Merit Platinum Edition

This article comes from Highwaygames.com

Merit has announced the release of its newest software package, the Platinum Edition, for December 2000. This latest upgrade will be available for operators using the System Megatouch XL units, and is on hand for both the CD-ROM and the Hard Drive versions of the XL units.

Both the Diamond and Platinum software releases represent the latest way Merit continues to build on a 20-year tradition of serving the operator while providing patrons with the latest in touchscreen entertainment. "Merit's long-standing commitment to the idea of ‘backwards compatibility' is obvious in our approach to the XL Platinum Edition," said Dave Myers, Merit's Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. "Throughout Merit's 23-year history, this company has introduced innovative software packages that keep pace with the needs of our operators. Merit Industries is a real company making real products for real customers. "

The Platinum Edition of the Megatouch XL is an offshoot of the Diamond Edition for Megatouch MAXX. The Diamond already is a hit with operators, generating significant increases in revenue with no signs of slowing down. The Platinum Edition, which contains many of the same features of the Diamond Edition, is guaranteed to produce the same rave reviews from operators who are buzzing about the success of the Diamond.

"I replaced a Blue MAXX with a Diamond Classic and the cashbox doubled," said Joe Dobkins from Ohio's Buckeye Valley Music & Games. "Six of the top ten plays were new games. Merit really hit the bull's eye on this one."

The Platinum Edition for Megatouch XL contains many the same games and much of the content included in the Diamond Edition software package for the Megatouch MAXX system, plus several other features that allow operators to configure and upgrade units to their specifications. Diamond Edition operators are already singing the praises of the games that are also included in this latest release.

Doug Cisney of Tennessee's K&S Games said, "Foxy Boxxi™, Moondrop™ and Quiz Show™ have been the most popular new games, and we're averaging a 25% increase in collections."

Operators nationwide have been contacting Merit to extol the virtues of the unprecedented success of the Diamond Edition for Megatouch MAXX.

Ed Grostas of Philadelphia Vending said, "Every week the Diamond Edition has been out, I've seen a 25 to 30% increase in collections. The new games, in particular Outer Spades™, Quiz Show™, Moondrop™ and Boxxi™ have been very popular."

Pennsylvania-based operator Mickey Coffee, owner of Coffee Amusements, recently reported to Merit that the average weekly output of a single Megatouch MAXX has doubled since the installation of the Diamond Edition software. Says Coffee, "This increase is because of the Diamond Edition MAXX. Customers are lining up to play the new games, especially Moondrop™, Boxxi™, and Quiz Show™."

By combining all the benefits of the Diamond Edition into this Platinum release, Merit continues to focus on its commitment to pleasing patrons and keeping operators healthy. Three exciting options are available within the Platinum software release for operators who are looking to boost revenue and extend the earnings life of the Megatouch XL machine. As seen in the previously released Gold software package, both a CD-ROM version and a Hard Drive version will be available in the December release. The third option is the popular Hard Drive Conversion Kit for those operators interested in moving to the high-performance Hard Drive XL system.

For operators using the CD-ROM version of the XL, Merit's Platinum Edition features a host of new games, including Boxxi™, Euchre™, Crazy Hearts™, Outer Spades™, and Jumble Safari™. The CD-ROM version also contains updated trivia and phrases, as well as additional photos for its database.

Operators who have already converted from the CD-ROM to the Hard Drive (HD) version of the System Megatouch XL will receive the same content included in the Platinum Edition CD version, with thousands of updated trivia questions and phrases, loads of new photos and electrifying graphics similar to the contents included in the enormously successful Diamond Edition. In addition to the games offered through the CD-ROM version, the HD software package contains the brand new games Foxy Boxxi™, Pile High™, and Moondrop™.

Finally, operators who have been considering switching from a CD-ROM based XL system to a Hard Drive version may find that they need to hesitate no more. With the Platinum Edition HD Conversion Kit, operators get all of the games included in the Platinum CD-ROM and HD software packages. In addition, they also receive the hardware necessary to switch from the CD-ROM to the high-performance HD version of the Megatouch XL.

According to in-depth operator research, Merit learned that while operators desired the latest in trivia, phrases, and photo games, the idea of two major upgrades in one calendar year was not cost-effective.

"In listening to the feedback from our operators, one of the most repeated comments was the difficulty in keeping up with the cost of fresh content upgrades offered twice a year," said Myers. "Our new release strategy answers that concern, and maximizes the potential for a more cost-effective investment."

Thus, Merit decided to offer operators already working with the Hard Drive XL system or who have purchased the HD Conversion Kit for the XL a free content upgrade for June 2001. This free upgrade includes all new games, enhancements of current games and graphics, and new trivia, phrases and photos.

"The biggest benefit of utilizing the Hard Drive Conversion kit is that operators will receive an XL Platinum software package that contains nearly all of the content that made our MAXX Diamond Edition software so powerful," Myers added. "Plus, the 2001 free content upgrade recognizes the need for fresh databases while at the same time keeping operator costs at a minimum. This is Merit's way of showing our operators that we are committed to maintaining our leadership and dedication to service in the touchscreen industry."

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For more information about Merit and its products please visit their website or their HG profile.