Ballantyne of Omaha Reports First Quarter Results.

     Business Editors

6    OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 26, 2000--Ballantyne of
Omaha, Inc. (NYSE: BTN), a leading manufacturer of motion picture
projection and entertainment lighting equipment, today announced
results for the three month period ended March 31, 2000. Results are
in line with those previewed by Ballantyne earlier this month in an
April 5, 2000 announcement.
6    Net revenues for the first quarter of 2000 were $11,849,586
compared to $20,197,020 in the year-ago quarter. The Company reported
a net loss for the fiscal 2000 first quarter of $808,939, or $0.06 per
diluted share, compared to net income of $1,836,552, or $0.14 per
diluted share, in the same period last year. As previously disclosed,
the net revenue decrease and net loss reflect slower new theater
construction activity in North America, as well as a one-time
restructuring charge of approximately $500,000 related to personnel
reductions during the quarter. Per share results are based on a
weighted average number of shares outstanding of 12,909,541 and
13,328,863 for the first quarters of 2000 and 1999, respectively.
6    John P. Wilmers, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Ballantyne, commented, "Ballantyne is actively taking steps to reduce
its cost structure, improve its balance sheet and return to
profitability. With our close ties to motion picture exhibitors,
manufacturing resources and global distribution capabilities,
Ballantyne is still the world's leading supplier of motion picture
projection equipment, as evidenced by our 32% increase in export sales
during the quarter, and we are well positioned to build on this
leadership position."
6    Ballantyne of Omaha is the leading U.S. supplier of commercial
motion picture projection equipment utilized by major theater chains
including AMC, Loews Cineplex and Regal Cinemas, and specialty
projection equipment used by location-based entertainment providers
such as The Walt Disney Co., Universal Studios and others. Ballantyne
also manufactures, rents and leases specialty entertainment lighting
products used at top arenas, television and motion picture production
studios, theme parks and architectural sites around the world.

Except for the historical information in this press release, it
includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties, including but not limited to, quarterly fluctuations in
results; customer demand for the Company's products; the development
of new technology for alternate means of motion picture presentation;
domestic and international economic conditions; the management of
growth; and, other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's
Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Actual results may differ
materially from management expectations.

(table follows)

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*T

                     Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc.
                 Consolidated Statements of Operations
                              (Unaudited)

                         Three Months Ended
                             March 31,
                         2000         1999
                         ----         ----

Net revenues          $11,849,586   $20,197,020

Cost of revenues        9,371,706    14,017,333
                        ---------    ----------

Gross profit            2,477,880     6,179,687

Total operating
 expenses(a)            3,473,145     2,969,786
                        ----------    ----------

Income (loss) from
 operations              (995,265)    3,209,901

Net interest (expense)   (238,173)     (232,164)
                       -----------   ------------

Income (loss) before
 taxes                  (1,233,438)   2,977,737

Income tax expense
 (benefit)                (424,499)   1,141,185
                       -----------    -----------

Net income (loss)        $(808,939)   $1,836,552
                        ==========    ==========

Net income (loss) per share
   Basic                 $   (0.06)   $     0.14
                       =============  ===========
   Diluted               $   (0.06)   $     0.14
                       =============  ===========

Weighted average shares
 outstanding
  Basic                  12,459,323    12,677,434
                         ==========    ==========
  Diluted                12,909,541    13,328,863
                         ==========    ==========

(a) Operating expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2000 include
    a one-time restructuring charge of approximately $500,000 for
    personnel reductions.

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     --30--eb/ny*

     CONTACT: Ballantyne of Omaha
              Brad French
              Chief Financial Officer
              402/453-4444
                     OR
              Jaffoni & Collins Incorporated
              Stewart Lewack, Joseph Jaffoni
              212/835-8500; [e-mail]

     KEYWORD: NEBRASKA
     INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MOTION PICTURES MANUFACTURING EARNINGS