DDC done … call the guys Cineplex Digital Solutions

February 18, 2011 by Dave Haynes

DDC, aka Digital Display & Communications Inc., has been rebranded as Cineplex Digital Solutions (CDS)., as of today.

The new handle comes roughly eight months after Stuart, Steve and the rest of the crew were acquired by Cineplex Entertainment in July 2010. Cineplex is Canada’s largest movie theatre chain and already runs some digital networks, in the moviehouses but also in some big city downtown concourse systems.

The company formerly known as DDC has been around the sector for more than a decade and designs, installs, maintains and operates digital signage networks on various software platforms in retail, financial, hospitality and entertainment markets across Canada and the U.S.

“When we were acquired by Cineplex Entertainment, we knew it was a great opportunity as there is tremendous synergy between the two companies. Our service model networks, combined with Cineplex Digital Media’s advertising model networks, sales force and entertainment content provide significant opportunities for future growth,” says Stuart Kirkpatrick, President, Cineplex Digital Solutions.

The rebranding news comes at the same time as word that Labatt Breweries is adding another 170 PODS to a 500-plus network of in-store digital merchandising displays. I’ve seen the actual sales lift numbers. BIG. And sustainably BIG.

CDS also has a deal in place to help Canucks Sports & Entertainment develop a comprehensive digital signage strategy for the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC.

CDS will help the organization design a comprehensive communications strategy, recommend strategic placement of digital signage throughout the Rogers Arena and source hardware and software providers. CDS has also provided design consultancy for the fixtures for Canucks Sports & Entertainment to consider in their integration of the displays into the facility.

“We selected Cineplex Digital Solutions based on their experience with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto where their unique approach to a digital signage network that involved more than 300 screens, created an extremely positive fan experience,” said Chip Suttles, Director, Technology, Canucks Sports & Entertainment. “With their help, I know that we’ll create a compelling network that showcases our numerous events and corporate sponsors in a dynamic and impactful manner.”

Very good people over there (disclosure: clients in past, but PR now in-house … pfffft!). The Cineplex arrangement is a great one because of the financial backing, media ties and also a newfound ability to add media sales to what they can offer clients.

It’s just a shame there’s fine print in the deal that means Kirkpatrick has to take a shift as an usher every second Tuesday at the Morningside Cinemas in Scarborough. Lawyers really should have caught that.

You can congratulate the CDS guys and see their shiny new cards at the DSE mixer. A small mob is attending from the company. Canadians. Beer. It happens.