SAN FRANCISCO: The Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA) Advisory Board elected new officers for the 2011-2012 term during its biannual meeting today. Brian Ardinger, SVP & Chief Marketing Officer for Nanonation was named DSA president.
 
Other officers elected include:

• Executive Vice President - Digital Signage: Lou Giacalone, Founder CoolSign, Haivision
• Executive Vice President - Mobile: Jared Miller, Managing Director, Self-Service & Emerging Technology, United Airlines
• Executive Vice President - Self-Service Kiosk: Ron Bowers, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Frank Mayer & Associates
• Treasurer: Cortlandt Johnson, Kiosk Services Sales Leader, IBM
• Secretary: Charles Ansley, President & CEO, Symon Communications, Inc.

"I'm excited about the upcoming year," said Mr. Ardinger. "I have seen the association grow to become more inclusive, more engaged, and more forward thinking as the markets and technologies have grown and changed. Whether digital signage, kiosks or mobile, we now have a platform for the industry to build on and an opportunity to engage and educate the market about the benefits of digital screenmedia."
 
About the Digital Screenmedia Association
 
The Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA) is the largest non-profit trade organization representing companies that provide a broad range of customer engagement technologies and services, which includes digital signage, self service kiosks and mobile solutions. The DSA's mission is to advance the growth and awareness of customer engagement technologies through advocacy, education and networking.

Software provider helps retailers “Start Here” at Customer Engagement Technology World.

LINCOLN, NE, April 26, 2011 – Nanonation will showcase a number of new, digital screenmedia solutions at the Customer Engagement Technology World (CETW) show in San Francisco, April 27-28. Nanonation’s booth #506 will offer visitors a way to explore an array of digital signage, kiosk and mobile solutions developed for leading brands worldwide. The theme of the exhibit will be “Start Here,” whereby visitors can find out the best ways to capitalize on the latest technology and marketing solutions to impact the customer experience.

CETW visitors will be able to scan QR codes for instructions on how to play the interactive “Start Here” game where prizes include books from best-selling authors Seth Godin and Gary Vaynerchuk to an iPad 2 will be given away.

“Our goal at CETW is to help retailers begin to navigate the complexities of designing, deploying and managing digital in-store technologies. We wanted to have a fun way to help retailers explore and experience more options for engaging and interacting with customers,” said Brian Ardinger, CMO of Nanonation.

In addition to firsthand demonstrations of award-winning solutions, such as the Waste Management Greenopolis recycling kiosk, which provides customers an easy way to recycle and earn reward points. Nanonation staff will also be giving live demonstrations of FrameWorks DS, the newest addition to its suite of digital signage solutions, as well as a variety of mobile and digital signage examples.

Also during the show, Nanonation executives will be speaking at the following sessions:

• Bradley Walker, Nanonation’s CEO, will be moderating a panel on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. titled, “Location Based Mobile Marketing: What is it? How to Use it? And How it Will Drive Traffic to Your Venue,” as well as participating in a panel for “Shopper Marketing: How to Effectively Leverage In-Store Digital Media,” on Thursday at 3:15 p.m.
  
• Brian Ardinger, Nanonation’s CMO, will be presenting Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. with a session titled, “Understanding the Landscape of Customer Engagement Technology: Tutorial and Tour,” and Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. with “Creating In-Store Experiences That Matter – Tips, Trends & Technologies.”
  
• Lyle Petersen, Nanonation’s CTO, will be part of a panel discussion looking at “How Connectivity Can Cripple Your Project: The Top Five Pitfalls to Avoid,” on Wednesday at 1:15 p.m.

Each session will delve into specific industry case studies and insights gained from the past decade of work in the digital media marketplace.

About Nanonation
Nanonation’s enterprise-class software for digital signage and kiosks drives sales and fuels profits. With proven tools and technologies to enhance the customer experience, businesses can now deliver powerful messaging and integrated marketing services seamlessly across an enterprise – all while monitoring, measuring, and managing each customer interaction. Nanonation’s client list includes Build-A-Bear Workshops, Royal Caribbean, Mazda, Harley-Davidson, and many others in the retail, hospitality, entertainment and financial services markets. For more information, visit www.nanonation.net.

St. Petersburg, Florida – JANUS Displays released details about their upcoming project with McDonald’s Corporation/Hamburger University; a digital signage network that will significantly improve wayfinding and communication efforts at the University.

JANUS Displays will provide Hamburger U with numerous LED screens, which will serve as Event Directories of various sizes, guiding students and visitors around campus. They will include a JANUS designed static map, event/class schedule and coordinating room numbers for each of the class locations. Several 19-inch screens, will serve as individual room boards outside each meeting space, showcasing the ongoing event with the capability to also include an upcoming event and other multimedia files. The system will interface with Envision, the University’s event management software, to create instant updates, providing visitors and guests with the most current information.

McDonald’s Corporation selected JANUS Displays from an extensive list of vendors, to create a network of unique displays throughout the facility, making it easier for students to navigate around campus, while also providing them with high-end digital displays that will improve visitor/student satisfaction and drive home the McDonald’s brand standards.

Sharon Morrow, President of Morrow Technologies and founder of JANUS Displays said, “We’re excited about the relationship we’ve built with McDonald’s Corporation, and look forward to taking on this project. Not only will the JANUS digital signage system provide another level of cohesiveness to the facility, through our uniquely developed wayfinding tools, it will further enhance the branding efforts of a global company.”

Located in Oak Brook, Illinois, Hamburger University’s Training Headquarters provides advanced training and leadership skills to individuals within the McDonald’s Corporation. The campus, situated on 80-acres of land, consists of 13 teaching rooms, a 300-seat auditorium, 12 interactive education team rooms, three kitchen labs and multiple service training labs. Every year, the University hosts approximately 5,000 students.

On April 26, 2011, Hamburger University will debut their custom JANUS digital signage network to CSI Chicago Members, as they learn more about LEED Certifications by participating in the “Becoming Platinum LEED EB-McDonalds Headquarters Presentation & Tour”. In early 2009, McDonald’s Corporation received Platinum Certification for the COB under the USGBC’s LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System.

With 26 years of experience in the industry, JANUS Displays provides clients with innovative digital signage solutions that far exceed industry standards. The privately owned company maintains a client base of 2,500 worldwide, serving a multitude of industries. The JANUS philosophy of One System, One Call provides clients with complete turnkey digital signage systems, making them the premier provider of digital signage systems. More information about Morrow Technologies and their JANUS Displays product line can be found online at www.janusdisplays.com.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Cryptera, a world-leading provider of secure payment solutions, hereby announces the launch of an outdoor payment terminal focused on providing a more cost-effective unattended payment option for manufacturers of transaction kiosks, drive thru applications, ticketing machines and more.

The Cryptera UPT 7000 is a rugged point-of-sale terminal designed for outdoor use, ultimate security and payment processing efficiency. The integrated device allows customers to insert their card, view a secure display message and securely input their PIN numbers all on a single unit.

The significant growth in debit card transactions is leading to increased demands for PIN entry of the card holder.

Traditionally in the U.S., manufacturers of devices that require unattended payment have used modular payment solutions consisting of separate displays and card reader devices with no need for PIN entry. The cost of integrating the devices and performing repairs to individual pieces can often be costly and the approach also lends itself to security concerns, such as an increased chance of card skimming and data theft by fraudsters able to break into the unit. 

The Cryptera UPT 7000 helps to solve many of those security and cost issues by providing a solution that combines End-to-end Encryption and the necessary components of an unattended payment system into one solid unit designed for high traffic and usage in an outdoor setting.  In addition the UPT 7000 is certified and compliant to PCI security standards and prepared for International EMV transactions with use of chip card and PIN code.

“Unattended payment deployers, such as gas stations, must promise their customers the highest level of security when they input their personal payment information and the UPT 7000 goes a long way towards supporting that promise,” says Brian Schleisner, Senior Manager of Cryptera. “Its cost-effectiveness helps everyone all the way up the supply chain.”

The UPT 7000 is ruggedly built, with a gray polymer casing and is able to operate in temperatures as high as 150°F and as low as -91°F. A bright LCD screen, encrypting PIN pad and integrated card reader all in one ergonomic designed unit greatly improves the user experience.

The UPT 7000 is currently seeing success in:

•     Ticketing kiosks
•     Drive thrus
•     Pay-at-the pump services
•     Gaming kiosks
•     Parking venues
•     Carwashes
•     Chargers for electrical vehicles

The UPT 7000 will be shown and demonstrated at two upcoming industry events.

Customer Engagement Technology World
The event for customer engagement strategies, solutions and ROI through digital media. The event will take place April 27-28, 2011, at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Calif. Cryptera will be featured in booth 539.

Electronic Transactions Association 2011 Annual Meeting and Expo
Merchant acquirers, financial institutions, processors, alternative payment providers, value added resellers, prepaid companies and merchant sales teams come together for the most diverse and comprehensive show in the payment industry. The event will take place May 10-12, 2011 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Calif. Cryptera will be featured in booth 1335.

About Cryptera

Cryptera is a fast-growing subsidiary of the Nets Group, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and is a world-leading provider of secure payment solutions and supplies to some of the largest global manufacturers of ATMs and petrol pumps. With more than 1,000,000 payment solutions in use across the globe, Cryptera has proven and tested international experience within the global payment industry and has more than 25 years experience in providing high-security payment solutions worldwide. http://www.cryptera.com

Explosive growth with a 51 percent compound annual growth rate for the past five years is fueled by success in the federal, medical and enterprise markets.

MONTREAL and CHICAGO — Haivision, a leading provider of the most advanced video networking, digital signage, and IP video distribution solutions, today announced that 2010 represented yet another record-breaking year for the company. Haivision realized a 45 percent increase in revenue over 2009. Its remarkable growth was driven by the release of market-focused solutions and the expansion of its worldwide sales, support, and engineering teams.

"Despite the continued financial challenges facing the industry, Haivision has leveraged its unique technology, exceptional personnel, and market-focused strategy to realize an astonishing 51-percent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the past five years, including its 13th consecutive EBITDA-positive quarter," said Mirko Wicha, president and CEO of Haivision. "We have seen accelerated adoption of our products and solutions in both new and established markets. We are a high-growth and profitable company, and we look forward to continued success as 2011 unfolds."

