learns to collaborate and become friends with these animals to survive this new, beautiful, and humanless world.

▲ Matīss Kaža shares his experience of watching his work on Samsung Onyx. (Poster: Courtesy of Sideshow and Janus Films)

Q: As a dialogue-free film, how does a Cinema LED screen enhance the viewing experience for the audience?

One of the goals of Flow as a dialogue-free film is to essentially have the audience come as close to the cat’s experience as possible, since the film is built around the contrast between the main protagonist and the world around it. Cinema is all about detailing in the visual storytelling, and this comes through on Onyx very well. The world is vividly colorful with the yellows, greens, and blues—and then the cat is dark gray. There’s a huge contrast that shines through when watching on the Onyx screen, with its vivid colors and deep blacks.

▲ Flow, played on Samsung Onyx

Q: How did the team work through the movements of each of the animals?

We studied the movements of these real animals, down to the most meticulous detail, to make sure our approach to the film was naturalistic for the audience. For example, when something attracts the cat’s attention, rather than twisting its head to look, it would just twist the ear.

Each animal moves in different ways and has different silhouettes, weights, and verticality. It was important for us to nail this process when making the film for the audience to feel fully immersed in this world.

▲ Courtesy of Sideshow and Janus Films

Q: How did it feel to watch Flow on the Samsung Onyx Cinema LED screen?

Many scenes in the film feature foreground and background interactions, and the audience can fully enjoy and experience exactly how we wanted the film to look. The movements are also very clear, and you can see how all the different characters have their particularities, down to the most subtle interactions. From the smallest twitching in the ear and the smallest gaze of the eye, or any little interaction, the level of detail on Onyx makes these perfectly visible for the audience.

“I would have to say that Flow on the Onyx screen really flows.”

Q: Did you notice anything new or different about Flow after seeing it on Samsung Onyx?

How vivid the color was in the beginning – where the cat is still in its home, which is a lovely sculpture garden – really stood out to me. The finer details, like the little butterflies and critters flying around, give this emotion of calmness that might not be noticeable on other screens. The Onyx truly shows the film for what it is—there is very crisp detail and clarity—and it displays things that would go unnoticed in other situations.

“On the Onyx, these little details were perfectly visible –
details which give a lot to the atmosphere, to the peaceful tone of the scene.”

▲ Flow, played on Samsung Onyx

Q: Water is a core element of the film. Can you tell us more about its purpose and how the team uses it to add to the story?

The most difficult part of making this movie is the water effect. The dynamics of the water in the storytelling is really important because it’s one of the central metaphors of the film.

On an Onyx screen, you can explicitly see the difference between the little waves in the puddle at the beginning and end of the film. These details are so important to the storytelling, and it really comes through here on the Onyx.

▲ Courtesy of Sideshow and Janus Films

Q: How do the color, image details, and storytelling jump out more on a screen like Onyx compared to other traditional methods?

Because there is no dialogue in this film, we relied solely on visual storytelling. In terms of visual storytelling, color is essential—setting the right levels of contrast and the exact color palette—for the scene. It’s what creates the mood and the atmosphere.

These aspects are fundamental to the film and are captured precisely, just as we intended. Every detail and color really shines on the Onyx screen.

▲ “Cinema is all about detailing in the storytelling, it always comes through detail. And that comes through on the Onyx,” says Matīss Kaža, co-writer and co-producer of animated film Flow (2024).

Q: As a filmmaker, do the capabilities of Onyx help inspire your creative direction for upcoming projects?

I love it when the theatrical experience has me in the middle of the experience, trying to decode what is going on. Filmmakers can do a lot of interesting things using environments, visuals, and powerful storytelling to put audience members in an active relationship with the film. The crispness and range of colors offered on the Onyx bring us back to why we love seeing motion pictures on the big screen. It’s super immersive, and the level of detailing is just incredible.

Q: Anything else you would like us to know?

“I do filmmaking for the cinema-going experience;
that’s where the film really shines.”

Cinemas are where you see the picture as you’re supposed to see it. Every cinematographer and director, I think, has had to come to terms with different cinemas showing different images when using traditional projection. With the uniform approach that the Onyx has, I think that problem might be solved.

“Every detail and color really shines on the Onyx screen,” says Matīss Kaža, co-writer and co-producer of animated film Flow (2024).

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the European launch of its latest Onyx (ICD model) cinema LED screen at CineEurope 2025. Building on its debut at CinemaCon 2025 in the U.S. this past April, the new Onyx brings Samsung’s acclaimed legacy of visual excellence and industry-leading performance to European cinemas, empowering exhibitors and creative partners with new possibilities for HDR content and immersive storytelling.

