MISSISSAUGA, ON and CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – ScreenScape Digital Signage Network announced that Bauer Hockey, the world's leading manufacturer of ice hockey equipment, will utilize the company’s community-based screen displays to deliver video content to leading retailers in Canada, the United States and Europe.

“Brands looking for ways to engage directly with today's consumers can learn a lot from Bauer Hockey’s example,” said Kevin Dwyer, President and CEO, ScreenScape. “ScreenScape is the ideal solution for any corporate network that wants to deliver uniform branding and consistent sales and marketing messages to their audience right at the point-of-sale. We are delighted to see quality brands like Bauer Hockey tap into the power of ScreenScape and go global with this technology.”

ScreenScape is a leading community-based digital signage platform and key enabler of location-based media. ScreenScape helps businesses to speak more effectively to their onsite customers, to coordinate messaging at physical sites in their organization, and also through the ScreenScape Community to take their marketing message to audiences inside other venues.

“We first utilized ScreenScape to deliver our marketing message directly to customers through our retail partners in Canada and based on increasing demand, we are expanding our partnership to additional retail locations in Canada, the United States and Europe,” said Darryl Hughes, Marketing Director, Bauer Hockey. “Our goal is to have our in-store digital signage program operational across the globe by the end of the year.”

About Bauer Hockey

Bauer Hockey is the world's most recognized designer, marketer and manufacturer of hockey equipment. Founded in Kitchener, Ontario in 1927, Bauer developed the first skate with a blade attached to a boot, forever changing the game of hockey. Since then, Bauer has continued to develop the most sought after products in the industry, including the widely successful Supreme® and Vapor® lines of products. Bauer Hockey, Maverik Lacrosse and Mission Roller Hockey are brands under Bauer Performance Sports, a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BAU). Visit Bauer online at http://www.bauer.com

About ScreenScape Networks

ScreenScape is the first community-based digital signage network. Businesses of all sizes and in a range of industries use ScreenScape for digital signage, media distribution, and advertising. ScreenScape is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, enabling members to turn any Internet-connected computer or screen into a dynamic digital display. Utilizing ScreenScape, companies can easily access, create, share and update content, while keeping the total cost of ownership low. Members of ScreenScape form a collaborative community, which acts as a shared resource for content creation, exchange, cross-promotion and advertising revenue.

June 2nd Webinar highlights use of cellular digital signage to improve communications with employees who are not accessible by email - and how to keep content fresh
 
Scotts Valley, CA, - MediaTile, the leader in 3G and 4G cloud-based digital signage solutions, today announced that it will be hosting a webinar on June 2, 2011, with Rolls-Royce Corporation, on the advantages of using digital signage to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of employee communications.   Get the inside track on why Rolls-Royce turned to digital signage to communicate with employees who are not always accessible by email or the Internet, and how the company continues to keep content engaging and fresh.   To register for this event, click on the “Employee Communication Webinar” link at www.mediatile.com; space is limited.

Featured speaker, Lisa Johnson, manager of the Rolls-Royce in-house employee communications digital signage network, will be joined by co-presenter and emcee, Chuck Gose, Director of Business Development for Employee Communications at MediaTile.  This Webinar also addresses the importance of providing a variety of network connectivity options for multiple campuses, and the advantages of using a cloud-based content management system to decrease the time traditionally required to realize a notable return on objective.This on-line presentation is part of an ongoing series of educational webinars highlighting best practices for digital signage networks.
 
About MediaTile

MediaTile is the worldwide leader in cloud-based digital signage solutions.  A digital signage technology innovator and platform provider, MediaTile was the first company to deliver the advantages of cloud-computing using the unique combination of cellular connectivity and a SaaS-based content management system.  The result: MediaTile solutions are extremely simple-to-deploy and easy-to-use.  Our cloud-based approach has brought both customer praise and industry awards as it eliminates many of the costs and complexities associated with traditional digital signage and delivers ROI faster. Backed by our MediaServices team, a 99.9%  web-application SLA, and end-to-end service and support, your network will be up and running in record time, with record results. www.mediatile.com   831-439-8786.

SeeSaw adds the market’s top coffee house network to its program.

San Francisco, CA. – SeeSaw Networks, a leading digital place-based media company, today announced that it inked a deal with Effect LA, a new network of digital place-based video screens. Effect LA’s first partner is the Los Angeles-based specialty coffee and tea retailer, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Effect LA has created a unique digital experience in The Coffee Bean venues by offering unique and engaging programming that includes real-time local Twitter and Facebook posts, current music playing in-store, entertainment and style photos, local traffic, weather and horoscopes.

SeeSaw’s proprietary Life Pattern Marketing methodology and comprehensive media planning platform offer leading brands the opportunity for unparalleled audience targeting capabilities. By combining such targeting capabilities with the scale of SeeSaw network that delivers 200 million impressions per week, advertisers and agencies are able to meet their targeted GRPs in an advertising campaign. Adding highly desirable exclusive inventory in top DMAs will enable SeeSaw to take its advertising effectiveness to the next level by increasing the engagement of and connection with the viewing audience.

“The Effect LA network is one of the most attractive networks we have seen in terms of audience and environment” said Monte Zweben, founder and chairman of SeeSaw Networks. “In addition to increasing the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns, Effect LA will provide a strategic focus in one of the top global advertising markets, Los Angeles.”

“We are very excited about our partnership with SeeSaw Networks”, said Alex Nocifera, founder of the Effect LA Network. “We’ve known the SeeSaw team for years and knew immediately when going forward with this venture we would be partnering with SeeSaw’s experienced innovative team to represent this exciting regional advertising opportunity.”

