AlivePromo Adds Options for Digital Building Directories and Menu Boards to GSA Schedule

Posted on Jun 5, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

Digital Signage Expo.net tells us that AlivePromo has more product options:

Digital signage provider AlivePromo announced that it has made more product options available to its digital building directory and menu board solutions listed on its GSA Schedule. The building directories and menu boards, which fall under projects such as those in Public Buildings Service, can be purchased with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through AlivePromo’s GSA contract, GS07F5401R.

According to the Minneapolis company, its digital building directories have been well received by government and military building managers, often as a way to raise the profile of a building while saving labor-related updating costs. Directory features include LCD touch screen navigation, interactive building maps with blinking “you are here” buttons, upcoming events and picture slideshow modules, and the capability to add video, television, news tickers, building messages and other media.

Recent AlivePromo digital signage government installations include a multiple-facility building directory network for Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. The directory includes a touch navigated personnel list with building maps and wayfinding, a calendar showing upcoming events on the base, a picture slideshow module of recent events and conferences, and a picture-in-picture television section.

To date, AlivePromo has implemented menu board signage at Fort Knox, Fort Bragg, Andrews AFB, Nellis AFB, Fort Hamilton, Fort McCoy and other facilities.

NEC Corporation Unveils New LCD Display Model

Posted on Jun 1, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

Virtual Press Office has published an excellent article about NEC’s new LCD display model:

NEC Corporation unveils a new LCD display model enhanced by more than 30 advanced features of the Digital Signage Technology Suite that allow it to stand out in heavily-lit environments.

With a brightness measurement at 1500 cd/m² and remarkable contrast ratio of 3500:1, the MultiSync X461HB boasts 110% higher brightness than NEC’s previous-generation displays. The MultiSync X Series display is ideal for environments heavy with ambient light, such as corporate lobbies, atriums and restaurants.

The MultiSync X461HB includes ambient light sensor technology, which automatically adjusts the backlight depending on the ambient lighting brightness and maximizes the power management feature. Its advanced thermal protection begins with an extra thermal layer on the display panel to diffuse heat and follows with a fan-based technology specifically designed to work in both landscape and portrait modes. Internal temperature sensors control self-protective circuits, while special self-diagnostics communicate the status of thermal characteristics. The thermal protection can be monitored and controlled both locally and remotely.

The MultiSync X461HB includes the following features:

* Professional-grade LCD panel and components for the most demanding digital signage industry requirements
* 1360 x 768 WXGA native resolution in true 16:9 aspect ratio
* Brightness of 1500 cd/m2
* Contrast ratio of 3500:1 (typical)
* Built-in expansion slot, which allows for seamless integration of current and future NEC accessories and third-party components
* Sealed panel design, which provides protection against dust, grease and steam in less than optimal environments
* Carbon footprint meter, which informs and motivates responsible use of the display by calculating and tracking carbon savings
* Ethernet Control and Communication technology, which provides the highest level of remote display management and includes such features as automatic email notification for diagnostic purposes
* Diverse input connectors, which allow for maximum compatibility and flexibility during product implementation
* Improved auto-detection scheme, which quickly finds new connections and allows for user customization of input selection
* Optional speakers and stand

The MultiSync X461HB is backed by a 3-year parts and labor warranty including the backlight and will be available for July 2009 shipment with estimated street price of $3,899.

About NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc.

Headquartered in Itasca, Ill., NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc., is a leading designer and provider of innovative desktop LCD displays, professional-grade large-screen LCD displays, a diverse line of projectors, and integrated display solutions. NEC Display Solutions develops leading-edge visual technology and customer-focused solutions for a wide variety of markets, including enterprise, professional, education, medical and digital signage. For additional information about NEC Display Solutions of America, consumers can call (866) NEC-MORE, or visit the Web site at www.necdisplay.com.

Media Contact:
Philip Anast
Tech Image (for NEC Display Solutions)
(847) 279-0022, x238
philip.anast@techimage.com

Panasonic Lowers Price of Full HD Plasma Display

Posted on May 20, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

From TechShout.com we find an excellent article about Panasonic’s new pricing for its 103-inch full HD plasma display:

Cost-efficient customers come one step closer to owning a 103-inch full HD Plasma Display.  Panasonic has lowered the price of its 1080p display device from $69,999.95 to $50,000.  It was the initial price when it first debuted in December 2006.

