Digital Signage

Rave Computer Announces New Small Form Factor System and Vehicle PC at MILCOM 2009

Posted on Oct 30, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

Rave Computer today unveiled two new aluminum fanless small form factor computer systems, one “green” PC, designed specifically for low power commercial applications and one MIL-SPEC-810F for rugged environments. These products were revealed during the MILCOM 2009 exhibition.

RCT 1610 Aluminum Fanless Computer System

Versatile and radically thin, the RCT1610 Small Form Factor computer is a fanless, low-profile system designed around the new Intel D945GSEJT motherboard.

Sturdy and compact, the RCT1610 offers a variety of mounting and display options. It is excellent for nettop, industrial control, and light digital signage applications as well as point of sale, kiosk and thin client applications.

The Rave RCT1610 features a lightweight , fanless, ultra-slim case. It allows enough space for a 2.5″ notebook HDD and offers optional wi-fi capability. The case can either stand upright or lie flat, or it can be VESA-mounted to the back of an LCD screen. Both mounting options are included as standard equipment.

“Rave is committed to offering innovative system designs that keep the diverse requirements of our customers in mind,” said Karl Rosenberger, Product Development Manager, Rave Computer. “That’s just what you see with our versatile small form factor computers. The RCT1610 is designed for users demanding affordable yet stylish internet-centric or low power computing solutions.”

Product Features include:

* Intel Atom N270 processor
* Supports up to 2GB of DDR2 memory
* Ideal for Internet, POS, kiosk and thin client applications
* Multiple display interface connections (VGA, DVI-D, USB)
* Wireless b/g option available utilizing PCI Express mini Card slot
* Solid State and SATA II Disk Options
* VESA-compatible holster included for wall- or monitor-mounting
* 12V DC power input (120VAC external power supply included)
* 7″W x 1.5″H x 7″D

RCV 6100 Aluminum Fanless Vehicle Computer System

The RCV 6100 system is a rugged MIL-SPEC-810F in-vehicle computer for use in any car, truck, boat or any other 6 to 36VDC application.

Compact, durable, and flexible by design, this system allows users to easily meet varying requirements and features an extremely wide operating temperature range, due to the extremely low power consumption of the Intel Atom processor.

The RCV 6100 design is in compliance with the eMark vehicle industrial standard. The RCV 6100 boasts an incredibly wide range of features such as power ignition delay control, low-power protection and SMBus connection, meeting in-vehicle operation requirements.

The GPS function enables driver navigation applications which can be used to optimize fleet management. Optional 802.11b/g/n, 3.5G, and Bluetooth availability make the RCV 6100 ready for wider wireless network coverage and ready to accommodate future trends. Multiple display connections make the RCV 6100 an ideal choice for in-vehicle signage applications as well.

Additional peripherals are available, such as anti-shock/vibration mounting kits, a smart battery backup option, an IP60 kit for dust and splash resistance, and a radio frequency kit.

Product Features include:

* Built-in Intel Atom N270 processor
* Availability of GSM/GPRS/WCDMA/HSDPA/GPS
* e13 Mark Certification
* External smart battery back up support
* One 2.5″ SATA II HDD & One CF
* 6~36V DC power input
* One PCI-104 Expansion Slot
* Multiple display interface connections (VGA, DVI-D and LVDS)
* 10.24″W x 1.97″H x 7″D

For a complete list of product specifications, download Rave’s RCT1610 and RCV6100 at:

* http://www.rave.com/docs/rugged/RCV6100.pdf
* http://www.rave.com/docs/general/RCT1610.pdf  - Rave Computer

Source:  Zikkir.com

Arena Media Networks’ Art Williams

Posted on Oct 28, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

From Richard Zitran at  All Business.com we learn some fascinating facts about Arena Media Networks’ Art Williams:

STANDING IN LINE for a hot dog at a baseball game or a beer at a concert may never be the same since Art Williams and two partners went into business five years ago, creating what has rapidly grown to become the largest digital video advertising network in stadiums and arenas across the country. Williams’ company, Arena Media Networks, has hundreds of high-definition digital displays televising live programming and ads near concession stands and in other high-traffic areas of46 major league sports venues. AMN reaches more than 120 million people annually who attend concerts, sports events and other entertainment events, adding up to impressions approaching billions, Williams says.