About SeeSaw Networks

SeeSaw offers the most comprehensive digital place-based media solution in the marketplace. Through its national network, SeeSaw delivers advertising in places where people go in their daily lives – such as gas stations, kids’ gyms, coffee shops, grocery stores and health clubs. SeeSaw reaches more people in more places than any other digital placed-based video network, combining over 70 digital signage networks across over 40 different types of locations in over 50,000 venues nationally. SeeSaw’s network delivers over 200 million weekly gross impressions, more than a primetime TV spot. The Reach metric for SeeSaw’s network is over 11.7% and for Mom & Family life pattern over 8.7%. SeeSaw’s demand side platform, SeeSawAds.com, optimizes plans across geographies, venues, and demographics within budget constraints. SeeSaw’s media specialists use SeeSawAds.com to customize campaigns with unprecedented precision and cost effectiveness. SeeSaw offers a variety of creative vehicles to advertisers, including ad spots, sponsorships of custom programming and content, brand integration, and experiential media, including sampling and activity integration. SeeSaw integrates research from Edison Research to close the loop and assess overall campaign effectiveness. With SeeSaw, advertisers can engage hard-to-reach people by intercepting them in their daily life patterns where they work play and socialize. SeeSaw is one of The Wall Street Journal’s Top 50 venture-backed companies for 2011.

About Effect LA

Effect LA is the first of many media and advertising ventures that will identify exclusive targeted audience opportunities. Effect LA’s first partner is The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf ®with their almost 200 company owned stores in the US, mostly in the Los Angeles DMA. Effect LA will provide advertisers and content partners the exclusive opportunity to target The Coffee Bean’s amazing customers during their in-store experience. The Coffee Bean’s loyal customers, brand equity and densely clustered stores in the U.S.’s 2nd largest media and advertising market, Los Angeles, made for an exciting partner for this exclusive media and advertising network.

First foray for digital communications leader in transportation sector.

Queens, NY – Ping HD, a leading provider of digital communication solutions for the sports, convention and entertainment industries, joined with MexiJoe’s Grill at LaGuardia Airport’s Central Terminal in New York as the digital menu board solution for this new concept.

Ping HD, the full service digital media company, is known for its digital menu deployments that blend guest entertainment with behavior-driving information.  This is the first implementation of Ping HD in the transportation sector, the company to this point, has focused on the sports and entertainment market with recent deployments at the Edward Jones Dome, home of the St. Louis Rams; Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies; Arlington Park Racetrack, located in suburban Chicago; and AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.

MexiJoe’s will feature three 42-inch HD LCD monitors managed by Ping HD’s content management system. The MexiJoe’s deployment features full motion graphics, time-based daypart menus, and rotating promotions to drive incremental sales. The application will be remotely managed by Ping HD from its data center in Denver, Colorado.

“As we conducted our investigation into a digital signage solution, we found a number of companies simply selling gear,” said Bob Pascal, Centerplate’s Senior Vice President of Marketing. “By contrast, Ping HD served as a strategic consultant, able to design a system and content that will help us to engage consumers and drive sales. Their ongoing, off-site management was also a huge benefit in making the technology easy-to-deploy into our complex operations.”

“To date, our work has involved high profile professional sports and entertainment venue digital communications and advertising platforms,” said Kevin Goldsmith. “This experience has enabled us to develop a communications platform that engages and entertains, provide for full support, all at an attractive price point.”

About Ping HD

Ping HD is a full service digital media company.  Whether you are looking for digital menu boards, digital signage networks, right the way through to interactive touchscreen solutions, Ping HD can provide you with a solution specific to your requirements. Working with leading hardware and software vendors, Ping HD provides a robust bullet proof solution backed up with outstanding customer service and after sales support.

About Centerplate

Centerplate crafts and delivers "Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results." in 250 prominent entertainment, sports and convention venues across North America—including 21 performing arts centers. Centerplate has provided services to Art Basel Miami Beach, 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls, 12 Super Bowls, 20 World Series, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration. Visit the company online at www.centerplate.com.

TE Connectivity broadens its interactive choice for healthcare with new Elo TouchSystems touchmonitors

TE Connectivity keeps innovating and expanding. Two new products have just been added to the Elo TouchSystems family of devices built to help support the unique needs of healthcare environments:  the  18.6-inch 1919LM and the 24-inch 2400LM touchmonitors.

In healthcare applications, where simplification of complex systems is essential and accuracy is a must, a touch interface is the fastest, easiest way to interact with technology – and the most direct and natural. TE Connectivity's Elo TouchSystems is a leading brand in touch products and technologies.

The new models are designed for use in situations where exceptional touchscreen visibility and electrical safety requirements are necessary. For applications like point-of-care, mobile medical carts and point-of-service, these touchmonitors feature high quality display panels with wide-viewing angles and a high contrast ratio for exceptional screen clarity and contrast – even in the brightest environments. Each model is available with either IntelliTouch surface acoustic wave or AccuTouch five-wire resistive touchscreen technologies, with the 1919LM also supporting APR (acoustic pulse recognition) touchscreen product technology. Touch technologies have various operating characteristics, and Elo TouchSystems has a choice of technologies to deliver an optimal response to the specific conditions of each application.

Additional features include a USB/Serial combination touch controller, DVI, VGA and built-in speakers. Models also come equipped with a removable base and mounting features, including a VESA mount as well as wall- and arm-mounting options, and provide installation flexibility for almost any architectural configuration. Power and monitor control functions can be locked-out to prevent tampering, and speakers are built-in to enrich the audio experience.

