DFT is pleased to announce that a second Polar HQ film scanner is now fully operational at China News Film in Beijing, making it the first institution in China to run two 8K film scanning systems simultaneously.

China News Film acquired the first Polar HQ from DFT in 2024. Following successful integration and qualification testing, the complete production workflow received official approval in 2025 — establishing it as the first certified 8K film scanning operation in China.

To meet growing demand, China News Film decided to expand their scanning capabilities. After thorough evaluation, they once again selected Polar HQ. The second system passed expert certification and is now in full production use.

Why Polar HQ? 

Polar HQ was designed specifically for demanding archival workflows, including the handling of damaged, shrunken, and fragile film stock — conditions that standard high-resolution scanners are not equipped to manage reliably. Its ability to produce multi-format digital output without loss of image information makes it the technically appropriate choice for institutions where fidelity to the original is non-negotiable. 

“China News Film works with material that cannot be replaced. Safe handling of challenging film is exactly what Polar HQ was built for. Purchasing a second system so shortly after qualifying the first – in a project of national significance – is the strongest endorsement we could ask for.” 
— Norbert Hinckers, CEO, Digital Film Technology (DFT) 

Client Response and Outlook 

During a recent review of both Polar HQ systems, executives and technical specialists at China News Film expressed strong satisfaction with the performance of both systems and confirmed their interest in expanding cooperation with DFT. 

With two Polar HQ scanners now operational, China News Film is positioned as a benchmark for large-scale 8K film digitization in China — and a reference site for institutions considering the same transition.

The scanning room at China News, equipped with two Polar HQ film scanners

DFT at China News during the Installation and Training of the second System