Although both products are considered premium cinema automation systems and are priced similarly, there are some major differences in the capability and ease of programming between the two units. This feature comparison does not explore all the unique capabilities of each machine, but attempts to emphasize the important differences.

1) The CA21 is essentially an advanced and computerized Pin Matrix arrangement that uses single level programming. The CA2000 uses two-level programming, allowing each main program (Show) to be made up from a number of sub-programs (Segments). This has the very big advantage that global changes to programs are very fast and efficient. Also programs can be made up of different combinations of the same Segments saving considerable programming time.

2) The CA21 can store up to 6 programs each with up to 16 events. The CA2000 can store up to 10 main programs, each program containing up to 16 Segments, and each Segment containing up to 16 events. That is equivalent to 10 programs with up to 64 events each.

3) The CA21 cannot store session start times. The CA2000 can store up to 16 session start times per day and up to 21 days worth in advance. Each session start time entry includes a program number to use for that session.

4) The CA21 uses Up/Down buttons for volume control. This is slow and messy to use. The CA2000 uses rotary volume control for fast and accurate manual changes and programming.

5) The CA21 requires that the customer advise Pennywise prior to purchase which equipment that they want to control using serial data. A special custom version of firmware is then supplied to that customer. The CA2000 has a built-in library of serial control protocols for most available serially controllable equipment, so this is not necessary.

6) The CA21 has no user customizable controls. What you see is all you get. The CA2000 has 8 user customizable relay outputs for which even the LCD screen labels can be edited by the user to suit the application.

7) The CA21 stand alone network capability is limited to a projector interlock function. Cinemas to be interlocked must be hard wired in a permanent configuration. The CA2000 allows programs and session times to be copied freely around a network. Interlocking with any combination of other cinemas can be easily set up by the user as required without any changes to network wiring. The CA2000 also automatically updates and synchronizes the date and time in all cinemas whenever the time and date is set in any one cinema.

8) The CA21 has no Cue Backup feature. The CA2000 does.

9) The CA21 allows execution of a program to be halted mid-show but does not do an intermission routine. The CA2000 "pause" button allows an intermission to be inserted at any point (any number of times) during a show, on the fly.

10) The CA21 allows a program to be stepped forward during a show but not backwards. The CA2000s easy to use tape-deck-control-like buttons allow a program to be stepped forwards and backwards any number of steps before a show starts, during a running show or during an intermission.

11) The CA21 control surface cannot be separated from the relay boards and must always be mounted as a complete unit. The modular nature of the CA2000 means that the control panel can be mounted in any convenient location at any reasonable distance from the relay boards.

21) The CA21 does not allow programs to be edited or updated whilst a show is running. The CA2000 allows any program to be edited during a running show, even the currently running program. Programmed volume changes can be added or updated instantly at any time during a show at the push of a single button.

Many more features are listed in the CA2000 feature brochure, both in print and on the Internet. Differences and similarities between the products are illustrated in the manufacturer's installation manuals.

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