Williams, AMN’s CEO and chairman, has worked in alternative advertising his entire career. He founded one of the first Internet consulting firms in New York, Spiral Media, in 1993, and became executive vp, operations for Agency.com when Spiral Media merged into the Onmicominteractive marketing company in 1998. Williams later became executive vp and COO of Omnicom’s digital marketing agency Organic before founding AMN in 2003 with Tom Kiernan and David Roberts.

“I thought this was an opportunity to be involved in the next new media,” Williams says of his foray into digital placed-based media.

Williams and his partners decided to venture into sports and entertainment venues in large part because of the passion of sports fans, who tend to be an affluent, well-educated audience with good disposable income.

“Sports is a passion point for millions of people throughout the country,” says Williams, a Long Island native and lifelong New York Mets fan. “Any way in which you can be effective in communicating with people who are passionate about something is the desire of any advertiser.”

AMN has built an extensive roster of local and national advertisers, including Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, American Express, Geico, Verizon Wireless, Yahoo, Nokia, Warner Records, Shell, Home Depot, Spalding and MasterCard. Ads are mixed in with a variety of sports, entertainment, weather and financial programming.

Williams sees considerable room for continued growth, what with AMN in less than half of the roughly 100 major league sports venues in the U.S. AMN would like to eventually expand to minor league and college sports venues, as well as other entertainment sites, such as summer concert facilities and theaters. The New York-based company also is rolling out a new platform to insert advertising on all game-feed TVs in stadiums and arenas.

“We still think our growth potential is quite significant at this point,” says Williams, who adds that AMN has grown 100 percent year over year and expects that to be the case again from 2008 to ‘09.

KioskCom, The Digital Signage Show promise new content for NYC editions

Posted on Oct 26, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

From Retail Customer Experience.com comes information about Kiosk.Com, the Self Service Expo:

Caroline Cooper
• 24 Sep 2009
November’s editions of the KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show, co-located at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, are set to offer a slate of content that includes new educational opportunities and two significant keynote speeches.

“This is the year of new everything,” said Lawrence Dvorchik, general manager of the two shows, which are organized by Connecticut-based JD Events. “It’s been busy. It’s going to be a really exciting event.”

The “new everything” Dvorchik describes includes a competition for entrepreneurs in the kiosk and self-service space that is the first of its kind for the event. In its “Next Big Idea” Contest Coinstar Inc. will give $10,000 to the entrant with the best new concept in retail-based kiosks. Coinstar also may consider investing in the winning concept.

“There are a lot of people out there with a lot of good ideas who either don’t have access to funding, especially now, or don’t have access to the people that can make that happen,” he said. “And this gives them an opportunity to be in front of executives at a company like Coinstar, who can do all of the above, if they believe the idea is worth rolling out, and really take it to the next level.”

Entries must be submitted by Oct. 8 on the contest’s Web site.

On the digital signage side of the show, attendees can view a content-creation demonstration, “Cooking up Content: From Concept to Screen.” Digital signage industry expert Lyle Bunn will host the demonstration, and Dvorchik says three companies will participate in creating individual digital messaging campaigns in a “fishbowl” environment, with attendees literally watching the process in action.

“It will be a really, really good demonstration of the content-creation process, the content-management process, from the creative briefing all the way to the play loop being created and broadcast,” he said.

Dvorchik said the participating companies aren’t yet confirmed. The demonstration, which will span the two-day event, is another part of show organizers’ goal of constant education.

“Relevant content is so important for any of these networks that we need to make sure we’re helping people understand not just what they want to show, but how that process is going to unfold strategically and creatively in order to be successful the first time out of the box,” Dvorchik said.

Among the slate of sessions catering to kiosk and digital signage deployers  are two big-name keynote presentations, one for each side of the event.

“The Coinstar/Redbox Experience”

To kick off the show Tuesday, Nov. 10, Coinstar Inc. president and chief operating officer Gregg Kaplan will share his experience deploying and managing a network of nearly 20,000 kiosks. One of the founders of the redbox brand, Kaplan will discuss the success of both self-service brands, as well as future trends for kiosk growth and profitability.  During his presentation, Kaplan also will announce the winner of Coinstar’s “Next Big Idea” contest.

“How the Coca-Cola Company Transforms Simple Transactions Into Brand Interactions”
Keith Berman, senior marketing manager for Coca-Cola’s strategic partnerships marketing group, will discuss the company’s recently developed interactive vending machine, which marries self-service and digital signage for an immersive customer experience. In a session sure to be of interest to brand marketers and content creators, Berman plans to share Coca-Cola’s deployment strategy and the technology’s impact on consumer engagement.

