Sony Digital Cinema today announced  the launch of Sony Theatre Management System Lite (TMS Lite – STM-100L), a  workflow management system specifically catered to non-VPF customers,  independent and small-medium sized cinemas.

Sister product to Sony’s revolutionary  SRX-R515 projector, TMS Lite is designed specifically for exhibitors with up to  five screens. A software solution, priced affordably with a one-off charge as  opposed to an annual subscription fee, TMS Lite offers all of the core  functions of the original TMS, which is in daily use by such leading exhibitors  as Vue, CinemaxX and Showcase Cinemas. Users benefit from control and  monitoring of the entire digital projection network within a theatre, asset management  of content within the central content storage, support for various digital  cinema servers and centralised schedule editing and management. The software  can be operated on a variety of hardware solutions, from an existing PC or  laptop computer to dedicated servers with extended central storage devices.

The system’s easy to use and intuitive  interface results in reduced training requirements for operators. Centralisation  and efficiency of workflow management reduces daily workload, and in turn operational  demands and costs. Another unique feature of TMS Lite is its ability, when used  with Sony projectors, to manage intermissions centrally, using play lists to  show dynamic content during intermissions. This was not previously possible,  and enables exhibitors, particularly in Western Europe, to increase advertising  revenue as well as concession sales.

TMS Lite will be sold  through selected Sony Digital Cinema solution specialists only and marks Sony’s  support of small-medium sized exhibitors and continued investment in expanding  their managed  service offering. TMS Lite paves the  way for constant customer interaction and support, bringing the best possible  service to customers.

David McIntosh, Senior Vice President,  Sony Digital Cinema said: “We are very excited to launch TMS Lite, bringing the  full range of benefits from the original TMS to smaller exhibitors. TMS Lite  will allow Sony to forge even stronger relationships with its customers,  bringing best-in-class workflow benefits and cost savings; and ultimately  showcasing our commitment to efficient and affordable solutions no matter what  the size of the exhibitor.”