With the latest update to its Theatre Management System (TMS), OneCinema introduces a major technological enhancement that gives cinema operators greater flexibility: automated and fully customizable intermissions for IMAX screenings. This new capability complements existing features such as automatic KDM handling, creation and automation of playlists, scheduled shows, and the automatic distribution and removal of content.
Until now, IMAX screen servers offered only limited options for running screenings with intermissions. “With the new IMAX API, we can now achieve the same level of automation on IMAX screen servers that that customers already enjoy with other server types,”explains Ingo Neumann, Technical Support at OneCinema. “Our TMS controls the entire intermission process - from adjusting auditorium lighting to playing background music, or advertisements, announcements, and the continuation of the film - everything runs automatically, without the need for any manual input.”
The breakthrough lies in the seamless integration of the new IMAX API into OneCinema’s TMS. For cinemas with IMAX auditoriums, this marks another significant step toward complete automation. Intermissions can now be centrally scheduled and rule-based, filled with content, and played in varying lengths or versions - adapted to the time of day and show type.
Technically, the new functionality is based on the updated IMAX API, which for the first time provides commands for dynamic intermission sequences. OneCinema has implemented these new API functions in its TMS, enabling fully automated intermission management in IMAX operations. The intermission feature is currently available for the IMAX server types ICLPS, XT, IDS, and ILPS.
This feature is particularly valuable for long-running blockbusters such as Avatar, as well as for cinemas in Switzerland and the Benelux countries, where intermissions traditionally form part of the show experience.
The solution significantly reduces on-site operational workload and ensures a stable, smooth workflow for all IMAX screenings. OneCinema remains committed to making new technical developments available in its TMS quickly and reliably.