The company claims that its Plasma displayl is the industry’s leading large-format display.  It can be used for commercial or home theater applications such as digital signage, high-end home theater and higher education.  More than 6,000 of these devices have made its way into the customers’ homes and offices since its release.

The full HD Plasma display makes watching sports, action movies and video games a delight.  It produces smooth and crisp pictures on its 7-1/2 x 4 feet viewing space.  Also known as the TH-103PF10UK, it boasts of superior panel longevity with a 100,000-hour service life.  The display also comes with a 3 year warranty and ProPlasma Concierge Service.

Andrew Nelkin, President of Panasonic Professional Display company, explained, “The combination of advancements in Plasma production technology and the tremendous worldwide success of the Panasonic 103-inch Plasma HD Display over the last two plus years have enabled us to increase range of customers at a lower price point.  When our 103-inch Plasma first debuted, it was a made-to-order product.  It soon became obvious that in ultra-large screen sizes, nothing comes close to the Panasonic 103-inch Plasma in delivering crisp, clear, blur-free images in 1080p High Definition.  D emand for the 103 exceeded our initial expectations, and its popularity continues.”

Along with its other properties, the device is also able to support up to 5 x 5 video wall natively.  The display incorporates new video processing capabilities which help achieve clear and sharp images.  Picture clarity is also observed while displaying low resolution content or zooming images in video wall applications.  With the Portrait Zoom function, a horizontal image can be displayed across three vertically placed 103 inch plasmas.  This gives users wonder visuals of more than 90 square feet.

The 103-inch Plasma display is widely used for high visibility commercial applications in the U.S.  Some of these places include CBS network’s The Early Show set, NBC  network’s Sunday Night Football studio, and 2009 Beijing Summer Olympics studio.  Other places include New York’s City Hall,  Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall in Las Vegas, and Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula.

Black Box sales manager to teach Digital Signage 101 at The Digital Signage Show

Posted on May 4, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

From Digital Signage Today comes this press release about The Digital Signage Show in Las Vegas on May 6:

PITTSBURGH, Penn. — Black Box Corporation, a provider of voice communications, data infrastructure and product solutions, announced today that George Borden, Digital Signage National Sales Manager, will speak at The Digital Signage Show in Las Vegas on May 6. The title of his talk is “Digital Signage 101: 7 Key Considerations to Identify Where and How to Start.”

Digital signage is a rapidly growing market, and businesses of all sizes are benefiting from it. Whether they are a small business selling hand-made goods, a fast-food restaurant, or a public service agency, digital signage provides an affordable and effective method to deliver communications in real time.

Among other topics, Digital Signage 101 will address:

-Strategic Planning: Defining goals, objectives, applications, and action plans.

-Content creation, management, maintenance — who is responsible for what?

-Identifying and educating stakeholders on the value of digital signage for the organization and to the individual stakeholder.

-Demonstrating the value proposition of digital signage, including examples of the most commonly used applications and the problems they solve.

-Common pitfalls and problems, and ways to avoid them at the start.

-Interactive technology: Should I be using it? Best practices on implementing it.

The full line of Black Box’s digital signage solutions will also be featured at the trade show, including the latest addition to digital signage technology: iCOMPEL. Featured in the USA Today digital signage pullout special section, iCOMPEL is a complete, “out-of-the-box” solution that can boost sales and improve communications for any size organization.

POPAI Announces Digital Signage Award Winners

Posted on Apr 17, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

• 08 Apr 2009

LAS VEGAS — POPAI, The Global Association for Marketing at Retail, has announced the winners of its 2009 Digital Signage Awards.

Thirteen awards for digital signage were presented at this year’s GlobalShop event, plus a single “Viewers Choice Award.” That honor went to X2O Media for its work with Bass Pro Shops.

