Comark Corp. has announced the release of a multimedia kiosk that allows customers to capture live video or photos in various backdrops using green screen technology and then share the content via e-mail or a printed postcard.

According to a news release from Comark, the kiosk features a built-in proximity sensor and a motion detector equipped camera to attract customers and save power during times of inactivity. The solution includes a 32-inch high-resolution LCD for advertising content, a 19-inch LCD touchscreen and a stainless-steel keyboard with a trackball mouse. Multiple software configurations and payment peripherals are available as well, the company says.

• A choice between laser barcode scanning or imaging technology
• Networking options, including wireless and Ethernet support
• A slim profile, at 2.43 inches by 6.17 centimeters
• Flexible mounting options – shelves, walls, tables and end-caps
• 12.1-inch color LCD touchscreen
• Microsoft Windows CE operating system
• Compatibility with Motorola’s Mobility Services Platform (MSP)
• Stereo speakers, microphone and headset jacks

The MK4000 enables the deployment of intuitive, on-demand, rich multimedia applications that provide your customers with instant and constant access to information — when and where they need it — eliminating wait times that can result in lost sales, well as customer attrition.

Kiosks are great technology, but the industry has always been challenged by telling consumers what they can do on a kiosk and with creating a single device for multiple users. The Clarifier draws the consumers' immediate attention with the display items and the touch interfaces accommodate multiple users and can tell a story or sell a product. This device is the future of the kiosk industry.

CAMBERLEY, Surrey — Cineworld, the second-largest multiplex cinema chain in the U.K., has installed Protouch’s Xen X5 and X4 self-service kiosks into a number of its U.K. cinemas.
 
The kiosks are to be used for both Cineworld’s “Unlimited” film program and for ticket collection.
Cineworld installed the Xen X5 self-service kiosks into five of its cinema sites, including Glasgow, West India Queys and Cheltenham in late 2008. They are used in the cinema’s main foyer to sell the company’s Unlimited film program, which entitles visitors to watch any film, any day, anytime and at any Cineworld Cinema for just £13.50 a month.

Cinema visitors simply sign up to the program by entering personal information into the kiosk. From this, an A4 receipt with a photo of the member is then printed and can be used as identification until a membership card arrives in the mail.
 
In the six months that the kiosks have been operating, they have shown impressive results, increasing membership by 100 new members per week. Due to the success, Cineworld plans to install the Xen X5 kiosk into all of its cinemas to continue selling the Unlimited program.
 
“The Unlimited program is a large and important part of Cineworld’s business and distinguishes them from every other cinema company in the U.K., and Protouch’s X5 kiosk is helping advance the program,” said John Anderson, Cineworld’s marketing coordinator.
 
On the back of the success of the X5s, Cineworld has greatly expanded its kiosk operations and is now rolling out 34 of Protouch's new Xen X4 kiosks in 13 of its U.K. cinema sites.
 
The X4s will be used for ticket purchase and collection and will run either as wall- or floor-mounted kiosks, using the latest Chasis printer technology for receipts.

EE Times: A San Francisco design house has demonstrated a technology for bringing a multitouch interface to large screen displays. Moto Development Group claims its approach can cost effectively scale an iPhone-like capability to LCD displays 60 inches in diagonal or larger. The technology is aimed at a broad range of uses ranging from interactive public signage, kiosks, collaborative computing and gaming. Moto posted a video demonstrating a prototype of its technology on a 19-inch computer display.