“Europe is a vital market for cinema innovation, and the launch of Onyx marks a new chapter in our commitment to premium movie experiences,” said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics. “By partnering with leading cinema chains like Pathé Cinémas and creative pioneers like Pixar, we are empowering the industry to deliver a truly immersive and visually stunning cinematic journey for audiences everywhere.”

Delivering a Proven Solution With Visuals, Scalability and Reliability

Samsung Onyx, the world’s first DCI-certified[1] cinema LED display, is engineered for premium cinema experiences and supports frame rates of up to 120Hz[2] at 4K resolution, for an ultra-smooth picture. The screen delivers brilliant HDR visuals with peak brightness levels of 300 nits (87.6fL),[3] true black levels and precise color accuracy.

The new Onyx offers four standard screen sizes — 5, 10, 14 and 20 meters — along with additional flexible scaling options.[4] This remarkable adaptability allows theaters to maximize their available spaces and present films in the largest possible format without compromising image quality.

Designed for long-term performance, Onyx sets a new standard in cinema display technology with the industry’s first and longest 10-year warranty for cinema LED screens.[5] This extended warranty helps lower the total cost of ownership and ensures that theater owners make a future-proof investment.

Deepening HDR Workflow With Pixar Animation Studios

Samsung’s longstanding relationship with Pixar Animation Studios continues to drive new standards for HDR cinema content. Pixar has continuously mastered its films to offer unparalleled visual quality to viewers and has done so again for its new animated film “Elio” — set to premiere globally starting from June 18 — making it available in 4K theatrical HDR format compatible with Samsung Onyx.

In line with ongoing efforts to expand the theatrical exhibition of HDR films, Pixar will continue mastering future films in DCI HDR that is supported on Onyx screens, ensuring audiences experience the films in the highest brightness and fidelity currently achievable.

In its pursuit of excellence in HDR-mastered films, Pixar aims to install the new Onyx display at its Emeryville, California campus. This screen will be used during production to evaluate HDR color and brightness, conduct content quality tests and host demonstration screenings for filmmakers. By providing a dedicated space for these activities, the Onyx screen will further support creative collaboration and innovation in HDR filmmaking — ensuring that audiences can enjoy the full impact of Pixar’s high-quality HDR films showcased in theaters equipped with Onyx technology.

“Samsung’s Onyx screens allow our Pixar artists to present their stories exactly as they envisioned them — vivid, dynamic and true to life,” said Jessie Schroeder, VP Post Production, Pixar Animation Studios. “By mastering our films in HDR with Onyx, we continue to unlock a new level of visual storytelling for filmmakers and deliver the next generation of cinematic experiences for our audiences.”

CineEurope attendees were invited to experience the new Onyx in person at Samsung’s booth, where the company highlighted its latest innovations in cinema display technology. Between June 16–19 in Barcelona, CineEurope was the premier convention for the European cinema industry, uniting theater operators, film studios and industry leaders from across the region and beyond.

For more details, visit samsung.com.

[1] Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) is a consortium of major studios formed to establish specifications for an open architecture for digital cinema systems.

[2] Based on the screen’s internal data bandwidth. Actual frame rates may vary depending on the connected IMB.

[3] Peak brightness supported when using DCI-HDR supported IMB.

[4] All measurements in meters and feet refer to screen width, while all measurements in inches denote diagonal length. The 10-meter Onyx screen is now available for order, with other models arriving in a phased rollout.

[5] Based on internal research and publicly available information. Onyx includes a standard three-year warranty, with options to extend coverage to up to 10 years.

Raising the bar for cinema innovation, Samsung unveiled its latest model of Onyx (ICD) in March. The next generation of cinematic experiences will be defined by immersive visuals, improved comfort, and a reliable viewing experience.

In this article, Samsung Newsroom takes a closer look at the company’s vision for the future of cinema in terms of Visuals, Space and Consistency.

▲ Samsung Onyx was the center of attention at the company’s booth at CinemaCon 2025, the industry’s largest exhibition

Visuals – An Out-of-This-World Screen Experience

Immersion is at the heart of the cinematic experience — a setting designed to transport audiences into the world of the film. Only in an environment free from the everyday distractions such as constant calls, notifications and household chores can viewers fully engage with the story unfolding on the screen.

A true cinematic experience faithfully delivers the filmmaker’s vision, presenting every detail, color and shadow exactly as intended. Onyx brings that vision to reality.

