Stufflive: A different kind of POP vending machine
As we made our way round Stufflive 2008 we came across POP; a vending machine that instead of dispensing the usual confectionery or drinks, actually allows you to buy films and games on DVD, Blu Ray or to download directly to a portable storage device.
Managed by UCA, an alliance between Universal Pictures and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, POP has been undergoing a nationwide trial of 85 units with hopes of having around 200 by the end of the year. The trial has been taking place primarily in cinemas (Odeon, Real and Vue) and department stores.
The machines hold about 400 discs of physical stock when full and vend at a price that is comparable to the high street. We’d expect that there would be a reduced cost for the download only option as there is no physical product, no packaging, no disc so when we asked we were a bit disappointed to learn that the cost is the same, at least for the time being – a bit of a disincentive for download purchases if you ask us.
Aside of gripes over the cost; the download options are flexible allowing downloads to a variety of different storage acronyms: CF/MD, MS/MS Duo, SD, miniSD, MMC as well as USB – for full details see our pics. Whilst we didn’t have the opportunity to download a film we were assured it was a process that took no more than a few minutes.
Whichever you choose from the ‘more than 100 titles available’ can be paid for by credit or debit card and in order to ensure adherence to BBFC classifications, purchases of games or films rated 18 will require a credit card. The unit even has a built in webcam that connects to live help staff if you have trouble with your purchase. Neat-o.
POP have expansion plans for shopping centres, universities, train stations and airports – so expect to see one pop up somewhere near you soon.
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Comments
I saw one in a Cinema in the UK today.
It was useless (tried to buy Black Hawk Down on Blu-ray)
It wouldn’t accept the card, and you can’t cancel the transaction manually, you have to let it time out.
I’ll try another if I see one (not the same one) as there are some cheap movies on there (no games, and download was not active.)
Saw one in Vue cinema, and bought a DVD no Problem, but there were no downloads or games availabe.
I think its a good Idea but not sure whether it will catch on or not
I saw one in Vue today and after having a quick flick through the special offers bought “The Holiday” for £1.99 (!!) and “White Chicks” for £3.99
Fast payment by debit card and I’m glad they have boxes as I was prepared to receive the disk in some rubbish plastic slip on cover :)
Well worth the look!
My husband and I used a machine at Vue Portsmouth. It was fantastic. Simple to use and a lot quicker than a normal shop!
As an added bonus we got 20% off as we’d booked our cinema tickets on line so it was brilliant.
Ive just had one installed in my shop that i run. was very surprised by some of the prices.
Biggest problem is the payment, that only cards can be used, and only over 18’s using credit cards. i have suggested to them that they add an instore supervisory mode so we can authorise in store sales on a debit card. its something they are looking into
I have seen lots of pop machines in the market. But the one you have described seems to be the best one. Hope that it would last long and also make good deal.