REDONDO BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 9, 1997--Soon at The Galleria at South Bay, a new kiosk will feature touch-screen televisions, bank ATMs and convenience to shoppers in a way that hasn't been used before: A Union Bank of California interactive banking kiosk. Preparations are now underway to unveil Union Bank of California's new interactive video kiosk, designed by Callison Architecture, featuring Sony's latest interactive video technology, making Union Bank of California's services available in a new way at The Galleria at South Bay. The video kiosk will become a landmark in banking service technology as the first of its kind in the western U.S. Grand Opening is scheduled for early May. When unveiled, shoppers will be able to open accounts, apply for consumer loans, discuss investments, print out information and talk live with a UBOC representative, all through an interactive video hookup. This kiosk will become a branch of UBOC. What's unique about the kiosk is that fact that all these banking functions can now be completed in a mall, in an office of less than 50 square feet (most banking offices are about 5,000 square feet). More information about the new interactive video banking kiosk will become available as the early May Grand Opening date nears. The following firms were instrumental in creating the kiosk: Callison Architecture -- An architectural design firm, based in Seattle, designed the structure of the kiosk, including customized access ports and a configuration that makes the kiosk striking and convenient for mall use. Sony Technology Center -- Engineers at the San Diego center designed the interactive monitors used in the kiosk. The technology incorporates high-quality video conferencing, full-motion video and advanced audio performance. Sony TriniCom technology allows users to experience all the elements of a face-to-face conversation. The Galleria at South Bay -- is the first shopping center in the west to adopt the interactive video kiosk. Located in Redondo Beach, Calif., it is in close proximity to aerospace and high- technology workers and more than 640,000 residents. Union Bank of California -- is the first bank in the western U.S. to adopt a kiosk which blends unique design and touchscreen interactive technology. The bank is measuring customer acceptance of the interactive kiosk, with an eye to possible future use in heavily trafficked areas. --30--jw/la* jah/la CONTACT: Callison Architecture Eric LeMay, 206/623-4646 or The Galleria At South Bay Mickey Marrafino, 310/371-7196 or Sony Technology Greg Dvorkan, 619/673-2905 Product info: 800/686-SONY or Union Bank of California Andrew Porterfield, 213/236-4145 KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING RETAIL REPEATS: New York 212-752-9600 or 800-221-2462; Boston 617-236-4266 or 800-225-2030; SF 415-986-4422 or 800-227-0845; LA 310-820-9473 Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet with Hyperlinks to your home page. URL: http://www.businesswire.com