XTRA-vision and Sony Ireland have announced they have joined forces to introduce a DVD-Video hardware rental programme at Xtra-vision's 216 outlets around the State, starting this month. DVD-video is the fastest-selling technology in the United States with player sales expected to top three million by the end of this year. Mr Sushil Teji, manager of Sony Ireland, said that the offer aimed to allow customers to try out the technology before buying it.

Mr Martin Higgins, managing director of Xtra-vision, said: "The technology is now at a crossroads; it has been launched internationally and is already accepted among early adopters and is poised for acceptance among a broader base of home video fans."