▲ Pixar’s Inside Out 2 shown on Samsung Onyx, demonstrating the display’s peak brightness and vibrant color accuracy

Onyx, Samsung’s first cinema LED display certified[1] by Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI), delivers superior picture quality in 4K HDR resolution with vivid colors, deep blacks and infinite contrast. The clarity, precision and rich detail in each frame help give life to the narrative. Gone are the days of poor edge resolution and inconsistent brightness.

▲ Samsung Onyx enhances Pixar’s Lightyear (top) and Soul (bottom) with outstanding contrast, making dark scenes more vivid and immersive

The Onyx screen can lend its brightness and clarity to applications other than movie screenings – live sports, concerts, gaming events and corporate presentations, for example. The ability to host alternative content empowers theaters to diversify their offerings and create new revenue streams without compromising the premium viewing experience.

▲ A live concert seen on Onyx, demonstrating the display’s color accuracy and sharp details

Space – More Room for Comfort and Flexibility

Comfort and spatial design are also key factors that set premium cinemas apart. Much like the distinction between economy and business class on an airplane, the seating experience can make or break a theater’s appeal. As theaters evolve into premium auditoriums, spacious, comfortable seating becomes essential.

Onyx helps enable this transformation. Unlike traditional projectors which require separate projection rooms and large setups, Onyx’s cinema LED technology maximizes the available space in a theater. This allows cinemas to optimize their auditorium spaces and provides more flexibility to install specialized seating like larger recliners or dining tables.

Furthermore, new Onyx (ICD) offers flexible scaling options, allowing screens to be customized to fit the dimension of each auditorium, maximizing space efficiency without compromising picture quality and comfort.

▲ Pixar’s Elio screened on Samsung Onyx featuring luxury seating for a premium cinema experience

With Onyx, every seat in the theater offers a reliable high-quality visual experience – no edge distortion or resolution loss – ensuring that the entire audience is fully immersed in the story. The combination of optimized space, enhanced comfort, and stunning visuals elevates the overall cinema experience.

▲ Samsung Onyx empowers theaters to deliver a premium cinema experience and luxury dining for customers

Consistency – Reliable Viewing Quality with Smarter Management Tools

We go to the theater to be transported—to lose ourselves in the world of a story. But experiences in traditional projection-based theaters can deteriorate with picture quality that varies depending on the age and condition of the equipment.

Samsung’s Cinema LED screen, on the other hand, features an ‘Auto Calibration Solution’ that automatically adjusts color consistency across each module, maintaining optimal picture quality—not just at installation, but every step of the way through ongoing maintenance.

Onyx introduction of Samsung’s first 10-year warranty for cinema LED[2], raising the bar for long-term reliability in cinema technology.

▲ Samsung Onyx, an out-of-this-world cinema LED display

Since debuting Samsung’s first Cinema LED screen in 2017, Onyx has built strong partnerships with major global film studios, earning trust and recognition across the industry. As the leader in Cinema LED technology, Samsung is committed to pushing boundaries—so the magic of the movies is always seen exactly as it was meant to be.

With Samsung Onyx, the future of premium cinema is brighter, clearer, and more immersive than ever before.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/business/

[1] Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) is a consortium of major film studios established to define specifications for an open architecture in digital cinema systems.

[2] Based on internal research and publicly available information. Onyx includes a standard three-year warranty, with options to extend coverage up to 10 years.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced the latest Onyx  (ICD model)[1] cinema LED screen at CinemaCon 2025, marking a new era for cinema display technology. Building on its legacy as a cinema LED pioneer, which began in 2017, Samsung is setting new standards with unmatched picture quality, industry-leading reliability and expanded screen scalability to meet the evolving needs of theaters worldwide.

“The cinema industry is shifting its focus towards delivering a more immersive and visually captivating experience,” said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “With Onyx, Samsung delivers not only the high-quality visuals but also the flexibility that allows theaters to redefine the movie-going experience and cater to evolving audience expectations.”

Brighter, Bolder and More Immersive: The Future of Cinema is Here

As our first DCI-certified[2] cinema LED display, Samsung Onyx delivers an unparalleled cinematic experience with true black levels, infinite contrast ratio and exceptional color accuracy. The screen is capable of supporting frame rates up to 4K 120Hz,[3] delivering ultra-smooth motion and razor-sharp details.[4]

Every auditorium has unique dimensions, and screen size requirements vary from theater to theater. To accommodate this, Onyx offers four standard sizes[5] and additional flexible scaling options, allowing theaters to maximize their available space and present films in the largest possible format without compromising image quality:

