Burbank, Calif. - Hollywood movie studios Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures announced on Tuesday that they have partnered with a number of theater owners on a joint venture that will deploy a digital cinema delivery system.

Digital Cinema Implementation Partners (DCIP) -- which is owned equally by Regal Entertainment Group, AMC Entertainment and Cinemark USA, who combined represent 14,000 U.S. movie screens -- will work with the studios to implement digital distribution of films via satellite or broadband systems, replacing the current system of physical delivery of celluloid prints or hard drives containing films.

"This system will provide theater owners with greater scheduling flexibility as it allows for real-time bookings to meet audience demands and expands a theater's ability to deliver alternative programming," said DCIP CEO Travis Reid.

"It's a big win for content providers, theater owners and consumers." The parties said their distribution system will be open and available to any content provider, vendor or exhibitor.

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