They meet UL60601 and IEC60601 safety certifications and have an IPX1 drip-proof rating: the touchscreen is protected against dripping water. More specifically, the units are compliant with EN 60950-1 and EN 60601-1 for safety and EN 60950-1, EN55022, EN55024, and EN 60601-1-2 for EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility). These standards are recognised by most public health authorities as the safety standards for medical electrical equipment.

Combining precision Elo touchscreen product technology with commercial-grade, high quality LCD panels, they are backed by a three-year warranty and 40 years of Elo TouchSystems experience.

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, touchmonitors, and all-in-one (AiO) touchcomputers 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.eu  or call +32 16 352100 for more information.

AccuTouch, Elo, Elo TouchSystems, IntelliTouch, TE Connectivity, TE connectivity (logo) and TE (logo) are trademarks of the TE Connectivity family of companies.

Audience Measurement System Analyzes Viewing Audience and Xpresenter Adapts Content in Real Time for Targeted Messaging

MONTREAL — X2O Media, a full-service provider of software, network management, and content services for professional digital signage applications, today announced that it will be demonstrating the integration of Intel® AIM Suite (Audience Impression Metrics) technology with its Xpresenter™ digital signage software for digital out-of-home (DOOH) displays. Intel AIM Suite's audience measurement system allows Xpresenter users to analyze the audience and automatically adapt content in real time to target the viewer demographic, while tracking content effectiveness and return on investment with greater accuracy.

For ad-based digital signage networks in applications including retail stores, airports, hotels, and more, X2O integration with Intel AIM Suite enables users to deliver the right message to the right people at the right time. Intel AIM Suite software utilizes anonymous video analytics technology to gather data on various characteristics of the viewing audience. This data is sent to the Xpresenter Server, where it is used to select specific media appropriate for the current audience in real time, allowing for better media planning and targeted advertising, in addition to using scheduled playlist content. Intel AIM Suite also allows users to gauge the effectiveness of content by measuring how much time viewers spend looking at the displays.

"In digital signage networks, tracking demographics, measuring content effectiveness, and selecting appropriate content on the fly are critical to the success of the network, but these tasks can be extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive without the right solutions in place," said X2O Media President and CEO David Wilkins. "We are very excited to announce integration with Intel AIM Suite. The combination of this technology with the dynamic content management capabilities of Xpresenter can increase our customers' return on investment while providing a more relevant and meaningful experience for viewers, without increasing staff workload or operational costs."

X2O Media's Xpresenter is an end-to-end platform designed to make creating, managing, and distributing broadcast-quality digital signage content on networks of all sizes available to all. Xpresenter's patented authoring module allows Microsoft® PowerPoint® users to produce compelling content that incorporates animations, video clips, and real-time data sources — all within the PowerPoint interface.

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.

Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Electronic Art, a Cincinnati interactive agency specializing in touch-screen kiosks, digital signage and integrated websites, has integrated two large-scale digital touch-screen displays into the Cincinnati Library's exhibit showcasing the restored Cincinnati Riverfront Panorama of 1848 daguerreotype. (The daguerreotype, invented in 1839 as the first practical method of photography, captured images with a high resolution.)

Acklands-Grainger, a Canadian based company, selected ADFLOW Networks to implement their digital signage advertising network and keep customers informed.

Toronto, Ontario – Acklands-Grainger Inc. (AGI), Canada’s largest distributor of industrial, safety and fastener products in Canada, decided to enhance their customer’s shopping experience by installing an in-store digital signage network. The AGI TV network displays compelling and informative content and advertisements on 42” LCD panels mounted behind POS counters.

AGI’s digital signage network was provided by ADFLOW Networks and is powered by ADFLOW’s industry leading Dynamic Messaging System™, enabling their marketing team to centrally manage and remotely control the digital media at all AGI locations across Canada. This lets AGI customers view numerous products being offered throughout the store from various suppliers in a dynamic new way.

Acklands-Grainger has embraced digital media using dynamic digital signage and in turn enhanced their customers’ shopping experience. Content can be changed easily in real time so AGI’s advertisers always have up to date promotions and product information in front of the consumer at the point of purchase.

About Acklands-Grainger

Acklands-Grainger is Canada’s largest distributor of industrial, safety and fastener products backed by more than 120 years of proven history in providing selection, quality and service excellence to its customers. With more than 120,000 unique items in stock, 170 branches and 6 distribution centres from coast to coast – offering more selection, more service and more solutions. To learn more visit: www.acklandsgrainger.com

About ADFLOW Networks

Established in 2000 as a pioneer and innovator in the digital signage industry, ADFLOW Networks has been providing award winning, turn-key patented solutions in the development, deployment, and management of both passive and interactive digital media networks. All of ADFLOW’s digital signage solutions 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. To learn more visit www.adflownetworks.com

Frontier Airlines to offer travelers fast and convenient check-in experience at 14 additional airports

DULUTH, Ga. – NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) and Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ: RJET), announced the roll-out of 75 NCR TouchPort™ 70 kiosks to an additional 14 airports across the U.S. The deployment expands the existing footprint of Frontier Airlines’ kiosks, facilitating quick and convenient self-service check-in and other flight related services.

Through current use of NCR TouchPort kiosks in Denver, Frontier Airlines has given passengers the option to check in using the channel they prefer, cutting time spent waiting in line. This has reduced operational costs and improved overall efficiency. Today, nearly 70 percent of Frontier Airlines’ passenger check-ins occur via self-service channels — either on the Web or at an airport kiosk.

Deployment kicked-off in Omaha, Neb. at the end of March 2011, and the kiosks will be installed and available for passenger use by September 2011. Additional cities planned include Orlando, New York, Grand Rapids, Philadelphia, Dayton, Colorado Springs, St. Louis, Atlanta, Albuquerque, Austin, Newark, Nashville and Seattle.

