The new REEL Cinema in Crewe is the latest independent multiplex venue to feature Connectvision, the digital hub from Saturn Communications Group Ltd. The software is used to schedule and zone real-time information for concession advertising, film times and seat availability, as well as new film reports, on plasma screens throughout the cinema.

The five screen, 670 seats, REEL Cinema features four 42” plasma screens: two in the concessions kiosks area, one in the box office and one in the café bar. Information presented on each screen is tailored to suit the audience, using the software scheduling and zoning functions.  In a new application of Connectvision, REEL is using the system for the café plasma screen to show Internet-based ‘live’ digital feeds of film news and trailers.

“Connectvision allows us to prepare film and advertising schedules for the week in one planning session avoiding the need to update them daily. This means we can schedule one set of promotions for the children’s performances and another for later evening presentations,” says the operations manager of REEL Cinema. Saturn is designing templates to include the REEL branding on the plasma screen displays.

Connectvision is also integrated with the ticketing system to indicate to customers when auditoriums seats are half and fully sold. The Crewe cinema is also expecting to include a digital projector shortly under the UKBFC sponsored scheme promoting digital projection technology.