In 2010, Haivision was once again ranked among the Deloitte Technology Fast 50™, a ranking of the 50 fastest growing technology companies in Canada. The company's growth has been supported by its strategic focus on the medical, enterprise, and education markets, with a special emphasis on the federal and military sectors. Haivision has significantly expanded its U.S. federal team with federal sales now representing 35 percent of the company's revenue. The company continues to expand its field operations to address global markets, recently doubling the size of its European team.

Also in 2010, Haivision released industry-leading solutions for recording and distributing rich media assets with metadata to all platforms, including mobile devices, desktops, and set-top-box appliances. In addition, Haivision received a patent for its "zero footprint" InStream™ soft player, a primary enabler of the company's Furnace™ IP video system.
The acquisition of CoolSign, a veteran player in the digital signage market, in November 2010 put Haivision in the unique position of being able to deliver solutions that combine intelligent video with graphics and data and enable easy, secure delivery to any desktop, display, digital frame, or mobile device.

Haivision has three main engineering offices in Montreal, Chicago and Beaverton, Ore. These geographically distributed offices work collaboratively using the Scrum agile development process, relying on Haivision's own Mako™ "always-on" HD telepresence codec systems and high-quality network connections to provide true-to-life video communications.
Information about Haivision products and solutions is available at www.haivision.com.    

About Haivision Network Video

Haivision delivers advanced technology for streaming, recording, managing, and distributing secure IP video and interactive media within the enterprise, education, medical/health care, and federal/military markets. Haivision is a private company based in Montreal and Chicago with a global sales and support organization distributing its products through value-added resellers, system integrators, distributors, and OEMs worldwide.

Unique digital signage network utilizes cutting-edge technology to engage seniors and provide them with important educational information.

MONTREAL — X2O Media, a full-service provider of software, network management, and content services for professional digital signage applications, today announced that its Xpresenter™ Xe dynamic digital signage solution is powering the Age.Net senior health and wellness digital delivery system at the Parkway Senior Center in Utica, New York, part of the Oneida County Office for Aging & Continuing Care. With Xpresenter Xe, Age.Net is able to provide important information on nutrition, chronic disease self-management, health care planning, and much more to seniors. The solution also keeps seniors up to date with real-time weather and news tickers.

Installed by VIZIONefx, a New York based provider of digital communications and content delivery systems, Age.Net provides visitors to the Parkway Senior Center with a specialized channel for important educational content. Currently, Xpresenter Xe is powering one screen in the center's main gathering area, with plans to incorporate screens in all lounges, facility-wide. The Parkway Senior Center, part of the Parkway Community Center for all ages, is a pilot site for what will be a digital signage network that spans several senior centers, daybreak facilities, and Office for Aging & Continuing Care senior community outreach locations. This will allow sites to share information easily, providing significant cost savings while engaging seniors through a centralized platform.

"For the Office for Aging & Continuing Care, flexibility in content scheduling was a major requirement for Age.Net. Too much information on the screen at one time can be overwhelming to senior viewers, so they needed a digital signage solution that made it simple to segment content," said Matt Oswalt, President of VIZIONefx. "We chose the Xpresenter Xe Dynamic DS solution because it provides this flexibility with robust scheduling features, making it very easy to schedule content so that it is conveyed and received in the right way, allowing it to resonate fully with seniors. Currently, we are managing content, but it will ultimately be a shared responsibility, with the Office for Aging & Continuing Care uploading content through X2O's easy-to-use Web portal."

"Age.Net is a unique project that utilizes cutting-edge digital signage technology to engage seniors. The system went live on February 25, and the response has been overwhelming. In a short time, it already is proving to be a fun and important resource for seniors that they are very excited about," said Dr. Kathleen Bishop, Consultant on Aging for the Oneida County Office for Aging & Continuing Care. "The system will only grow more valuable with time as the network expands and also incorporates inter-generational and cross-network connections for a focus on lifespan aging. We are very excited to work with VIZIONefx and X2O Media to bring its benefits to people of all ages across the county."

Available in three cost-effective versions, Xpresenter Xe is a professional digital signage system for users who don't require the full range of features found in X2O Media's enterprise Xpresenter digital signage platform. Powered by X2O's exceptional graphics-rendering technology, the Dynamic DS edition displays high-resolution videos and images, 3D animated logos, crawling tickers with real-time news and weather, and real-time alerts for emergencies or other announcements. Any day-to-day updates to the on-screen content can be made quickly and easily via a Web-based control screen.

More information about Xpresenter Xe and other digital signage solutions from X2O Media is available at www.x2omedia.com.   

About X2O Media

X2O Media is a full-service provider of software, network management services, and content services for professional digital signage and corporate communication applications. The company offers a wide variety of software solutions for digital signage and interactive networks of all sizes. X2O's award-winning Xpresenter™ provides an end-to-end platform for the creation, management, and distribution of content at broadcast quality, and at a fraction of the time of other solutions. In addition to technology, X2O offers content design, acquisition, management, distribution, and monitoring services for digital signage networks. More information about X2O Media is available at www.x2omedia.com.

All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

signagelive enhancements include multiple languages, cross-platform, cross-browser support and powerful new Layout Designer to demo at CETW.

signagelive’s newest software tools let digital signage network operators work in the language of their choice and across any browser or mainstream operating system, and also introduces powerful new content development and playback tools. The UK-based company – among the fastest growing in the digital signage sector – will be showcasing these and other enhancements from its Spring 2011 software release at the upcoming Customer Engagement Technology World (www.cetworld.com) trade show in San Francisco, April 27-28.

The multi-lingual user interface means digital signage network operators are no longer restricted to running software developed only in the English language. Using language packs, signagelive users can choose their native language – Spanish, for example – in the web browser settings and then have the full content management system delivered in the selected native tongue.

“We think multi-lingual support is tremendously important when you get down to the local site administration of networks, where the level of English skills may not be as high as at a main office,” explains Remote Media CEO Jason Cremins. “Our language support will auto-detect the locale of the computer and present the native language in the signagelive interface.”

signagelive now has full cross-browser and operating system support, meaning network managers are not restricted by devices and operating systems in managing or running their networks.

The spring 2011 release upgrades signagelive’s Layout Creator to a fully functional Layout Designer, bringing the power of professional-class photo editing suites to digital signage.  The new toolset includes the type of layering, sizing, alignment and other design tools usually reserved for standalone software applications. The Layout Designer also includes template layouts, a library of background images, and enhancements for handling and presenting fonts and RSS feeds.

Interactive features have also been added or enhanced. Designing locally triggered interrupts to media playback (for example, from touch screens or mechanical buttons) has been simplified. A new QR code widget has been added, allowing network operators to build the 2D bar codes into screen layouts and encourage mobile phone users to scan the codes for offers or further information. signagelive has also developed its own tools for visualizing social media feeds from platforms such as Twitter and Foursquare.

“Those are the highlights, but there are a host of other tweaks within signagelive that our team has made to raise usability and performance even higher,” adds Cremins. “We’re happy to get this release out to our clients, but we’re already hard at work on our plans for our Summer 11 release, which will add yet more features and tools.”

The Customer Engagement Technology World show is April 27-28 at the Moscone Convention Center in central San Francisco. signagelive is at booth 805 and will be demonstrating real-world solutions being used by partners such as Denver-based PingHD (www.pinghd.com), whose clients include AT&T Park, home of Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants.

signagelive is also supporting show communications by providing the management and distribution for content running on 10 screens around the show floor and entry points, using 46-inch LCDs provided by Samsung, Advantech 303 media players and Walsh Wireless broadband.

Cremins is scheduled to speak at the show, as part of a session on “Understanding the Landscape of Customer Engagement Technology.”

Just for the trade show, signagelive has a special offer – in conjunction with Advantech – for an Advantech ARK-DS303P media player with 12 months of signagelive services for $500. The offer is limited to the first 10 customers, and one per company.

Remote Media’s signagelive® is an open standards, web-based digital signage platform designed to support anything from small private corporate networks to large enterprise networks with 1,000s of end-points. The UK’s Digital Signage Manufacturer of the Year in 2009, Remote Media has a global reputation for making effective use of emerging web services and media technologies to provide a platform that is current, flexible and highly affordable.

About Remote Media Group

signagelive® is a product of Remote Media Group, a limited company based in Essex, England. signagelive® has a large, fast-growing and diverse client base of clients, globally, that covers everything from small businesses to major retail banners like Harrods and Thomson (TUI Travel). We’re known for innovation – leading the sector in the adoption of new technologies and standards – as well as for a solution that offer enterprise-grade capabilities and support at entry-level pricing.

About signagelive

At signagelive, we embrace steadily emerging and evolving technology to provide our customers with a digital signage software platform that reliably, efficiently runs even the largest retail networks. We win awards and repeat business for a solution that is relentlessly current, nimble and open, easy to use, and truly affordable.

We’re known for innovation – leading the sector in the adoption of new technologies and standards like SMIL, HTML5, Media RSS, social media and mobile, and extending the medium to corporate desktops and IPTV.

signagelive® is a brand of the Remote Media Group. Based in England, but operating globally, we have an already large, fast-growing and diverse client base that covers everything from small businesses to major retail banners like Harrods and Thomson (TUI Travel).

New Version of X2O Xpresenter™ vClips Powered by NITRO Graphics Platform

At CETW 2011, X2O Media will launch a new version of its Xpresenter™ vClips video kiosk powered by the company's next-generation NITRO graphics platform. With NITRO, the latest version of vClips combines new dynamic display capabilities, including a 3D video carousel that displays HD videos, with simple on-screen navigation.

The Xpresenter vClips video kiosk is a complete interactive video application that allows users to browse and play back video clips using a simple touch-screen interface. Ideal for any application requiring on-demand video playback, Xpresenter vClips combines the highest quality HD video and graphics output with simple and flexible management tools. The adaptable solution features unlimited categories and expandable video storage, support for popular video formats, and the ability to customize categories. For X2O's customers, it offers simple setup and configuration as well as a comprehensive logging of all user interaction.

