New DVD machine attracts students

Renting new release DVDs has become easier and cheaper for Utah State University students passing through the Taggart Student Center.

Owners of Touch Screen DVD, a growing business out of Herriman, installed a new DVD rental machine next to the Quickstop near the west entrance of the TSC, Wednesday.

Students can rent any DVD – new releases included – for $1 with their credit card, Nate Larsen, owner of Touch Screen DVD and USU alumnus, said.

“A lot of people like it because it’s cheaper and more convenient,” Larsen said.

About six months ago, Larsen contacted Eric Olsen, assistant director of the TSC, with the idea to install the machine. The TSC Policy Board, which consists of students and faculty, then reviewed the idea and approved it unanimously, Olsen said.

“I think it will be nice benefit and option for students so they don’t have to run downtown to rent a DVD,” Olsen said.

The installation of the machine was completely free and the TSC will receive a small percentage of the monthly gross sales from it, Olsen said.

Each DVD is a 24-hour rental and $1 is charged to the student’s credit card each day it is kept after the 24-hour period. After 30 days, the ownership of the DVD is turned over to the student, Larsen said.

“I saves me the trouble of running down to McDonalds and renting the same thing,” said J.C. Howell, a senior majoring in accounting who plans on using the machine on occasion.

This is the first DVD machine that has been installed at a university campus in Utah, however, they can be found on other university campuses throughout the nation, Larsen said.

“I haven’t used it yet, but I think it’s a really good thing,” said Levi Phippen, a senior majoring in business.

Touch Screen is currently installing 22 different machines throughout Utah. Depending on sales in the next few months, Larsen may change the offer to 2-day rentals for $1.99.

Larsen went to USU from 1997 to 2000 and graduated in marketing with a minor in finance.

-mmackay@cc.usu.edu