9+ Best Movie Theaters in Lancaster CA


9+ Best Movie Theaters in Lancaster CA

Cinemas in Lancaster, California, present residents and guests with entry to a various vary of filmed leisure, from Hollywood blockbusters to unbiased movies. These venues provide a communal viewing expertise, enhanced by massive screens, superior sound techniques, and cozy seating. They usually serve concessions like popcorn, sweet, and drinks, contributing to the basic cinematic expertise.

Leisure venues similar to these play a big function in a group’s cultural panorama, providing a shared house for storytelling and leisure. Traditionally, they’ve served as vital social hubs, bringing folks collectively. Entry to various movie choices can foster appreciation for various cultures, views, and inventive expressions. Additionally they contribute to the native financial system by job creation and supporting native companies.

This text will additional discover varied features of cinema-going in Lancaster, together with particular places, facilities provided, the historical past of cinemas within the space, and the affect of streaming providers on native theater attendance.

1. Places

The geographical placement of cinemas in Lancaster, CA, considerably influences their accessibility and patronage. A theater located inside a bustling industrial middle with available public transportation enjoys greater visibility and potential foot visitors in comparison with one positioned in a much less accessible space. Proximity to residential areas, colleges, and workplaces additionally impacts attendance, as comfort performs an important function in shopper decisions. For instance, a cinema positioned close to the Antelope Valley Mall advantages from the present infrastructure and the focus of potential moviegoers. Conversely, a theater positioned farther from the town middle would possibly battle to draw the identical quantity of holiday makers, even when it provides related facilities.

Strategic location planning considers components like competitors, demographics, and native visitors patterns. Placement close to complementary companies, similar to eating places and retail shops, can create a synergistic impact, drawing a bigger shopper base to the realm. This strategic positioning can remodel a cinema from a standalone vacation spot into a part of a broader leisure hub. Understanding the native panorama and shopper conduct is essential for maximizing a theater’s potential. As an illustration, a cinema positioned close to instructional establishments would possibly cater to a youthful demographic with programming tailor-made to their preferences, whereas a theater in a extra prosperous space would possibly concentrate on a premium expertise to draw a distinct phase of the inhabitants.

Efficient location technique is prime to the success of film theaters in Lancaster. Analyzing demographic traits, competitors, and accessibility patterns supplies useful insights for each current cinemas and potential new developments. Cautious consideration of those components contributes to long-term viability and relevance throughout the evolving leisure panorama. The continuing shift towards streaming providers underscores the significance of strategic location for attracting and retaining audiences. A well-placed cinema, providing a handy and fascinating expertise, can proceed to thrive even amidst digital disruption.

2. Facilities

Facilities provided by film theaters in Lancaster, CA, play an important function in attracting audiences and differentiating themselves from rivals, together with at-home streaming providers. These options can vary from comfy seating and superior sound techniques to various meals and beverage choices and premium viewing experiences like IMAX or 3D. The supply of such facilities instantly impacts buyer satisfaction and the perceived worth proposition of visiting a bodily cinema. As an illustration, a theater providing reclining seats with ample legroom could appeal to a extra discerning viewers searching for a better degree of consolation. Equally, the provision of gourmand meals choices past conventional concessions can elevate the movie-going expertise and justify a premium ticket value.

The strategic choice and implementation of facilities replicate the goal demographic and the theater’s general positioning throughout the market. A cinema catering to households would possibly prioritize play areas or family-friendly concessions, whereas a theater concentrating on a youthful viewers would possibly characteristic an arcade or interactive video games. A location centered on a premium expertise would possibly provide reserved seating, in-theater eating, and a bar with alcoholic drinks. These decisions not solely affect attendance but in addition form the cinema’s model identification. For instance, a theater recognized for its state-of-the-art sound system and immersive viewing expertise will probably appeal to cinephiles and people searching for a high-quality cinematic expertise. This focused strategy to facilities helps create a definite identification and strengthens the theater’s place within the aggressive leisure market.

Within the context of evolving leisure consumption habits, facilities signify a key differentiator for Lancaster cinemas. As streaming providers provide rising comfort and affordability, bodily theaters should present a compelling cause for audiences to decide on a public viewing expertise. Investing in engaging and related facilities contributes considerably to this aim, making certain that Lancasters cinemas stay a vibrant a part of the group’s cultural panorama. The power to supply distinctive and fascinating experiences not replicable at house turns into important for the long-term success of film theaters within the face of digital disruption.

