digEplayer® Crosses Nation on Amtrak
SPRINGVILLE, Utah - June 20, 2006 - Amtrak announced today that the digEplayer®, an on-board entertainment system from digEcor™, will entertain passengers across the United States. The digEplayer is the world's first self-contained, portable video on demand (VOD) entertainment unit preprogrammed with movies, television shows, cartoons, videos, music, as well as destination information, promotions and advertising.
The opening of Railway Media rental kiosks at Amtrak stations in Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Ore., and Emeryville, Cal., dramatically expands the availability of the portable entertainment system. Amtrak contracted Railway Media® to handle the day-to-day operations of renting the digEplayer to passengers last year. Previously, digEplayers were available only to Amtrak Auto Train passengers between suburban Washington, D.C. and suburban Orlando. "Passengers can travel light and travel entertained with the digEplayer," said Emmett Fremaux Jr., Amtrak customer services vice president. "Rather than lug a laptop or drag their discs on a trip, the digEplayer offers more variety, on-demand." Movies currently loaded on the digEplayer include The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Firewall, Rumor Has It, Chicken Little, Glory Road, Good Night and Good Luck, The Incredibles, Casanova, Shopgirl, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Proof and the Greatest Game Ever Played. The movies are edited and all are rated G, PG or PG-13. "Amtrak will make it possible to rent the digEplayer in advance of travel through Amtrak.com and at 800-USA-RAIL," said Matt Hardison, Amtrak sales distribution chief. "Customers can learn more about this service on Amtrak.com and through our reservation sales agents." At the conclusion of the train trip, passengers return the digEplayer to the rental kiosk. If a passenger plans to disembark at a location without a kiosk, Railway Media will provide a pre-paid shipping envelope for the return of the player for an additional charge. Amtrak is also working to install digEplayer drop boxes on trains in order to provide customers another way to return the players. Rental charges are based on trip length and range from $12 to $29.95. Longer trips include a digEplayer bundle bag with extra batteries. "We are delighted that Amtrak has chosen the digEplayer," said Greg Beeston, President of digEcor. "The system has changed the face of the portable entertainment industry and enhanced passenger experience across the world." Each digEplayer is about the same weight and size of a typical portable DVD player with the screen embedded into the face of the case. Units contain a 40 (or larger) gigabyte hard drive and utilize the latest digital technology. "We are thrilled to expand digEplayer service across the Amtrak system," said Joshua Wallack, President and CEO of Railway Media. "Passengers can enjoy the finest movies, music and more, which will only enhance their time on the train." About digEcor™ As first to market a portable in-flight entertainment system, digEcor is leading the industry with cutting edge technology, and new designs. digEcor is located in Springville, Utah, and has offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Phoenix, Amsterdam, Shanghai and Singapore. For more information about digEcor, visit www.digecor.com. About Railway Media® Railway Media provides high-quality entertainment options for rail passengers. The company focuses on serving Amtrak passengers through kiosk locations in stations and on board Amtrak trains across the United States. For more information, please call 866-digEplayer or visit www.RailwayMedia.com. About Amtrak Amtrak provides intercity rail service to more than 500 destinations in 46 states on a 22,000-mile route system. Amtrak operates 16 long distance trains over 19,000 route miles serving 46 states. For schedules, fares and information, passengers may call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com. |