ApacheJack
New member
It was a video rental chain - don't know how many there were or if any still exist. The shop near me was quite small, newsagent size, but the USP was that it was completely automated. You had to swipe your membership card to open the door, then all around the shop walls were dispensers so you had to swipe your card in the machine that had the video you wanted, then choose the video, and out it popped. I've forgotten how you paid or returned the video but I think you had to top-up your card before you could rent.
Sometimes there would be a member of staff on the premises, but their only function was to sign up members. So you could go there pretty much when you wanted and yes, there were some dodgy looking videos with underdressed women on the covers - presumably very tame since it was a high street shop.
But the principle was a good one - cheapish, good selection and convenient to use. Something similar with DVRAB could be the missing link between conventional rental and online postal services.
Sometimes there would be a member of staff on the premises, but their only function was to sign up members. So you could go there pretty much when you wanted and yes, there were some dodgy looking videos with underdressed women on the covers - presumably very tame since it was a high street shop.
But the principle was a good one - cheapish, good selection and convenient to use. Something similar with DVRAB could be the missing link between conventional rental and online postal services.