LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Electronics' Digital Cinema
Solutions and Services group has signed an agreement with Muvico
Entertainment that will outfit its existing and new complexes with Sony's
4K projection technology.

    Muvico's Rosemont, Ill. theater was the first theater in the United
States to be fully equipped with Sony's 4K digital projectors and,
following the success of that theater, Muvico made the decision to enter
into this agreement with Sony. The rollout begins this winter with the
opening of Muvico's Thousand Oaks, Calif., facility.

    The agreement covers existing Muvico theaters, which will be upgraded
to the digital technology, as well as new locations that Muvico builds in
the future.

    In addition to committing to Sony's 4K projectors for its full
conversion to digital, the exhibitor plans to use a range of Sony products
in its facilities. These include LCD displays in lobby and concession areas
for digital signage, menu boards and full-motion video trailers; as well as
VAIO(R) computers, PlayStation(TM) gaming systems, security cameras and
more.

    Muvico, a leader in the theatrical exhibition industry and one of the
premier circuits in the U.S., has 13 locations with a total of 248 screens.

    "4K technology gives us a solid foundation for converting our chain to
digital," said Mike Whalen, president of Muvico. "It provides our guests
with resolution and picture quality never before seen on the big screen.

    "It also opens up so many new business opportunities for displaying
alternative content in our theaters such as live concerts and sporting
events," he added. "Having access to Sony's full product line will further
improve the overall customer experience and our operations by delivering a
more attractive and interactive presentation of products that are vital to
the revenue stream of any theater. The fact that Sony can deliver all this
for us as part of one fully integrated solution was very attractive to us."

    Sony's DCSS group will work with Muvico on the integration,
installation, maintenance and service support for this roll-out, providing
the exhibitor with a complete turn-key solution for converting to digital
technology.

    "Muvico's vision is that exhibitors need to offer more complete
services, and they have been a pioneer in re-defining the movie-going
experience," said Mike Fidler, senior vice president of Sony's Digital
Cinema Solutions and Services group. "They've extended their focus far
beyond the auditorium and into the lobbies, restaurants, and more, truly
turning the movie theater into a digital destination.

    "Working with them to further the use of 4K technology, as well as
maximize Sony's product and technology expertise, will simply elevate this
experience to an entirely new level," Fidler said.

    The new Thousand Oaks location will feature Muvico's "Premier Concept"
theme, similar to their Boca Raton, Fla. and Rosemont facilities, offering
such services as complimentary valet parking, reserved seating, a digital
arcade and access to a full-service restaurant and bar for guests 21 years
and older.

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