3. Ticket Costs

Ticket costs in Lancaster, CA, cinemas signify a essential issue influencing attendance and general income. Pricing methods should stability affordability for customers with the theater’s operational prices and revenue margins. Components influencing ticket costs embody movie distribution charges, working bills (hire, utilities, staffing), native market competitors, and the kind of viewing expertise provided (customary, 3D, IMAX). For instance, a newly launched blockbuster movie could command a better ticket value than an older movie or unbiased manufacturing. Equally, premium codecs like IMAX or 3D usually carry a better price ticket because of the enhanced know-how and viewing expertise.

The native financial local weather additionally performs a job in ticket pricing selections. In areas with decrease median incomes, cinemas could undertake extra aggressive pricing methods to take care of accessibility for a broader viewers. Conversely, theaters in additional prosperous areas might be able to cost greater costs on account of larger disposable earnings amongst residents. Moreover, particular promotions, similar to matinee reductions or senior citizen pricing, can appeal to particular demographic segments and enhance attendance throughout off-peak hours. Reductions for college students or members of loyalty packages can foster buyer retention and encourage repeat visits. Balancing these concerns is essential for maximizing income whereas remaining aggressive throughout the leisure panorama.

Ticket pricing instantly influences the perceived worth proposition of the cinema expertise. Shoppers weigh the price of a film ticket towards various leisure choices, together with streaming providers, house leases, and different leisure actions. A cinema providing aggressive pricing, coupled with engaging facilities and a various movie choice, enhances its worth proposition and strengthens its place out there. Cautious evaluation of native demographics, market competitors, and working prices is important for creating a sustainable pricing technique that helps each profitability and viewers engagement. This stability turns into more and more essential within the face of evolving leisure consumption patterns and the rising reputation of at-home viewing choices.

4. Showtimes

Showtime scheduling instantly impacts the accessibility and enchantment of Lancaster, CA film theaters. Strategic scheduling considers components similar to goal demographics, movie launch dates, competitors, and native occasions. As an illustration, a theater concentrating on households would possibly provide earlier showtimes, significantly on weekends, whereas a theater catering to a youthful demographic would possibly schedule late-night screenings. The frequency of showtimes additionally influences attendance; providing a number of screenings all through the day caters to various schedules and preferences. Balancing the demand for widespread movies with the necessity to showcase a various vary of content material requires cautious planning. A theater would possibly provide fewer showtimes for much less widespread movies whereas maximizing screenings for blockbuster releases to satisfy anticipated demand. Competitors from different leisure venues and native occasions can even affect showtime scheduling. A theater would possibly regulate its schedule to keep away from conflicts with main native occasions or to capitalize on elevated foot visitors throughout particular intervals.

The rise of on-line ticketing platforms and cellular apps has reworked how audiences entry showtime info. Actual-time updates, on-line seat choice, and advance ticket purchases improve comfort and permit for higher planning. This know-how additionally permits theaters to collect knowledge on viewing preferences and regulate showtimes accordingly. For instance, persistently low attendance for a specific showtime would possibly immediate a theater to reschedule or change it with a distinct movie. Information-driven decision-making permits for extra environment friendly useful resource allocation and enhances the general buyer expertise. This adaptability is essential in a dynamic leisure panorama the place shopper preferences and viewing habits are always evolving. The mixing of know-how empowers each customers and theaters to optimize showtime scheduling for max profit.

Efficient showtime administration is important for maximizing attendance and income for Lancaster cinemas. Balancing viewers demand with operational effectivity requires cautious evaluation of native market dynamics and shopper conduct. Leveraging knowledge analytics and on-line platforms enhances the shopper expertise whereas enabling theaters to adapt to evolving preferences. Strategic showtime scheduling contributes considerably to the continued viability and success of film theaters within the face of competitors from various leisure choices. The power to supply handy and accessible showtimes performs an important function in attracting and retaining audiences within the digital age.

