PFU systems deploys MEDIASTAFF ST Kiosks at Camera Cinemas’ movie theatres

PFU systems, Inc. deployed MEDIASTAFF ST Kiosks at Camera Cinemas’ movie theatres in Silicon Valley/South Bay area (California) for its customer loyalty card trial program. The program is a joint effort of Camera Cinemas and Sony Electronics to increase customer loyalty and satisfaction.

Customers can use MEDIASTAFF ST Kiosks to read the accumulated points on their membership cards, based on Sony Electronics’ FeliCa card technology, and print coupons that can be redeemed for free tickets, food and beverages.

PFU utilized its extensive experience in FeliCa enabled Kiosks – over 10,000 units deployed in Japan – and successfully implemented the systems within the limited timeframe.

– Press Release –

Camera Cinemas Launches New Loyalty Program Driven By Sony Felica Technology

San Diego, Oct. 5, 2009 – Camera Cinemas is conducting a trial customer loyalty program for movie theaters based on Sony Electronics’ FeliCa card technology. The trial began in September at each Camera location in San Jose, Campbell, and Los Gatos, Calif., and will continue through the end of 2009.

By giving customers a more convenient way to gain and redeem loyalty points, the program’s goal is to explore potential new business opportunities for exhibitors, especially increased transactions at the box office and concession stands. 

“An effective digital cinema implementation extends well beyond the technology in the auditorium,” said Mike Fidler, senior vice president of Sony’s Digital Cinema Solutions and Services group. “We’re thinking about everything an exhibitor needs for success, and that includes business-driving efforts like customer loyalty programs.”

The FeliCa technology is a contactless IC card technology that has robust data capabilities and is secure and environmentally friendly since card data can be re-written billions of times.

“This loyalty program will help us gain invaluable knowledge about our customers, which will help us provide movie content and concessions that are tailored to their liking,” said Jack NyBlom, president of Camera Cinemas. “Plus, by utilizing the program, we’d like to give back to our frequent customers by essentially allowing them to earn free products.” 

Sony is working with a leading kiosk provider, PFU Limited, and its local subsidiary PFU Systems, Inc., to deploy kiosks in Camera lobbies. Customers can use these kiosks to print coupons that can be redeemed for accumulated points.

Sony is offering the FeliCa cards to Camera customers, who can register for the program either at the theaters or through the Camera web site. They can use the card to select coupons for free tickets, food and beverages, or a discount coupon valid at the SonyStyle store in nearby Santa Clara, Calif.

About Sony

Sony Electronics Inc. is headquartered in San Diego, Calif. and is a leading provider of audio/video electronics and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, design, engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony’s Broadcast and Business Solutions Company develops and manufactures video and audio technologies for professional applications including its 4K projectors for digital cinema, as well as technologies for broadcast television and motion picture production, event videography, ENG/EFP, digital cinematography, videoconferencing, IP surveillance and security, digital signage, and remote system diagnostics and monitoring. For more information about Sony’s 4K projectors, visit www.sony.com/digitalcinema.

About PFU

PFU Limited of Japan, a subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited is a $1 billion global enterprise that designs,develops, manufactures, sells and maintains computer hardware, peripheral products, enterprise software, and systems.  PFU Ltd. designs and manufacturers embedded computers and interactive kiosks.  PFU Ltd. entered the Japanese kiosk market in 1995 and today remains a dominant kiosk manufacturer with over 50,000 installed kiosks in Japan. PFU Ltd. markets a full line of standard kiosk products in Japan, and offers customized kiosk products through its ProDeS division. PFU kiosks are extensively deployed in the health care, hospitality, retail, education, and government markets. PFU Systems, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of PFU Ltd., markets its kiosks in the United States.

For more information, visit www.pfusystems.com/products/kiosk/overview/index.html.

About Camera Cinemas

For nearly 35 years, Camera Cinemas has been presenting a wide variety of well-made, intelligent films, from re-released classics to independents, international to mainstream. With four distinct locations - Camera 7 Cinemas, the state-of-the-art multiplex in Campbell's Pruneyard Shopping Center; the Art Deco neighborhood theater, Los Gatos Cinemas in downtown Los Gatos; the three-level Camera 12 Cinemas, and the newly re-opened Camera 3 Entertainment in downtown San Jose - Camera Cinemas has become an important institution in the local film community, making vital contributions to the cultural life of the San Jose area and representing the best of what the South Bay has to offer.

For more information visit www.cameracinemas.com.