Pennywise Perpherals provides a complete family of automation equipment for controlling and monitoring cinemas. The family revolves around the CA21, which is a self-contained automation unit that runs film sessions automatically.

The trend towards larger cinemas complexes makes it more difficult for staff to keep track of what is happening in each cinema. Pennywise CS30 Status Panels display the status of several cinemas with clearly visible coloured LEDs and an audible alarm. By installing them at key positions in the cinema complex, staff can see what stage the various shows are at and if there are any faults.

For even more convenient control, especially with a large number of cinemas in the complex, CA21s and CS30s can be connected to a central PC running Pennywise CA-Link software. CA-Link enables the sessions in all cinemas to be monitored and controlled from a single location. At least 32 cinemas can be controlled by CA-Link.

CA-Link runs on a standard PC under Windows. It is very user friendly and no special knowledge is required to operate it. CA-Link has been carefully designed so that the CA21s and CS30s keep operating normally even if the PC is not running. A fault in a piece of equipment does not cause the whole automation system to shut down.

CA-21 CINEMA AUTOMATION UNIT

The Pennywise CA21 controls the equipment in a cinema. It runs film sessions automatically using a sequence of program steps triggered by cues from the film or slide projector.

The CA21 is very easy to operate. Yet it is flexible enough to allow a wide variety of film presentations with slides, intervals, etc.

It's front panel only has push buttons and LEDs. There are no sensitive touch screens or delicate dispalys, complicated menus, cryptic messages or computer languages to learn.

The CA21 includes the following features;

• Controls the film and slide projectors, sound processor, lights, curtains etc.
• An inbuilt clock enables sessions to be scheduled at specific times.
• Only one type of film cue is required.
• Faults are detected and handled (film break, xenon fail, etc.).
• Motors in different projectors can be interlocked.
• Equipment is controlled by relays and serial interfaces.
• The CA21 is available in two types of cabinets (rack and wall mount).