The other winners were:

Advertising, interactive content
Gold: No award was given.
Silver: The Integer Group for Proctor & Gamble (Clairol Haircolor Advisor Kiosk)
Bronze: Digital Display & Communications for Rogers Communications (Rogers Talkspot)

Advertising, non-interactive content
Gold: MODERNISTIC for Best Buy (Mall of America Living Standee)
Silver: Rivet for Nokia (N96 Retail Video)
Silver: PRN for Walmart (Earth Month Campaign)
Bronze: PRN for Sam’s Club (Fresh Meat Campaign)

Advertising, network implementation
Gold: Artisan Complete for Home Hardware (Channel “H” Test)
Silver: John Ryan Performance for Caja del Mediterraneo (The Caja Mediterraneo Network, phase 2 rollout)
Bronze: ADFLOW Networks for Koodo Mobile (Sales-assist Kiosk Networks)

Experiential, non-interactive content
Gold: Artisan Complete for Molson Canada (Molson Heineken Experiential Bar Content)
Silver: Artisan Complete for Diageo Canada (Diageo Smirnoff ICE Experiential Content)
Bronze: Artisan Complete for Liquor Control Board of Ontario (Vintages Ontario Wines Campaign)

Experiential, network implementation

Silver: Nanonation for Emerald Coast McDonald’s (Digital Menu Boards). No gold or silver award was given.

Roku Adds SignChannel to BrightSign Digital Signage Players

Posted on Apr 10, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

April 07, 2009

(M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) — Stand C45, Screenmedia Expo Europe, 7-8th April 09, National Hall, Olympia, London, UK — Today at Screenmedia Expo Europe, Europe’s biggest digital signage and DOOH media event, Roku announced the availability of Frame Media’s SignChannel content service with its networked high-definition BrightSign digital signage solutions. The newly available combination of BrightSign digital signage control solutions with SignChannel’s content service deliver flexible digital messaging capabilities with streaming content such as news, weather and more.

Workforce Management: At the Heart of the Contact Center Learn more, download free white paper.

The Modern Contact Center and Workforce Management’s Vital Role Learn more, download free white paper.

Realizing the Full Promise of Workforce Management Technology: Avoiding Mistakes That Short-Change Your Investment Learn more, download free white paper.

Convergence in Telecommunication Learn more, download free white paper.

Convergence in Telecommunication Learn more, download free white paper.

SIP Conferencing/Collaboration Learn more, download free white paper.

“We are thrilled to be working with Roku and the BrightSign team,” commented Alan Phillips, Frame Media’s CEO. Mr. Phillips commented further, “the feature-rich BrightSign HD players coupled with SignChannel content service delivers a complete, ready to implement digital signage solution. Users simply select relevant content channels to playback over the networked BrightSign unit and complement it with their own messaging content to reach their audience in a meaningful way.”

According to Anthony Wood, CEO and founder of Roku, “SignChannel provides Roku with an even stronger value proposition for our users who are seeking cost effective digital signage content.”  Mr. Wood also said, “By pairing a ready-made content solution with BrightSign networked digital sign controllers, we’re able to provide users a way to easily implement an affordable, rich media display without the complications of a PC-based solution.”

Streaming Content Resource for Meaningful Digital Signage, SignChannel is a low cost content service that allows a business to display timely messages, products, and services at any Internet-enabled location around the world. The SignChannel user can take advantage of Frame Media’s vast array of timely up-to-the-minute content including weather, news, traffic, finance, and RSS feeds, as well as thousands of other available Internet sources. A user can also develop custom content using simple templates and other standard business software tools. SignChannel is available world-wide in four major languages with content from virtually every country. Users can manage their content for any and all globally located displays from any other Internet location. SignChannel is Frame Media’s commercial version of FrameChannel, its Internet platform for the selection and delivery of personalised content to wireless digital photo frames.

The BrightSign HD2000, HD1010 and HD210 are fully integrated; high-definition digital sign controllers that offer plug-and-play networking to streamline content management for robust, high-impact digital sign and kiosk applications. When combined with SignChannel content service these units allow the user to create powerful and affordable digital signage across a wide range of display platforms, from 22 to over 60 inches. Roku is demonstrating its BrightSign networking solution with SignChannel in Stand C45 at Screen Media Expo Europe in London’s Olympia National Hall, April 7-8th.