“Pay it Forward”

Another new element, the event’s closing session will focus on topics that have arisen during the two-day conference, based on feedback from attendees and exhibitors. Led by kiosk industry veteran and consultant Janet Webster and Kaiser Permanente’s Steven R. Pomerantz, the session’s goal is to have a panel of experts “pay it forward” by sharing their expertise with attendees who may be less experienced dealing with kiosk and digital signage rollouts.

“They’ve gotten that knowledge, they’ve secured their vendors and their suppliers … and everything they need to work with to be successful because of the show,” Dvorchik said. “And they’re coming back to pay it forward to other people who are in the situation they were in and really keep that knowledge chain rolling. It’s refreshing to see.”

Download:  The official brochure for KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show

Dvorchik says the show’s organizers will again go through the extensive process of prequalifying each registrant in a continuing effort to offer exhibitors real business opportunities and to protect attendees from solicitation on the show floor. Also, for the second event in a row, qualified attendees will receive complimentary full-conference passes, a tactic Dvorchik says is part of the event’s goal to continue facilitating education and successful deployments.

“It’s a strategic decision to make sure that we reinvest in our exhibitors and in our industries and our attendees and make sure they continue to be educated,” he said. “It really comes down to making sure that, in this economic climate, companies don’t stop their learning simply because of the price of admission.”

Other show sessions and events:

Nov. 9 1:00-5:00
The day prior to the show, digital signage expert Lyle Bunn will train novice deployers on how to plan and launch their digital signage projects.

Analyst Alert: Analysis of the Self-Service Kiosk Industry and Usability Studies

Nov. 10 11:45-12:45
Leading industry research analysts will discuss the growth potential and design implications for successful kiosk usage.

Nov. 10 3:15-4:00
Digital signage deployments will receive awards from The Digital Signage/Group and Digital Signage Magazine.

Funding Your Kiosk Project: Creative Business Strategies for Any Economy

Nov. 11 10:30-11:30
Speakers from the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, Cabela’s and SoloHealth will discuss their experiences obtaining funding and will focus on different approaches currently being used.

Implementing Successful Digital Signage Networks – DIGI Award Winners Speak Out

Nov. 11 10:30-11:30
The award-winning digital signage deployers will share the challenges and successes of their entries.

Tech Talks

Nov. 10-11
Throughout the show on the expo floor, industry experts will discuss several technical topics, including the convergence of self-service technologies, remote kiosk management, mobile integration and more.

Digital Signage and the Funeral Home

Posted on Oct 23, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

Mike Manley of Funeral Business Advisor has a unique approach to improving and personalizing the funeral home experience for people:

Sony’s 360-degree 3D Display Prototype

Posted on Oct 21, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

Slippery Brick gives us the scoop on Sony’s 360-degree 3D display prototype!

Like everyone else, right now Sony has a thing for 3D. They have big plans for putting the technology into your living room as soon as possible. The first application will be applied to the flat screen TV, but Sony is looking at all kinds of other ways to bring you glorious 3D. Take this small prototype for instance.

This thing will be revealed at Tokyo’s Digital Content EXPO 2009 on Thursday. It’s a 13 x 27-cm device with a stereoscopic, 24-bit color image

measuring just 96 × 128 pixels, viewable at 360-degrees without special glasses. If this prototype ever becomes a reality, Sony sees its commercial use in digital signage or medical imaging and of course, as a 3D photo frame.

We’ll keep you posted.

[Engadget]

MasterSync Wireless Clock System

Posted on Oct 19, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

While not strictly “signage,” the MasterSync Wireless Clock System by Acroprint is certainly a system that allows everybody on the premises to see the same thing whenever they look!  I’m also a bit of a sucker for anything that’s wireless – when it comes to our electronics, wireless is the WAY TO GO!

Synchronize the wall clocks throughout your facility with atomic accuracy. A single transmitter with a standard antenna can cover up to 250,000 square feet!

MasterSync at a glance

• Economical — A single transmitter with a standard antenna can cover as much as 250,000 square feet. Compare to other systems that require repeaters or additional transmitters — at extra cost — to cover your entire facility. Because the transmitter is wireless, it can support an unlimited number of wall clocks.
• Easy — Installation is as easy as hanging a picture! Simply place the wireless clocks where you want, connect the transmitter to the GPS unit and you’re up and running. No special tools, equipment or expertise required.
• Accurate — The transmitter receives time signals from the world-wide GPS satellite network, keeping your wall clocks incredibly accurate and perfectly synchronized. (NTP time synchronization available for those who prefer.)
• Attractive — Wall clocks are available in a wide range of styles and mounting options. Clock styles can be mixed and matched to meet your needs and to coordinate with the décor throughout your facilities.

