MANCHESTER, UK, KENNESAW, GA and OMAHA, NE, (February 27, 2003) - Digital Projection International (DPI), an Emmy® Award-winning manufacturer of high-performance projection systems, and Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. (OTC BB: BTNE), a leading manufacturer and distributor of motion picture projection and specialty lighting equipment, today announced they have reached an agreement in principle for the sales, distribution and servicing of DPI's Digital Projection Cinema-branded products by Ballantyne in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central and South America.

The agreement unites DPI with a recognized leader in the commercial cinema industry and leverages Ballantyne's dominant motion picture projection equipment market position with the clear performance, image quality and long-term ROI benefits of DPI's Digital Projection Cinema products. The Digital Projection Cinema brand is a result of the alliance between NEC Viewtechnology Ltd. and Digital Projection International.

Since its formation in 1932, Ballantyne has focused on product quality and attentive customer service, enabling it to become the clear market leader in North America.

"Ballantyne's installed base, in excess of 35,000 film projectors worldwide, positions them as a leading force in the cinema projection industry," said Brian Critchley, managing director of Digital Projection International. "Their commitment to quality, service and the best in projection technologies makes them the perfect digital cinema distribution partner. We are thrilled to be working with Ballantyne in this exciting arena."

DPI was the first company to develop, manufacture and market projection systems based on 3-chip DLP™ technology by Texas Instruments. Its HIGHlite, THUNDER and LIGHTNING projectors are utilized for demanding applications worldwide, such as digital screenings and postproduction, command and control, scientific visualization and prestigious broadcast events, including the 2003 Grammy Awards.

"Along with Texas Instruments, DPI pioneered the development of high-performance projectors dating back to the late 1980s," said John Wilmers, president and CEO of Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. "Exhibitors are increasingly looking at digital projection as an exciting long-term opportunity to reduce operating costs and provide them with greater programming flexibility.

"As Ballantyne approached the digital cinema business to serve those needs, it was vital we select a partner with the highest quality products and one that shared our values and those of our customers. We have been working with DPI over the past few years to explore opportunities, and are delighted with their product lines and the relationship we have structured."

The Digital Projection Cinema products Ballantyne will sell-the integrated series (iS) and console series (cS)-employ the state-of-the-art in Texas Instruments DLP Cinema™ technology and bring the cinema community tremendous benefits with respect to improved image quality, reliability and maximizing return on investment. Digital Projection International and NEC Viewtechnology consider these to be the hallmarks of their products-and alliance.

About Digital Projection Cinema
The Digital Projection Cinema brand is a product of the alliance between NEC Viewtechnology Ltd. and Digital Projection International, two recognized leaders in precision, large-screen digital imaging and systems integration. The alliance was announced in October 2002 following NEC Viewtechnolgy's DLP Cinema™ licensing agreement with Texas Instruments, and has created a union of two companies that provide unmatched strength and capability in the design and manufacture of digital cinema projection systems.

About Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc.
Ballantyne of Omaha is a leading U.S. supplier of commercial motion picture and specialty projection equipment utilized by major theater chains and location-based entertainment providers. The Company also manufactures, rents and leases specialty entertainment lighting products used at top arenas, television and motion picture production studios, theme parks and architectural sites around the world.
http://www.ballantyne-omaha.com

Except for the historical information in this press release, it includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, quarterly fluctuations in results; customer demand for the Company's products; the development of new technology for alternate means of motion picture presentation; domestic and international economic conditions; the management of growth; and, other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations.

   Emmy is a registered trademark of The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
DLP is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments.

About Digital Projection International

Founded in 1989, Digital Projection International (DPI) has been instrumental in the development and application of Digital Light Processing™ technology by Texas Instruments for projection systems. DPI introduced the world’s first 3-chip DLP™ projector in 1997, and has since delivered expert system engineering and world-class customer services, thus maintaining its position as a digital imaging pioneer.

DPI’s groundbreaking projection research and development has garnered the admiration of industry professionals around the world. This has included many awards, including two Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering Development by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. DPI remains the first and only projector manufacturer to win the coveted award.