Providing unparalleled performance and exciting new display possibilities for vClips, X2O Media's NITRO graphics platform combines stunning graphics and real-time animations with powerful features such as an innovative Channel-in-Channel™ capability for a virtually unlimited number of overlapping channel layers, and integrated 3D support for the creation of 3D objects and tickers. Representing an evolutionary leap in digital signage graphics, the platform is bolstered with support for multitouch touch-screens and for any resolution output — from single screens to giant multiscreen command centers and video walls.

Installed as a standalone application, or combined with X2O Media's Xpresenter server, customers can choose to manage vClips' video content locally with drag-and-drop ease, or choose to integrate it with X2O's Web portal for building and managing a multilocation network, as well as receive remote monitoring and support from X2O's network operations center. The latest version of vClips is ideal for corporate training, retail product showcases, information kiosks, movie theaters, music stores, video jukeboxes, and more.

X2O Media Twitter Cube

X2O Media will be providing its Twitter Cube powered by NITRO at the entrance of the CET World exhibit hall so that attendees can keep up with 'tweet by tweet' updates on all things CETW. Follow @CETW and @X2OMedia on Twitter and use hashtag #CETW for all related show news.

About X2O Media

X2O Media is a full-service provider of software, network management services, and content services for professional digital signage and corporate communication applications. The company offers a wide variety of software solutions for digital signage and interactive networks of all sizes. X2O's award-winning Xpresenter™ provides an end-to-end platform for the creation, management, and distribution of content at broadcast quality, and at a fraction of the time of other solutions. In addition to technology, X2O offers content design, acquisition, management, distribution, and monitoring services for digital signage networks. More information about X2O Media is available at www.x2omedia.com.

All trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.
  

Interactive short throw projector mount revolutionizes interactivity: convert any projector and any projection surface into an interactive, scalable platform

Minneapolis, MN. USA - www.chiefmfg.com - Chief, the industry leader in professional AV mounting solutions, announces that its new Interactive Short Throw Mount is now available.

This revolutionary new solution integrates Chief’s award-winning Short Throw Projector Mount Line with eBeam™ Technology from Luidia, Inc., the global award-winning developer of interactive solutions. Existing whiteboards and writing surfaces are transformed into interactive platforms, with projection that can be scaled anywhere from 48"–94" diagonally, depending on your needs.

This is the latest solution in Chief’s extensive Short Throw Projector Mount series, an award-winning product line that was introduced in August 2009. The premiere option in the series, the new Interactive Short Throw Projector Mount features:

• Fast Installation: Quick-connect system, variable extension and innovative features make mount installation and registration quick and easy.
  
• Easy Integration: Simply install the eBeam interactive business or education software for Mac or PC, connect computer and projector, and you’re ready to go.
  
• Future-Proof: Chief’s award-winning short throw projector mount provides universal projector compatibility, and an easy upgrade path to better technology.
  
• Interactive Stylus: Lightweight, ergonomic stylus provides exceptional, real-time rendering capabilities. Includes optional wrist strap.
  
• Interactive Receiver: Interactive receiver powered by eBeam Technology adds interactive functionality to any projection-ready surface.

This new solution makes it easy for users to present, annotate and interact with projected content while capturing the results, which can be shared over the Internet for remote meetings. Powerful features, including a dynamic virtual whiteboard, desktop and web navigation, office productivity apps, and more, put the power of your PC at your command.
Existing Chief Short Throw Projector Mounts can be upgraded to include this interactivity by purchasing a WM2I Interactive Kit.

“We’re excited to be able to combine Luidia’s innovative interactive technology with our award-winning Chief short-throw projector mounts,” said Scott Gill, Milestone AV Technologies Chief Executive Officer. “By combining our easy-to-install short-throw mount solution with any compatible projector, we can make interactivity simpler and more affordable for educational and corporate applications.

The new Chief Interactive Mounts will work with standard projectors and both Windows® and Mac® computers and integrates seamlessly with existing applications.

About Chief

Chief, is a division of Milestone AV Technologies, has more than 30 years of proven product and service excellence. Committed to responding to industry needs in the Pro AV, Residential and Office markets, Chief offers a complete line of mounts, lifts, racks and accessories for TVs, displays, projectors and other AV components. With numerous product awards and patented designs, Chief provides unique mount features, and is recognized for delivering quality products and knowledgeable, helpful customer service. Milestone AV Technologies U.S., European, and Asia Pacific sales offices support a global network of Chief dealers. Distribution centers are located in Minnesota (US), California (US), Hong Kong, and the Netherlands. www.chiefmfg.com

About Luidia

Luidia creates interactive technology for capturing and sharing ideas. The company’s portable eBeam products transform flat surfaces into interactive and collaborative workspaces. Today, eBeam technology powers an ecosystem of interactive hardware and software for education, business and government. Luidia and its manufacturing partners’ products are in use on five continents and dozens of countries. The company is headquartered in the Silicon Valley. For more information, please visit: www.luidia.com or www.e-beam.com.

Copyright © 2011. eBeam is a registered trademark of Luidia. eBeam Edge and eBeam Engage are trademarks of Luidia. Chief is a trademark of Milestone AV Technologies. All rights reserved.

OLATHE, Kans. – Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE:IM) and Popstar Networks, an industry-leading digital media software and services company, today announced a distribution alliance for Popstar Networks’ advanced digital signage solutions. Through this relationship, select members of Ingram Micro’s U.S. network of value-added resellers (VARs), managed service providers (MSPs) and systems integrators will be certified and enabled to offer Popstar’s digital signage products for medium- to large-scale deployments.

“Today, organizations are looking for effective ways to reach consumers and target audiences at the point of presence or purchase. Increasingly, they recognize the value of contemporary passive and interactive digital signage networks as key components of their marketing and merchandising program,” said Jeff Xouris, vice president of marketing for Popstar Networks. “We’re pleased to collaborate with Ingram Micro to offer enterprise-class solutions that are expertly designed to meet complex content, data, and networking needs.”

Popstar’s entire line of digital signage products is now available through Ingram Micro U.S.

“The addition of Popstar Networks’ full line of digital signage solutions enhances our portfolio and provides our channel partners access to a robust, fully customizable solution set for medium- to large-scale deployments,” said Kevin Prewett, vice president, vendor management, Ingram Micro U.S. “Working together with Popstar, we’ve designed a go-to-market strategy and complementary partner enablement program that will help accelerate our channel partners success within the digital signage category and key vertical markets.”

Designed to meet the needs of clients in quick-service (QSR) and fast casual restaurants, multi-location retailers, and health care facilities, Popstar Networks digital signage solutions feature:

• Remote location management capabilities
• Easy content distribution and high-quality playback for almost any type of digital media format
• Robust content scheduling and asset management
• Proactive network monitoring and reporting
• User-based permission levels for dynamic control

Popstar Networks’ digital signage software solves the most complex technical aspects of enterprise-class network deployments, including: content and asset management, connectivity, systems integration, device management and data reporting. Additionally, these products feature robust, flexible, and easy to use functions, and integrate seamlessly with many 3rd party applications and existing backend or enterprise systems to provide key insights and an enhanced customer experience.

For more information about Popstar Networks products, visit www.popstarnetworks.com/products.

About Ingram Micro

As a vital link in the technology value chain, Ingram Micro creates sales and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique marketing programs, outsourced logistics services, technical support, financial services and product aggregation and distribution. The company serves approximately 150 countries and is the only global broad-based IT distributor with operations in Asia. Visit www.ingrammicro.com.

About Popstar Networks

Popstar Networks delivers advanced digital signage solutions that extend the power of traditional and digital marketing and merchandising programs on-site or in-store to help companies achieve more – more customer satisfaction, more control, more flexibility, and more results from their digital signage networks. Popstar Networks’ innovative solutions give organizations complete control to centrally manage rich content across multiple locations, easily integrate passive and interactive displays, and wirelessly network dozens or thousands of locations. For more information visit www.popstarnetworks.com or call (913) 747-6300.

NEW YORK & SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Meredith Corporation (NYSE:MDP) announced today an agreement between Meredith Video Studios, its multiplatform and branded-entertainment division, and Premier Retail Networks, Inc. (PRN), a global leader in digital place-based media services. Under this development and production services agreement, Meredith Video Studios and PRN will develop, create and produce custom video content that PRN will distribute to millions of shoppers in more than 4,500 retail and supermarket locations across the United States.

The agreement couples PRN’s proven expertise in developing effective content and messaging for unique in-store environments with Meredith Video Studios’ extensive production experience. Meredith Video Studios’ portfolio includes:

• “Better,” a 60-minute nationally syndicated daily women’s lifestyle show currently airing in more than 90 markets and 70 percent U.S. households, shot and produced in MVS’s new HD studios in New York City
  
• Broadband video network – BetterTV.com, Parents.com and MyFirstBaby.com; and
  
• Network quality branded-entertainment production capabilities including insight, ideation, strategy, production and distribution

“Meredith Video Studios has set the industry standard in delivering important information to consumers on multiple media platforms,” said Kieran Clarke, Executive Vice President of Meredith Video Studios. “Joining forces with PRN gives us a mass-reach distribution channel that provides the ability to interact with marketers and consumers in this exciting and emerging space outside the home.”

Meredith Video Studios and PRN will customize hosted how-to segments and scripted narrative vignettes that will air on PRN’s Checkout TV® and HDTV Networks at major retail locations. Video lengths will run from 30 seconds to two minutes, focusing on topics ranging from better living and wellness to parenting and entertaining. The videos will leverage Meredith’s home, shelter and parenting expertise, and will be based on content from Meredith’s expansive brand portfolio including Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, Family Circle, More, and Fitness magazines.

“This agreement with Meredith creates a great opportunity for marketers to sponsor engaging and highly relevant content in places where millions of people are actively making purchasing decisions every day,” said PRN Chief Sales Officer D. Scott Karnedy.

About Meredith

Meredith Corporation (www.meredith.com) is the leading media and marketing company serving American women. Meredith combines well-known national brands – including Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, Ladies' Home Journal, Family Circle, American Baby, Fitness and More – with local television brands in fast-growing markets. Meredith is the industry leader in creating content in key consumer interest areas such as home, family, health and wellness and self-development. Meredith uses multiple distribution platforms – including print, television, online, mobile and video – to give consumers content they desire and to deliver the messages of its marketing partners. Additionally, Meredith uses its many assets to create powerful custom marketing solutions for many of the nation's top brands and companies. Meredith has significantly added to its capabilities in this area through the acquisition of cutting-edge companies in areas such as digital, mobile, word-of-mouth, social and database marketing.

