JOHNSTOWN, Pa., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ Crown American Realty Trust has announced that it is partnering with Vision Digital Communications, LLC, to provide its mall shoppers with an advanced interactive communication system that will enhance the way today's shoppers view their traditional trip to the mall.

In the coming weeks, Vision Digital will began implementing its CenterlinQ system in Crown American shopping malls. The first system is scheduled to be fully operational at Logan Valley Mall in Altoona, Pa. in early January 1998. In the following months, Crown American expects to install the system in a number of its regional shopping malls.

"We're extremely pleased to team with Vision Digital to offer our mall shoppers state-of-the-art technology," said Crown American President Mark Pasquerilla. "The addition of the CenterlinQ system will help to enhance the shopping experience and give our customers access to more products, services and benefits. In addition, the system will also provide us with additional information on our customers that will enhance our ability to drive customer traffic and sales."

The CenterlinQ system will provide shoppers with a host of technology- based services, amenities and entertainment, including free restricted Internet access, e-mail, electronic commerce, discounts and an interactive corporate preferred shopper program. The system combines Internet-based multimedia kiosks, a closed circuit television network and Internet access to deliver a multitude of innovative services that consumers can use in all facets of their lives. Specific programs include information on sales events, video messaging, a gift finder and gift registry, animated directions to mall tenants, movie trailers and show times, restaurant menus and coupons redeemable at mall retailers.

Vision Digital utilizes the latest in Microsoft Back Office technologies, Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0, Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Site Server and Microsoft Visual Development tools, Visual C++, Visual Interdev and Visual Basic to create a custom interactive experience for the consumer.

Crown American and Vision Digital are partnering with key industry contacts, including regional Internet Service Providers to maximize the flow of interactive services and information to Crown American mall shoppers. The focus of the combined efforts will capitalize on the availability of viable and affordable technologies and will reflect the growing acceptance and use of technology in shopper's daily lives.

Crown American Realty Trust (NYSE: CWN) is the managing general partner of Crown American Properties, L.P. and a general partner of Crown American Financing Partnership which own, acquire, operate and develop regional shopping malls in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, New Jersey, Tennessee and Georgia. The current portfolio now includes 26 regional shopping malls.

Vision Digital Communications, LLC, based in Newport Beach, California is the leading provider of interactive kiosk and innovative retail communication solutions in shopping and entertainment centers today. Vision Digital currently operates an interactive kiosk and television network in the Circle Centre mall, a Simon/DeBartolo property in Indianapolis, Indiana.