AMI Entertainments New NGX Ultra And Mini 2 Jukeboxes Are Sleek Feature-Rich And Video-Optimized

PHILADELPHIA -- AMI Entertainment took the wraps off its two new Internet jukeboxes at the recent Amusement Expo International in Las Vegas. The NGX Ultra, a dual-screen jukebox optimized for music videos, and NGX Mini 2, an improved version of AMI's top-selling compact box, began shipping in April.

The NGX Ultra simultaneously accommodates hit singles, whole albums and music videos from the '80s, '90s, 2000s and today, and its programmable digital signage can promote location amenities and services. It is the latest in a series of NGX jukeboxes that was launched five years ago. | SEE STORY

The Ultra replaces its predecessor's single vertical ("portrait") monitor with two horizontal ("landscape") screens. Its upper 31" touchscreen monitor features a 16:9 aspect ratio for displaying videos and promotional graphics to their best advantage. The lower 18.5" screen displays the jukebox's simple-to-use interface for song and music video selection.

. The Ultra is equipped with a 1,000-W. four-channel amplifier system designed to deliver immersive, room-filling sound. Primarily designed for wall mounting, the new jukebox measures 31" H. x 33" W. x 7.5" D.

A descendant of the small-footprint Mini introduced as a companion model to the original NGX, the new NGX Mini 2 also boasts a 16:9 wide-aspect-ratio touchscreen, along with accent lighting that changes in synchrony with the music and a newly integrated illuminated marquee promoting AMI's companion mobile app.

The Mini 2 can be expanded to support music video with the manufacturer's upgrade kit, which allows videos to be played on surrounding TVs connected to the jukebox through an HDMI cable. Additionally, AMI markets an upgrade kit to convert its 1,000-W. two-channel amplifier system to four channels.

Both new jukeboxes support music selections made by using AMI's BarLink mobile app for Android and iOS devices. And both accommodate optional trackball-and-buttons controls for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. All that's required for the installation of the AMI NGX Ultra or NGX Mini 2 is a hardwired broadband Internet connection.

Also new at Amusement Expo this year were two accessories: an audio stand and a new illuminating frame for AMI's original and flagship NGX model. Shipping this month is a jukebox stand that incorporates a 12" Dayton audio-powered subwoofer and offers locations a convenient alternative method for placing a jukebox. Available early this summer, the Tempo Skin option will enable customers to update the look of their original NGX jukeboxes with an attachable illuminating frame that beats to the music's cadence. The frame can also be set to the color and brightness of the operator's choice.

All NGX jukeboxes support AMI Ad Manager, a content management system, which can transform both screens of the NGX Ultra, or the display that fills the upper half of the NGX Mini 2, into a powerful digital signboard. As such, it can advertise location events, rewards programs and gift cards and seasonal discounts. AMI Ad Manager allows operators to schedule messages in advance, selecting the dates and times at which the ads will display. And this programmability now can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet through a secure page at amientertainment.net, AMI's website for operators.

The company said its ad manager tool can be used in combination with free play mode, a pay-by-the-hour" service that can be offered to locations. It allows patrons to play music at no charge and can be used to promote "free jukebox nights" in lieu of karaoke or a live DJ. It also enables operators to build their online following by promoting their Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages. Suitable templates for the various media are available among the more than 1,300 designs available at the website. These range from general announcements through seasonal promotions to food, wine and beer lists.