Expanding kiosk deployment to additional airports will improve the travel experience for more passengers, enabling them to check in, make seat selections, and pay for luggage without assistance from airline personnel.

“Self-service kiosks will help put our guests’ travel options and information at their fingertips, speeding their travel experience while helping us improve our operational efficiencies,” said Jan Fogelberg, vice president of Customer Experience and Technology, Frontier Airlines. “Frontier Airlines is committed to giving our guests flexible, accommodating, comfortable and affordable travel options. Through our new NCR kiosks, we are able to deliver these principles during the check-in process.”

The NCR TouchPort 70 is an “all-in-one” check-in system, combining touchscreen, printer, components and peripherals in a compact unit that fits into virtually any airport environment. The advanced hardware technology can be adapted to various configurations, such as ticket counters or free-standing podiums, offering a flexible system that responds to changing operational needs.

“NCR is pleased to expand our relationship with Frontier Airlines, providing self-service solutions that further enhance the traveler experience and streamline check-in processes,” said Theresa Heinz, vice president and general manager, NCR Travel.

About NCR Corporation

NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a global technology company leading how the world connects, interacts and transacts with business. NCR’s assisted- and self-service solutions and comprehensive support services address the needs of retail, financial, travel, healthcare, hospitality, entertainment, gaming and public sector organizations in more than 100 countries. NCR (www.ncr.com) is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia.

About Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RJET), an airline holding company that also owns Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America. Currently in its 17th year of operations, Frontier employs more than 5,500 aviation professionals and operates more than 550 daily flights from its hubs at Denver International Airport, Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport and Kansas City International Airport. Frontier offers routes to more than 80 destinations in the United States, Mexico and Costa Rica.

Makito™ Decoder

At the 2011 AHECTA Conference, Haivision will highlight the latest Makito™ Decoder, an H.264 decoder that supports video up to 1080p60. When paired with the very popular Makito HD H.264 encoder, this system provides low-latency decoding and efficient delivery of HD video via HD-SDI or HDMI output. Sharing the space-saving, mini-blade form factor and low power requirements of the Makito encoder, this new product is an optimal solution for medical and military applications seeking a professional-grade, low-latency, high-performance video decoding solution.

ZiXi Ready™ Makito™ Encoders

Haivision will also showcase the latest ZiXi ready™ Makito™ HD video encoder, which dramatically reduces HD transmission costs. 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 at a very competitive price point.

The revolutionary Makito encoding system delivers low-latency, full-frame-rate H.264 encoding of HD video up to 1080p60, or computer graphics resolutions up to 1280x1024 75Hz (SXGA). The Makito incorporates HiLo-Streaming™, the ability to encode once and emit both high- and low-bandwidth streams simultaneously, and MultiStreaming™ — the ability to send streams with different IP encapsulation to different destinations. When integrated with the Furnace IP video system, the Makito distributes 100-percent secure and robust video. The Makito offers the most efficient and affordable distribution, capture, and rebroadcast of HD video.

Haivision to Demonstrate Furnace 6.0, Including MultiStream™ Recording and Advanced Publishing

This important sixth revision of the acclaimed Furnace IP video system adds advanced recording and publishing features to enable clients to capture and distribute synchronized multistream video content. The VF Recorder module is enhanced to support recording and review of as many as four simultaneous video streams within a combined video asset. During the recording, real-time metadata (HotMarks™) can be applied to all streams either by the user or triggered by third-party control systems. HotMarks enable viewers to search for and jump to specific tagged events quickly. In addition, the VF Publisher module establishes automated ingest and publishing of content. After a record process, users can instantly assign content to specific groups, make the content available within the Web portal, email links to specific users or groups, or deposit the content into third-party systems for further editing.

CoolSign Digital Signage Solution

Haivision's CoolSign digital signage solution boasts features and functions to satisfy any signage need, from smaller installations, to sophisticated multiscreen landmark displays, to large-scale global networks. Launched in 1998, CoolSign has a long legacy of innovation, pioneering many aspects of digital signage technology including n-tier architecture, native multicasting support, real-time connectivity, full edge device monitoring and control, flexible media scheduling, closed data architecture, bandwidth usage controls, and many others. Secure, scalable, reliable, and efficient, CoolSign serves the demands of myriad retail, government, financial services, corporate, and pure-play digital out-of-home advertising (DOOH) networks around the globe.

About Haivision Network Video

Haivision Network Video 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 that distributes its products through value-added resellers, system integrators, distributors, and OEMs worldwide.

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

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: RNIN), a Minneapolis-based digital signage provider, announced today that it has received orders for the RoninCast® for automotive iShowroom™ branded tower application to be installed in over 100 of Chrysler Group LLC’s FIAT Studio Facilities.  Wireless Ronin received the initial dealer orders in March 2011 bringing the total to over 100 in just a couple of months.

iShowroom runs on interactive and promotional screens, visually and interactively assisting the FIAT customers and sales specialists alike through the vehicle design and buying process.  Wireless Ronin provides the hardware, RoninCast software, 24/7/365 support through its network operations center (NOC) and content development.

About Wireless Ronin Technologies

Wireless Ronin Technologies (www.wirelessronin.com) has developed RoninCast® software as a complete solution designed to address the evolving digital signage marketplace. RoninCast® software enables clients to manage digital signage networks from a central location and provides turnkey solutions in the digital signage marketplace.  The RoninCast® software suite facilitates customized distribution with network management, playlist creation and scheduling, and database integration.  Wireless Ronin offers an array of services to support RoninCast® software including consulting, creative development, project management, installation, training, and support and hosting through our networks operations center (NOC).  The company's common stock trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "RNIN".

