MOD Systems to test digital media kiosks at Blockbuster |
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MOD Systems to test digital media kiosks at Blockbuster
Seattle-based MOD Systems said it is working with NCR to test its digital media kiosk technology at select Blockbuster video and other retail outlets. The service will allow customers to browse more than 1,000 TV shows and movies on a kiosk, then download the video to a SD memory card for playback on a home television.
The companies are experimenting with various price points of the service. And they noted that once a purchase is completed, consumers will have 30 days to watch the TV show or movie. Once they begin watching, viewers have 48 hours to complete the program.
The new kiosk system faces competition from services such as Comcast's video on demand, which allow viewers to purchase movies and TV shows directly from their home.
But MOD and NCR said their system has advantages, since it eventually will allow consumers to take the content with them on portable devices. It also notes that the content delivery is more consistent than streaming of video.
During the trial period, customers will be given a digital media player from which to operate the new service.
NCR is already working with Blockbuster on the Blockbuster Express DVD-rental systems found at retailers throughout the country. In that case, an actual DVD is provided to the customer, who must return the disc to the kiosk.
We've written about some of MOD's troubles in the past year, including layoffs, lawsuits and executive departures. Earlier this year, Seattle angel investor Robert Arnold alleged that then CEO Mark Phillips embezzled and misused corporate funds, an allegation that led to Phillips being placed on leave.
Anthony Bay, a former Loudeye and Microsoft executive, now serves as chairman and CEO.
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John Cook is co-founder and executive editor of TechFlash. He has been covering the technology beat for nearly a decade, writing about startups, entrepreneurs and venture capital, most recently serving as a reporter/blogger at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
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