About Premier Retail Networks, Inc.

Premier Retail Networks, Inc. (PRN) provides digital place-based media services that enable retailers and marketers to reach consumers in more than 8,500 locations in the U.S. and Mexico. PRN works with leading retailers, advertisers, content and technology companies to create and deliver place-based media that engages, informs and motivates consumers where they shop, eat and socialize. PRN’s retail customers include Acme Markets, Albertsons, Associated Food Stores, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Costco, Jewel-Osco, Meijer, Pathmark, Sam’s Club, Shaw’s, ShopRite, Star Market, Target, Walmart Stores and Walmart Mexico. Through advertising sales relationships with Retail Entertainment Design and indoorDIRECT, PRN also represents the in-venue networks located in Fred Meyer and Fry’s Marketplace retail stores, and in a number of leading quick service restaurants. PRN’s programming alliances include major television networks and other media properties, as well as movie studios, record labels and magazine and newspaper publishers.

Deployer of the Year, Network Operator of the Year and Screenmedia Integration Award winners to be announced next week at Customer Engagement Technology World.

LOUISVILLE, KY - The Digital Screenmedia Association has announced the winners of its inaugural DSA Industry Excellence Awards, which honors the best digital signage, mobile and self-service kiosk technology deployments across all vertical market segments.

Best Entertainment/Gaming Deployment - Digital Signage
Project: SSL Digital Cinema
Client: Screencast (SSL)
Submitted by: Super Red

Best Government/Education/Non-Profit Agency Deployment – Digital Signage
Project: Vanderbilt University Library
Client: Anode
Submitted by: vislogix

Best Healthcare Deployment – Digital Signage
Project: Care Media Networks
Client: Care Media Holdings Corp.
Submitted by: EnQii
Also contributing: Saddle Ranch Productions

Best Restaurant/Food Service Deployment – Digital Signage
Project: Zippy's Digital Menu Boards
Client: Pacific Digital Signs
Submitted by: NEC Display Solutions

Best Retail Deployment - Digital Signage
Project: Rogers Feature Phones
Client: Rogers Communications Inc.
Submitted by: Cineplex Digital Solutions

Best Travel/Hospitality Deployment – Digital Signage
Project: Digital signage and interactive wayfinding
Client: Royal Caribbean International
Submitted by: Four Winds Interactive

Best Other Deployment (industry not listed) - Digital Signage
Project: iShowroom
Client: Chrysler Group, LLC
Submitted by: Wireless Ronin Technologies

Best Travel/Hospitality Deployment – Mobile
Project: Continental Airlines mobile application
Client: United Airlines
Submitted by: United Airlines

Best Entertainment/Gaming Deployment – Self-Service Kiosk
Project: Union Bank “Game Face”
Client: Union Bank
Submitted by: Inwindow Outdoor and Dentsu America

Best Government/Education/Non-Profit Agency Deployment - Self-Service Kiosk
Project: Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
Client: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
Submitted by: Float4 Interactive
Also contributing: Sensory Interactive, Zebra Dog, R2W, Christie Digital

Best Healthcare Deployment – Self-Service Kiosk
Project: SoloHealth Station
Client: SoloHealth, LLC
Submitted by: Frank Mayer & Associates

Best Retail Deployment - Self-Service Kiosk
Project: F i.d. o Pet Tag Engraving Kiosk
Client: PETCO
Submitted by: The Hillman Group
Also contributing: AtomDesign

Best Travel/Hospitality Deployment - Self-Service Kiosk
Project: B-Cycle Bike Sharing Kiosk
Client: B-Cycle
Submitted by: KIOSK Information Systems

Best Other Deployment – Self-Service Kiosk
Project: Smile Activated Vending Machine
Client: Unilever Holdings Italy
Submitted by: SapientNitro

“We were extremely proud of the high caliber of entries for our first year in launching the awards,” commented David Drain, DSA executive director. “As you review the award-winning entries and watch the videos on our website, you will discover innovative and effective uses of screen media technology for the benefit of the customers and the organizations that deployed them.”

Judges for the DSA Industry Excellence Awards included:
• Lyle Bunn, Strategy Architect, Bunn Co.
• Robert Porter, Founder & CEO, Euro Kiosks Network
• Sean Andersen, Director, Interactive Services, Six Flags Entertainment Corp.
• Sarah Bang, President/CEO, FSCC
• Randy Chancey, Manager, F&B Technology, Disney Parks and Resorts
• Greg Clore, Vice President, Information Technology, Dave & Buster's, Inc.
• Stephen Kendig, Senior Vice President, SoloHealth
• Jeremy Lockhorn, VP, Emerging Media, Razorfish
• Faith MacPherson, Director, HRIS Transactional Services, Avery Dennison
• Jared Miller, Managing Director - Self-Service & Emerging Technology, United Airlines
• Marshall Millikan, Lead Program Manager, AT&T Mobility
• Alex Richardson, Managing Director, Selling Machine Partners
• Janet Webster, President, Creative Solutions Consulting
• Sean Whiffen, Co-Founder, AutonetTV

Award winning entries, including videos and judges’ commentary can be viewed at www.digitalscreenmedia.org/2011-award-winners.

The winners of the three final categories, Industry Deployer of the Year, Network Operator of the Year and the Screenmedia Integration Award, will be announced April 27 at the beginning of the Opening Keynote Session at Customer Engagement Technology World, taking place at the Moscone Center North in San Francisco.

AOpen Computer BV Europe and MMD, the company behind Philips branded public signage solutions, announce the availability of the bundled pack that was announced earlier this year.
 
All-in-One Smart Insert Solution

•     Philips BDL4230E 42 inch Smart Insert LCD Display
•     AOpen Digital Engine DE7000
•     Accessory kit: cable (C14 to C5) and bracket

Bundled Package SKU 491.ADE00.70L0

The exciting hardware combination offers customers a complete tested and certified digital signage platform, providing customers with a reliable and open hardware solution.

Deliver your message in the most demanding applications with the stylish 42" Smart Insert LCD display of Philips Public Signage and the reliable AOpen Digital Engine DE7000 player for High Definition Digital Signage. Whether used in a network environment, a tiled matrix set up or as a single public display, your audience will be astonished.

The Smart Insert in the rear panel of the display provides space for the Digital Engine to be mounted with a small bracket. The Digital Engine can be used to store and manage all media content, with no increase to the overall depth of the display, keeping them as sleek and narrow as possible.

The benefit of this all-in-one tested and certified system is that upgrades can be done easily, whether changing the display or the player, making for a cost effective solution.

“We are now offering a total hardware solution for Digital Signage and vertical market integration which is easy to install and reliable. With the inclusion of the Smart Insert bracket and cabling solution, all a customer needs to do is add software and content,” according to Marc Janssen, Business Development Manager Solutions AOpen Computer BV Europe.

Availability starts now. Please contact your regional AOpen sales contact for further enquiries and participating AOpen distributors. Contact phone: +31736466400.

About AOpen

AOpen, Inc. has more than 15 years of IT hardware manufacturing experience along with keen insights into IT industry trends that help drive the growth of AOpen. As the leading manufacturer, of ultra small form factor digital signage media player solutions world-wide, AOpen keeps expanding its products and services for digital signage and other vertical application markets. With in-depth market knowledge AOpen can offer advice for complete digital signage platform solutions. AOpen cooperates with its global value added channel network to go to market.

New C-Series Duo Delivers 19-Inch and 22-Inch Wide-Aspect Ratio Display Options for Bigger, Brighter Retail POS and POI Performance

Harrisburg, PA. – TE Connectivity today introduced the Elo TouchSystems C-Series, the latest addition to its all-in-one touchcomputer portfolio for retail point-of-sale, countertop product demonstration and customer information systems.  The new C-Series broadens TE’s Elo TouchSystems all-in-one line-up with two new screen sizes – 19-inch and 22-inch in HD widescreen format – while leveraging the same quality, performance and durability of its popular B-Series and D-Series touchcomputers.

C-Series: Expanding All-in-One Touchcomputer Options

The new C-Series features a 16:9 aspect ratio high definition widescreen display, providing never-before-seen HD interactivity for exquisite POI and POS clarity and resolution. Designed as a seamless expansion of the popular B-Series portfolio, the new C-Series combines versatility, processing power and screen durability with an expansive scope of configuration options and multiple form-factors, including the Elo TouchSystems zero-bezel product design for a sleek, modern, edge-to-edge look as well as easy cleaning and maintenance. 

Rugged, highly configurable and stylishly packaged, the C-Series offers System Integrators, Value-Added Resellers (VARs) and Software Developers an expanded selection of all-in-one touchcomputing options for the development of point-of-sale (POS), point-of-information (POI) and point-of-service applications. Designed with flexibility, performance, connectivity, serviceability, access to key components and processing power in mind, the C-Series can be incorporated into most desktop or countertop touch display applications including customer loyalty systems, internet access sites, digital signage and even hospitality and home automation and control.
“The C-Series offers developers a rare combination of performance and choice of configuration – all wrapped into a functional, stylish and compact design,” said Bradley Verona, Elo TouchSystems product manager. “This addition to TE’s portfolio of Elo TouchSystems all-in-one touchcomputers underscores our commitment to providing touch solutions that meet any application demand in every possible environment.”

A full range of standard connectivity ports allows for seamless integration with most legacy or new installation environments, and the support of standard, low-profile PCI-E expansion cards enables a wide range of customisation options to meet most connectivity needs. Common peripherals, accessories and system architecture allow for a common system image between POI and POS hardware. The support of existing B-Series peripherals enable customers to leverage their current IT investments as well as allow for common/interchangeable peripherals between POI and POS systems.

