DIGITAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY GOES OUT TO THE BALLGAME; Three Interactive Photography Kiosks From Kodak Unveiled at Turner Field

Business Wire, April 3, 1997

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 3, 1997--When the first pitch of the season is thrown out at the Atlanta Braves' new ballpark, Turner Field, Eastman Kodak Company will be there -- with digital imaging technologies that enable fans to create unique and personalized baseball memorabilia.

Three types of interactive photography kiosks employing the latest Kodak Digital Science imaging technology will add to the enjoyment of fans attending Braves' home games. The "Braves' Rookie Cards," "Braves' Memories" and "Braves' Scrapbook" kiosks--located in six areas throughout Turner Field--offer a variety of interactive features, including the ability to create digital photos that transport fans into various classic baseball scenes.

"The kiosks we have designed for Turner Field combine several different Kodak products, including digital cameras, printers and color management software," said Carl Gustin, chief marketing officer and senior vice president, Eastman Kodak Company. "The result is a seamless, interactive solution that will allow fans of all ages to Take Pictures. Further.' Indeed, they will have as much fun creating their mementos as they will sharing and displaying them."

Braves' Rookie Cards

The "Braves Rookie Card" interactive digital kiosk allows fans to create on-the-spot customized souvenir trading cards of themselves. Consumers can be photographed in a Braves cap and jersey, with bat in hand, and in minutes they will receive a set of four personalized trading cards. Each card will have a set of "generic" stats on the back.

Using the Kodak Portraits & More event system, the "Braves Rookie Card" kiosk outputs high-quality photos by combining digital graphics and imaging tools with original scene capture.

Fans will have their photo taken with one of Kodak's digital cameras against a backdrop scene of Turner Field. Then, using an on-site computer, the photo will be enhanced to include the individual's name and colorful borders designed by Kodak and the Atlanta Braves. The cards will then be printed out on-the-spot.

Portraits & More event systems were recently available to visitors in Atlanta for the Centennial Olympic Games, and at the Super Bowl, Rose Bowl and NBA All-Star Game.

Braves' Memories

The "Braves' Memories" digital kiosk features an advanced digital chroma-key system that lets fans insert themselves into photos from a variety of Braves baseball moments-- such as celebrating with players on the mound during the Braves' World Series victory. The special Kodak chroma-key system includes a digital Kodak camera and "green" screen with a real-time video preview. This video feature enables fans to see the scene in which their image will be inserted, thus making it possible to pose as though they are interacting with the players and action. To make the photo look even more authentic, Kodak incorporates a multi- layer description of each great baseball moment.

The software used in "Braves' Memories" and "Braves' Rookie Cards" is designed to perform with a variety of Kodak digital cameras, scanners and thermal printers. A typical configuration incorporates the Kodak Professional DCS 420 digital camera and the Kodak XLS 8650 or DP 3000 printers.

Braves' Scrapbook

The third interactive kiosk "Braves' Scrapbook," employs the Kodak Photo Treasury system. These self-service kiosks will offer digitized photos from the Braves' archives. The system operates via touch screen and incorporates a reader so fans can swipe their credit cards to make purchases.

Fans will be able to select from more than 50 different images in four categories: Great Players, Great Plays, Great Moments and Playoffs. Photos can be printed in a pre-designed, baseball-themed border, or consumers can add their own borders from a wide selection of built-in graphics. Fans will receive an 8 in. x 10 in. print and can watch as their selections are digitally captured and output--in less than two minutes.

Turner Field is the first professional sports facility to feature permanent interactive digital imaging kiosks from Kodak. Kodak is working to bring the Kodak Digital Science photo systems to other stadiums and parks around the world.

Editor's Note: For additional information about Kodak, visit our Web site on the Internet at: http://www.kodak.com/

CONTACT: Media Contact:

Paul C. Allen

Corporate Media Relations

Phone: (716) 724-5802

Fax: (716) 724-0964