Easy to install

Imagine perfectly synchronized clocks, helping keep everyone on time no matter where in your facility they might be. Now imagine being able to install this system without cutting holes in your walls, running wires or petitioning your Information Technology department for help. With a MasterSync wireless clock system, it’s possible.

Installing the wall clocks is a snap. Some models are even available with battery power, so you don’t need an electrical outlet nearby. Models are available in wall and ceiling mount in a variety of styles. Simply hang them where you need them.

The compact, lightweight wireless transmitter can be placed anywhere there’s an available electrical outlet. Position the GPS receiver where it gets a clear signal, connect it to the transmitter and turn the transmitter on. Visible indicators show the system is powered up and receiving signal, while a bright, clear digital display confirms the time that’s being broadcast. That’s all there is to it. Plug-and-play — it’s as simple as that!

The system’s operating frequency of 467 MHz is optimal for indoor transmission, providing reliable signal penetration of all types of building materials. This system is highly economical — a single transmitter with a standard antenna can cover up to 250,000 square feet, eliminating the need for repeaters or multiple transmitter units. Unlike old-fashioned wired systems, there’s no limit to how many wall clocks can synchronize with a single transmitter.

Easy to choose

MasterSync is available in a convenient and economical Introductory Package that includes everything you need to get started:

• Wireless transmitter unit with standard antenna
• GPS receiver, mounting hardware and 50-foot cable
• Four black plastic-case wall clocks (additional matching clocks available)

We also offer other décor options to suit your style and accessories to enhance your system’s functionality. See below for details, then contact Acroprint to order your Introductory Package or let our knowledgeable and friendly representatives help you customize a system to meet your specific needs.

Easy to upgrade

Clock Décor Options

From durable and economical plastic-case analog wireless clocks suitable for use anywhere, to elegant solid wood framed timepieces at home in any executive suite or boardroom, to high-tech digital displays perfect for call centers and server rooms, MasterSync offers a wide variety of décor options and display styles to meet your requirements.

Click here to view available clock design options, then contact Acroprint and let us help you design a custom system to suit your style.

Accessories and Upgrades

Upgrade your system, add functionality and protect your investment with MasterSync accessories and upgrades. We offer a handy tone generator — that will even play your own pre-recorded MP3 files! — to issue audible alerts on schedule or for special events, wire guard enclosures to protect your clocks, upgraded transmitter antenna options and more.

Click here to view available MasterSync wireless clock system accessories and upgrades, then contact us so we can help you design a custom system to fit your budget and specifications.

Learn more

Email Acroprint or call us at 1-8… or 1-919-872-5800 to learn more or request a quote.

Resources and Information

To save these items to your hard drive, right click and select “Save target as…” (or the equivalent command in your browser software). PDF format files require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don’t already have Acrobat Reader installed, you can download free from Adobe.

• MasterSync Style Guide
  (PDF format; 741 KB)
• MasterSync Easy Set Up Guide
  (PDF format; 646 KB)
• MasterSync Product Manual
  (PDF format; 793 KB)
• MasterSync Warranty Statement
  (PDF format; 84 KB)

HP Touchsmart Makes Digital Signage Easier!

Posted on Oct 16, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

Pixware.net has the scoop on HP’s new TouchSmart All-in-ones and Tx2 updates:

HP was ahead of the touch game even before Windows 7’s finger friendliness, so it makes sense that the crazy computer maker decided to take after fluffy bunnies and breed lots of touch PCs.

In time for Windows 7’s launch, HP will release three new TouchSmart all-in-ones. The 20-inch TouchSmart 300 and the 23-inch TouchSmart 600 (check out Mark’s full review) both have infrared multitouch displays. The TouchSmart family PC solution that has been so popular in kitchens and living rooms, now has a business friendly twin. Yes, even business owners need the 23-inch TouchSmart 9100 which is anticpated to be used in store fronts and retail locations.

HP completes the multitouch family with its smaller and more portable 12-inch HP Tx2 laptop. Like the original, it has a capacitive screen with a convertible hinge. You can use both a finger and a pen on the screen. HP is also experimenting with a non-convertible touchscreen laptop and will offer the HP dv3 with a touchscreen in select markets.

