Barco, the worldwide market share leader in digital cinema, announces today a deal with Texas-based ShowBiz Cinemas to create and manage new multi-faceted, interactive lobby experiences for the theater chain. Under the partnership, Barco will implement its turnkey Lobby Domination solutions for content creation, distribution and display to turn Showbiz’s lobbies into revenue generating entertainment centers. This includes animated box office and concession boards, movie posters, and dynamic trailer presentations that drive engagement from the moment customers enter the theater.
“Barco has been a trusted partner of ShowBiz Cinemas for many years, and expanding our relationship to have them manage our digital signage needs was an easy decision,” states Kevin Mitchell, CEO. “We are excited to evolve our lobbies into immersive and engaging experiences that help build customer intimacy and repeat business for ShowBiz Cinemas.”
“Barco is excited to partner with ShowBiz Cinemas and eager to bring their lobby to life at the new Baytown, Texas flagship location,” comments Jim Molony, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Barco. “ShowBiz Cinemas is committed to providing a first-class movie going experience and they are passionate about exceeding the expectations of customers. Our solutions will not only bring an entertaining and aesthetically diverse component to ShowBiz’s pre-show experience but also provide additional ticket sales opportunities to drive revenues.”
A total solution approach
Barco, which will manage the content for ShowBiz Theaters’ digital movie posters and video walls, also built the original digital signage concepts, design templates and large-scale movie trailer executions.
Barco’s Lobby Domination solutions are created around the company’s X2O technology platform, which has powered television coverage and analysis of major sports and political events around the world since 2006. X20 enables the creation and distribution of dynamic content for animated digital signage applications.
By leveraging its strong relationships with movie studios and third-party hardware providers, Barco is the only digital lobby signage provider to offer a complete solution designed specifically for the cinema, including:
• Hardware including LCD displays of all sizes, projectors, LED panels, and lighting solutions
• Digital Media players and video distribution hardware
• X2O software designed to make it easy to manage lobby specific content
• Full integration services for POS and other existing corporate platforms
• Movie assets provided directly by studios
• Content creation and management services to fully customize each lobby
“Barco Lobby Domination solutions offer an innovative form of entertainment that encourages visitors to come early and stay longer, making the cinema a true destination that pays off in concession sales and brand loyalty,” comments Todd Hoddick, VP Global Entertainment for Barco. “We offer a range of content packages to fit a variety of needs and budgets, enabling theaters of all sizes to embrace this new customer engagement phenomenon.”
About ShowBiz Cinemas
ShowBiz Cinemas currently owns and operates 42 screens in Texas. Our mission is to provide a first class movie-going experience for every customer that enters our theatre. We are passionate about exceeding the expectations of our customer, investors and the overall movie-going experience. We are your home for movies!