Find Solutions for Enterprises, SMBs & Service Providers at the INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference and EXPO West, September 1-3, 2009. Los Angeles, CA.

About Roku: Roku develops products and software for digital media delivery including digital signage in Saratoga, CA. BrightSign solid-state digital sign controllers set new standards for both individual and networked digital signage applications with its superior HD video quality, reliability, price, ease of use and interactivity.

Online information of BrightSign units is available at www.brightsign.biz.

For sales inquiries, please contact sales@brightsign.biz or +44.
For information about our BrightSign partner program, please visit www.brightsign.biz/partners.php.

About Frame Media, Inc.

Frame Media is the leader in content and tools for wireless digital picture frames and connected devices. Both its flagship product, FrameChannel and its new commercial product, SignChannel, can be branded and customized to work with any Wi-Fi enabled photo frame or connected device, transforming them into dynamic information appliances. With SignChannel or FrameChannel, a frame owner can program a unique stream of content that is updated dynamically. The owner can couple their own photos or product/service information with advertising and fresh content from a library of hundreds of channels including news, sports, weather, traffic, stock quotes, horoscopes and imagery from leading photographic collections. The owner selects the channels they are interested in, sets the rules for each channel and the frame updates continually with entertaining and informative content fed directly to their wireless or wired Internet connected media player or wireless picture frame. For more information please visit www.framemedia.com.

CONTACT: Emily Logan, Frame Media Inc.

Tel: +1 781 235 3006 ext: 105Peter van der Sluijs, Neesham Public RelationsTel: +44 (0)1296 628180e-mail: peterv@neesham.co.ukM2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com.

For more information please visit www.framemedia.com or visit any of the Frame Media blogs www.wirelesspictureframe.com, www.informationappliance.com and www.wirelessdigitalsigns.com.

CBS Outdoor Launches wannaBILLBOARD.com

Posted on Mar 27, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

From DigitalSignageExpo.com comes word that CBS Outdoor has launched its new web-based wannaBILLBOARD.com, a service that lets local advertisers choose their own outdoor ad creative for static or digital signage from a catalog of customizable designs.

Here is the Digital Signage Expo article in its entirety:

CBS Outdoor has announced the launch of wannaBILLBOARD.com, a web-based service that lets local advertisers choose their own outdoor ad creative from a catalog of customizable, ad-agency quality designs to display on static billboards or dynamic digital signage in choice locations.

The web-based program offers clients more than 50 local categories to start from, letting them choose industry-tested templates to start the design process. Clients can then add in their business name, address and contact information, as well as a text code to action, in just a matter of minutes, the company said.

According to the company, the new program is its latest offering designed to eliminate the lack of creative as a barrier to entry, which has prevented many smaller advertisers from taking advantage of out-of-home media. WannaBILLBOARD.com will allow both large and small companies to access the kind of professional ad-agency quality designs they could not have afforded before.

The process begins with clients selecting designs from CBS Outdoor’s library of creative, which includes many categories of businesses and different style designs. The Web site allows advertisers to customize the ad space, including uploading their own logos into specified areas of the creative. They also can choose what type of media they want from a menu of different options, including billboards, bus ads, kiosks and bus shelters, among others. Electronic billboards and LCD urban panels are among the digital signage choices.

Once the design process is complete, clients can search and then choose their preferred locations, using a map element to the site that allows users to zoom in on specific areas to see the billboard in its natural surroundings. Finally, wannaBILLBOARD.com lets the client request specific space for their signage from CBS Outdoor’s vast portfolio of outdoor media, one of the largest collections in North America.

“wannaBILLBOARD.com gives local advertisers entree into a medium they might not have considered before,” said Jodi Senese, executive vice president, marketing, of New York-based CBS Outdoor. “We are offering a portfolio of the very best designs by CBS Outdoor artists, and it’s a collection that will consistently expand in choices and categories. This is a great way for local advertisers to begin the out-of-home media experience, with a hands-on-element few other advertising media can offer.”