5. Movie Choice

Movie choice considerably impacts the success and viability of film theaters in Lancaster, CA. The vary and variety of movies provided instantly affect viewers engagement and attendance. A balanced choice caters to a broader demographic, attracting various audiences with various cinematic preferences. For instance, a theater showcasing a mixture of blockbuster releases, unbiased movies, documentaries, and overseas language movies caters to a wider vary of tastes than one completely displaying mainstream Hollywood productions. This various programming can appeal to cinephiles, households searching for age-appropriate leisure, and people desirous about exploring totally different cultures and views by movie. Catering to area of interest audiences with particular movie pursuits, similar to anime fanatics or followers of basic cinema, can even domesticate a loyal buyer base. A well-curated movie choice differentiates a theater from rivals and establishes its distinctive identification throughout the native leisure panorama. Moreover, providing particular screenings or movie festivals can generate buzz and appeal to a broader viewers. Presenting movies related to native cultural occasions or group pursuits additional strengthens the theaters reference to its viewers. These focused programming decisions exhibit a dedication to serving the group and improve the theater’s relevance past merely displaying mainstream movies.

The power to safe fascinating movie titles usually is determined by relationships with movie distributors and the theater’s market place. Bigger cinema chains usually have a bonus in buying widespread releases on account of their established distribution networks. Impartial theaters could face challenges securing extremely sought-after movies and should depend on their distinctive programming and group engagement to draw audiences. The rising availability of movies by streaming providers additionally influences movie choice methods. Theaters should fastidiously take into account the timing of movie releases and the potential affect of streaming availability on theatrical attendance. Providing unique theatrical releases or internet hosting particular occasions tied to movie releases can incentivize audiences to decide on the cinema expertise over at-home viewing. This strategic strategy to movie choice requires ongoing evaluation of market traits, viewers preferences, and the aggressive panorama. Adaptability and a willingness to experiment with various movie genres and codecs are important for long-term success within the evolving leisure business.

In conclusion, movie choice serves as a cornerstone of a profitable cinema operation in Lancaster, CA. A well-curated and various movie choice caters to a wider viewers, fosters group engagement, and strengthens a theater’s aggressive place. Strategic programming selections, knowledgeable by market evaluation and viewers preferences, are essential for navigating the altering dynamics of the leisure business. By providing a compelling and various vary of movies, Lancaster cinemas can domesticate loyal audiences, improve their cultural relevance, and thrive within the face of accelerating competitors from at-home leisure choices.

6. Accessibility

Accessibility in Lancaster, CA film theaters encompasses excess of merely offering wheelchair ramps and designated seating areas. It represents a dedication to inclusivity, making certain that each one people, no matter incapacity, can benefit from the cinematic expertise. This consists of concerns for people with visible, auditory, or cognitive impairments, in addition to these with mobility limitations. Offering closed captions, audio descriptions, assistive listening gadgets, and sensory-friendly screenings demonstrates a dedication to serving a various viewers. Theaters prioritizing accessibility usually characteristic wider aisles, accessible restrooms, and designated parking areas. These options not solely improve the movie-going expertise for people with disabilities but in addition create a extra welcoming and inclusive setting for his or her households and companions. For instance, a theater providing sensory-friendly screenings with dimmed lights and diminished sound ranges can create a snug setting for people with autism or sensory sensitivities. Equally, offering assistive listening gadgets permits people with listening to impairments to completely have interaction with the movie’s audio. These lodging exhibit a dedication to inclusivity and increase the theater’s potential viewers.

Implementing accessibility options requires funding and ongoing upkeep. Nevertheless, the advantages lengthen past merely complying with authorized necessities. Prioritizing accessibility enhances a theater’s popularity throughout the group, attracting a wider buyer base and fostering a way of social duty. This dedication can translate into optimistic public relations, elevated buyer loyalty, and a stronger reference to the group. Moreover, accessible design usually advantages all patrons, not simply these with disabilities. As an illustration, wider aisles and improved lighting can improve the general consolation and security of the theater for everybody. Investing in accessibility options demonstrates a long-term dedication to making a welcoming and inclusive setting for all moviegoers. This dedication can contribute to the theater’s general success and place it as a valued group asset.

Accessibility represents an important side of recent cinema operations in Lancaster, CA. Transferring past primary compliance towards real inclusivity enhances the movie-going expertise for a broader viewers and strengthens a theater’s reference to the group. Whereas implementing accessibility options requires funding, the long-term advantages, together with elevated buyer loyalty, optimistic public relations, and a extra inclusive setting, outweigh the prices. By prioritizing accessibility, Lancaster cinemas can create a extra welcoming and fulfilling expertise for all moviegoers and contribute to a extra inclusive and equitable group.

