Abstract: A countertop entertainment terminal includes a terminal housing containing components for a pay to play game terminal including a stereo sound system. The sound system includes a pair of tweeter speakers adjacent an upper edge of the terminal housing and a pair of midrange speakers located on opposite sides of a touchscreen supported by the terminal housing. A sub-woofer speaker is provided within the housing and is open to a side of the housing. In a preferred embodiment the stereo sound system uses subassemblies for each of the tweeter speakers, the midrange speakers and the sub-woofer speaker, simplifying securement within or to the housing.

Abstract: A durable input arrangement for a video game terminal uses a joystick controller protected by a player actuating a control assembly. This assembly protects the joystick controller from abusive forces that would otherwise render the controller inoperative.

Abstract: The video game terminal uses a center pedestal and two column members either side of the center pedestal for supporting a touch screen. The center pedestal holds the working components of the terminal including the CPU and payment acceptors. The center pedestal supports the touch screen at a raised position and the columns provide edge support of the touch screen. Preferably, an ambient light arrangement is provided either side of the terminal.

Abstract: A system for the play of digital content in a public establishment includes a digital content play system, a web accessible digital content server, a media center connected to the digital content play system and in communication with the digital content server to receive digital content, and independent web enabled or text messaging enabled devices of users. These independent web enabled or text messaging enabled devices allow a user to access the digital content server and select digital content for play on the in-house digital content play system.

Abstract: A media control system allows the play of media files from customers or users in a public establishment. A digital content review arrangement communicates with a control gate that forwards to the digital content review arrangement requested media files or summary information of the media files sufficient to identify the requested media files with known media files contained in a database of the digital content review arrangement or available thereto. The control gate includes an input for communicating with personal portable digital content devices of customer and/or users and receives therefrom requested media files to be played on a media play system of said public establishment. The control gate forwards the requested media files received from said personal portable digital content devices to said digital content review arrangement for identification.

Abstract: A simplified video game includes a series of timed events where each event is capable of a positive or negative result based on the timing of player input signal. A positive result requires a time period greater than a negative result. The following event automatically is initiated after completion of the preceding event until a certain cumulative time period is reached.

Abstract: An arrangement for effective updating of video game terminals uses a security key device which is capable of operating next major generation software that at the time of sale or distribution of the security device is not available. Once this software is available, the security key with this forward compatibility to the next major generation of software, allows the owner to update any terminal having the security device. Therefore, existing product, both terminals and/or software upgrades can be sold with the capability for the purchaser to upgrade without return of the security key device. Software can be made generally freely available as it requires a security key device to function. This system is convenient and effective, and allows continued sale of product up to the release of the next major generation of software. The purchaser is buying a next generation key and as such, is buying product that is not about to be replaced.

Abstract: A video game system includes a game that requires the multiple input of a single input device to provide a series of timed input signals relative to a start signal. The relative time of the input signal determines the result of a heat and the combined results of a series of heats provide game score. The game has a fast learning curve in combination with a player skill level that is not necessarily controlling. The game is based on timed player input that are sensitive about the optimal values to include a random or luck factor about the optimal values. In a preferred embodiment the game is a race theme game and requires the player to input shift signals. In a preferred embodiment of the game different levels are provided and points are awarded based on performance relative to a standard and relative to a variable standard determined by the player's performance in an earlier level.

Abstract: A combined game terminal and pay to play audio entertainment system including a promotional draw associated with at least one game provided at said game terminal and purchases completed at the game terminal for audio selections played by the audio entertainment system. The game terminal cooperates with a remote promotional server that administers a promotional draw based on particular game selections and/or qualifying audio selections made at the game terminal by a registered customer. The game terminal and the game promotional server extend the “qualifying purchase” to include purchases for audio selections. In this way, cross promotion of game and audio selections is provided at the game terminal and qualifying entries are preferably combined in a single draw.

Abstract: The networked game system uses a local area network to allow multi-player competition between terminals in real time. The game software of each terminal allows that terminal to act as the communication server if that terminal initiates an invitation to play in a networked mode. In a preferred aspect the game software allows an initiating player to send an open invitation or a restricted invitation that requires a PIN to respond. In a different aspect each terminal includes a player activated Do Not Disturb feature if the player does not want to receive invitations.

Abstract: A countertop video terminal uses a cooperating structural framework which receives and protects the computer control module, the touchscreen module and the financial transaction module. The touchscreen module is cantilevered from an upright tower support provided at one side of the base. The computer control module is provided on said base and is of a reduced height to define a thin rearwardly extending module. A clear gap or recess is provided between the touchscreen module and the computer control module. The touchscreen preferably partially overlaps with the financial transaction module provided in the tower support.

Abstract: A video game terminal system includes a tournament mode, as well as an option for a user to enter a random draw for each game played. This arrangement acts as an incentive for competitive play, as well as rewarding users for games played. The system also allows identification and tracking of users which is useful information for the terminal provider. Each terminal tracks games played and money received, and forwards the information to a central computer. Electronic financial tracking of revenue received allows the location operator to access and remove the actual cash received and the location operator is then billed by the terminal provider for his share of revenue received.

Abstract: A coin operated game terminal is provided with additionally flash memory for effective additional storage of games provided on a separate mass storage arrangement. This additional flash memory allows operation of the game terminal in a restricted mode if the separate mass storage arrangement fails. The flash memory is also used to store determined popular games to reduce delays in loading of the games.

Abstract: A coin operated video game terminal system includes a tournament mode, as well as an option for a user to enter a random draw for each game played. This arrangement acts as an incentive for competitive play, as well as rewarding users for games played. The system also allows identification and tracking of users which is useful information for the terminal provider. Each terminal tracks games played and money received, and forwards the information to a central computer. Electronic financial tracking of revenue received allows the location operator to access and remove the actual cash received and the location operator is then billed by the terminal provider for his share of revenue received.