The biggest update to the all-in-ones and the Tx2 laptop is the interface. HP continues to put its TouchSmart user interface on top of Windows 7 and it is one of the best I have seen. The new stuff comes in the way of applications; there are now loads of new third party applications, including Hulu, Twitter and Netflix. The interface is as smooth as a baby’s bottom and the main set of tiles fan across the screen and you can easily flick to toggle them. Again, check out the full review of the TouchSmart 600 to get a glimpse of how it really works. HP may just have a method to its touch madness. [HP]

HP Unveils New Multitouch PCs and Display
Company debuts its first fully interactive, 42-inch, high-definition digital signage touch display

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 13, 2009 – Building upon its nearly 30-year history of touch innovation, HP today launched the next era of multitouch computing for consumers and businesses.

Among the new products, HP introduced three touch-enabled HP TouchSmart PCs and its first fully interactive, 42-inch diagonal, high-definition (HD) digital signage touch display, the HP LD4200tm.

“Since the launch of the first TouchSmart PC nearly three years ago, we’ve worked closely with a growing number of software companies and independent vendors to develop built-for-touch applications that give consumers and businesses rich interactive multimedia experiences,” said James Mouton, senior vice president and general manager, Desktop Global Business Unit, Personal Systems Group, HP. “These collaborations have helped to make HP touch computing the most advanced touch experience in the market today.”

New consumer HP TouchSmart PCs packed with exclusive touch applications
HP now offers a choice of 20- or 23-inch diagonal widescreen consumer HP TouchSmart PCs – the HP TouchSmart 300 and HP TouchSmart 600. Each features a sleek, award-winning design that integrates either a stunning HD-capable or HD widescreen display with a multitouch enabled screen.

Users can simply pinch, rotate, arc, flip, press or drag a finger across the screen of the PC to access information, entertainment and social networks in a natural, intuitive way. Though accompanied by a wireless keyboard and mouse, new 16:9 widescreen tiles make multimedia, social media and other applications a rich and engaging touch experience.

The new consumer HP TouchSmart PCs feature exclusive built-for-touch applications(1) including:
• Hulu Desktop to provide quick access to Hulu’s vast library of hit TV shows, movies and video clips. Users can browse, search and watch their favorite comedies, dramas, sci-fi and web-original shows from nearly 200 leading content companies. Users with Hulu.com accounts also can access their queue, subscriptions and viewing history.
• A touch-enabled Netflix application delivers thousands of full-screen TV episodes and movies that are streamed from Netflix over the Internet. Using HP’s signature fan view, Netflix members can instantly watch a move from their Instant Queue on the PC or remove a movie from their Queue via touch. Netflix members also can rent DVD and Blu-ray discs as well as edit and manage their Netflix accounts using the application. A two-week free Netflix trial is available to all TouchSmart users in the United States.
• Twitter, a free social networking and micro-blogging service, makes it easy to catch up with family, friends and colleagues with the touch of a finger.
• With Rhapsody as the engine, the new HP Music Store gives users streaming, on-demand access to 8 million songs delivered to the new TouchSmart PC. Customers who subscribe to Rhapsody can enjoy favorite artists, create playlists or just sit back and listen. Non-members can enjoy a free 14-day trial.
• Pandora Internet radio is now touch enabled for a free personalized music experience to find new music based on old and current favorites.
• TouchSmart RecipeBox lets aspiring chefs discover, explore and keep track of recipes saved from multiple websites and cook with a hands-free experience via voice commands.
• TouchSmart Live TV allows quick access for watching and recording live, local TV. Customers can set recordings in advance of their airing via an electronic programming guide.
• TouchSmart Canvas allows customers to organize their photos on a virtual canvas to quickly and easily create photo collages using touch to edit and rotate photos.
• TouchSmart Link allows the transfer of photos and images taken by a mobile device to the TouchSmart PC via Bluetooth® wireless technology.

Customers with previous TouchSmart PC models who upgrade to Windows 7 through the HP Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program will receive software with some of these new touch applications.

A new swivel stand and tilt webcam(1) increase users’ ability to share and collaborate around the HP TouchSmart, which also can easily be wall mounted (with optional wall bracket accessory). All models meet ENERGY STAR® 5.0 requirements.

Some models of the HP TouchSmart 600 easily connect to gaming consoles, including Xbox, PlayStation and Wii, via HDMI or composite video ports.

World’s first multitouch consumer notebooks now better than ever
For those whose active lives demand a device for note capture, entertainment, communication and robust computing that’s easy to carry, the HP TouchSmart tx2 notebook PC delivers. The HP TouchSmart tx2 combines powerful computing with tablet PC capabilities and entertainment features in an attractive design light enough to go anywhere.