The C-Series offers a choice of three industry-leading touch product technologies to meet the specific needs for virtually any environment including:

•     AccuTouch (Zero-Bezel Resistive)
•     IntelliTouch Plus (Multi-touch Surface Acoustic Wave)
•     iTouch (Zero-Bezel Surface Acoustic Wave)

Engineered for flexibility, the C-Series also offers optional memory and storage configurations, as well as scalable levels of computing power for added capacity and increased reliability, including:

•     Cool and Quiet C2 fan-less Intel Atom Dual-Core 1.66 GHz processor
•     Performance Ultra C3 fan-cooled Intel Core 2 Duo 3.0 GHz processor
•     Up to 4GB RAM and a 2nd hard drive option for expanded storage or RAID configuration

The Elo TouchSystems C-Series touchcomputers are available either without an operating system or with Windows POSReady 2009 or Windows 7 operating systems. Models with the IntelliTouch Plus product technology and Windows 7 operating system support multi-touch functionality. All models support single-finger gestures when using the Windows 7 operating system.

About TE Connectivity

TE Connectivity is a global, $12.1 billion company that designs and manufactures over 500,000 products that connect and protect the flow of power and data inside the products that touch every aspect of our lives. Our nearly 100,000 employees partner with customers in virtually every industry—from consumer electronics, energy and healthcare, to automotive, aerospace and communication networks—enabling smarter, faster, better technologies to connect products to possibilities.
 
About TE Touch Solutions

TE Touch Solutions, a global leader in touchscreen technology, develops, manufactures, and markets a complete line of touch screens, touch monitors, and all-in-one (AiO) touch computers under the Elo and TE brands.  Backed by over 40 years of touch experience and with multiple touch technology options, including surface acoustic wave (SAW), resistive, surface capacitive, projected capacitive, acoustic pulse recognition (APR), infrared (IR), and multi-touch, TE and Elo touch products are available for diverse applications in retail, point-of-sale (POS), kiosk, medical, industrial, hospitality, transportation, automotive, mobile and gaming markets. Visit www.elotouch.com  or call +32 16 352100 for more information.

AccuTouch, Elo, Elo TouchSystems, IntelliTouch, iTouch, TE Connectivity, TE connectivity (logo) and TE (logo) are trademarks of the TE Connectivity family of companies. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Digital Signage Today has published its "Digital Signage Future Trends 2011" report, a 49-page research document that distills the results of a survey of 250 digital signage professionals on trends affecting the industry – and compares those survey results to similar questions posed two years ago.

The report also includes commentaries from digital signage industry luminaries Brian Ardinger (Nanonation), Jose Avalos (Intel Corp.), Lyle Bunn, Jeff Collard (Omnivex), Lawrence Dvorchik (CETW), Paul Flanigan, Ken Goldberg (Real Digital Media), Steve Gurley (Symon), Keith Kelsen, Scott Sharon (Vertigo Group USA) and Graeme Spicer (NEC).

Among the trends identified in the report are a large growth in the number of people reporting budgets for digital signage in excess of $100,000, and an increased emphasis on mobile technology and its ramifications for the industry.

An executive summary of the report is available at no charge here, and the complete report can be downloaded here.

Posted courtesy of www.DigitalSignageToday.com

ADFLOW Networks Inc. has been awarded a spot on the prestigious 2011 Branham300 list for the ‘Next 50 Canadian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Companies’.

Toronto, Ontario – Every year the Branham Group announces their annual list of the top 300 Canadian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Companies and ADFLOW Networks has been included in the 2011 edition of the Branham300.

ADFLOW Networks Inc. will be appearing in the April/May edition of Backbone Magazine on the ‘Next 50 Canadian ICT Companies’ list in addition to the overall Branham300 listing. Backbone Magazine is distributed across Canada with the Globe and Mail.

“We are very excited and honoured to be part of this year’s Branham300 list,” said Katelyn Minaker, manager of marketing and communications for ADFLOW Networks. “Everyone at ADFLOW has worked very hard to get where we are today and being recognized as one of the ‘Next 50 ICT companies in Canada’ is a fantastic achievement for us.”

The Branham Group officially released the 2011 Branham300 list on April 5th and can be viewed on their website at http://www.branhamgroup.com.

About the Branham Group

Branham Group is a leading "Go to Market" consultancy, exclusively focused on the technology sector. Branham Group assists firms in the three critical areas to improve business performance: planning, marketing, and partnering. Branham is committed to delivering innovation by shaping data, intelligence and knowledge into focused analysis, breakthrough advice and thought leadership.

About ADFLOW Networks

Established in 2000 as a pioneer in the digital signage industry, ADFLOW Networks has been providing award winning solutions around the development, deployment, and management of passive and interactive digital media networks. All of ADFLOW’s digital signage networks are powered by ADFLOW’s Dynamic Messaging System™.

Headquartered in Burlington, ON, Canada with U.S. offices in Chicago, IL and Philadelphia, PA, ADFLOW has grown to become one of North America’s largest digital signage and interactive kiosk network providers.

CHATSWORTH, California – Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc. (“Provision”), a subsidiary of Provision Holding (OTCBB:PVHO), announced today that it has enhanced the capability of its 3D holographic display platform by incorporating the very latest in Quick Response (QR) mobile code technology. QR technology can be used to disseminate more information about products and services to consumers quickly inside the retail store environment. This initiative makes Provision the first 3D digital media company to utilize barcode technology to disseminate real time information on products and services to customers.

Quick Response (QR) Codes are mobile, readable bar codes that can store phone numbers, URLs, email addresses and all other types of alphanumeric data. Simply encode a URL into the QR Code and then point a mobile phone (or other camera-enabled mobile) at it. If the device has had QR Code decoding software installed on it, it will fire up its browser and go straight to that URL. But it doesn't stop there - a QR Code can also contain a phone number, an SMS message, V-Card data or just plain alphanumeric text, and the scanning device will respond by opening up the correct application to handle the encoded data appropriately.

“We are excited to announce the integration of this new technology with our 3D platform, as we continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” said Provision CEO Curt Thornton. “Traditional advertising cannot accurately measure consumers’ interaction with a brand or publisher. With 3D and our QR codes, clients can easily measure consumer interaction, allowing our clients to make immediate changes to their campaigns. This technology can significantly increase advertising ROIs.”

With the integrated technologies, consumers can now interact with a floating 3D hologram, and use their mobile phones to scan a code to get more information, to see the product from another viewpoint, and even to print a coupon.

About Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc.

Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of the publicly traded company Provision Holding, Inc. (OTCBB: PVHO), is the leading purveyor of intelligent interactive 3D holographic display technologies, software, and integrated solutions for both commercial and consumer focused applications.

Provision's 3D holographic display systems represent a revolutionary technology that provides the projection of full color, high resolution videos into space detached from the screen, without any special glasses. Provision is the recipient of the 2010 Frost & Sullivan 3D Holographic Display Product of the Year Award.

Provision is currently the market leader in true 3D consumer advertising display products being implemented by innovative, consumer-focused Fortune 1000 companies.

For more information, please visit Provision at www.provision.tv.

Tel Aviv, Israel, – C-nario, a global provider of digital signage software solutions, announced that the National Bank of Greece (NBG) has selected the company’s digital signage platform, C-nario Messenger, for its new, pioneering i-bank concept store. Panou S.A. (www.panou.gr), a Greek company specialized in audiovisual equipment and projects, served as the prime contractor and project designer and integrator.

Located in Athens, the NBG i-bank store is a multi-purpose electronic banking venue that presents the entire range of i-bank services, such as Internet banking, phone banking, mobile banking and ATM. Visitors have the opportunity to explore, either unassisted or with the support of the specialized i-bank store team, the performance of their daily banking transactions in a fast and simple way. This is the first of NBG's three concept stores. The other two will be established in Thessaloniki.

The digital signage network includes 16 screens (including three touch screens) and five projectors. The displays show educational and promotional videos about NBG’s i-banking services, as well as entertaining content, creating an exciting atmosphere. Twelve of the screens are arranged in a row at portrait orientation, enabling the display of synchronized content on multiple screens, as a single, fully integrated, homogeneous display element, resulting in an amazing and innovative visual effect.

The touch screens, located in a special interactive area, enable visitors to experience i-banking services and play interactive games directly on the screens. Five projectors have been installed, including two that project digital content on the floor at the entrance.
 
“The innovative digital signage displays help the NBG i-bank store demonstrate the concept and possibilities of e-banking, while creating a high impact and unique customer experience,” said Ioanna Katzilieri, assistant general manager of retail banking at NBG. “The i-bank store is a key component in NBG’s initiative to enhance digital literacy in Greece, further positioning the bank as a leader in innovation and modern banking services."

“Digital signage has become an important element in modern banking, allowing a more effective customer experience and communication,” said Tamir Ginat, C-nario’s CEO. “It is only natural that digital signage has been chosen by NBG as a primary means to raise public awareness to the tremendous potential and benefits of e-banking.”

C-nario Messenger is a complete digital signage display, distribution and management software platform that provides better-than-broadcast quality playback in any shape, size and resolution. C-nario Messenger is characterized by its superb multi-display playback engine, as well as its advanced management, monitoring and control tools. In addition, the system is based on open architecture, which makes it easy to customize and adapt to different needs. The system’s innovative content creation tools easily help to create displays and cut costs.

About C-nario

C-nario is a global industry leader providing corporations and organizations worldwide with advanced digital signage software solutions and applications. C-nario helps its clients attract customers, increase revenues and enhance branding. Focused on the customer's business needs and requirements, C-nario provides the industry’s most advanced digital signage capabilities with maximum Return-on-Investment (ROI). The company’s easy-to-use solutions are the product-of-choice for hundreds of customers, including Fortune 500 corporations, in a variety of industries: retail, banking, transportation, advertising and media, entertainment, sporting events and facilities, education, and telecom, among others. Through its global partners and international value-added resellers, C-nario has deployed its solutions in 40 countries. The company has offices in the United States, Europe, and Israel. For more information about C-nario visit www.c-nario.com.

 

CYPRESS, Calif. – “Surf’s up!” is not what you expect to hear on New York City’s Fifth Avenue, but the recently-opened midtown Manhattan Hollister store features a live video feed of surfers in Huntington Beach, California with the help of two Christie Spyder X20-0808 video processors and a Christie URS universal routing switcher. Hollister, the Southern California teen-inspired lifestyle brand from Abercrombie & Fitch, launched its second Manhattan store with its double-height glass storefront highlighting a surf motif. The company erected a giant wall consisting of 169 46-inch LCD displays stretching across the façade and over the front door.

