State-Of-The-Art Christie Network Operations Center Facility Now Open

http://www.digitalcinemainfo.com/christiedigitalcinema_04_29_09.php

April 29, 2009

Source: Christie

Major Expansion of 24/7 Monitoring Center Completed as Digital Cinema and Digital Signage Heat Up Across the U.S.

Christie announced the completion and official opening of the new Christie Managed Services state-of-the-art Network Operations Center (NOC) facility in Cypress, California. Addressing the growth of digital cinema and on-screen advertising, the NOC features have expanded and upgraded capacity to monitor, maintain and service tens of thousands of digital projectors and related devices across the U.S. and Canada on a 24/7, year-round basis. It also offers greater capability to handle devices from post-production to large group training centers and control rooms.

Christie Managed Services currently provides round-the-clock monitoring of 32,431 devices, including 3,780 digital cinema screens and 4,700 pre-show advertising screens in over 830 sites across North America. It is staffed with over 180 remote and customer service personnel and field technicians who respond rapidly to service issues, including configuration management and field repairs. At the heart of the new NOC is the command center dominated by a cutting-edge Christie videowall with 2x4 80” Christie DLP® projection cubes (SXGA+ resolution). In addition to the command center, additional facilities are designed for meetings and specialized training sessions where customers can receive authorized certification as well as hands-on and installation training.

With built-in scalability and redundancy, the NOC can monitor a myriad of devices remotely, including digital cinema projectors, screens, retail signs, servers, hardware and peripherals. It can also quickly expand as necessary to meet increased demands with the addition of monitoring and technical support personnel.

“The new Christie NOC offers greater reliability, greater performance and greater customer security for all digital devices,” remarked Sean James, vice-president, Managed Services at Christie. “With the NOC as a hub and Christie’s distributed architecture as a platform, there is no practical limit to the number of screens and customers that can be supported, on both the national and international level.”

Carmike Cinemas, Inc. (NASDAQ: CKEC) is a leader in digital cinema and 3D cinema deployment. It is one of the largest motion picture exhibitors in the U.S. with more than 250 theaters and 2,287 screens in 36 states. Carmike was the first major exhibitor to go all digital with the installation of Christie digital cinema projectors. Mike Durham, who is directly impacted by the reliability of the equipment as head projectionist at Carmike 12 in Dothan, Alabama, is an enthusiastic supporter of the Christie NOC. He considers NOC technicians “invaluable” and praises their rapid response and expert assistance.

“You truly have a great crew there,” he said. “They never fail to quickly return calls and help me as much as possible. When needed, they are quick to visit and make repairs and adjustments as needed. Even more important, they always take the extra time to educate me on the equipment and procedures, allowing me to perform my job better and consequently, be more valuable to my boss!”

He added: “In a time when good service seems to be at a premium, it’s nice to know that there is still a business that strives to show this kind of professionalism.”

Galaxy Theatres, LLC is a privately owned, fully integrated movie theater company that is ranked by size in the top 10% of its industry, according to the National Association of Theatre Owners. It is recognized for its high-impact, state-of-the-art movie entertainment facilities and currently has theaters in California, Nevada, Texas and Washington.

Frank Rimkus, CEO at Galaxy Theatres, Gig Harbor, Washington, recently installed Christie digital cinema projection systems in all of the ten screens at the complex and selected the comprehensive suite of Christie Managed Services to monitor and maintain them.

He considers the Christie projectors the “technological cornerstones” of his theaters. “They transformed our theaters into cutting-edge multi-media presentation facilities,” said Rimkus. “Christie Managed Services is one of our most valued assets, because it provides us with complete peace of mind when it comes to our equipment. We can concentrate on delivering quality content and excellent customer service to our patrons. All of our digital devices are closely monitored and maintained at optimum operating conditions, with Christie technicians responding quickly to resolve any issues.”

“The significant expansion of Christie Managed Services Network Operations Center confirms our solid commitment to the future of digital technology,” said Jack Kline, president and COO, Christie. “The NOC reflects our ongoing investment to meet the needs of our customers and our pledge to provide the highest level of technical support to ensure our customers’ success. Christie draws on 80 years of experience working with Fortune 1,000 companies and our Managed Services business is the first and largest in the digital cinema arena offering the most comprehensive suite of support services.”