7. Parking Availability

Satisfactory parking considerably influences the viability and success of film theaters in Lancaster, CA. Handy and accessible parking instantly impacts buyer satisfaction and influences the choice to go to a particular theater. Inadequate parking can deter potential moviegoers, significantly throughout peak hours or for widespread movie releases. This side warrants cautious consideration on account of its direct affect on attendance and general buyer expertise.

  • On-site Parking Capability

    The supply of ample on-site parking is essential, particularly for theaters positioned in high-traffic areas. Adequate parking capability accommodates peak demand and minimizes buyer frustration. A big car parking zone with clearly marked areas and accessible pathways enhances comfort and contributes to a optimistic first impression. For instance, a theater with restricted parking would possibly lose potential clients to rivals with extra ample parking services, significantly throughout widespread movie releases or weekends.

  • Shared Parking Preparations

    In some circumstances, theaters could share parking services with adjoining companies, similar to procuring malls or eating places. Whereas this could present a bigger general parking pool, it additionally introduces potential challenges. Throughout peak hours for each the theater and the co-located companies, parking can grow to be scarce, resulting in competitors for areas and potential inconvenience for moviegoers. Clear signage and designated parking areas can mitigate these challenges, however cautious planning and coordination are important. As an illustration, a theater positioned inside a shopping center would possibly expertise parking congestion throughout vacation procuring seasons, impacting accessibility for moviegoers.

  • Accessibility of Parking Areas

    Accessibility extends past the mere availability of parking areas. Designated accessible parking areas for people with disabilities, positioned close to theater entrances with clearly marked pathways, are important. These areas should adjust to accessibility laws and supply ample house for maneuvering. Moreover, well-lit parking areas improve security and safety for all patrons, significantly throughout night showtimes. For instance, a poorly lit car parking zone with insufficient accessible parking can deter potential clients with mobility limitations and create security considerations for all moviegoers.

  • Different Parking Choices

    In areas with restricted on-site parking, exploring various parking choices can improve accessibility. This would possibly embody partnerships with close by parking garages or designated overflow parking areas. Clear signage directing patrons to those various places is important. Moreover, selling public transportation choices or ride-sharing providers can scale back reliance on private autos and mitigate parking challenges. As an illustration, a theater positioned in a densely populated space with restricted parking would possibly associate with a close-by parking storage to supply discounted parking for moviegoers. Selling the usage of public transportation can even alleviate parking congestion and improve accessibility.

These sides of parking availability instantly affect the general enchantment and success of film theaters in Lancaster. Addressing parking challenges by strategic planning, partnerships, and accessibility concerns enhances the shopper expertise and contributes to the long-term viability of those leisure venues. Ignoring parking points can result in buyer dissatisfaction, misplaced income, and a diminished popularity throughout the group.

8. Close by Eating

The proximity of eating institutions to film theaters in Lancaster, CA, considerably impacts the general leisure expertise and influences shopper decisions. Handy eating choices complement the movie-going expertise, making a extra complete and fulfilling outing. This symbiotic relationship between eating and leisure contributes to the enchantment and financial viability of cinema places.

  • Pre-Film Eating

    Eating places positioned close to theaters provide moviegoers the chance to take pleasure in a meal earlier than their movie. This enhances comfort, significantly for night showtimes, and permits patrons to mix dinner and a film right into a single outing. A wide range of eating choices, starting from informal to upscale, caters to various preferences and budgets. As an illustration, the presence of a preferred Italian restaurant close to a cinema supplies a handy eating possibility for moviegoers searching for a pre-film meal.

  • Submit-Film Eating and Dialogue

    Close by eating places additionally present a venue for post-movie discussions and socializing. After a movie, audiences can collect at a close-by restaurant to debate the film, share their impressions, and lengthen their social interplay. This contributes to a extra communal and fascinating movie-going expertise. For instance, a gaggle of associates attending a film can proceed their night at a close-by cafe to debate the movie and share their views.