“The monitors are mounted in portrait mode with virtually no mullions (vertical columns between the monitors) and offer a total pixel count of 7290 x 3360,” said Jeff Anderson of G-Force Engineering LLC, project integrator. “Two HD cameras in Huntington Beach feed live content to the video walls and are stitched together to spread a single image of the surf and surfers across the wall. We opted for dual cameras with a 15 percent screen overlap and resolution that is close to 4K."

“By adjusting the output in DVI format and pixel mapping to the monitor resolution we achieved a seamless integration between the Spyder X20s. We also utilized additional outputs to create monitoring feeds for the equipment room and in the store.”

Thanks to Spyder X20’s ability to blend multiple images together seamlessly, the signals from Huntington Beach can arrive separately with the Spyder X20 managing the blending and stitching. “If we lose a feed, we have the ability to stretch a single camera across the wall,” Anderson added. “The image quality the Spyder X20 provides is second to none. We looked at other processors, but the Christie product is the industry benchmark. That’s why we went with it.”

Inside the Hollister store, five additional video walls continue the illusion that shoppers are “in a shop on the Huntington Beach pier,” Anderson said. “The monitor walls are set up to look like windows, so where you look determines what you see – the right side of the pier, the left side of the pier, or the ocean and surfers coming straight toward you.”

The in-store video walls feature 40-inch and 52-inch LCD displays with mullions. “We place architectural elements over the mullions to make the video walls look like windows and the mullions like frames,” Anderson explained. The five walls include a 3 x 5 configuration with 52-inch monitors in the denim area, a 13 x 2 in the stairwell, 2 x 3 configurations at the north wall and south wall, and a 2 x 6 cash register wall. The in-store walls are routed from a single URS-0808; dual cameras with a 15 percent image overlap feed the three west-facing walls.

“Both the Spyder X20 and URS are very intuitive and the Christie staff helped us maximize each model’s capabilities for our needs,” Anderson concludes. “It was a pleasure to work with the director of application engineering, Victor Vettorello – he helped make set-up easier than we expected.”

About Christie®

Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world’s most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit www.christiedigital.com.

Key Systems is extending its Out Of Home Media Management software systems platform to the rapidly-expanding Digital Out Of Home sector through Digital Director, a fully integrated technology solution tuned to work seamlessly with signagelive’s digital signage software.

The integrated platform allows OOH media companies to handle from a single solution all the planning, management, reporting and billing for campaigns running on both conventional billboard and poster faces and networked digital screens.

Digital Director is being demonstrated for the first time the Outdoor Advertising Association of America/Traffic Audit Bureau national convention and trade show conference, April 11-13 in Miami Beach, Florida.

An extension of Key Systems’ Fusion and Quattro management platforms, which are used by many of the largest billboard and poster companies, Digital Director smoothly passes ad targeting and scheduling instructions directly from its “front-end” system to media playback devices running the web-based signagelive® digital signage software solution.

“We’ve made it completely seamless for users,” says signagelive® CEO Jason Cremins. “This is an important development because it removes duplications in both systems and effort. By working together, we’ve developed a solution that lets out of home companies easily make a steady transition from conventional to digital, without ever having to run separate systems.”

“The combination of signagelive® and Key Systems gives media owners absolute control of both their traditional and newer digital inventory from a single entry-point,” adds Ian Morris, clients service director at Key Systems. “There have been attempts to make standard out of home systems somehow work for digital, but this combined solution eliminates any compromises in the process or delivery.”

Digital Director is already being used by clients in North America and Europe, such as a network of poster faces and digital advertising screens now being effectively managed and monitored in the Glasgow subway system, operated by UK-based OOH firm PrimeSight. Digital Director is also now available to Key’s current clients in South America, China, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, and will be generally available to new clients in May.

signagelive® is an open standards, web-based digital signage platform designed to support anything from small private corporate networks to large enterprise networks that have thousands of end-points. signagelive® customers include the iconic Harrod’s department store and famed American sports franchises such as the St. Louis Rams and San Francisco Giants.

Attendees at the OAAA / TAB trade show will be able to see live demonstrations of Digital Director managing the complete booking life cycle for ad campaigns, from visual availability through delivering content to the signagelive® network of players, and ultimately to reporting and billing.

About Key Systems

Key Systems provides software solutions to the international marketplace to manage the full range of out of home products. Key is committed to investing in research and development to ensure our software stays relevant to the out of home business whilst using the most up to date and relevant software tools available. The company is privately owned in all markets, ensuring independence for decision making and investment.

About signagelive®

signagelive® is a product of Remote Media Group, a limited company based in Essex, England. signagelive® has a large, fast-growing and diverse client base of clients, globally, that covers everything from small businesses to major retail banners like Harrods and Thomson (TUI Travel). We’re known for innovation – leading the sector in the adoption of new technologies and standards – as well as for a solution that offer enterprise-grade capabilities and support at entry-level pricing.

Partnership Aims to Create End-to-End Solution to Propel Digital Out-of-Home Industry Growth

CHICAGO & COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NEC Display Solutions and DOmedia announced today the formation of a strategic partnership that creates an end-to-end solution for the challenges related to the buying and selling of digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising.

DOmediaTM Powered by VUKUNET allows for the efficient planning, buying, management and measurement of large DOOH advertising campaigns across many different DOOH networks. This new ability to scale and measure effectiveness of DOOH advertising during the life of a campaign addresses two of the last remaining obstacles to the widespread adoption of DOOH advertising.

According to PQ Media, the digital out-of-home ad medium is one of the fastest growing media in North America, with 18.1 percent compounded annual growth projected for the next four years. Advertising agencies have indicated a willingness to invest more money in DOOH, but first require the industry's adoption of standards in the areas of creative, ad serving, audience measurement and performance reporting.

DOmediaTM Powered by VUKUNET allows for the seamless integration of advertising agency and DOOH network activities from campaign planning through execution. The solution incorporates DOmedia’s web-based, front-end media search, planning and buying tools with NEC’s back-end VUKUNET technology, which provides comprehensive ad inventory management, ad campaign placement, tracking, measurement and reporting capabilities to display to media buyers. The combined solution is aimed at resolving issues with technology fragmentation by creating a standards-based solution that will benefit the entire DOOH market.

“The partnership with DOmedia will be the industry standard that will generate incredible growth in the DOOH industry,” said Pierre Richer, President and COO, NEC Display Solutions. “While the market matures, an open end-to-end solution will create value for both buyers and sellers by lowering operating expenses, increasing transparency and creating innovation like we’ve seen in the online and mobile advertising industries.”

Sue Danaher, President of the Digital Place-based Advertising Association (DPAA), said: “Companies like DOmedia and NEC coming together help to propel the overall industry and bring innovative products to market for buyers and sellers to choose from. The investment from companies like these is a true testament to the exciting future opportunities for the digital place-based industry.”

Among the benefits to media agencies and advertisers include an easier way to purchase and track DOOH media and a lower operational cost attributed to the buying process. DOOH network operators will benefit from technology integration through inventory management, ad delivery, collaboration with agencies, and increased revenue potential. VUKUNET’s unique approach allows the technology to work across many software platforms currently being used by network operators.

“One end-to-end solution from planning to execution for digital out of home advertising campaigns will enable advertising agencies to buy the medium on a larger scale more efficiently,” said John Muszynski, Chief Investment Officer, Starcom Mediavest Group. “This kind of technology innovation ultimately helps agencies effectively service clients and puts them at a competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

Rich Langdale, CEO of DOmedia, said: “The DOOH industry has a need for technology to solve a lot of problems with inefficiencies and standardization, and we are taking a step in the right direction. The open, end-to-end approach we are building with NEC will ultimately benefit both the media buyers and sellers. Everybody wins.”

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 monitors, commercial- and professional-grade large-screen LCD displays, a diverse line of multimedia and digital cinema 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, healthcare, education and digital signage. For additional information about NEC Display Solutions of America monitors, consumers can call (866) NEC-MORE, or visit the website at www.necdisplay.com.

About VUKUNET

VUKUNET, from NEC Display Solutions of America, is the engine that powers the digital out-of-home advertising business. VUKUNET is the only universal ad serving platform that drives ads to any digital out-of-home network, regardless of content management system. VUKUNET makes the buying, flighting and reporting of digital out-of-home ad campaigns easy. For additional information about VUKUNET, visit http://www.vukunet.com or call (877) 805-VUKU.

About DOmedia

DOmedia is the Out-of-Home Advertising Marketplace that simplifies the process of buying and selling media. Through its online platform, buyers and sellers can connect and do business more efficiently. The company product suite also includes a web-based planning and proposal platform for advertising agencies to efficiently plan and buy large out-of-home media campaigns. The company is privately funded and based in Columbus, Ohio. For more information and to do a free search, visit www.DOmedia.com.

TROY, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NEXTEP SYSTEMS, the leading provider of customer self order technology, recently added iPad Ordering to its automated ordering portfolio.

NEXTEP iPad Ordering provides restaurants, deli operators and other high-volume venues two new cost effective options: Self Order iPad kiosks and line-busting tablets. Running MyNextep, NEXTEP’s enterprise software, the iPad solutions seamlessly integrate with existing POS and backend systems.

NEXTEP's Self Order iPad is mounted in a secure, industrial-grade enclosure and mounted to the counter. Alternatively, the line-busting tablet option is mobile and includes a ruggedized enclosure with hand strap for employee use. Customers can order and pay at the NEXTEP iPad Kiosk, shortening lines, increasing check averages and providing additional order point options to guests.

“NEXTEP self order solutions reduce errors, remember customers’ previous order preferences, strengthen customer loyalty and significantly improve check averages through intuitive upselling,” said Tommy Woycik, president of NEXTEP SYSTEMS.

“The popularity of the iPad, as well as the iPhone and iPod Touch, has a lot of companies jumping on the self order bandwagon, as these devices offer new ways to engage the customer. Like every device they require best-in-class, intuitive and secure software to deliver an exceptional experience,” said Woycik. “After six years of focused self order solution development, NEXTEP’s software is proven to provide unparalleled functionality for self order devices.”

As a turnkey provider of self order solutions, NEXTEP provides enterprise software and industrial grade hardware, as well as installation, support and full integration to existing POS and backend systems. MyNextep software provides a single touchpoint for managing menu items and prices for kiosks, digital menu boards, online and mobile ordering.

