News

Movie theater kiosk lets patrons check out previews

November 10, 2003

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Waiting in line for movies just got more exciting with Douglas Theatre Company's introduction of the first interactive kiosk that allows movie patrons to control the movie previews they view in the lobby.

Nanonation developed the kiosk and signage application to allow users to control the content they view not only on a kiosk, but also on signage around the lobby. The system utilizes multiple computers and projectors to display video and promotional content while enabling users to choose the movie trailers they want to watch.

Nanonation, a developer of interactive software, and Douglas Theatre Company worked together to develop the next generation of dynamic signage. Patrons choose from a selection of current and upcoming movie trailers. The kiosk plays the multimedia clip and communicates wirelessly to a second computer controlling multiple projectors mounted in the theater's lobby.

The projectors run the chosen trailer on two large 89" screens that "float" suspended in the lobby area. Two smaller circular screens run motion-enhanced sponsor advertisements, according to a news release.

President of Douglas Theatre Company, David Livingston, said, "We wanted to offer our customers a way to participate in the complete movie-going experience. The kiosk signage system not only offers customers an engaging waiting experience, but offers our sponsors a more meaningful way to communicate and promote their efforts."

The system enables accurate tracking of usage on a real-time basis, something vital for attracting and retaining sponsors. The average length of a user session has been over 10 minutes with over 5,000 individual sessions accounted for in the first quarter of operation, according to the release.

The system also enables remote updating for changing of trailers, sponsor ads, and other media content. This keeps the content fresh, new, and flexible.

"We were excited about moving digital signage to a new level of interactivity," said Bradley Walker, president and chief executive officer of Nanonation.