Video cassette recording and/or viewing vending system

An automated video center for visual and audio recording of a customer's personal message on video cassette tape, said automated video center comprising:

• computer control means for sequencing and regulating video center operation;
• payment detection means for verifying payment of a prescribed amount;
• a rotatable drum for storing a plurality of blank video cassette tapes;
• a video cassette recorder/player;
• a video camera electronically connected to said video cassette recorder/player for visual and audio recording of said personal customer message on blank tape;
• a video monitor/viewer electronically connected to said video cassette recorder/player for customer monitoring of his appearance while recording said personal message;
• a tape insertion/removal tray, said tray being positioned between said rotatable drum and said video cassette recorder/player;
• a loading mechanism for moving a blank video cassette tape from said rotatable storage drum, across said tray, and into said video cassette recorder/player in response to payment of a prescribed amount, said loading mechanism being positioned within said rotatable storage drum when said mechanism is in a retracted position;
• an unloading mechanism for moving the recorded video cassette tape from said video cassette recorder/player upon completion of a recording operation onto said tape insertion/removal tray for removal and retention by the customer;
• and
• a booth defining a space for customer privacy when recording a personal message on a blank tape.