BT Press Release 08/06/04

To get a “real” photograph from a digital camera does not necessarily mean a visit to the chemists or camera shop any more, but just a quick stop at a new photo kiosk from BT and Fujifilm.

The first “Digital Photo Kiosks” have just been installed at London Luton Airport, the Blackpool Tower, St John’s Shopping Precinct in Liverpool, the Coppergate shopping centre in York and in the Corus hotels, at Hyde Park in London and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Initially ten kiosks are planned for a six-month trial across the UK. The kiosks will be rolled out nationwide to major tourist attractions, hotels, airports and shopping centres if the trial is successful.

BT and Fujifilm have developed the kiosks to offer digital camera users a more convenient way of processing their pictures. Digital imaging specialists, ePOINT, are supplying the touchscreen terminals.

The kiosks are the first to use high speed BT Broadband for customers to transfer their photos and send them for processing.

Customers insert their camera memory card or CD into the terminal to copy their files. They can view and edit the images on the colour screen and order prints and CDs of their photos. Their files are not deleted from their camera media card.

The images are processed using Fujifilm equipment and delivered to the door, anywhere in the world.

The new kiosks are ideal for tourists away from home, people without access to a PC with the right software, or anyone who wants a quick and convenient way of getting prints from their digital camera.

It means digital camera users do not have to stop snapping and miss out on those all-important moments when they reach the limit of their memory card.

Users can bring their photos to life by cropping and enlarging selected images, removing redeye, adjusting colour, and adding captions and text.

Photos can be reproduced in a range of formats - as standard prints on photographic paper, template prints for calendars and photographs, and as digital images on a CD.

The finished results will be delivered by mail order. A wide range of print sizes and formats are available as well as photo CDs - at great value prices. Payment is made there and then at the kiosk by credit or debit card. During the trial BT will also be running a series of promotional offers.

Paul Hendron, director of BT Payphones, said: “This is the fastest growing and most exciting branch of photography. This new service is fantastic and really will bring your photos to life. It’s easy to use, handy and timesaving.

“The Digital Photo Kiosk trial is just one of a number of new developments that will bring great value services to our customers.”

The new Digital Photo Kiosks will display both BT and Fujifilm branding. Peter Bennett, Equipment and Systems manager for Fujifilm, said: “This has the potential to make digital photography even more convenient for our customers.

“It brings a quick, quality service to where the customer needs it and delivers the results anywhere in the world.”

Gordon Venters, CEO of ePOINT, said: “We’re delighted to join with BT and Fujifilm in this trial.

“The digital photo printing market is a huge growth area and this trial will demonstrate how easy it is to access a high quality photo-finishing service from any convenient location.”

BT is also looking at other options for the kiosks, including the browsing and printing service from libraries of online images.

For more information about Digital Photo Kiosks visit: http://www.digitalphotokiosk.bt.com/