CLIPBOARD : VideO-Matic

Now that VideO-Matic is in town, movie buffs can add video rentals to the list of local 24-hour conveniences.

VideO-Matic is a fully automated video store, with a computerized data system and a robotic “clerk” inside that dispenses and re-shelves videos around the clock.

“People love the convenience,” said Sandy Haig, who opened a VideO-Matic franchise with her husband, Bob, in Costa Mesa last October. “It’s surrounded by a huge shopping center parking lot, so there’s never a parking problem.

“You don’t have to wait in line to rent a video, either. The whole process takes about two minutes, once you’ve made your selection.”

Customers can scan the list of films on two computer screens visible behind a plexiglass shield. Those that have been checked out are highlighted in red, indicating the selection is not available.

All titles are accompanied by an identification number. The customer takes that number to a machine that checks out and returns videos similar to the way automated teller machines accept deposits and dispense cash.

But at VideO-Matic, there is no cash involved. All transactions are made on major credit cards or a special VideO-Matic Frequent Renter Discount Card, which may be purchased at each location (see below).

The front and back of videotape cases are displayed behind the plexiglass shield, so customers can read information on the case, just like at a conventional video store. Each VideO-Matic can stock up to 1,300 titles and gets its movies from the same supplier as other video stores. The Costa Mesa VideO-Matic has more than 700 selections and adds more to its inventory every week.

“The new releases come out twice a week, so we’re always updating,” Sandy Haig said. “Since we don’t have as high an overhead as other video stores, we can stock more titles of the most popular movies.”

Hours: Open 24 hours Address: Harbor Plaza Shopping Center, 2300 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, and Firestone Shopping Center, 18500 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda Telephone: (714) 457-1969 (Costa Mesa) and (714) 693-7203 (Yorba Linda) Miscellaneous Information: Each franchise sets its own prices and rental policies. Prices range from $2.25 to 99 cents with purchase of a Frequent Renter Discount Card.