Sharp NEC Display Solutions

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today Wehrenberg Theatres, a century-old theater chain and the oldest family-owned-and-operated cinema company in the U.S., selected NEC digital cinema projectors for its 210 screens in the Midwest.

Wehrenberg will deploy NEC digital cinema projectors – the NC1200, NC2000 and NC3240S models – to replace its 35mm technology for its cinemas across Missouri and other central states.  Sixty-five digital systems already have been installed.

NEC Financial Services provided the financing for the Wehrenberg deployment, while Ballantyne Strong, Inc. (NYSE Amex: BTN) is supplying 4K digital projection systems, installation, NOC (Network Operations Center), 24/7 monitoring from its state-of-the-art facility in Omaha, and ongoing maintenance services after installation.

Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM), the global leader in digital cinema conversion programs, is responsible for structuring and implementing the underlying VPF agreement that enables Wehrenberg’s conversion to digital cinema, as well as providing the entire administration responsibility of the VPF program for Wehrenberg. GDC Technology will provide the cinema servers.

“We selected NEC projectors because of their reliability and our strong working relationship with NEC over the last number of years,” said Ronald P. Krueger, Chairman and CEO of Wehrenberg Theatres.  “As we complete our migration to digital technology and explore alternative content, we’re grateful to have NEC and its partners contribute to making the Wehrenberg experience that much more memorable for our guests.”

The NEC deployment is scheduled to begin in April and slated for completion in September 2011.

“Wehrenberg Theatres will enjoy all the benefits of the NEC technology, such as lower operating costs, centralized operations and the highest digital cinema projector quality on the market,” said Pierre Richer, President and COO of NEC Display Solutions.  “Wehrenberg has built a reputation for innovation over their 105 years of existence, and we’re proud to support them in this next phase of their growth.”

“Wehrenberg has created a unique theater experience for movie-goers in the Midwest and upgrading to the latest in digital projection equipment will no doubt be well received,” said Gary Cavey, President and CEO of Ballantyne Strong.  “We are delighted to once again partner with Cinedigm as well as both NEC Financial Services and NEC Display Solutions.”

“Cinedigm is grateful to be working with valued partners NEC Display Solutions and Ballantyne in the Wehrenberg Theatres deployment,” said Chuck Goldwater, President, Media Services Group at Cinedigm.  “We welcome the opportunity to help Wehrenberg build upon its past successes and forge relationships with new customers.”

NEC digital cinema projectors are Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) compliant, which allows exhibitors to capitalize on current and future growth opportunities, and can be centrally managed, freeing up on-site theater personnel for more strategic activities.