Cineworld, the UK cinema chain, has signed a multi-million pound agreement with NEC Display Solutions Europe to double the number of digital screens in its portfolio.

The company’s deal with Munich-based NEC is to acquire 74 digital projectors at a cost of around £4m. Cineworld plans to have 148 digital screens fitted and operational by April this year.

Cineworld will boast the largest 3D estate in the UK as a result of the deal, capitalising on the 13 3D films scheduled for release this year, including Toy Story 3D and Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.

Steve Wiener, chief executive of Cineworld, said: “We strive to offer our customers the best possible cinematic experience and this deal means we can offer them the choice of digital programming across the UK.

“The timing of this deal enables us to take full advantage of the busy 3D film slate this year and I am please that Cineworld will be able to provide this latest technological advance to more of its customers.”