• 5 meters (16ft) – Ideal for boutique and smaller-format theaters (Pixel pitch: 1.25mm)
• 10 meters (33ft) – The industry standard for premium cinemas (Pixel pitch: 2.5mm)
• 14 meters (46ft) – A versatile format that delivers an impressive, large-scale cinematic experience (Pixel pitch: 3.3mm)
• 20 meters (66ft) – A large-format solution for premium auditoriums (Pixel pitch: 5.0mm)

Samsung Onyx cinema LED screens natively support both scope (2.39:1) and flat (1.85:1) aspect ratios, ensuring films are displayed in their intended formats without the need for additional adjustments. When scaling beyond standard sizes, Onyx maintains both aspect ratios while maximizing the screen size, allowing content to expand proportionally without distortion.[6]

Unlike traditional projectors, which can appear dim in larger theaters and struggle with washed-out colors in bright scenes, Onyx’s enhanced brightness ensures richer details in shadows, more intense highlights and superior color accuracy across the entire spectrum. Powered by Samsung’s HDR technology, Onyx reaches peak brightness levels of 300 nits (87.6fL) — six times brighter than conventional cinema standards — allowing even the bright details to remain clear and visible.[7] As a result, high-brightness scenes retain their full impact, rather than appearing washed out or overexposed.

With its industry-leading brightness and precision, Onyx enables clear and vivid playback even in brightly lit environments, making it ideal for alternative content such as live sports, concerts, gaming events, and corporate presentations. This allows theaters to deliver a premium viewing experience beyond traditional movie screenings.

Built for Reliability and Seamless Integration

Onyx is built for long-term performance, offering 10-years warranty for cinema LED,[8] setting a new benchmark for reliability in cinema display technology. This extended coverage helps reduce total cost of ownership and ensures a future-proof investment for theater owners.

To maintain optimal picture quality, Samsung provides an auto calibration solution that enables theaters to easily calibrate their screens during installation and routine maintenance.

Designed for seamless integration, Onyx is compatible with both Dolby and GDC IMB media servers, making it easier for theaters to transition from traditional projection systems. Because of this, theater networks can enjoy seamless content playback and efficient management.

Onyx is fully compatible with leading cinema audio solutions, including Dolby Atmos, Meyer Sound, QSC and custom-designed sound systems, providing theaters with the flexibility to customize their sound experience to meet their specific needs. For theaters using HARMAN’s JBL surround sound technology, Onyx also offers seamless integration to ensure optimized audio performance.

A Proven Legacy with Global Recognition

Samsung Onyx is one of the most widely adopted cinema LED screens in theaters worldwide — setting a new industry standard for premium cinema display technology. As it expands its presence, Onyx continues to showcase its unmatched reliability, versatility and ability to elevate the cinematic experience.

One of the most recent installations is at Pathé Palace in Paris, where Onyx was selected to enhance the premium viewing experience in one of the world’s most visually stunning cinemas.

“At Pathé, we are committed to delivering high cinematic experience for our customers,” said Laure de Boissard, Managing Director, Pathé Cinéma France. “Samsung Onyx allows us to achieve stunning visuals with exceptional brightness and contrast, ensuring that every film is presented exactly as intended.”

Samsung Onyx is redefining how movies are experienced through its collaboration with the film industry as well. One such example was Samsung partnering with Pixar Animation Studios to master films like “Elemental,” “Inside Out 2,” and this summer’s “Elio” in HDR for Onyx, which led to the films being shown with exceptional brightness, contrast and color accuracy. Through close collaboration with filmmakers, Onyx continues to push the boundaries of display technology, ensuring that creative visions are brought to life with unmatched precision and clarity.

“At Pixar, we believe cinema can be a grand, shared experience — a place where stories feel larger than life and memories are made with friends. That’s why we’re driven to bring something truly new to the big screen with our pioneering HDR-1 theatrical releases,” said Dominic Glynn, Senior Scientist, Pixar Animation Studios.

“In rising to meet this ambition, the ONYX screen technology delivers astonishing brightness, clarity, and color — an image so clear and uniform it elevates every moment of the story. Even the casual moviegoer will feel the difference. It’s about creating that unforgettable ‘Wow!’ — the kind of experience that reminds us why cinema is, and always should be, special.”

CinemaCon attendees can experience the next-generation Onyx firsthand at Samsung’s booth at Caesars Palace, where the company will showcase its latest advancements in cinema display technology. Running March 31-April 3 in Las Vegas, CinemaCon is the largest annual gathering for the motion picture theater industry, bringing together theater owners, filmmakers, studio executives, and industry professionals from all over the world.

For more information, visit: www.samsung.com/my/

[1] Product availability may vary by market.

[2] Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) is a consortium of major studios formed to establish specifications for an open architecture for digital cinema systems.

