Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of operating an online rental program by a rental retailer. Specifically, rental items are delivered to a subscriber via an independent mail carrier such as the United States Postal Service, wherein a rental item is sent to a subscriber along with a return mailing envelope that includes a return mailing label for mailing the rental back to the rental retailer. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the return mailing label includes a mailing code that can be scanned by the independent mail carrier for purposes of informing the rental retailer, upon receiving the return envelope at a receiving facility of the independent mail carrier, that a rental item has been received and is being delivered back to the rental retailer. Once the rental retailer receives confirmation from the independent mail carrier that a rental item is being mailed back from a subscriber, the rental retailer sends out a next rental item to the subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a packaging system and apparatus for transporting digital media, such as DVDs or compact discs. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the packaging system includes an inner pocket made of high-density polyethylene fiber material for retaining digital media such as DVDs or compact discs, a protective jacket made of reinforced material such as cardboard into which the inner pocket may be inserted, a light-weight envelope with an opening into which the protective jacket and the inner pocket containing the digital media may be inserted, where the envelope has a detachable lid for sealing the envelope.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a packaging system and apparatus for transporting digital media, such as DVDs or compact discs. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the packaging system includes an inner pocket made of high-density polyethylene fiber material for retaining digital media such as DVDs or compact discs, a protective jacket made of reinforced material such as cardboard into which the inner pocket may be inserted, a light-weight envelope with an opening into which the protective jacket and the inner pocket containing the digital media may be inserted, where the envelope has a detachable lid for sealing the envelope.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for managing the inventory level of, and the distribution of, electronic media rental units, including but not limited to videogame discs, musical compact disks, or movie VCD/DVDs. More specifically, preferred embodiments of the present invention forecasts future rental and sales demand for a given electronic media, such as a videogame, prior to the release of that electronic media to the general public. The forecast is based on the pre-release demand of the electronic media in that the future rental and sales demand is estimated from the rental and sales demand of previously released electronic media having similar pre-release demand. Furthermore, the preferred embodiments of the present invention allows registered members of a rental user group to keep rented units of the electronic media for a purchase price, which is dynamically controlled to minimize rental shortage and maximize profits.