DVDPlay To Make DVD Hit Movies Available Everywhere Consumers Shop, Eat, Live, And Work

Automated Entertainment Machines (AEMs) Rent Or Sell DVDs 24/7 As Instant Access Technology Eliminates Wait Times At Stores And By Mail

20-May-04

DVDPlay, Inc. the innovator of the first remotely managed, fully automated retail machines, today introduced two new second-generation Automated Entertainment Machines -- AEMs. The AEM100i and AEM350i are suitable for installation in restaurants, grocery stores, universities, large apartment and business complexes, and virtually any location movie watchers frequent. These two Internet connected machines will provide a new revenue source for retail chains, businesses and campuses while providing the newest and most convenient way for people to rent or buy the latest hit movies. Rentals and sales of DVD movies topped $25 billion in 2003, and are expected to continue growing rapidly along with the availability of low-cost players. At the same time, consumers are looking for inexpensive and easier ways to rent or buy latest release movies. The ongoing shift from large video store chains to Internet mail order is the latest in a series of business model changes that attempt to address this need. DVDPlay AEMs will give consumers the convenience and selection of hit movies offered by mail order without the several days wait. These AEMs provide the convenience of immediate access in locations where consumers normally shop, eat, work and live. ""The age of super-convenient consumer access to entertainment is here,"" said DVDPlay CEO Jens Horstmann. ""Our second-generation AEMs are designed for high-volume areas as well as smaller traffic locations. We expect to see these systems available in large national retail stores including fast food and grocery stores. Using these systems, customers will now be able to rent or buy the latest DVDs in less than a minute and return them in less than 20 seconds. This will help draw foot traffic to businesses, increase business appeal, and offer the business new ways to make money."" For years, grocery stores, restaurants and other retail outlets have recognized the potential for renting movies in their stores, but weren't willing to take on the burdens of managing extra inventory and personnel. Now, Internet connectivity enables remote administration -- making it easy to gauge customer preferences, deliver reports, restock products and keep track of financial data -- and new ways to serve customers who can personalize requests for instant electronic receipts, special promotions and discounts. Because these AEMs are Internet-connected, screen-navigable, cashless and remotely managed, labor, administrative costs and responsibilities are kept to a minimum. DVDPlay AEMs are advertising-enabled through DVDPlay's ADPlay Network, which offers businesses an entirely new way to increase revenue through televised, in-store ads or static ad displays that reach the customer at the moment when they can immediately buy products. The DVDPlay machines operate exclusively by credit or debit card so there are no application forms to fill out, no video store clerks to pay, and no cash to collect daily. The machines accept all major credit cards and allow purchase or rental transactions to be completed in less than a minute. The entire system is simple, secure and friendly. The AEM's small footprint (5 square feet) is ideal for placing AEMs inside or outside of locations where consumers come and go every day. The new AEM100i and AEM350i hold 102 and 350 DVDs, respectively. The systems feature an intuitive, fully automated touch-screen interface and provide complete movie descriptions including details on the actors, director and producers. The built-in video screen can run movie trailers or advertisements customized for a particular retailer or location. Machines are shipping now to major retail outlets. Prices start at under $10,000. The company expects to announce several major customers and installations over the next few weeks.