Interview with Norbert Hinckers, new owner and CEO of DFT

Darmstadt, 10th February 2025

With a diverse and accomplished background, Norbert’s decision to return to DFT marks a significant moment in the company’s evolution. In this interview, conducted for the 24th issue of the DFT newsletter In the Loop, he talks about his new role and vision for DFT at this momentous time in the film digitization market.

[In the Loop] As the new CEO and owner of DFT, could you tell us more about the circumstances that led to this transition?

[Norbert Hinckers] Prasad Corp., the previous owner of DFT, decided to focus on their core business of film preservation and digital post-production services. This is why they began looking for a new owner for DFT who would take an active role in managing and growing the company. Given my history with Prasad as a former Managing Director of DFT, they approached me regarding this opportunity.

The timing was ideal, as at that time I was actively seeking an investment opportunity. Taking over DFT, a business I’m deeply familiar with, and continuing the strategic path that I established during my tenure as Managing Director presented an excellent opportunity.

[In the Loop] Could you provide some insight into your background and professional experience prior to joining DFT?

[Norbert Hinckers] Certainly. My academic background is in physics and business administration, which I studied at the Universities of Heidelberg and Mannheim. During my time as a research associate at the University of Mannheim, I joined a research group working on a virtual reality training system for eye surgery – essentially a flight simulator for doctors, as it was often referred to.

With the first prototypes being very well received, the business potential quickly became clear. This was an exciting opportunity for me to contribute my business and technology background to a start-up. As both co-owner and Co-CEO, I played an active role in managing and driving the growth of the company. The company, VRmagic, achieved significant success and was eventually sold to a strategic investor.

[In the Loop] You joined DFT as Managing Director after leaving VRmagic. Why did you choose DFT?

[Norbert Hinckers] At that time, I was looking for management responsibility to use my experience in developing a company within an interesting market and a sophisticated technological field. The role offered to me at DFT was just that. I learned about the film business and the challenges our archives face. I knew there was tremendous potential for DFT not only to continue to play a key role but also to expand its influence in these industries.

[In the Loop] As the new owner, you are also actively managing DFT and serve as its strategic leader. Can you elaborate on the unique perspective of this dual role, and what distinct challenges does it bring?

[Norbert Hinckers] During my time as Managing Director, DFT had a high degree of autonomy, even while being part of a corporate group. I was able to focus on the strategic growth of DFT and initiate a growth agenda that remains valid today. But, of course, a corporate group means adhering to a holistic strategy and sharing resources.

We can now allocate all the necessary resources to advance our strategic agenda, allowing us to fully focus on developing and growing DFT’s core strengths: technical innovation, customer focus, and commitment to delivering the best possible solutions.

DFT has a remarkable track record of achievements and is very well established in the post-production and archival sector. Many major feature film productions have been digitized on our products, and numerous archives worldwide rely on our film-scanners and support. Our products have set standards in quality and performance. This is DFT’s legacy and a strong foundation for us to focus on: developing and growing DFT with the products and solutions our industry needs.

[In the Loop] What specific strategic agenda are you seeking to implement?

[Norbert Hinckers] Today, we see digitization efforts all around the globe and, although still in the early stages, they’re steadily gaining momentum. The demand for not only high performance but also specialized and cost-effective solutions is growing. DFT is committed to providing a product portfolio that meets all of these needs.

At the same time, the challenges archives are facing in their digitization efforts are tremendous. The solution to them is not simply setting up and operating film scanners. The entire process of digitally preserving and providing access to vast amounts of film stock is a significant challenge – made even more complex by the physical condition of the materials and the lack of proper cataloging, both of which are common realities in archives.

Our strategic goal as DFT is to develop, provide, and help to implement solutions that enable efficient and high-performing digitization operation. In addition to film scanners, this includes infrastructure components such as storage systems. We will also provide consulting services to archives on implementing proven concepts and best practices, while developing new products aimed at automating the digitization process. DFT is committed to partnering with its customers to drive these developments and to play a key role in this growing market.

[In the Loop] Sounds like quite some activity going on at DFT. Could you give us an idea of what specifically to expect from DFT within the next 12 months?

[Norbert Hinckers] With the DFT Polar HQ film scanner, we’ve released the first product based on a new and state-of-the-art technology platform. DFT Polar HQ is an HDR RGB film scanner based on an area scan 9.3k camera offering very high digitization quality at an attractive price point.

Its Smart Motion Gate is a pendulum gate system, allowing multiple captures of every single frame while the film moves at a constant speed. Film transport is very gentle, with minimal film tension as is required in the handling of fragile and damaged archive material. We’re currently developing additional features and options for DFT Polar HQ, aimed at further enhancing its capability to safely and efficiently digitize challenging archival film stock.

We’re also working on a new generation of Scanity, the Scanity 2. Based on a new high-resolution camera system and the DFT Polar platform image processing system, the new generation will exceed the quality and performance of even the Scanity HDR. Scanity 2 will offer increased dynamic sensitivity and a new advanced speed mode, providing 4K scanning in real time.

Both major developments will be showcased at IBC 2025.

[In the Loop] Customers have been curious about your plans for Scanity. Why opt for Scanity 2 and not a new native 8K line scanner?

[Norbert Hinckers] Scanity was designed to fulfill a unique purpose, which is high-quality and high-speed 4K scanning. This is where Scanity excels. Specifically, the Scanity optical system is very sophisticated, allowing for accuracy of detail that outperforms higher resolution systems.

We recognize the prime need in the market for high-quality and high-performance 4K digitization. This is why we chose to focus on upgrading Scanity with the latest technology and thus providing our customers with a future-proof, flexible high-end digitization system that meets the needs of today’s market.

[In the Loop] So, both DFT Polar HQ and the new Scanity 2 will be based on the DFT Polar platform. What benefits do customers gain from DFT products being based on one platform?

[Norbert Hinckers] The idea of the DFT Polar platform is to provide a maximum of synergy in the maintenance and development of new features for our products. Our customers will benefit in numerous ways:

First, the platform is a very flexible system, allowing high compatibility with future developments. Our customers will see long-term availability of upgrades and new features for their systems.

Further, new features implemented on the platform can be made available very quickly on multiple products. The new optical audio feature is available on DFT Polar HQ and will also become available on Scanity 2.

[In the Loop] Is DFT planning to undergo significant changes as a company?

[Norbert Hinckers] Yes and no.

Yes, DFT is changing because we have quite an agenda we are working on today. We’re expanding the DFT team in R&D, customer support, sales, and manufacturing. Upgrades, new products and features will be released in a very timely manner.

On the other hand, no, DFT is not changing because the company has always been a trusted and dependable partner for its customers, and we’re committed to maintaining and strengthening that reputation. Our focus remains on building long-term relationships, delivering consistent value, and adapting to our customers’ evolving needs to ensure their continued success.

In the Loop, edition #24, 10th February 2025