With multitouch support within HP MediaSmart, the HP TouchSmart tx2 is the first notebook PC for consumers that enables the use of two fingers to navigate HP’s entertainment applications. The HP TouchSmart tx2 features most of the same touch applications as the HP TouchSmart PC as well as exclusive touch-enabled games and Corel® Painter Sketch Pad for creating digital art.

The HP TouchSmart tx2 weighs 4.65 pounds,(2) features a 12.1-inch diagonal WGXA HD HP LED widescreen integrated touch-screen convertible display, AMD Turion™ dual-core processors(3) and a glossy HP Imprint finish with titanium color “Reaction” pattern.

The convertible design with a twist hinge allows consumers to enjoy the HP TouchSmart tx2 in three modes: PC, display and tablet. With a rechargeable digital ink pen, users can turn the HP TouchSmart tx2 into a tablet PC to write, sketch, draw, take notes or graph right onto the screen – and then automatically convert handwriting into typed text.

Business HP TouchSmart drives new customer interactions, business models
The industry’s only full-featured, all-in-one, multitouch-enabled business PC, the HP TouchSmart 9100 Business PC provides real-time information, videoconferencing capabilities(4) and multimedia features in a 23-inch diagonal full HD(5) widescreen display.

The HP business TouchSmart is enabling a more interactive, compelling customer experience at businesses such as bridal retailer Priscilla of Boston for luxury dress concierge service, St. Louis Oncology for medical filing, the NBA’s Detroit Pistons for instant replays and food, and hotels such as Sheraton and Marriott to provide enhanced customer lobby experiences.

New business models are emerging with the HP TouchSmart 9100. Digital Aisle, an interactive shopper solutions company, is bringing “virtual sales assistants” to life using HP’s interactive touch screens. The Digital Aisle’s Virtual Bartender uses HP TouchSmart technology to help people plan parties, print and email recipes, and learn expert bartending tips. This interactive point-of-purchase tool has been deployed to independent and chain retailers across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

An array of new enhancements on the HP TouchSmart 9100 include:
• DVI output, enabling customers to connect to their full HD format displays and projectors
• Configure-to-order options designed to meet the needs of businesses, including a choice of genuine Microsoft Windows® 7 32-bit or 64-bit operating system,(6) processors, optical drives, hard drives, solid state drives, Kensington locks, HP Protect Tools and HP BIOS to enable USB ports and SATA device lock down, and retasking of button controls for custom kiosk configurations
• Optional wall mount adapter attaches the HP TouchSmart to a VESA wall mount or a VESA-compatible articulating arm
• U.S. Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliant – HP TouchSmart 9100 configure-to-order units comply with TAA requirements(7)
• Premium performance with a powerful Intel® Core™2 Duo processor,(8) Genuine Windows 7 Professional, up to eight gigabytes (GB) of memory,(9) up to a 500 GB hard drive or an optional 64 GB solid state drive,(10) and a trial version of Microsoft® Office(11)
• NVIDIA GeForce G200 integrated graphics or upgrade to NVIDIA GeForce GT230 discrete graphics using the Mobile Express Module (MXM) graphics slot
• New standard onsite warranty providing next-day(12) business servicing
• FireWire® output for quick and easy transfer of digital files, photos and videos from a wide variety of IEEE94-compatible peripheral devices
• Optional wireless keyboard and mouse
• Optional Blu-ray combo optical(13) disk drive

The HP TouchSmart for business is a space- and energy-saving portal for businesses. Its ENERGY STAR qualified and EPEAT® Silver registered design uses 55 percent less metal and 37 percent less plastic than standard PCs and monitors. With the easy-to-use HP Power Manager tool, companies also can configure their individual PC power settings to save energy without interfering with the PC’s ability to perform.

Businesses shine with HP’s first fully interactive, 42-inch, HD digital signage display.  The HP LD4200tm is a 42-inch diagonal, sleek black digital signage built to fit in trendy indoor environments, such as kiosks, retail, point of sale, shopping malls, travel terminals, hotel lobbies, recreational venues, universities, stock exchanges and hospitals.

It features infrared technology, which recognizes multitouch gestures for onscreen interaction in 1,920 x 1,080 full HD native resolution to provide stunning views of video, graphics or text in both bright and dim lighting. In addition, an ultra-wide 178 x 178 degree viewing angle enables observation from almost any angle and, unlike TV screens, the HP LD4200tm is built to run 24/7 with low power usage while maintaining longevity. It also comes with a standard three-year limited warranty.