Wireless Ronin® and RoninCast® are registered trademarks of Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.

Asterisk Inc., Star Micronics Co., Ltd. and Zeus Co., Ltd. have jointly developed the highly secure payment processing application system for smart phones named Pit Pay. The Pit Pay solution solves a very difficult security problem that other services have struggled with in the past.

Star’s portable printer used in this solution, the SM-S200 equipped with a magnetic stripe reader, provides a very unique high encryption technology with the support of 128-bit 3DES Encrypted Data Transfer, an intelligent extra layer on top of its standard Security Mode 3. 128-bit 3DES provides an unparalleled safeguard to sensitive payment applications by encrypting card data as soon as it is collected by the printer. This technology also features the ability to assign a PIN with a maximum of 16 digits, resulting in the highest level of security on a portable printer available at this time.

Further empowering this fortified solution, Zeus’ PCI DSS compliant payment processing system offers a heightened security solution for the reading and processing of card data. PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is the global data security standard that was set and administered by the PCI Security Standards Council. This council was founded by American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, MasterCard Worldwide and Visa Inc., and has been adopted by payment card brands for all entities that process, store or transmit cardholder data.

Enhanced by Star’s and Zeus’ proven technologies, Pit Pay goes beyond just securing portable terminal card transactions by providing a total solution to manage merchant contracts, transactions and sales profit control for payment card companies. Asterisk is also planning to release a store management system version of Pit Pay named “Salasee” for the iPhone and Android, providing a low cost and highly secure POS management system available anywhere at the touch of the fingertips. The 2011 target of the Pitpay Salasee integration is 1,000 companies.

About the Pit Pay Partners

Asterisk Inc., directed by President Noriyuki Suzuki, is headquartered in Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-City, Osaka Prefecture and is recognized as a respected system integrator in the mobile solution industry. Star Micronics Co., Ltd. is an established leading manufacturer in the Point of Sale industry and is directed by President Hajime Sato at the Suruga-ku, Shizuoka-City, Shizuoka Prefecture global headquarters. Zeus Co., Ltd., directed by President Kazuyoshi Jibiki, is headquartered in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Metropolis and has established itself as an esteemed credit payment service provider.

MONTREAL and CHICAGO — Haivision, leading provider of the most advanced video networking, digital signage, and IP video distribution solutions, today announced that Charles Dobson, the company's director of international sales, will be presenting "Employing Intelligent IP Video Across the Enterprise" at BroadcastAsia2011. During his presentation, scheduled for 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, June 23, Dobson will examine the needs of enterprises using IP video, address technologies and functionality that make IP video more intelligent, and discuss the protection of content within the enterprise environment.

"IP video is becoming an increasingly popular productivity and communications tool within enterprises and their business units," said Dobson. "Successful use of IP video in this environment, however, demands careful consideration not only of the technical and network challenges involved, but also of the functionality that will be required of the installed system. At BroadcastAsia2011, I'll examine ways in which a well-designed IP video system can support the enterprise and address the challenges inherent in implementing such a system."

Among the practical requirements that Dobson will explore are functions such as tagging, indexing, and search capabilities that make it easier for staff to work with video content and deliver it to the intended audience. He also will address concerns such as maintaining the security of content as it passes through the enterprise to its destination.

Dobson is an IT industry veteran with a solid track record in enabling channel partners and system integrators with the latest technology solutions. Part of the Haivision Network Video team from its founding in 2004, Dobson has built Haivision's presence globally, and today he supports the company's international sales team and sales partners in Europe and the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.

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. 

ADFLOW Health to deploy Consumer Health Platform across retail, employer and community locations.

Fort Washington, PA – ADFLOW Health Networks, Inc. is pleased to announce a strategic investment from a Fortune 100 Healthcare Company.  The investment capital is focused on the large scale deployment of ADFLOW Health Networks’ Personal Health Center (PHC).  This platform provides consumers with access to trusted healthcare content and services, together with the ability to perform a wide range of FDA cleared screenings, facilitating an unprecedented level of engagement in self-managing their healthcare. This interactive digital media platform will accelerate the use of care coordination solutions in settings that are part of everyday life – retail locations, worksites and high traffic areas - bringing a new meaning to patient-centered convenience and care. 

 ADFLOW Health utilizes a proven dynamic messaging system that powers over 60 interactive and digital content networks throughout North America in a variety of retail settings.   Most importantly, the company has engineered this platform to deploy multifunction biometric screening kiosks and consumer health stations with its patented technology for the secure delivery of advertising campaigns and health content to a public display.   This patented technology provides ADFLOW Health with a unique competitive advantage in the marketplace. 

Mel Stein, CEO of ADFLOW Health Networks, believes that “this strategic relationship positions ADFLOW Health to set the standard for consumer health engagement solutions to consumers, retailers, employers, health plans and consumer marketers.  The strategic and operational alignment of our companies allows us to accelerate the deployment of our digital health platforms replacing antiquated analog kiosks which serve more than 140 million Americans annually.  We have reached an inflection point in the personal health management market and it is time for innovative technology to bring the consumer, caregivers, commerce and content together in convenient locations across the country.”

“It is important also, to acknowledge the efforts of our strategic advisor and merchant banking partner, BPC Group, and those of their investment bank, Bryant Park Capital,” added Mel Stein. “Bryant Park’s services went beyond those of most investments banks.   In addition to assisting in raising this first institution round of capital, Joel Magerman and John Poeta collectively served as our firm’s corporate and strategic development team. Their assistance was immeasurable in forming the value proposition for our company, which was only a concept when Bryant Park was engaged.”

