Sony Electronics announced digital cinema agreements and deployments with five exhibitors across the United States at the ShoWest 2009 Las Vegas convention. The new agreements range from outfitting facilities with Sony’s 4K digital projection technology to providing turn-key solutions for converting to digital technology.

The new exhibitors are: Muvico Theaters at the Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Calif.; Alamo Drafthouse at the Village, Austin, Tex.; The Palace Theater, Canadian, Tex.; Lincoln Square Cinemas in Bellevue, Wash.; and Channelside Theaters in Tampa, Fla. The new exhibitors are designed as “premium” entertainment destinations, offering guests not only high-quality motion picture projection, but also a range of services and amenities.

The Alamo and Palace facilities are being handled through Sony’s Digital Cinema Systems Division. The Alamo is installing 4K projectors in each of its four auditoriums, while the Palace’s single-screen facility will convert to 4K. For each, Sony is working with the exhibitors to install the 4K projectors as well as provide maintenance, service and ongoing support for their roll-outs.

The Muvico, Lincoln Square and Channelside projects are being managed through Sony’s Digital Cinema Solutions and Services Group (DCSS), which will work with the exhibitors to provide installation and complete integration services.

The DCSS group also works with Hollywood studios to provide operational and financial resources to exhibitors. The group also includes alternative content opportunities and gaming as part of its offerings.

Each exhibitor is also including 3D projection as part of its 4K roll-out. These new agreements are among the first installations of Sony’s newly announced relationship with RealD to provide exhibitors with 3D digital cinema systems.