Automated power management that reduces energy consumption, cuts operational costs, and extends equipment lifespan across your cinema.

What Is Next EcoBooth? 

Next EcoBooth is a smart booth automation solution that gives cinema operators complete control over equipment power across their entire multiplex. The system automates the power cycle for projectors, servers, amplifiers, HVAC, lighting, and other booth equipment - turning devices on only when needed and off when screenings end. 

Instead of leaving sound racks, projector light sources and HVAC running 13 or 14 hours or relying on staff to manually power equipment up and down, Next EcoBooth follows the cinema's screening schedule and handles everything automatically. The result is significant energy savings, lower utility bills, reduced equipment wear, and fewer operational tasks for cinema teams. 

Why Cinema Energy Management Matters 

Energy has become one of the top three operational expenses for cinema exhibitors, with electricity bills in EU and UK up to 30% higher compared to pre-pandemic levels. At the same time, staffing pressures mean fewer people are available to manage equipment across multiple sites. 

Many cinemas face hidden energy waste: air conditioning runs on fixed schedules regardless of occupancy, projection equipment stays powered overnight, and legacy systems lack efficient standby modes. Without visibility into real-time energy usage, these inefficiencies remain invisible until the electricity bill arrives. 

Next EcoBooth addresses these challenges by adding intelligence and orchestration to existing cinema equipment - no major hardware changes required. 

How Next EcoBooth Works 

The system operates through three core components that work together to automate power management across every auditorium. 

Next EcoBooth Screen 

This central control unit serves as the brain of the system. Only one unit is needed per multiplex, installed in a central rack or stand-alone box in the office. The touch screen interface displays the status of all auditoriums and allows one-click control of the entire site. Also allows to remotely and manually power cycle complete rooms or specific devices from any computer connected to the cinema network, inside or outside the cinema. 

EcoBooth features a basic scheduled power cycle and provides an API to synch with the schedule receiving orders from the any TMS or from a DCI server. EcoBooth is TMS agnostic. 

PAA20+ or PAA40+ Automation Adapter 

These devices connect to equipment in each booth and execute power switching commands. The PAA20+ provides 10 power switches to control up to 10 devices below 10A each. Depending on the number of amplifiers and devices to power cycle, one PAA20+ might be enough or a second one could be installed in the projector base for the projector, extractor fan, server, and other booth equipment. 

The newer PAA40+ expands the power to 16A per each of the 12 outputs while adding real-time power metering, exportable energy reports, a built-in DALI port for direct lighting control, and macro capabilities with up to 20 macros of 12 commands each. 

Power contactors 

For equipment requiring more than 16A, electric contactors rated at 25A or 40A allow switching of powerful projectors or amplifiers even with tri-phasic power supply. These contactors are driven by the PAA20+ or PAA40+ outputs.  

Key Features and Capabilities 

Schedule-Driven Automation 

Next EcoBooth can be synched with the schedule stored in the TMS and automatically powers equipment up before each show and down after the last screening. Extended gaps between shows trigger complete shutdown protocols, while ongoing processes like content ingestion remain protected. 

Staggered Power-On Timing 

Rather than powering all devices simultaneously (which creates expensive energy peaks) the system uses timed, staggered power-on sequences. This eliminates demand spikes that increase electricity costs and reduces stress on electrical infrastructure. 

One-Click Site Control 

A single button press on the Next EcoBooth touch screen powers up or down the entire multiplex. What previously took 10-20 minutes of walking between booths now happens in one second. 

Individual Auditorium Control 

Each auditorium can be powered on or off independently, or all auditoriums controlled simultaneously. Operators can also program gradual lighting transitions for each space. 

Remote Monitoring and Control 

The system enables remote monitoring and control of projectors, servers, sound devices, HVAC, and lighting. Operators can check equipment status, current macros, lamp hours, playback duration, and remaining time without visiting the booth. 

Device-Level Control 

Individual control extends to specific equipment functions: reset sound processors, change audio presets, adjust volume, check if projectors and sound processors are online, and power individual devices on or off. 

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Integration with CinemaNext TMS 

Next EcoBooth works seamlessly with CinemaNext TMS to create a fully automated power management system. The TMS reads the schedule from the POS and sends commands to Next EcoBooth, which switches power on and off for each auditorium. Equipment only consumes energy when actually needed. 

This integration delivers intelligent showtime control: equipment powers up automatically before screenings, shuts down systematically after the last show and, if time gap between shows is long enough, it even turns off and on between them preventing unnecessary consumption during off-hours. 

For cinemas using third-party TMS solutions, the PAA20+ and PAA40+ automation adapters remain fully compatible with all major TMS platforms. 

Installation Options 

Next EcoBooth offers flexible installation to suit different cinema configurations. 

Rack Installation 

The Next EcoBooth touch screen installs in a standard 3U rack module, ideal for cinemas with centralised equipment rooms. 