“We were excited to partner with ADFLOW Health and appreciate that the company is pleased with the results of everyone’s hard work” said Bryant Park Managing Director, John Poeta, who represents the firm’s digital, media and technology clients. “ADFLOW Health sits at the convergence of several important health and digital media market forces. The digitizing of healthcare records and services combined with the projected growth in digital-out-of-home spending (projected to grow to $3.7 billion in 2013 in the U.S. alone) and in-store advertising (project to be $20.8 billion per year) creates a near perfect storm for this digital platform and portal.”

About ADFLOW Health Networks

ADFLOW Health Networks (AHN), through the Company’s Personal Health Center™ platform, facilitates self-directed, consumer focused care management. In addition to a proven and scalable 1:1 consumer health engagement and marketing platform with our PHC as the central feature, AHN provides a wide range of traditional digital signage solutions that include: sales-assist stations, video walls, store-within-a-store concepts, customer loyalty and information stations.  AHN is committed to enhancing retail locations as health & wellness destinations, increasing consumer access and convenience to care, impacting consumer behavior and improving the overall consumer experience.

Further information about ADFLOW Health Networks can be found at: www.adflowhealth.com

Launched in April 2010, Chief’s online certification program helps dealers and installers stand out from the competition.

Minneapolis, MN. USA (MAY 2011) - www.chiefmfg.com - Chief, the industry leader in AV mounting solutions, is proud to announce that its Certificated Partner Program has more than 1,500 active users in its first year.

Launched in April 2010, Chief’s Certified Partner Program helps dealers and installers stand out from the competition. It is the industry’s first certification program for mount solutions and is accredited by InfoComm, Cedia and the all-new DSEG (Digital Signage Experts Group).

Interactive product and installation training offered through the program helps improve customers’ business results, differentiate their business and improve overall mount product knowledge. Customers completing the course will receive exclusive benefits from Chief as well as earn free industry credits, including InfoComm CTS RUs, CEDIA CEUs and DSEG Continuing Education.

With over 3500 development hours invested, the program features more than 13 hours of content and 46 videos featuring Chief products and installation solutions divided into two tracks—one for those who install or deal with technical aspects, and one for dealers or sales people focusing on configuring solutions or selling products. Each track is focused on their specific needs and walks them through scenarios in common applications, such as home theaters, classrooms, hotel lobbies, corporate offices, and many more.

In the coming months, new content will be added to the program. These additions will showcase the latest Chief Products, including Kontour™ Series monitor mounts, Chief’s Interactive Short Throw Projector Mounts, CoPilot™ AV Room Systems, and several Raxxess® Series rack systems.

A number of new rooms also will be added:

•     Training Room 2
•     Elite Home Theater
•     Control Room
•     Automated Classroom

Additionally, certified users now have access to the exclusive Chief Certified Partner Portal. Available exclusively to Certified Partners, this portal provides dealers with news regarding the Certification Program, Chief products and other Chief updates.

About Chief

Chief, a product division of Milestone AV Technologies, has more than 30 years of proven product and service excellence. Committed to responding to industry needs in the commercial and residential 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

EXTON, Pa., – Scala, the leading provider of end-to-end software solutions for digital signage, has won Frost & Sullivan’s Competitive Strategy of the Year Award in the digital signage software market. Scala accepted the honor at Frost & Sullivan’s 2011 Excellence in Best Practices Awards Banquet in San Marco, Fla., on April 12.

The prestigious Competitive Strategy Leadership of the Year Award recognized Scala for delivering excellence and best practices in its endeavors to grow the digital signage software market. Frost & Sullivan used the following criteria to benchmark Scala’s performance against key competitors:

•    Leverage of competitive intelligence: Scala realized early on that growth opportunities would come from providing a simple-to-install and easy-to-use digital signage offering for small and medium businesses that could not afford traditional digital signage offerings. In 2010, Scala introduced two new cloud-based services called SignChannel and Scala QuickStart, which is pre-installed on HP’s new SignagePlayers around the world.

•    Execution of competitive strategy: Through its new operating strategies and product innovation, Scala has ensured that the total cost of implementing and owning a digital signage network is affordable, thereby reducing barriers to entry for new clients. Frost & Sullivan also selected Scala for this award because its product line — SignChannel, Scala QuickStart and Scala Designer, Content Manager, Player and Ad Manager — are among the most comprehensive in the market. The end-to-end solution gives users the ability to create and refresh content as often as necessary to keep it relevant, engaging and informative.

•    Impact on market share: Scala continues to be one of the global leaders in the highly fragmented digital signage software market. The company has consistently grown faster than the market, driving thousands of screens in a range of vertical markets, including retail, banking, transportation, entertainment, government and healthcare.

•    Competitive brand positioning: Scala has been providing digital signage software for more than 20 years, and it has superior worldwide brand recognition, as well as an established reputation for quality, reliability and security. In a market with limited turnkey solutions, many customers prefer Scala due to its global presence and ability to provide services in many geographic regions.

•    Impact on customer satisfaction and value: Traditionally, Scala has developed and maintained strong working partnerships with resellers and distributors, which can be seen by its network of more than 500 partners worldwide. This gives Scala a global perspective in understanding the special requirements of customers in different regions. By developing such a large partner network, Scala has been able to leverage this advantage to provide highly customize software solutions and enhance customer satisfaction.

“As a player in the highly competitive global digital signage industry, Scala is honored to be recognized by Frost & Sullivan for our software products and strategies,” said Jeff Porter, executive vice president of Scala. “This award distinguishes the creativity and dedication of Scala’s executive team and employees, and it inspires us to continue the best-in-class pursuit for digital signage innovation.”