[3] Based on the screen’s internal data bandwidth. Actual frame rates may vary depending on the connected IMB.

[4] Product availability may vary by market.

[5] All measurements in meters and feet refer to screen width, while all measurements in inches denote diagonal;
The 10-meter Onyx screen is now available for order, with other models arriving in a phased rollout.

[6] Product availability may vary by market.

[7] Peak brightness supported when using DCI-HDR supported IMB.

[8] Based on internal research and publicly available information. Onyx includes a standard three-year warranty, with options to extend coverage up to 10 years.

In partnership with industry pioneers 424 Post and Harbor, Samsung provided a 34-foot, 8K Samsung IWA LED and DCI-certified 4K Samsung Onyx LED displays to create a true cinema-style environment for theatrical color grading and immersive sound mixing. The groundbreaking studio environment not only signifies a leap into the future of cinematic production and consumption but also underscores the trust that experts place in Samsung’s technology.

Culver Post: A Beacon of Innovation in Post-Production and HDR Cinematography

▲ Samsung Electronics provided a 34-foot, 8K Samsung IWA LED and DCI-certified 4K Samsung Onyx LED displays to Culver Post in partnership with 424 Post and Harbor

Culver Post was created thanks to the visionary collaboration between renowned Los Angeles sound studio 424 Post and global post-production leader Harbor. This full-service post-production studio is expected to bring unmatched HDR and SDR mastering capabilities.

Why were Samsung’s display technologies specifically chosen by 424 Post and Harbor, both leaders in their respective fields? The answer lies in Samsung’s commitment to innovation, quality and the immersive viewing experience.

The Culver Post offers five stages for theatrical color grading and sound mixing, with the first stage outfitted with Samsung’s cutting-edge 34-foot, 8K IWA LED cinema display and the second stage with the DCI-certified 4K Onyx LED display. Each stage is complemented by Meyer Sound Ultra Reflex cinema sound systems featuring Dolby Atmos sound. Both stages can accommodate approximately 50 guests, which allows the post-production team to experience a true cinematic working environment for directors, cinematographers, editors, colorists and other professionals.

▲ Culver Post features a remarkable 34-foot 8K IWA cinema display for a true cinema-style environment for color grading and sound mixing

The 8K IWA LED cinema display is ideal for both HDR and SDR color grading, while Onyx, the world’s first DCI-certified cinema LED display, is perfect for HDR color grading and mastering. These displays outperform standard digital cinema projection systems in terms of detail, contrast and brightness, positioning Culver Post at the forefront of cinematic technology and ensuring that the studio is future-proofed for upcoming advancements in post-production technology.

“Samsung is committed to using innovative display technology to revolutionize the way that content is created and consumed,” said David Phelps, Head of the Display Division, Samsung Electronics America. “The new Culver Post post-production studio marks a tangible milestone in the future of cinema and post-production. Filmmakers and creators can now edit and experience video content as it would be seen and heard on the big screen to enable immersive storytelling that leaves a lasting impact on audiences.”

▲ Culver Post’s groundbreaking studio environment not only signifies a leap into the future of cinematic production and consumption but also underscores the trust that experts place in Samsung’s technology

Superior Cinematic Displays to Optimize Post-Production Workflow

The selection of Samsung’s technology for Culver Post reflects the displays’ superior capabilities for HDR post-production. Enhanced brightness, contrast and detail transform the color grading and mastering process, allowing creators to see their work as it will appear in realistic viewing environments. The theaters and their immersive cinema display also turn mastering into a communal creative experience, bringing the entire production team together for collaboration.

▲ Each theater offers a cinema-style viewing experience, with enough seating to host small groups for exclusive screenings and post-production sessions

The collaboration with Culver Post is a testament to Samsung’s leadership in display technology and the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of cinematic experiences. By meeting the high standards of industry experts like 424 Post and Harbor, Samsung continues to raise the bar for post-production studios worldwide.

For more information on Samsung’s state-of-the-art displays, please visit www.samsung.com.my.

About 424 Post

424 Post offers complete sound packaging for all types of content including theatrical, broadcast, streaming, commercials and audio podcasts. Packages cover design/edit/ADR/mix, technical & administrative support as well as all final deliverables. The company prides on client services, and the talented group of experienced professionals is ready to tailor projects in accordance with the customers’ needs and budget.

About HARBOR

HARBOR is a global company with operations in New York, Los Angeles and London. Relentlessly focused on talent, technical innovation and protection of artistic vision, HARBOR hones every detail throughout the moving image-making process: live-action, dailies, creative & offline editorial, design, visual effects, CG, sound & picture finishing.