The company said it plans to grow wannaBILLBOARD.com beyond its current stage with more enhanced features and greater customizability for clients. CBS Outdoor has begun promoting the site through radio and its nation-wide network of billboards and transit ads.

Westinghouse Introduces New Digital Signage Products

Posted on Mar 11, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

neonSource, neonNow, and neonPlayer digital signage products were all introduced at last month’s Digital Signage Expo in Vegas.  Westinghouse Digital’s latest signage innovations were created specifically for the hospitality, education, food service, retail, and point-of-sale industries.

According to John Araki, vice president and general manager, Commercial Business Unit, at Westinghouse Digital, “Our new solutions are very easy and intuitive to use and do not require a dedicated IT person for execution.”

Click here to read details about Westinghouse Digital’s neonNow, neonPlayer, and neon Source.

Roku/BrightSign: Digital Signage with Full HD

Posted on Mar 6, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

Roku, a FrameChannel partner, announces five new digital signage models, offering “standard features of full HD video, a new compact-size and Zones, for displaying multiple content windows on a single screen.”

Says Anthony Wood, CEO and founder of Roku, “Clearly we planned the release of our 2009 BrightSign compact-sized product line well before the start of the economic downsturn, but we couldn’t have timed this launch better.  Our five new models are designed for specific digital signage applications and allow customers to select and pay for only the features they need.  We are offering an HD looping player for less than $300, and high end controllers offering advanced interactivity and full networking support for less than $700.”

BrightSign, well known for quality, reliability, and ease of use, deliver these promises in all five new models, and  in a compact package.

Roku/BrightSign debuted their full HD digital signage product line at the Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas last February.

Is Digital Signage Right For Your Business?

Posted on Mar 4, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

The following article is by  Oleg Potemkin, Founder of Elite Digital Signs LLC, a digital signage solutions company from Honolulu, Hawaii.

The latest, and possibly the most effective new advertising and marketing tool since the Internet, is the new medium of digital signage. Also known as electronic signage, this dynamic media, with its Flash technology, massive and not-so-massive display screens, its sharply focused LCD ad player screens, its motion, sound, and color is clearly the future in mass marketing. Narrowcasting networks, LCD-dominated advertising kiosks, electronic billboards, all offer a solution to your point-of-purchase advertising needs, among many other advantages.

With this emerging new marketing medium, of course, come emerging difficulties, including cost issues, return-on-investment (ROI) questions, the adaptability of the technology to various methods of programming, an as-yet-unproven record of success within the advertising and marketing industry, and a plain lack of understanding of the technology and systems involved. This lack of understanding encompasses not only the hardware and software, but installation and programming parameters, as well. Unfortunately, this lack of understanding was often expressed by venders of digital signage technology, as well as users. A lack of interoperability, as well as what is known as a “ complex value chain”, also complicates, sometimes even compromises, the effectiveness of this innovative technology.

Clearly, digital signage, though beyond its initial teething stage, is still in the midst of its inevitable growing pains. Considering the complex technological and broadcasting standards involved with in-store, narrowcasting networks that are designed to provide out-of-home programming, such problems are not surprising. Fortunately, neither are they unsolvable.

Studies, by Arbitron, among others, show that digital signage is an effective tool in prompting customer appreciation, retention, and recall of the information they see when presented as dynamically, and as vividly as it is via electronic signage. Also, smaller scale investment of, for example, one LCD screen in a particular location would cost only some $3,000-$5,000 dollars. The ROI for such an installation would be returned almost immediately.

The development of more open and compatible standards for digital signage is being actively pursued by industry groups like the Point-Of-Purchase Advertising International (POPAI), and the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA). Each of these organizations are working feverishly to relax and ease technical standards in order to facilitate interoperability of the equipment and technology of various different venders.

New enterprises are constantly emerging to confront and to solve all the various technical, mechanical, and operating issues common to any new system.   System venders, digital signage service providers (DSSP), and advertising service providers all have lately come into being to help businesses and institutions take full advantage of the marketing potential of digital signage.

Conferences and trade shows are being held more and more frequently, and, in concert with increasingly prevalent Internet-based information, all are instrumental in helping both users and venders better understand and keep abreast of this constantly-evolving digital marketing technology.

Source