Microsel, a New York-based entertainment and software company, has launched its Rs 100,000, 10-seater three-dimensional mini-theatre in India.

"Over 300 such theatres have been sold in Bangladesh, approximately one for each thana, and the market in India is no different", company managing director Mamum Chowdhury said at the launch.

The company, which has set up the acclaimed 3D large theatres in Kolkata's Science City and Nicco Park, said the mini theatres were ideal for small urban audiences as well as rural entertainment and marketing ventures.

The seating capacity of the theatre was limited by the area within which the 3D effect could be experienced. In mini theatres, it was limited to about 100 square feet.

"It was possible for an investor at an outlay of Rs 1 lakh to earn back the entire investment in three months if an audience of 120 persons can be served every day, as it is being done in Bangladesh at fairs and village gatherings. Alternatively, our systems were being used at urban social abd educational gatherings at Rs 3,000-5,000 every day", said Chowdhury.

The compact TV and computer based system could be set up on vehicles or in rural areas because it did not require absolute darkness to be operated. Urban buyers were establishments like shopping plazas, museums, exhibitions and educational or training establishments.

Rural buyers were mostly traders and shopowners seeking to looking for a cheap option to enter the entertainment business.

However, buyers would have to rely on Microsel for the software to show. "Once volumes build up, marketing or advertising materials would be added to our software offerings", said Chowdhury.

There was also a market in India for home sales, currently being serviced through giant TVs and projection systems. Buyers of these were mostly high end home buyers seeking to set up home theatres.