Solution Helps Reduce Loss and Enhance the Customer Experience.

Watching larger-than-life movies with three-dimensional (3D) glasses actually makes you feel like you are part of the on-screen action. As 3D images come alive and fly off the big screen, you are compelled to reach out and grab characters or objects propelled in your direction.

Dolby's unique approach to 3D not only means you can enjoy a perfect image from any seat, but also more importantly, the reusable glasses are an environmentally sound alternative to the disposable glasses of other providers.

On average Dolby theaters experience a 20% loss rate for glasses. If, for example, a theater purchases 3,500 glasses at $25.00 per pair, they have invested $87,500. Based on the 20% loss rate the total annual cost of lost glasses equates to $17,500, which significantly impacts their bottom line.

By implementing an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) / source tagging program theaters are realizing a 30% improvement in loss rate and a return on investment (ROI) within the first year. Given the high cost of the 3D glasses, it doesn't take much of a reduction in loss to have a positive ROI for the theater.

The Challenge
When movie goers exit the theater they are still caught up in the excitement of their visual journey. The last thing on their mind is to return the 3D glasses which might be resting on top of their head or inadvertently placed in their pocket or purse. To facilitate the return process theaters have designated receptacles for collection along with movie staff members to provide a friendly reminder.

For the exiting patron the accidental removal or oversight of returning the glasses is no big deal. But for the theater owner it becomes a costly expense. Customers pay an extra fee to use the glasses but often forget to return them before leaving in order for theaters to reuse after the movie.

The Solution
More and more customers are flocking to 3D enabled theaters. In fact, their popularity has resulted in Dolby providing 3D glasses source tagged with Sensormatic anti-theft labels in theaters in over 47 countries. As a result, theaters equipped with Sensormatic EAS anti-theft systems help to deter theft or accidental removal of 3D glasses. When source tagged glasses enter the Sensormatic systems' detection zone the concealed label triggers a voice instruction, rather than a standard alarm, to minimize customer embarrassment and alert movie staff.

The Result
The Sensormatic solution provides theaters with a number of benefits such as achieving better control of their 3D glasses inventory, reducing the expense of lost glasses and automating the return process to help minimize customer embarrassment while enhancing their entertainment experience.

Sensormatic detection systems offer high performance Ultra•Max technology theft deterrent, while maximizing customer flow and helping improve the bottom line. In addition, they provide flexible installation based on single or multiple screens requiring protection which can support movie advertisements. With highly effective Sensormatic EAS detection systems and source tagged labels for 3D glasses, theaters can enhance their focus on increasing profits and customer satisfaction.

"The specialized application for 3D glasses is indicative of our continuous commitment to protect important assets for our customers, and is a logical extension to the tremendous benefits source tagging has delivered to our global customers," according to Tony D'Onofrio, vice president, Global Accounts and Source Tagging for Sensormatic Retail Solutions. "In the retail environment we protect over three billion consumer items per year. Through our programs retailers can realize additional benefits which include reduced in-store labor costs, increased focus on the customer, improved merchandising opportunities, reduced out of stocks and increased speed of products to selling floor to drive increased sales."

Eric Dinaburg, ADT National Account Manager, has been working with Dolby installed theaters in the North America since 2006 on how to utilize EAS Systems to reduce the losses of 3D glasses.

For more information, contact Eric Dinaburg at ErDinaburg@adt.com.