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company’s Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO’s Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages almost 50 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 31 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit www.frost.com.

About Scala

Driving more than 500,000 screens worldwide, Scala is a leading global provider of digital signage and advertising management solutions. Scala is the world’s first connected signage company, offering the leading platforms for content creation, management and distribution in digital signage networks and the first unified platform for advertising management of both traditional and digital signage networks. The company's digital signage customers include Rabobank, IKEA, Burger King, T-Mobile, Virgin MegaStore, Warner Brothers, The Life Channel, Rikstoto, Repsol, NorgesGruppen, Audi, ECE Flatmedia, Kaufhof (Metro Group) and thousands more. Advertising management customers include CBS Outdoor, Clear Channel Outdoor and Newad, among others. Scala is headquartered near Philadelphia, USA, and has subsidiaries in Canada, The Netherlands, France, Norway, Germany, Japan and India, as well as more than 500 partners in more than 90 countries. More information is available at www.scala.com.

MONTREAL and CHICAGO — Haivision Network Video, leading provider of the most advanced video networking, digital signage, and IP video distribution solutions, today announced that the University of British Columbia (UBC) has made its CoolSign-powered digital signage network available to communicate information to students, staff, and visitors at UBC's Point Grey and Robson Square campuses. Plans are also underway to include the UBC Okanagan campus, as well as UBC-affiliated teaching hospitals.

"Haivision is very proud of our partnership with UBC," said Leo Bull, vice-president of CoolSign sales at Haivision. "As a forward-thinking university that welcomes the benefits of advanced technology, it is the ideal client for the CoolSign enterprise software platform. It is a great example of how to use this medium to communicate effectively and efficiently with your audience and deliver the right message in real time."

"Establishing an efficient centralized communication system connecting campuses was both a priority and, given the university's extensive geographic and demographic network, a real challenge." said Wilson Lo, senior systems analyst for UBC. "We knew from experience that the university needed a system that would enable delivery of emergency warning messages when they matter most. We also wanted a solution that would support daily provisioning of UBC content to our staff and students across all UBC campuses. After a successful pilot project with Haivision's Campus Signage Unlimited program, powered by CoolSign, we took the system live, thus realizing our goal of being able to push up-to-the-minute content to strategic locations campus-wide."

UBC is one of Canada's most renowned advanced learning institutions. The university is home to 50,000 students spread across the Vancouver campus at the tip of the Point Grey Peninsula and the Okanagan campus in Kelowna, and it is host to more than 45,000 people annually at its Robson Square center in downtown Vancouver.

Haivision's Campus Signage Unlimited program gives UBC unlimited access to CoolSign servers and players for each department choosing to invest in display panels. The program's unique fixed-fee model makes digital signage a low-risk and economically attractive option for educational institutions that otherwise couldn't consider a digital signage network. After experimenting with digital signage through the Haivision program, UBC purchased 300 CoolSign players, which give the university the ability to implement digital signage on a large scale across its campuses.

"Digital signage offered us an easy solution for overcoming the physical distance spanned by the university while managing centralized content from a single administrative center," said Wilson. "CoolSign provides these benefits and also serves as an intuitive, easy-to-maintain solution that scales well. Within a year the whole project has moved quite quickly, from pilot to deployment, and we expect it to move just as fast in the near future."

With the CoolSign Network Server and Network Manager, administrators at Point Grey charged with overseeing the digital signage network can easily manage and control content in a central repository without having to build individual infrastructure with each new unit. CoolSign's DataWatcher allows the university to create bidirectional engagement with its community and, most important, its students.

CoolSign allows UBC departments to get creative by pushing out unique content that reflects their areas of specialty. Students also are given the chance to get involved by using CoolSign Content Creator and Network Manager to create, upload, and submit their work for scheduled play. Going forward, the university will be able to integrate CoolSign capabilities and mobile platforms so that students and staff can use mobile devices to push content to physical displays on campus.

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.

World’s largest ATM provider unveils an Interactive Teller technology concept on their SelfServ 32 ATMs.

DULUTH, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NCR is putting the “teller” back in the “automated teller machine,” and helping banks and credit unions extend hours and services in the process.

The world’s leading ATM manufacturer and service provider, NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), today unveiled new technology that lets consumers video conference with live, remote bank tellers directly from the ATM. As financial institutions look to deliver more cost-efficient yet personalized services, NCR’s APTRA Interactive Teller solution will allow financial institutions to extend branch hours by providing teller support from a self-service device. The Interactive Teller ATMs are currently in pilot with a major U.S. financial institution.

Using technology from uGenius Technology - a Utah-based pioneer in video banking solutions - NCR has integrated two-way video conferencing into its multi-function NCR SelfServ 32 ATM. Consumers can choose to use the standard self-service ATM functionality or choose the Interactive Teller interface to conduct a typical in-branch transaction with a remote centralized teller. The efficiency and security created through the centralization of tellers enables financial institutions to offer up to 24 hour access to teller services, build new small-footprint branches, and provide teller services in areas not served by branches, all while taking advantage of the advanced features of NCR ATMs such as intelligent deposit, bill pay and new account or loan initiation.

“Consumers cannot always bank during banking hours. They want service at a time and place that is convenient for them,” said Michael O’Laughlin, senior vice president, NCR Financial Services. “Interactive Teller on NCR SelfServ ATMs offers the best of technology - convenient self-service for simple, typical transactions, and personalized banking for after hours and remote service. Our new NCR APTRA Interactive Teller ATM delivers an ideal solution at a time when banks are looking to improve their customer service while maintaining cost efficiencies.”

