Hammer's role in Digital Cinema
Since Hammer's inception, customers have recognised us most for the flexibility and value that we offer. We have always had a focus on data storage and have become respected through the quality of our bespoke production facility. Hammer still remain the only Intel "Server Value Added Distributor" in the world that has been approved to manufacture servers by Intel. Our production processes have also been qualified by other major organisations such as Sony and Dolby Laboratories.
So, when Hammer had the opportunity to work with the technology that we are renowned for, within a different vertical market, we embraced Digital Cinema. Being the no.1 enterprise partner of Hitachi and Western Digital, we integrate their disc storage into the 'removable' storage enclosure and specially designed cinema projector docking station produced by CRU-Dataport.
Hammer's experienced and approved production line integrates the drives (typically Hitachi Deskstar and Ultrastar, or Western Digital enterprise class unit) into the CRU-Dataport carriers (Data Express DX115). This offers a degree of protection to the disc drive but primarily enables the conversion of the disc from a static device to a mobile device. The converted disc is then positioned into the projector docking station (CRU-Dataport Move Dock) which encapsulates the converted disc. The finished product is finally powered-on and the 'spin-up' process is tested and approved by Hammer's engineers.
Adding Value
Hammer's knowledge and experience within the data storage market positions us in a different world to our closest distribution competitors. Hammer has day to day hands-on experience with storage; we are not merely a logistical operation like a standard 'broad-line' distributor. We play a pivotal role in diagnosing and resolving technical and operational problems with the technology. Working alongside the manufacturers, Hammer has built a solid partnership with our vendors, which places us in a unique position when consulting over fault diagnosis. Some manufacturers even use Hammers experience to test and qualify the compatibility between new technologies, publishing Hammer's findings as their own.
Hammer's production facility can be changed instantly from an Intel server production line to a CCTV integration suite to a digital cinema production line. Our experienced engineers can integrate and test up to 500 'Digital Cinema ready' drives per day. The same engineers that are involved with production and testing are also at hand to take technical support calls. The people best qualified to handle technical support calls are those who are engaged with the products every day. Supporting our technical team are Hammer's customer service department. Every field-failed unit can be replaced within 48 hours.
Hammer ships more enterprise class disc drives, from our on-site warehouse in the UK, than any other distributor in the UK, and most in Europe too. Our stock holding is more than extensive. Our role as a distribution partner for CRU-Dataport revolves around the value that we add in vertical markets as well as acting much like a European 'hub'. Our logistical operation enables us to reach the far corners of Europe on a next day basis. With our digital cinema distribution partners we hold a buffer stock level that is segregated from our normal run rate of stock. This enables our partners to be able to plan for volume requirements and ensure that they hit every deadline set when a new film is released.
With the support and training from our manufacturers, we have dedicated account managers that specialise in digital cinema technology. Their experience allows them to help you select the perfect technology to best-fit your digital cinema application.
