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Ecast Brings Its Interactive Out-of-Home Media Expertise to New MarketsNEW YORK, Oct 15, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Launch of new Ecast IQ Brings Engaging Consumer Experiences to Retail, Hotel and Sports Arena Markets Ecast, the leader in place-based interactive media, is launching Ecast IQ(TM), a touchscreen media product that gives marketers a dramatically different way to entertain and inform digitally savvy consumers out of home. With this announcement Ecast brings its expertise in delivering highly engaging consumer experiences to a broad range of markets including retail, hotel, sports/entertainment arenas and healthcare. The announcement was made today at the KioskCom Self Service Show being held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, booth #218. The Ecast IQ is a 40-inch vertically oriented flat-panel 1080p high-definition (HD) touchscreen powered by Ecast's robust media platform. Bringing the functionality of the Internet to out-of-home venues, the Ecast platform utilizes Web-based technology, including DoubleClick(R) DART(R), to deliver targeted, on-demand content including interactive advertising, video, real-time surveys, games and more. The Ecast platform supports a wide array of third-party applications, allowing easy integration of popular services such as mobile, e-commerce and social media including photo sharing. For example, through a partnership with LocaModa -- an interactive media platform connecting digital out-of-home, mobile and web networks -- consumers can use their cell phones to interact with Ecast IQ, enhancing the personalized experience by extending it beyond the device itself. "The interactive out-of-home industry has grown tremendously over the last few years because of its proven ability to engage consumers in new and exciting ways -- when they are out of the home and away from their PCs," said John Taylor, CEO and president, Ecast. "Ecast has led this movement with its specialized approach that empowers brands to entertain and inform an elusive audience where they naturally gather and socialize. Building on this expertise, we are bringing it to markets that require the same type of strategic consumer engagement." Ecast has nine years of experience in building and operating a highly available, transaction-heavy, touchscreen network that manages more than 100 million touches and serves over a billion ads per month to 10,000 locations nationwide. The company's platform is extremely scalable and well suited to meet the needs of almost any industry looking to interact one-on-one with their customer base. Initial market applications include: -- Virtual hotel concierge that allows guests to search for local restaurants, read ratings and make reservations; buy tickets to local movies and events; access local maps and directions; use texting to display messages on a virtual bulletin board; learn about promotions and hotel services; get information on local news and sports; or share photos of their day's adventures. -- Sports arena entertainment center that allows fans to look up nearby restaurants for post event meals; publically text each other, play games or interact with other forms of entertainment while outside of the main event. -- Doctor's office info-tainment browser to provide patients with wellness and lifestyle information while they wait. Patients can learn about health care tips; access medical websites; plus have instant access to local weather, sports and entertainment. -- Virtual retail assistant that provides targeted promotions throughout the store and allows shoppers to view and interact with online rating services, submit and view in-store shopper reviews, view product comparisons or watch video demonstrations. Retail marketers can use texting to deliver on-the-spot coupons. About Ecast Ecast is the leader in place-based interactive media. Its hospitality network delivers digital music, games, entertainment, information and interactive advertising to more than 10,000 bars, restaurants and nightclubs across the United States. Leveraging the personal impact of touch combined with the interactivity and targeting of the Internet, Ecast brings unsurpassed consumer engagement to out-of-home markets. The Ecast EQ(TM) product for the bar and nightclub market dramatically changes how consumers interact with in-venue entertainment. With the launch of Ecast IQ(TM), Ecast is expanding its placed-based interactive media into a broad range of markets including retail, hotel, medical and sports arenas. For more information, please visit www.ecastnetwork.com. Ecast IQ and Ecast EQ are trademarks of Ecast Inc. All other trade names are the property of their respective owners. This release is available on the KCSA Strategic Communications Web site at www.kcsa.com. CONTACT INFO: Christa Conte / Charlotte Maumus KCSA Strategic Communications (212) 896-1238 / (212) 896-1269 [email protected] / [email protected] SOURCE Ecast Inc. http://www.ecastnetwork.com |