Movie theater History and the Advances in Technology

They have been around since the days of the drive-in where you would pull your vehicle into a parking space and use either a speaker on your door or an FM radio frequency to listen to the movie on the screen. These were the original way that staff at a theater created the entertainment system for people in their vehicles while enjoying a great show in a parking lot.

Before the digital generation we had actual film that was released to the owners of a movie theater where you would use a reel-to-reel player which provided a picture to the screen of the movie being shown. Once the movie was over the staff would have to rewind the tape for the next crowd in line in order to not be caught in the middle of the plot where the story is unfolding. The only drive-in theater that I know of when it comes to the Panhandle area is the Tascosa Drive-in out by Wonderland Park with two screens reserved for two movies at a time. This theater only operates within the Spring and Summer seasons when the weather is mild enough to spend extended periods of time outdoors.

Time went on and we began to see advances in the technology we use in the production of new movies. One of these things included the introduction of HD picture technology providing a crisper and sharper look on the screens in theaters. Drive through style began to fade and popularity began to turn towards indoor stadium seating with a row seat between you and other people watching up front.

The modern world in theaters involve a recliner that allows you to prop your feet up and enjoy the movie you're watching in a comfortable setting. We have also seen the onset of the 4K industry which has become a major focus in the marketing of today's digital television landscape with brands like Roku and Android rolling out products that have these capabilities and features. I have noticed this trend while shopping for TVs at one time and saw just how far we've come in technological advancement.

Here's to the future of the theater industry

-Tristan