Stand-Alone Installation 

The touch screen can be mounted at any required location—in the manager's office, at a service desk, or wherever operational oversight happens. 

Power Bypass Cable 

For simple integration with existing electrical setups, the Power Bypass Cable connects devices to PAA20+ or PAA40+ switches without changing existing wiring. The cable seamlessly bypasses power through the automation adapter switches. 

Measurable Energy Savings 

Real-world deployments demonstrate significant reductions in energy consumption. Testing at cinema sites showed a 36.2% reduction in overall energy consumption when comparing the same day with the same schedule - before and after connecting the PAA40+ to follow the cinema schedule. Weekly averages showed approximately 20% reduction in energy usage. 

Based on operating data across multiple installations, cinemas can expect minimum savings of €6,500 annually for every 10 screens by eliminating unnecessary energy consumption. Return on investment is typically achievable in under three years - and often much faster depending on local energy costs. 

These gains require no major hardware changes. The savings come from adding visibility and intelligent control on top of existing cinema equipment. 

Benefits Summary 

Reduce Energy Consumption 

Intelligent automation ensures equipment runs only when needed, eliminating the hidden costs of 24/7 operation. 

Lower Monthly Utility Bills 

Immediate cost savings appear on electricity bills, with measurable reductions of 20-36% documented at operating sites. 

Minimise Equipment Wear 

Powering equipment down during idle periods extends the lifespan of projectors, servers, amplifiers, and other booth devices. 

Decrease Operational Overhead 

Automated power cycling eliminates manual tasks, freeing staff to focus on audience experience rather than booth operations. 

Fast Return on Investment 

The combination of energy savings and reduced labour costs delivers ROI typically within three years or less. 

Who Uses Next EcoBooth 

Cinema operators across Europe and beyond use Next EcoBooth to manage energy consumption in multiplexes of all sizes. The system scales from small independent venues to major circuits with dozens of locations. 

Exhibitors prioritising sustainability goals, cost reduction, and operational efficiency find the platform particularly valuable. As energy prices remain elevated across Europe and Asia, automated power management has become essential rather than optional. 

Getting Started 

CinemaNext provides complete support from initial consultation through installation and configuration. Technical teams ensure the system integrates properly with existing equipment and TMS platforms. 

Contact the Solutions team to discuss how Next EcoBooth can reduce energy costs at your cinema. 

FAQ Section

What is Next EcoBooth? 

Next EcoBooth is a smart booth automation system from CinemaNext that automates power management for cinema projection equipment. It controls when projectors, servers, amplifiers, HVAC, and lighting turn on and off based on the screening schedule, reducing energy consumption and operational costs. 

How does Next EcoBooth save energy? 

Next EcoBooth saves energy by automatically powering equipment on only when needed for screenings and off during idle periods. Instead of running projection racks 13 or 14 hours a day, the system follows the cinema schedule and uses staggered power-on timing to eliminate demand spikes. Real-world results show 20-36% reductions in energy consumption. 

What equipment does Next EcoBooth control? 

Next EcoBooth controls projectors, media servers, audio amplifiers, sound processors, HVAC systems, auditorium lighting, and other booth equipment. The PAA20+ adapter handles devices up to 10A, while PAA40+ handles 16A. External contactor can manage higher-power equipment up to 40A. 

Is Next EcoBooth compatible with all TMS platforms? 

Yes. While Next EcoBooth integrates seamlessly with CinemaNext TMS, the PAA20+ and PAA40+ automation adapters are also compatible with all major third-party Theatre Management Systems (TMS). 

How much can cinemas save with Next EcoBooth? 

Based on real-world operating data, cinemas can save a minimum of €6,500 annually for every 10 screens. Individual results vary based on local energy costs, equipment configuration, and operating schedules. Testing has documented energy reductions of 36.2% on high-traffic days. 

What is the ROI for Next EcoBooth? 

Return on investment for Next EcoBooth is typically achievable in under three years. In regions with high energy costs, such as parts of Europe and Asia, payback periods can be significantly shorter. 

What is the difference between PAA20+ and PAA40+? 

The PAA20+ provides 10 power switches for devices up to 10A and is configured through a web interface. The PAA40+ drives 16A in each of his 12 switches, adds real-time power metering, exportable energy reports, a built-in DALI port for lighting control, expanded macro capabilities (20 macros with 12 commands each). 

Does Next EcoBooth require rewiring the cinema? 

No. The Next EcoBooth Power Bypass Cable allows connection to existing electrical installations without changes. The cable routes power through the automation adapter switches while maintaining existing wiring. 

Can Next EcoBooth be controlled remotely? 

Yes. The system enables remote monitoring and control of all connected equipment, including projector status, lamp hours, playback information, sound processor settings, and power status for each auditorium. 

Where is Next EcoBooth available? 

Next EcoBooth is available to cinema operators throughout EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), Asia and the United States through CinemaNext's network of sales and support offices in 24 countries.