Satellite Video Jukeboxes Overcome Technology Hurdles

Jukeboxes have been a familiar feature in pubs and bars around England for some time. However, more recently, their popularity has been in decline as people have found other ways to access their favorite music. Leeds-based jukebox manufacturer, Sound Leisure, is set to change the trend with the Starlight Satellite, the first touchscreen-enabled jukebox. This futuristic unit is the world's first digital satellite video jukebox.

"All earlier jukeboxes contain either vinyl records or CDs. By the time they actually arrive in the pubs, the music is at least a month out of date." Says Chris Black, Sound Leisure's International Marketing Manager. "We wanted to develop a system that could be updated weekly so people can hear the most recent hits in bars and clubs."

Every week, the new jukebox downloads the latest tracks and music videos on to hard disk via a satellite link. The five least popular tracks from the previous week are automatically deleted. All selection screens are also automatically updated to display the new titles complete with pictures. The Starlight Satellite can hold up to 200 audio/video tracks arranged in various different categories. Of particular interest to music buffs are the music pre-releases that are now available on the boxes at the same time as they arrive at the radio stations. Rather than the usual confusing array of buttons, all that is required to select music videos is two touches of the screen.

"We want to appeal to a broad cross section of customers so it is vital the jukebox is easy to use," comments Black. "The touchscreens are the ideal solution. They fit in perfectly with the jukebox and we've tested them on people of ages five to 85 and they all knew instinctively how to use them."

The MicroTouch capacitive ClearTek 3000 touchscreens were chosen for the new jukeboxes. ClearTek touchscreens are already being used in many of the touch-enabled gaming machines in use today as they provide a complete solution for public access machines. The ClearTek 3000 has exceptional optical qualities, is highly scratch-resistant, reliable, easily integrated, and sealed: all vital considerations for boxes that will have to withstand rough handling, contaminants and liquids commonly found in bars and clubs.

"The jukeboxes are proving to be a huge success where they have already been placed. Revenues taken in have doubled compared to conventional jukeboxes and people are really spending time with the boxes," adds Black. This is of course even better news for the bar and club owners as they have the option to sell space for advertisements that will appear as people select the music.