Clear-Vu Introduces Security System for VHS, CDs and DVDs.

WESTBURY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 8, 1997--

Market's first unified retail loss-prevention system for all three

media formats features universal key; security for all media

available from single vendor

Clear-Vu Products has introduced a family of retail loss prevention products for sell-through video, jewel cases and DVDs that represents the market's first one-vendor loss prevention system for packaged media. Building on Clear-Vu's line of VHS security products that have sold nearly 2 million units since their introduction last year, the system offers common design features as well as a universal key that eliminates the need to have different lock openers for different media formats.

Clear-Vu's VHS Keeper(TM), DVD Keeper(TM) and Jewel Case Keeper(TM) are clear plastic shells that fit snugly over their respective media and provide security without interfering with product graphics. Each Keeper contains an integrated locking system that fits either on the side (in the VHS format) or the bottom (in the DVD and jewel case formats) of the plastic shell. This patented locking system has dramatically reduced video pilferage at Borders Books and Music and other retail stores.

Keepers can be used either as is, allowing the package itself to function as a theft deterrent, or with the added protection of EAS security labels. When used, labels are placed inside the units by the retailer or by Clear-Vu to allow retail-ready packaging right out of the box, in either case preventing removal of the tags by thieves. The labels stay in place and can be reused each time the Keeper is placed on another video, music or computer product. The ability to reuse tags rather than sending them home with the consumer on the shrink-wrapped product saves retailers 5 to 10 cents per unit. Measuring just 3.5" x 4.5" x 1", the device allows split-second separation of each Keeper lock from its clear shell, saves space by consolidating unlocking functions for all formats in a single unit, and saves money by eliminating the need to purchase three separate keys for each checkout station.

"We developed our new Jewel Case and DVD Keepers as well as our universal key at the request of retailers who wanted to extend the security benefits they were receiving from our VHS Keepers to other media," said Clear-Vu President Michael Lax. "With our complete family of Keepers, retailers can meet their media security needs from a single vendor."

Clear-Vu's Keepers range in price from $.75 to $1.45 per unit, depending on the model and the volume ordered. Dimensions of all models fit present retail shelving and allow multiple-title-deep stacking on the shelf. Keys range in price from $15 to $30, depending on volume. With the reduction in theft and money saved on disposable EAS labels, return on investment is under one year.

Special features for individual models include:

-- The VHS Keeper comes in a standard VHS size as well as an oversized model to accommodate Disney, Goosebumps and comparably sized titles.

-- The DVD Keeper secures all standard DVD packages, including Warner's Snapper, Laserfile and Columbia Tri-Star's Keep case. A spacer insert is available for DVDs in jewel cases to maintain uniform retail presentation.

-- The Jewel Case Keeper is .532" thick, allowing 12 jewel cases to fit in a typical 6" x 7" display. Most other solutions on the market accommodate only 10 jewel cases in the same space.

For more information, contact Clear-Vu Products at 800/221-4545 or 516/333-7577 or visit the company on the Web at www.clear-vu.com.

Clear-Vu Products is the entertainment packaging division of Autronic Plastics, Inc., a 50-year-old Westbury, N.Y.-based manufacturer of precision plastic molded products. The company specializes in life safety, office products and entertainment packaging.

CONTACT: S&S Public Relations 

Steve Conrad, ext. 255, 847/291-1616

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or

Clear-Vu Products

Barry Applebaum, ext. 106, 800/221-4545

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