Pricing and availability
• The HP TouchSmart 300 starts at $899 and is expected to be available Nov. 1.
• The HP TouchSmart 600 starts at $1,049 and is expected available Oct. 22.
• The HP TouchSmart tx2 starts at $799 and is expected to be available Oct. 22.
• The HP TouchSmart 9100 starts at $1,299 and is expected to be available in December.
• The HP LD4200tm 42-inch widescreen LCD monitor starts at $2,799 and is expected to be available in December.

ESPN unveils interactive digital signage game to promote Monday Night Football

Posted on Oct 14, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

Digital Signage Today.com ’s Bill Yackey has the scoop about ESPN’s new Monday Night Football digital signage GAME!  While you’re on their site, be sure to watch the video about it!

ESPN is creating buzz around Monday Night Football’s 40th season by allowing millions of pedestrians the chance to play on an NFL field using interactive signage.
ESPN is promoting the football season by creating an interactive digital signage experience that allows anyone walking past the displays to engage in a one-on-one challenge with a selected quarterback. The goal of the street-level game is to catch as many footballs as possible, and high scoring game players are able to submit their scores in real-time and see how they measure up to users in other cities.

The quarterback selection capability is paired with real-time updates and shows a countdown to next Monday’s game.

To present ESPN with this digital experience, Monster Media teamed up with Wieden & Kennedy and MacDonald Media. Each display uses the combination of four technologies, including: touchscreen activation, full-body responsive user tracking, real-time application, and a gaming function.

The displays are strategically located in highly-trafficked areas in New York, Boston and Chicago. Users are drawn to the displays by static signage surrounding an interactive custom LCD wall that entices users to approach the unit and interact with the game.

ONELAN Digital Signage and Streaming Underpins Communication Strategy for University of Bedfordshire

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

NewswireToday – /newswire/ – Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, 10/05/2009 – Digital signage has been in use at the University of Bedfordshire for some time, with standalone units installed in different departments. The objective of this project was to bring all the existing digital signage together and expand in future.

The University of Bedfordshire was established in August 2006 by order of the Privy Council and comprises five campuses, three within Luton, one at Bedford and one based in Aylesbury. There are 20,000 staff and students from over 100 different countries at the University creating a very diverse environment. With planned developments valued at over £134m spread over the next few years the University is an exciting and vibrant place to be now and in the future.

Project objectives
Digital signage has been in use at the University of Bedfordshire for some time, with standalone units being installed in different departments. The objective of this project was to bring all the existing digital signage together and to provide for future expansion: the University is currently investing £35 million in a new campus centre where digital signage will play a key part in the communication strategy.

Any new digital signage needed to successfully network with the existing infrastructure and the previous installations. The University was also keen to ensure corporate branding was used across all five campus locations, to create a professional look.

Digital signage content
Of particular importance was the requirement to show the appropriate content on each screen, targeted at the local audience, while retaining the corporate ‘look’ to each screen. For example the screen installed in the Business School foyer needs to show welcome messages and Business School specific information.

With units installed in 17 different departments the digital signage needs to be easy to use by many different people, both technical and non-technical, as they are very content hungry and need to be constantly updated. The systems also need to be easy to set up, and quick to manage.

How to do it
ONELAN’s Net-Top-Boxes (NTBs) were chosen as the Digital Signage solution, due to their ease of use and their ability to apply highly customised layout designs, so anyone on the university staff can contribute without fear of problems. To reach an audience base of 20,000 students and staff, the screen layout flexibility and scheduling were of utmost importance. The ONELAN NTBs allow a screen to be divided into different Zones, which allow different media formats such as Live TV feeds, RSS feeds, animations, still images and audio.

The University wanted a scalable system, particularly with the new campus centre in mind, and ONELAN fitted the bill.

What is installed
One main publisher NTB supplies content for 17 subscriber Century 610 NTBs. These are located in the main Foyer, in the Park Square campus, the Learning Resource Centres on the Luton and Bedford campuses, reception areas in Butterfield Park, Buckinghamshire and Putteridge Bury campuses as well as various other social spaces.

IPTV OMNI-SERVER
One of the key aspects of the project was the installation of an Omni-Server. Originally the University required an ‘off air’ recording solution for the academic staff to use. With the Omni-Server, they are now able not only to do this, but also link into the digital signage network. This provide the screens with live TV feeds for news and educational TV channels across the network infrastructure without the need to run additional RF cabling, thereby keeping additional costs to a minimum.

