OMAHA, Neb.—Jul 20, 2006
Ballantyne's Subsidiary, Strong Technical Services, Selected for 24 Digital Projector Installations Featuring REAL D Cinema Format; New Subsidiary off to Strong Start
Highlighting Demand for Expertise and High Quality Service,Installation and Maintenance in Emerging Digital Cinema Market
Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. (Amex: BTN), a provider of motion picture projection, specialty lighting and digital cinema equipment and services, announced today that its Strong Technical Services (STS) subsidiary has been selected to install twenty-four digital projectors with the added capability to deliver REAL D, a state of the art digital 3D cinematic format. The installations are planned for completion in time for the July 21st release of Columbia Pictures'
animated feature film Monster House, which opens day-and-date in the REAL D format in selected theaters nationwide.
STS's installation will be comprised of twelve NEC STARUS(TM) NC2500S Digital Cinema projectors supplied by Strong Digital Systems.
Additionally, STS is completing the installation of twelve digital projectors supplied by another digital cinema provider. Ballantyne is providing five-year financing for the NEC projectors and will execute maintenance contracts for the equipment.
John P. Wilmers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ballantyne of Omaha, commented, "We are very pleased to be associated with REAL D in these installations. REAL D's 3D technology creates a compelling catalyst in driving new installations in the digital Cinema market. We are also excited to see the digital cinema industry's response to the service offerings and expertise of our recently acquired Strong Technical Services subsidiary. Clearly, under the leadership of John Wolski, STS is hitting the ground running, being quickly recognized as a highly capable organization that can work under the tight deadlines required in these installations.
Importantly, these installations demonstrate the breadth of our business opportunities in digital cinema and the variety of revenue streams to be derived from distribution, installation, service and maintenance."
Audience members will receive comfortable, lightweight glasses styled like classic sunglasses enabling them to view the film in the REAL D Cinema format. REAL D Cinema glasses for Monster House are provided free with movie ticket purchase. Unlike traditional anaglyph 3D, REAL D Cinema uses state-of-the-art digital cinema technology to eliminate eye fatigue and ensure that moviegoers enjoy the most comfortable 3D viewing experience possible.