NCR Corp. yesterday launched its first outdoor Blockbuster Express DVD-rental kiosk, which is weather-protected and can hold up to 950 DVDs, making it ideal for smaller-footprint, 24-hour retail locations.

Called the SelfServ Entertainment 2381, the solution features a 19-inch touchscreen display that’s specially designed for viewing in sunlight. An optional 26-inch LCD screen at the top of the unit can be used as digital signage for inventory promotion or brand advertising, and all units are fitted with ATM-grade anti-skimming magnetic stripe reader to help prevent fraud. Additionally, its flexible architecture enables NCR to easily upgrade units with new technologies when they’re ready to be deployed, such as the digital download of video files and a barcode scanner for age verification using drivers’ licenses.

“We’ve used our knowledge of consumer self-service technology to make the SelfServ Entertainment 2381 the most secure and the highest-capacity outdoor kiosk on the market,” said Alex Camara, VP and GM at NCR Entertainment. “This new technology will enable us to work with even more partners as we roll out our DVD-rental kiosks to new locations, including convenience stores and gas stations. Consumers will benefit from easier access to their favorite new release and classic DVDs in accessible, 24-hour locations.”

Duluth, Ga.-based NCR expects to invest as much as $60 million in 2009 to build out its DVD-rental kiosk operations, and expects to deploy more than 2,500 kiosks in 2009 for a total of 10,000 kiosks by mid-year 2010.

Consumers can rent new release and classic DVD titles from Blockbuster Express kiosks for $1 per night at grocery stores, convenience stores and other retailers.