Featured Project: The Metropolitan Theater — Digital Cinema System Upgrade
The Challenge
After decades of closure, the Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET) — a National Cultural Treasure — underwent a major multi-year restoration led by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). As part of its cultural revival, the MET needed a modern, D-Cinema–compliant projection and sound system capable of supporting film festivals, heritage programming, and special screenings.
The challenge was to integrate state-of-the-art cinema technology into a restored 1931 Art Deco landmark while respecting its historical architecture and ensuring the system met international screening standards.
The AVLS Solution
AVLS supplied, installed, and commissioned a complete Digital Cinema Projection and Dolby Multichannel Sound System, enabling the MET to operate as a technically advanced cultural venue for contemporary film and performing arts.
Digital Projection System
- 4K RGB Laser Cinema Projector
- Integrated Media Server (IMS3-B-NB-EN) for DCP playback
- HD converters and patch cabling
- Custom projector pedestal & engineered projection porthole
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High-Gain Cinema Screen
- High-brightness screen
- Custom metal frame and support structure
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Dolby Multichannel Cinema Audio
- Dolby CP850 Cinema Processor
- Dolby DMA amplifiers
- Full cinema loudspeaker suite: screen channels, surround arrays, multi-subwoofer system
- Speakers and rigging kits
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Power, Control & Infrastructure
- UPS systems, voltage regulators
- D-Cinema automation interface
- Custom AV rack, wiring, terminations, CAD as-builts
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Professional Services
- On-site engineering
- Delivery coordination
- Manpower installation & supervised commissioning
- Turnover and safety compliance
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Outcome
The Metropolitan Theater now delivers festival-grade cinematic experiences through brilliant 4K laser projection and immersive Dolby multichannel sound — supporting cultural showcases, national film screenings, educational events, and independent cinema.
This system played a significant role in the MET’s successful reopening on December 10, 2021, marking its 90th anniversary after years of closure and restoration. The upgraded cinema installation helped the MET reclaim its place as a premier Filipino cultural venue, ready to host film programs for generations to come.
Comprehensive Impact
The MET’s cinema upgrade is more than a technical achievement — it is a cultural milestone. Public sources celebrate the MET as now:
- The largest Dolby Atmos–certified theater in the Philippines, and among the largest in Southeast Asia
- A fully revived Art Deco landmark brought back to life for the Filipino public
- A national stage capable of premiering films with world-class audiovisual fidelity
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By delivering this crucial part of the theater’s modernization, AVLS is honored to have contributed to the revival of a national treasure, blending heritage preservation with advanced cinema technology — and supporting the Philippines’ cultural renaissance.