About NEXTEP Systems

NEXTEP SYSTEMS based in Troy, Michigan, is a leading provider of automated ordering solutions for restaurants, casinos, airports, sporting venues, grocery stores, hotels and other high-volume venues. Founded in 2004, NEXTEP is the industry’s only turnkey provider of integrated software and hardware for self-order kiosks, online and mobile ordering, and Dynamic Digital Menu Displays™. For more information and product demonstrations, , 866-654-8730 or visit www.nextepsystems.com.

Performance Transcoding Platform Makes Real-Time Video Available for All Users Within the Enterprise and Military Markets

MONTREAL and CHICAGO — Haivision, a leading provider of the most advanced video networking, digital signage, and IP video distribution solutions, today announced that it will debut its Kraken Enterprise and Kraken ISR real-time low-latency transcoding solutions next week at the 2011 NAB Show. Optimized for high-efficiency, low-latency performance, the Kraken systems are an ideal solution for demanding video delivery applications within the education, enterprise, and military markets.

"Haivision clients need to get live media to any user, anywhere, and on any platform," said Peter Maag, executive vice president at Haivision. "The new Kraken transcoder meets this need with advanced and diverse technologies tuned to help our clients light up screens wherever and whenever required — with all the metadata handling, content protection, and low latency performance that Haivision solutions are known for."

The Kraken is offered in two formats: Enterprise and ISR. Both models include compression format conversion, media scaling, stream encryption, stream encapsulation, and stream replication capabilities. The Kraken Enterprise tames large, volatile IP video streams, such as those typical to digital video broadcasts, converting them into IP video streams that can easily be networked and formatted to reach all authorized users, whether via set-top box, desktop, or mobile device. The Kraken ISR addresses specific challenges within the military intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) segment, offering not only low latency, but also MISP compliant metadata handling.

The Kraken Enterprise enables Haivision's Furnace™ IP video system to deliver live HD digital broadcast content, which may only be available as MPEG-2 at bitrates up to 19.4 Mbps, as H.264 multicast with each stream output at the bit rate, resolution, frame rate, and other encoding parameters tuned specifically for network capacities and the receiving device capabilities. As a result, H.264 output streams tuned for set-top-boxes, desktop players, and mobile devices can, for example, be output at 6 Mbps, 2 Mbps, and 700 kbps, respectively.

The Kraken ISR supports MISP compliant metadata, accurately passing through critical KLV/CoT data that is essential when forwarding military mission information. The Kraken ISR also enables users to monitor the fully uncompressed signal stripping and injecting metadata as required by advanced ISR exploitation systems. Adhering to Haivision's fundamentals, the Kraken provides ultra low latency, real-time, transcoding.

"Haivision has been providing significant technology to U.S. federal clients, specifically supporting low latency H.264 encoding of live ISR assets with our Piranha™ and Makito Air™ systems," said Andy Vaughan, Haivision's vice president of U.S. federal markets. "Our customers are implementing end-to-end HD H.264 video, as both sensors and platforms are being upgraded. The Kraken ISR builds on our understanding of the challenges and our experience in contributing to mission success."

Information about Haivision products and solutions is available at www.haivision.com.   

About Haivision Network Video

Haivision delivers advanced technology for streaming, recording, managing, and distributing secure IP video and interactive media within the enterprise, education, medical/healthcare, and federal/military markets. Haivision is a private company based in Montreal and Chicago with a global sales and support organization distributing its products through value-added resellers, system integrators, distributors, and OEMs worldwide.

Faster, Pro-Active Management of Cinema Chain’s Signage Program Delivered by Christie Managed Services (CMS)

CYPRESS, Calif. – Rave Motion Pictures, the fifth largest chain of movie theaters in the United States, has more time to focus on innovation in cinema technology, optimizing seating plans and other operational aspects, resulting from a services alliance with Christie Managed Services (CMS).  A longtime user of Christie projectors, Rave is now entrusting CMS to service its entire Lobby Entertainment Network (LEN).

“As a large and decentralized operation, we were having a hard time finding a good outsourced provider for our digital signage needs,” said Brad Wardlow, vice president of operations for Rave Motion Pictures. “We have 61 locations in 21 states, and all too often outages resulted in inoperable displays in the common areas of our lobby and concession spaces, with the resultant repairs being expensive and taking a long time to complete. We needed find a worry-free solution so we could concentrate on our business, which is to deliver a total theater experience to our movie-patron customers.”

In addition to movie projectors, Rave provides a Lobby Entertainment Network (LEN) air show display over concession areas, more than 500 digital menu boards, LED way-finder signage, and extensive LED signage in its box offices. A previous provider had often used distant, non-local technicians, causing high travel and accommodation costs and longer time frames to service and support these products. In contrast, CMS created a one-stop, manageable strategy that addresses ongoing preventive maintenance as well as immediate attention to any problems.

“This solution makes total sense for us operationally, financially and aesthetically,” said Wardlow. “The only question we have been asking ourselves is ‘why did we take so long to make the decision?’ We’re getting faster service, more preventative/proactive management of our signage program, and all at lower costs.”

“Christie and Rave collaborated to identify sites, create inventories of assets and to develop a more planned, life-cycle approach to managing these assets, versus a reactive approach to emergencies,” said Sean James, vice president, Christie Managed Services. “The CMS approach is to provide a support strategy which minimizes the amount of down time and expense associated with deploying the technology cinema owners want to use. By leveraging our technology and national networks of people and parts, we are able to significantly improve the availability of displays and projection systems.

With expertise developed over 80 years serving the cinema industry, Christie Managed Services works with each customer to deploy, monitor and support their commercial displays. Christie’s U.S. Network Operation Center (NOC) offers 24/7/365 monitoring, technical help desk and configuration management and preventive servicing as well as on-site emergency response. The program serves hundreds of organizations in the cinema and other industries.

About Rave Motion Pictures

Rave Motion Pictures is the fifth largest U.S. domestic circuit by box office gross and number of screens. Since its founding by Thomas W. Stephenson, Jr. in 1999, Rave Motion Pictures has been dedicated to enriching the movie-going experience for audiences across the country. Rave Motion Pictures has set the industry standard for customer service and comfort and is a pioneer in the adoption of current digital and 3-D technology and a leader in alternative content programming from live sports to concerts to opera. For more information, visit www.ravemotionpictures.com.

About Christie®

Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP: 6925), is a leader in visual solutions for world-class organizations, offering diverse applications for business, entertainment, and industry. A leading innovator in film projection since 1929 and a pioneer in digital projection systems since 1979, Christie® has established a global reputation as a total service provider and the world's single source manufacturer of a variety of display technologies and solutions.  With the acquisition of Vista Controls Systems, Corp., Christie offers the most complete and advanced solutions for cinema, live venues, control rooms, business presentations, training facilities, 3D and Virtual Reality, simulation and education as well as industrial and government environments. For more information, visit www.christiedigital.com.

At this April's Customer Engagement Technology World in San Francisco, show organizers are taking a novel approach to gathering feedback from attendees, and helping out a good cause at the same time.

Working with Thumbspeak, CETW is offering a smartphone app (for iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices) that allows show attendees to take surveys about their experience at CETW. For every survey answered, Thumbspeak and CETW will donate 10 cents to the hunger relief organization Feeding America.

Attendees also can stop by the Thumbspeak booth (#639) to submit questions to all Thumbspeak users at CETW. Every time a submitted question gets answered, Thumbspeak and CETW will also donate 10 cents to Feeding America.

According to CETW, every dollar donated to Feeding America helps provide seven meals to men, women and children facing hunger in our country.

Click here for instructions and QR Codes for downloading the Thumbspeak app.

Posted courtesy of www.DigitalSignageToday.com

The World's Most Popular H.264 Low Latency Encoder Now Supports Zixi Quality HD Video Transport Services Over the Public Internet

MONTREAL and CHICAGO — Haivision, the leading provider of the most advanced video networking, digital signage, and IP video distribution solutions, today announced that it has collaborated with Zixi, LLC, to incorporate Zixi technology directly within low-latency Makito™ encoder and decoder HD H.264 appliances. Zixi enables broadcast-quality HD video transport over low-cost public Internet connections. Haivision's Makito is an ultra-compact, low-power, easy-to-set-up and deploy appliance that can now be ordered with Zixi ready™ capabilities.

"Zixi presents a very compelling solution for our media, house of worship, and enterprise clients," said Peter Maag, Haivision's executive vice president. "We collaborated with Zixi to support the Zixi technology directly within our Makito encoders after continual market success together. We have over 15 mutual client installations within the broadcast and church segments that benefit from this combined solution daily. Dramatically reducing monthly costs associated with HD content transmission opens our markets to a much broader audience."

The Makito/Zixi solution is ideal for electronic news gathering (ENG) where remote live sites do not have access to custom network or satellite services and lead times for breaking news stories are short. The solution is also ideal for connecting facilities over low-cost and readily available Internet connections, saving thousands of dollars every month compared with managed-performance network services.

Zixi overcomes IP transport challenges specific to video through advanced multimedia time synchronization and error recovery technology that accommodates the sometimes severe packet loss and end-to-end latency issues associated with the public Internet. Zixi also provides Internet services to distribute up to full HDTV (1080p/60fps) video to multiple destinations simultaneously, including Zixi ready Makito decoders and popular players with the Zixi Client™ software.

Zixi ready Makito and Barracuda encoders and Makito decoders are now available from Haivision. To enable video delivery and management with Zixi technology, customers can obtain licenses and services directly from Zixi, LLC.

Information about Haivision products and solutions is available at www.haivision.com and for the Zixi products at www.zixi.com. Visit Haivision and Zixi at the 2011 NAB Show.  

About Zixi, LLC

Founded in 2006, Zixi is the leading enabler of flawless, broadcast-quality HDTV over the cloud. Broadcasters, enterprises and video-on-demand services use Zixi to enrich user experience, create new services and significantly reduce costs. Zixi enables the delivery of live and on-demand HD video content over the Internet in real-time, with unprecedented quality. It is available as a plug-in for broadcasters, PCs, mobile devices and set-top boxes. Zixi ready™, Zixi Feed™, Zixi Cast™ and Zixi Client™ are trademarks of Zixi.