  • Elevated Foot Visitors and Income

    The presence of eating institutions close to cinemas generates elevated foot visitors and advantages each companies. Moviegoers could select to dine at a close-by restaurant earlier than or after their movie, whereas diners could also be drawn to the cinema after their meal. This synergistic relationship creates a mutually helpful ecosystem, boosting income for each eating places and theaters. As an illustration, a cluster of eating places and a cinema inside a shopping mall can create a vibrant leisure hub, attracting a bigger buyer base than every enterprise would individually.

  • Influence on Theater Location Technique

    The supply of close by eating choices influences theater location methods. Builders usually prioritize places with current or deliberate eating institutions to boost the general enchantment and comfort of the cinema. This strategic placement contributes to the long-term viability and success of the theater. For instance, a brand new cinema growth would possibly prioritize a location inside a mixed-use growth with current eating places or plans for future eating institutions to maximise its enchantment to moviegoers.

The shut relationship between eating and movie-going in Lancaster contributes considerably to the success and enchantment of native cinemas. Handy eating choices improve the general leisure expertise, improve foot visitors, and affect location methods. This interconnectedness fosters a vibrant leisure ecosystem, benefiting each eating places and film theaters throughout the group.

9. Competitors (streaming)

The rise of streaming providers presents a big problem to conventional film theaters in Lancaster, CA, and throughout the globe. Streaming platforms provide on-demand leisure, huge content material libraries, and versatile viewing choices at aggressive value factors, instantly impacting theatrical attendance. This competitors compels cinemas to innovate and adapt to take care of their relevance within the evolving leisure panorama. The comfort and affordability of streaming providers, coupled with the flexibility to view content material on varied gadgets, alters shopper conduct and expectations. As an illustration, the discharge of a movie concurrently on a streaming platform and in theaters can considerably diminish theatrical viewership, as seen with current hybrid launch methods.

This aggressive stress necessitates strategic responses from Lancaster theaters. Enhancing the in-theater expertise by premium facilities, similar to superior sound techniques, comfy seating, and various meals and beverage choices, turns into essential for attracting audiences. Providing unique theatrical releases, particular occasions, and interactive experiences differentiates cinemas from the at-home viewing expertise. Moreover, fostering a way of group by movie festivals, particular screenings, and interactive occasions cultivates viewers engagement and loyalty. For instance, an area theater internet hosting a movie competition showcasing unbiased movies not accessible on streaming platforms can appeal to a distinct segment viewers and generate optimistic group engagement. Specializing in customer support, loyalty packages, and customized experiences additional strengthens the theater’s worth proposition. These methods purpose to place the cinema as a singular leisure vacation spot providing an expertise unattainable by streaming providers alone.

The continuing competitors between streaming platforms and conventional cinemas requires steady adaptation and innovation from the latter. Whereas streaming providers provide comfort and affordability, the communal expertise, enhanced presentation, and unique content material provided by theaters stay compelling points of interest for a lot of. By specializing in enhancing the in-theater expertise, fostering group engagement, and embracing modern applied sciences, Lancasters cinemas can navigate this aggressive panorama and keep their relevance within the evolving leisure ecosystem. The way forward for cinema probably lies in a hybrid mannequin, leveraging know-how to boost the in-person expertise whereas acknowledging the evolving consumption habits formed by streaming providers.

Steadily Requested Questions on Cinemas in Lancaster, CA

This FAQ part addresses frequent inquiries relating to film theaters in Lancaster, California, providing concise and informative responses.

Query 1: How can one discover showtimes and buy tickets for Lancaster cinemas?

Most Lancaster theaters make the most of on-line ticketing platforms and cellular apps, providing real-time showtime info and handy ticket buying choices. Checking particular person theater web sites or utilizing widespread film ticketing apps supplies entry to present schedules and permits for advance ticket purchases.

Query 2: What sorts of movies are usually proven in Lancaster theaters?

Lancaster cinemas usually provide a mixture of mainstream Hollywood releases, unbiased movies, and infrequently documentaries or overseas language movies. Particular movie choices fluctuate relying on the theater and present launch schedules.

Query 3: What eating choices can be found close to Lancaster cinemas?

A number of eating places and cafes are usually positioned close to Lancaster film theaters, providing various eating choices earlier than or after a movie. Checking on-line maps or native enterprise directories supplies particular info on close by eating institutions.

Query 4: What accessibility options can be found in Lancaster cinemas?