How the digital signage is being used
A wide variety of content is being utilised including public content such as a TV feed showing BBC News and Sky News, XML feeds for local weather and news, as well as University news and events. An XML feed from the Association of Train Operating Companies is planned. This will deliver up-to-date timetable information for Bedford and Luton stations to help promote sustainable transport options.

The signage is also used for department specific information, such as information for registration and Open Days, and content throughout the university.

End result – end user feedback
Integration with the university’s existing networks has been straightforward.
Feedback has been very positive: staff like the look of the content.

ONELAN (onelandigitalsignage.com) develops network appliances for standalone and end-to-end Digital Signage network solutions. The Net-Top-Box is a multimedia, multi-zoned solution capable of displaying stored media and live media e.g RSS feeds, webpages and broadcast or locally streamed TV. With a browser based user interface, the system is fully multi-lingual including all main European languages. Further members of the product family cater for Enterprise network management, Touch applications and integration with external data sources.

ONELAN’s NTBs are now installed in a wide variety of organisations such as retail, schools, hospitals, and government buildings, as well as some well-known corporates such as ING, Vodafone, Virgin Holidays and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Idaho State University Adds ‘Spudvision’ to Holt Arena

Posted on Oct 9, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am

From the Daktronics.com website, we learn that Idaho State University has joined the digital signage crowd with “Spudvision” from Daktronics:

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Sept. 25, 2009 – Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho, recently chose Daktronics Inc. (Nasdaq-DAKT) of Brookings, S.D., to design, manufacture and install a new light emitting diode (LED) video display for Holt Arena, home of Bengal football and basketball.

“The new video display works out perfectly for the existing scoreboard that we’ve got,” ISU’s Director of Athletics Jeff Tingey said. “We’re very excited about the opportunities it will provide us. This is a big one for recruiting. Every student athlete wants to play a game and score a touchdown or make an interception and look up and see the replay. It’s a way of life these days, and it’s something that we needed very much.”

The new 16 mm video display, nicknamed “SpudVision” because of the funding from the Idaho Potato Commission, measures almost 12 feet high by 15 feet wide. This video display uses the latest Daktronics industry-leading HD-X technology. The high resolution of the video display will make it better than many of the displays in surrounding schools, according to Tingey.

This Daktronics HD-X display features LED pixels on 16 mm pixel spacing. They are ideal for applications requiring a wide viewing angle, ensuring every fan has a great view of the action on the field.

Daktronics LED video and messaging display technology offers a long lifetime with minimal maintenance and low power consumption, providing value and excitement for years to come.

About ISU’s Holt Arena

Holt Arena was built in 1970 entirely by voluntary student fee increases. It is the oldest enclosed stadium on a college campus in the U.S. and the second-oldest overall. (The Houston Astrodome, completed in 1965, predates it.)

The arena was originally named the Mini Dome, but was renamed in 1988 to honor former ISU Athletic Director Milton W. “Dubby” Holt. The arena serves as the home field for the ISU football, indoor track and field and men’s basketball teams. It also hosts Idaho high school football games and other sporting events, rodeos and concerts.

About Daktronics Daktronics has strong leadership positions in, and is the world’s largest supplier of, large screen video displays, electronic scoreboards, computer-programmable displays, digital billboards, and control systems. The company excels in the control of large display systems, including those that require integration of multiple complex displays showing real-time information, graphics, animation and video. Daktronics designs, manufactures, markets and services display systems for customers around the world, in sport, business and transportation applications. For more information, visit the company’s World Wide Web site at: http://www.daktronics.com, e-mail the company at sales@daktronics.com, call (605) 697-4300 or toll-free (800) 325-8766 in the United States or write to the company at 331 32nd Ave. PO Box 5128 Brookings, S.D. 57006-5128. Safe Harbor StatementCautionary Notice: In addition to statements of historical fact, this news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are intended to enjoy the protection of that Act. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events. The Company cautions that these and similar statements involve risk and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectation, including, but not limited to, changes in economic and market conditions, management of growth, timing and magnitude of future contracts, and other risks noted in the company’s SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 2009 fiscal year. Forward-looking statements are made in the context of information available as of the date stated. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur.

For more information contact: MEDIA RELATIONS: Mark Steinkamp Marketing Manager tel (605) 692-0200 e-mail Mark.Steinkamp@daktronics.com