About Haivision Network Video

Haivision delivers advanced technology for streaming, recording, managing, and distributing secure IP video and interactive media within institutional, medical, and federal markets. Haivision's end-to-end solutions enable physicians to see into their operating rooms, consult with associates, and review cases; provide war fighters with real-time video combined with essential metadata; allow educators to record and share content and to deliver IPTV across campuses; connect churches and boardrooms with always-on HD communications; enable media producers to monitor broadcasts and stream real-time HD content; and allow organizations to control corporate and retail messaging globally.  

Save the Date!

See the sights of San Francisco from the best vantage point: the San Francisco Bay! On Tuesday, April 26, the night before Customer Engagement Technology World opens, join your fellow DSA members and CET World attendees for an evening harbor cruise aboard the California Hornblower. Large windows throughout provide spectacular views from every seat. Enjoy great food, California wines, music and conversation as we sail under the famous Golden Gate Bridge, near Alcatraz Island and around San Francisco as the city lights up.
Registration information will follow in the coming weeks.

DSA dinner cruise around San Francisco
Tuesday, April 26
6:30 – 9 pm

Affordable sponsorship packages are available. Please contact David Drain at (817) 914-6728 or .

City of Industry, California - Axiomtek is excited to announce the arrival of its first robust IP4X dust-proof digital signage player specifically designed for digital signage applications.  The DSB-300 features with IP4X-rated enclosure, Full HD hardware decoder, and Intel® AtomTM processor D525 1.8 GHz with 4GB DDR3 system memory support.  This standalone box is ready for use right out of the box and is a great solution when looking for a system that can withstand repeated usage and be exposed to dusty operating conditions.

The IP4X-rated dust proof enclosure prevents dust and dirt from entering the system so users can rest assure that the DSB-300 is durable and will run smoothly without interruption.  “DSB-300 is a great solution for users looking for a fast digital signage player that is easy to implement since this unit is ready for use out of the box” said Robert Wang, VP of Sales & Marketing of the Touch Panel Computer Business Unit at Axiomtek. “With the ease of use and the versatility to be wall mounted and/or encased into any space, makes the DSB-300 the ideal choice for operators looking for a dust-resistant, durable and reliable digital signage player.”

In addition to different sizes LCD for digital signage platforms, Axiomtek developed this compact and best cost per performance value player platform for system integrators. Additional features includes two 204-pin DDR3 memory up to 4GB, two PCI Express Mini Card for wireless LAN and a complete solution kit for system integrators. The I/O outlet consists of four Hi-speed USB 2.0 ports, one10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet port and one VGA connector.
The DSB-300 is available now. For more product information, please visit our website us.axiomtek.com or .

DSB-300 Main Features:

•   IP4X-rated dust-proof digital signage player with Full HD support
•   Hardware decoder delivering exceptional and smooth digital content display
•   Power-optimized Intel® AtomTM processor D525 1.8 GHz with two DDR3 memory up to 4GB
•   Supports two PCI Express Mini Card and one 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet
•   Complete solution kit for system integrators
•   AC power outlet for large size LCD
•   Supports wall mount

Pioneering alliance to bring mobile payments to the UK and around the world in the run up to and during London 2012

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung and Visa today announced plans to bring the latest innovation in payment technology to the market as part of their sponsorships of London 2012, enabling consumers to make mobile payments using the Samsung Olympic and Paralympic Games mobile handset. Before and during the Games, the innovation will transform the payment experience in London and globally, enabling faster, more convenient payments via mobile phone.

Samsung Electronics, the Worldwide Olympic Partner for Wireless Communications Equipment, and Visa, the Worldwide Olympic Partner and exclusive Payment Services sponsor are combining their sponsorship assets and leadership in technology to ensure that the Olympic and Paralympic Games mobile handset available to the general public will be equipped with technology that enables mobile payments, Near Field Communications (NFC) and Visa’s contactless payment technology. To make payments, customers simply select the Visa mobile contactless application, select pay and hold the phone in front of a contactless reader at the point of purchase.

Visa is working with banks and retailers worldwide to roll-out acceptance for Visa contactless cards, as well as mobile phones, as part of an industry wide roll-out of contactless technology. In London there are already more than 60,000 locations where contactless payments are accepted and contactless and electronic card payments will be available in the run-up to and during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With the momentum to commercialise mobile payments globally, consumers will be able to make mobile contactless payments in the run up to and during the Games in many countries around the world.

Samsung and Visa will work together to provide the contactless enabled Olympics handset to Visa and Samsung sponsored athletes as part of this initiative. Samsung and Visa also plan to make the handset available for consumers to purchase through mobile network operators and other distributors. A Visa-enabled SIM card will be required for use with the device in order to make purchases at retailers who have the contactless payment system.

“Visa, like Samsung, shares the vision of leveraging our Olympic and Paralympic Games sponsorship to leave a lasting legacy in the market for banks, retailers, mobile operators and consumers. We are not only breaking new ground for Olympic partnerships, we are committed to enabling consumers to connect with mobile and contactless payments technology for 2012 and beyond,” said Peter Ayliffe, CEO of Visa Europe. “We look forward to working with financial institutions and mobile operators alongside Samsung to make this initiative a success.”

“Innovation is a key business driver for Visa and mobile payments are one of the main areas we're focusing on. The Olympic and Paralympic Games enables us to accelerate our business goals and this partnership plays a large role in achieving them,” said Mariano Dima, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Payment Solutions at Visa Europe.

Samsung and Visa are committed to enabling consumers to create meaningful connections with the Olympic and Paralympic Games and enjoy a better, smarter life through the leading mobile payment technology. Samsung has demonstrated its leadership in NFC-enabled phone technology, since it launched one of the first commercial NFC phones in France in 2010. It then unveiled the industry’s first Android phone equipped with NFC capabilities last year, followed by the NFC-enabled bada smartphone, introduced at the Mobile World Congress 2011.

“As a pioneer in mobile technology, Samsung is striving for long term change in the way we use mobile payments. In London next year, we regard the greatest show on earth as the perfect opportunity to showcase how this technology can make a positive difference to people’s lives - enabling them to feel closer to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This mobile payment device will be available in the UK initially, and we plan to expand the service to other countries in Europe and around the world where contactless payment facilities are available in the near future,” said Seokpil Kim, President & CEO of Samsung Electronics Europe.

Gyehyun Kwon, Vice President & Head of Worldwide Sports Marketing, Samsung Electronics added, “This marks the very first partnership between two Worldwide Olympic Partners of the London 2012 Games. We are delighted to be joining forces with Visa to make the Olympic Games more accessible and convenient for everyone. This fits extremely well with our ambition to enable more people to participate in the Games through our smart technology.”

Visa and Samsung will work with mobile network operators, financial institutions and retailers around the world to bring the convenience, security and reliability of Visa’s contactless technology to mobile users worldwide. Currently, Visa mobile payments are being rolled out in countries across the globe including Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Brazil, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Malaysia, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Slovakia, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK and the United States.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, semiconductor chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Olympic Games

Samsung began its Olympic Games involvement as a local sponsor of the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games. Beginning with the Nagano 1998 Olympic Winter Games, the company extended its commitment to the Olympic Movement as the Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment category, providing its proprietary wireless communications program, called Wireless Olympic Works (WOW), and mobile phones. These innovative mobile phone technologies provide the Olympic Family with real-time information and communications services. Samsung also supports the Olympic Torch Relay and hosts the Samsung Mobile Explorers to share the excitement of the Olympic Games with people around the world and enable everyone to participate in the Games through its smart mobile technology. Samsung’s commitment as a Worldwide Olympic Partner continues through to Rio 2016.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Paralympic Games

Samsung is a Worldwide Partner of the IPC in the category 'Mobile Telecommunications'. The partnership was launched on the eve of the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games, which Samsung supported as an Official Games Partner for the first time ever.

About Visa Europe

In Europe, there are 427 million Visa debit, credit and commercial cards. In the 12 months ending December 2010 those cards were used to make purchases and cash withdrawals to the value of €1.6 trillion. 12.5% of consumer spending at point of sale in Europe is with a Visa card, and more than 70% of that is on Visa debit cards.

Visa Europe is owned and operated by more than 4,000 European member banks and was incorporated in July 2004. In October 2007, Visa Europe became independent of the new global Visa Inc., with an exclusive, irrevocable and perpetual licence in Europe. As a dedicated European payment system it is able to respond quickly to the specific market needs of European banks and their customers - cardholders and retailers - and to meet the European Commission’s objective to create a true internal market for payments.

Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world. In addition, Visa/PLUS is one of the world’s largest global ATM networks, offering cash access in local currency in over 200 countries. For more information, visit www.visaeurope.com

About Visa Inc.

Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable digital currency. Underpinning digital currency is one of the world’s most advanced processing networks—VisaNet—that is capable of handling more than 20,000 transactions a second, with fraud protection for consumers and guaranteed payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank, and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa’s innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: Pay now with debit, ahead of time with prepaid or later with credit products. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.

About Visa’s Involvement in the Olympic and Paralympic Games

Visa is proud to be a worldwide partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Visa plays an integral role in the Games, having been a committed sponsor for 25 years. Visa Europe is also the presenting partner of Team 2012 – 1,200 British athletes who are striving to compete at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. This is the first time that such a large group of athletes has been supported in this way. At every Olympic and Paralympic Games, Visa creates and manages the entire payment system infrastructure and network throughout all Games venues. Visa has been a worldwide Olympic Games sponsor since 1986 as well as a worldwide sponsor of the Paralympic Games since 2002 and is the exclusive payment card and official payment network of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

About NFC and contactless technology

The mobile phone is as ubiquitous for consumers as their wallet, so it is logical that the mobile phone and payments industries should come together to realise this next stage in mobile evolution. During the last twelve months, there has been significant progress towards mobile payments becoming a reality, as manufacturers standardise technology, numerous mobile payment trials are successfully completed and contactless technology starts to gain mainstream acceptance.

Visa’s offerings take advantage of a wide range of new technologies. Phones equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology make it possible for the devices to initiate Visa contactless transactions. The advent of phones that support next generation high speed networks can enable near real-time transaction alerts for added levels of security, fast and convenient purchases via the mobile internet, and deliver retailer offers tailored to life style and location. These developments have inspired Visa, mobile operators, handset manufacturers, and banks to work together to incorporate payment as a mobile application.