Most Lancaster theaters provide accessibility options similar to wheelchair ramps, designated seating, assistive listening gadgets, and closed captions. Contacting particular person theaters instantly confirms particular accessibility lodging accessible.

Query 5: How does the price of film tickets in Lancaster evaluate to different leisure choices?

Film ticket costs in Lancaster are usually aggressive with different leisure choices within the space. Costs fluctuate relying on the theater, movie format (customary, 3D, IMAX), and time of day. Checking particular person theater web sites supplies particular pricing info.

Query 6: How does the presence of streaming providers affect Lancaster film theaters?

Streaming providers current ongoing competitors for conventional cinemas. Lancaster theaters adapt by providing premium facilities, unique content material, and community-focused occasions to distinguish the in-theater expertise.

This FAQ part supplies a normal overview. Contacting particular person theaters instantly addresses particular inquiries or considerations.

The following part explores historic traits and future projections for the cinema business in Lancaster.

Ideas for Optimizing the Lancaster, CA Cinema Expertise

Maximizing enjoyment of Lancaster’s cinematic choices includes strategic planning and consideration of a number of key components. The following tips improve the movie-going expertise and guarantee a seamless and fulfilling outing.

Tip 1: Advance Ticket Buy: Safe tickets on-line to keep away from potential field workplace queues, particularly for widespread movies or peak showtimes. This ensures desired seating and eliminates last-minute ticket availability considerations.

Tip 2: Strategic Timing: Contemplate attending matinee screenings or weekdays to doubtlessly encounter smaller crowds and profit from decrease ticket costs in comparison with widespread night or weekend showtimes.

Tip 3: Discover Numerous Choices: Lancaster cinemas showcase a wide range of movies past mainstream releases. Discover unbiased movies, documentaries, or overseas language cinema for a broader cinematic expertise.

Tip 4: Mix Eating and a Film: Quite a few eating places close to Lancaster theaters provide pre- or post-film eating alternatives, reworking a film outing into a whole leisure expertise. Planning eating reservations prematurely, significantly for widespread eating places, is advisable.

Tip 5: Test for Particular Promotions: Many theaters provide reductions for particular teams (college students, seniors) or throughout particular days or instances. Checking theater web sites or social media channels for present promotions provides potential price financial savings.

Tip 6: Contemplate Transportation and Parking: Relying on the theater’s location, plan transportation and parking prematurely. Some theaters provide ample on-site parking, whereas others would possibly require using close by public parking services or various transportation strategies. Contemplating visitors patterns and peak hours may help keep away from parking challenges and delays.

Tip 7: Evaluate Facilities: Completely different theaters provide varied facilities, similar to premium seating, superior sound techniques, or in-theater eating. Researching facilities beforehand ensures alignment with private preferences and enhances general enjoyment. Consulting on-line evaluations or theater web sites supplies insights into accessible facilities and their high quality.

By following the following tips, people can optimize their cinema expertise in Lancaster, CA, making certain a handy, fulfilling, and memorable outing. These proactive measures contribute to a smoother, extra satisfying, and doubtlessly cost-effective movie-going expertise.

The concluding part provides last ideas on the importance of cinema in Lancaster and its ongoing evolution.

The Persevering with Position of Cinema in Lancaster, CA

This exploration of Lancaster, CA’s movie show panorama has highlighted key features impacting their viability and relevance throughout the group. From location and facilities to ticket pricing and movie choice, every issue contributes to the general cinema expertise. The evaluation additionally thought-about the aggressive pressures exerted by streaming providers and the significance of accessibility and handy parking. Strategic decision-making in these areas proves essential for attracting and retaining audiences in an evolving leisure setting. The symbiotic relationship between cinemas and close by eating institutions additional enriches the leisure ecosystem, enhancing the enchantment of movie-going as a social and cultural exercise.

Cinemas in Lancaster, CA, face ongoing challenges and alternatives inside a dynamic leisure panorama. Adaptability, innovation, and a dedication to group engagement stay important for his or her continued success. By providing distinctive experiences not replicable at house, Lancaster’s film theaters can keep their cultural significance and supply a useful leisure outlet for the group. Additional exploration of viewers preferences, technological developments, and evolving leisure consumption patterns will form the long run trajectory of cinema in Lancaster and past. The continued evolution of cinema is determined by a fragile stability between embracing technological developments and preserving the communal, immersive expertise distinctive to the theatrical setting.