India’s premium cinema exhibition market is set for a significant technology upgrade with UFO Cinema Solutions unveiling Magnova, its first installation in a premium large-format offering built around direct-view LED technology.
The first Magnova auditorium has been commissioned at Magic Framez, Kakkanad, Kochi, featuring India’s first acoustic transparent direct-view 4K HDR LED cinema screen.
Unlike conventional cinema systems that project an image on to a screen, Magnova uses a direct-view LED display in which the screen itself produces the image. The approach is designed to deliver higher brightness, deeper blacks, enhanced contrast and consistent image quality without the light spill traditionally associated with projection systems.
The Kochi installation features a 14-metre-wide by 6-metre-high, DCI-approved Direct View 4K HDR LED screen with a 3.91 mm pixel pitch, designed specifically for theatrical presentation.
Magnova is powered by Heyled by Timewaying, an internationally recognised manufacturer of direct-view LED cinema technology. Its acoustic-transparent construction addresses one of the most important challenges associated with cinema LED screens: the placement of sound.
The technology allows speakers to be installed directly behind the LED screen, enabling dialogue, music and sound effects to remain spatially connected to the images on screen. The installation combines this display architecture with Dolby Atmos immersive audio and Pulz cinema speakers, creating an integrated premium audiovisual environment.
Says Pradeep Shetty, business head, UFO Cinema Solutions, “Cinema exhibition has evolved from film to digital projection, and it is now entering an era of premium large formats powered by internationally acclaimed technology brands. Through Magnova, we are bringing together Cinity for premium large-format cinema projection systems and Heyled for direct-view LED cinema screens, giving Indian exhibitors access to the next generation of theatrical presentation.” He adds, “This is not simply a screen replacement. It is an opportunity to rethink the premium auditorium as an integrated environment — bringing together display technology, immersive sound and cinema infrastructure to create a future-ready asset for exhibitors and a compelling experience for the audience.”
Following its unveiling in Kochi, Magnova will have its official industry launch at Big Cine Expo on 18th August, 2026, where UFO Cinema Solutions is the Innovation partner. The launch will feature veteran South Indian actress Rohini Molleti, alongside theatre owners, exhibitors, cinema professionals and other industry dignitaries.
