RadioShack Expands Selection of Digital Cameras and Accessories

July 25 /PRNewswire/ -- RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH) recently launched a complete solution to a consumer's digital photography needs. In addition to an expanded selection of digital cameras and accessories in its stores and participating dealers nationwide, the company has launched an online digital photography and video service on its e-commerce Web site (http://www.radioshack.com/fotoshack ). The new service, which is named FOTOSHACK, allows consumers to store and share their digital photos online. Consumers also can order personalized digital prints or DVDs of their home videos through FOTOSHACK.

"RadioShack is the place to come for digital products and information. Our trained sales professionals can answer a consumer's questions about digital cameras, memory upgrades, accessories, batteries, chargers and camcorders," said Bob Kilinski, senior vice president and general manager of RadioShack's Connecting Places strategic business unit. "Now, the new online FOTOSHACK photo processing service allows consumers to store, share, print and purchase photos and merchandise from their digital images."

FOTOSHACK provides easy access to digital photo storage at no cost for the first year, after which a minimum $20 purchase is required each year to maintain the account. Online storage eliminates the need to archive images on a computer's hard drive or make backup copies on disks or CDs. PC or Mac users may upload, store and organize their digital images or scanned prints online. Images can be stored indefinitely, and there are no restrictions on the number of photos that can be stored. The original images may be downloaded at any time or a CD containing all online images may be purchased. A backup of all images is maintained off-site.

In addition, FOTOSHACK makes it easy to share vacation or baby photos. There is no need to mail an envelope filled with pictures or e-mail large photo files. Once images are uploaded, consumers can create a special encrypted electronic "key" that can be e-mailed to family and friends to allow them to view photos online at no charge.

After previewing photos online, digital prints may be ordered in any combination and quantity. For example, 4x6-inch prints cost 45 cents each (plus $1.95 shipping and handling for up to 100 prints). Orders arrive by mail usually within seven business days. All popular print sizes are available, from 2-1/2x3-1/2-inch wallet to a 20x30-inch wall portrait, as well as true digital sizes, in color with matte or glossy finish. FOTOSHACK digital prints rival the quality of film prints and are reproduced on archival photo paper. In addition, photo greeting cards, posters and novelty items are available.

"The ease of 'point and shoot' photography is being enhanced by the 'click and share' convenience of the Internet," Kilinski said. "The online services provided by FOTOSHACK will help make a consumer's digital photography experience much more rewarding."

In addition to digital photography services, the new FOTOSHACK video processing service can turn a consumer's favorite home videos into easy-to- play DVDs. One of the advantages is that the sights and sounds of a wedding, birthday, graduation, vacation or other special occasion will last a lifetime when the videotaped scenes are transferred to a DVD.

Consumers order a mailing kit online through FOTOSHACK and return it with their tape. Special editing software detects scenes in the video and creates up to 54 "chapters" based on those scenes. Chapters are indexed on the package, as well as in an on-screen menu like Hollywood movie DVDs, which allows any scene to be selected and viewed instantly without fast-forwarding through hours of footage.

Customers receive a professional-quality DVD and their original tape within 14 days. DVDs can be produced from VHS, VHS-C, S-VHS, 8mm videotape, Hi-8, mini DV, digital 8, DVcam, BetaMax and DVCPro formats. The service costs $39.99.

Digital photo storage, sharing, printing and purchasing services will be provided to FOTOSHACK users by PhotoAccess, an online digital photo finisher in Seattle, Wash. Video-to-DVD transfers will be provided by YesVideo, San Jose, Calif. YesVideo offers a complete digital publishing-on-demand service for transferring home videos onto CD and DVD.