Subject says it all.
I'm in the market for a new answer machine for movie info. What's everybody using?
Please give make, model, minutes of outgoing recording it has and where you bought it. Thanks.

Simple here. We just use ATA digital answering machines that you can buy anywhere. We have a primary line and a roll over line for when the main number is busy.

I am probably going to cause problems now but knock on wood these machines have been realiable for over 3 years now.

I've used an AT&T machine now for about 9 years reliably. But, it's develeped a problem, and I've so far not been able to find a machine that has more than 30 seconds of outgoing message time. Need at least 60 secs.

I have been using a Sprint SP-813 for years (knock on wood) that i got from Radio Shack. It has 3 minutes of record time among many other great features. I do not know if it's still on the market but if you can find one, get two.

We are usinng the Interalia XMU+. It is a bit expensive, but it is a rock! We are using two lines at the moment, but our unit can go up to 8. It allows you to connect it to your computer network to transfer messages and statictics and the programing from your computer.
They also have scaled down model as well.
Here mine in action at 905-681-FILM
Contact:
Frank Papaloni
www.interalia.com
Regional Sales Manager
Interalia Inc.
A12 - 1250 Eglinton Ave West, #143
Mississauga, Ontario, L5V 1G5
905-568-9930 (800) 637-5903
fpapaloni@interalia.ca

At our former Mississauga location, we used to use a SMART unit. It was quite reliable, but the model we had was not accesable remotely. I know they have newer models and even a smaller 2-line unit that is quite interesting
www.smartdev.com

I found this:Phone system does everything 'cept thread projectors.

$700??????

Yeah, but.
It will solve a problem I have now.
No one to answer the phone during the day.
We miss out on group showings & such because of that.
When theatre is closed, that system would transfer a call to my cell phone...100 miles away .
It can be updated, changed, cofigured over the internet.
And would allow me to do what Jeff K is doing with his, have paid sponsors do ads on it. Let the sponsors pay for it.
Something like "Thank you for calling xyz theatres movieline, brought to you by Pizza Hut."
Press 1 for times
Press 2 to hear Pizza Huts movie special.
Press 3 for information about our group rates> Transfers call to my cell phone when theatres closed, but would instead transfer call to theatre extension when theatres open for manager to handle.

A bit off the topic but...when you do promos with food places ( dinner and movie), does it tend to lessen your concession sells for those who participate or is the exposure enough to compensate?

It's really hard to say because per head varies so much with the type movie thats playing.

It just seems like a perfect promo except they may come to the theatre full. Hard to say.