To date, more than 1,300 financial institutions in more than 130 countries around the world have purchased NCR SelfServ ATMs. NCR has been the world leader in ATM shipments for 24 consecutive years¹.

About NCR Corporation

NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a global technology company leading how the world connects, interacts and transacts with business. NCR’s assisted- and self-service solutions and comprehensive support services address the needs of retail, financial, travel, healthcare, hospitality, entertainment, gaming and public sector organizations in more than 100 countries. NCR (www.ncr.com) is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia.

About uGenius Technology

uGenius Technology is revolutionizing access to live transaction services by creating personal, convenient, and efficient methods of servicing customers through the use of personal video transaction technologies. uGenius is the leading firm in providing comprehensive video banking solutions to financial institutions. The primary product line is the uGenius Video Banking System which allows financial institutions to provide teller services remotely to customers by using video banking enabled devices. uGenius is based in Sandy, Utah.

NCR is a trademark of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries.

1) According to London-based Retail Banking Research (RBR) and NCR market share data.

LONDON, – Digital View, the digital signage display and media player solutions provider, will be exhibiting solutions from both its component and finished product divisions at London’s ScreenMedia Expo from May 18-19, 2011.

Working with TrueColours, UK signage solution distributor at booth #E19, Digital View’s Signage Division will be exhibiting their latest DisplayMark signage monitors, ViewStream media players, VideoFlyers and Media Scaler and Converter products.

Working with Arrow Electronics, international components distributor at booth #E13, Digital View’s System Builder Division will be exhibiting its latest range of Integre Open Frame Chassis Systems, Media Player Integrator Boards and LCD interface kits.

A central feature of both exhibits will be Digital View’s unique DisplayMark technology.  DisplayMark offers the final word on media play-out compliance. Using a magic-pixel sensor and a special pulse on a single pixel in bottom left hand corner of the display, DisplayMark enabled monitors check themselves for any irregularities in signal, performance or activity. These are immediately reported back through a networked alert mechanism - providing proof that the display is switched on and working properly, a critical feature for all digital signage applications.

Digital View’s Signage Division and TrueColours will be exhibiting the company’s latest 32” and 46” DisplayMark enabled signage monitors.  Designed specifically for the rigors of the 24/7 signage market, these "people-proof" DisplayMark signage monitors are designed with extra wide viewing angles, for both landscape and portrait poster mode.  They offer fan-less, silent HD playback, signal inputs for HDMI, DVI, VGA, video & HD-SDI, picture-in-picture functionality, full RS-232 network control and energy efficient ultra-low standby mode.

Meanwhile with Arrow, Digital View’s System Builder Division will be exhibiting the DisplayMark enabled large format LCD Integre Chassis Solutions. The Integre products are a family of pre-configured mounting plates for manufacturers working with large format displays. Supplied complete with driver electronics, power supplies, wiring harnesses and thermal management components, Integre plates are designed to enable the easy mounting of any specific large format display.  All the system builder need do is add the display and simply encase their final custom housing around it.

For customers looking for a complete digital signage solution - both the DisplayMark Signage Monitors and Integre Chassis systems are available with embedded Digital View ViewStream media players.  These solid state high definition network updatable devices offer cost effective, "bullet-proof" reliability and over 100,000 hours of 1080P HD playback.
The ViewStreams are also the chosen HD media players for the LoveContent Gallery and LoveContent Awards.  The LoveContent Gallery is showcasing the very best in digital out-of-home creative at ScreenMedia Expo in booth #E55 and the annual awards ceremony celebrates the winning entries from over 120 campaign submissions.

Digital View is renowned for the industrial quality of its media players, driver electronics and display systems. With clever design Digital View solutions eliminate panel hotspots, reduce power supply load and enhance thermal control. The company offers exceptional high specification performance, and provides a standard 3 year warranty on all electronics.
Visit Digital View at ScreenMedia Expo 2011 at booths E13 and E19.

About Digital View

Established in 1995, Digital View Group (www.digitalview.com) is a proven supplier of specialist electronics for the digital signage and retail media markets.  The company has sold over 150,000 solid state media players, supplying not only many digital signage operators, but also brands including Proctor & Gamle, Nokia, L’Oreal, TAG Heuer, Hugo Boss, Unilever, Coca Cola, Philip Morris, Hasbro and Bosch.

LONDON – Scala, the world’s leading software provider for digital signage networks, will exhibit its latest release of Scala QuickStart that supports HP’s new SignagePlayer at Screenmedia Expo, May 18-19 at Earls Court Exhibition and Conference Center in London (booth E23).

The new and affordable HP SignagePlayer/Scala QuickStart solution features a locked-down Microsoft® Windows® Embedded operating system and a preconfigured Scala Player for outstanding performance and reliability.1 Displaying videos, pictures, crawls, interactive Adobe® Flash and Scala scripts with dynamic text or graphics in any combination up to 1080p allows the system to be used in a wide range of applications. HP SignagePlayers can also be easily connected to any Scala Content Manager anywhere in the world.

“Never before has setting up a full-featured digital signage player been this easy,” said Gerard Bucas, Scala’s Chief Executive Officer. “We’re incredibly pleased to introduce this new service in conjunction with the new Scala certified players from HP. We believe we have achieved a significant breakthrough for the industry.”

At Screenmedia 2011, HP will provide all PCs and all of the 26 screens used in the Scala stand, including HP’s 42-inch digital signage touchscreen and HP’s newest screen, the 47-inch LD4710 with bezels that are less than 18 mm wide. This new digital signage display is thinner, smarter and more connected, giving businesses a full-featured, contemporary and engaging digital signage solution from HP.

Scala 5 Release 6 Scala will showcase a number of features of its next generation software — Release 6 — which will be shipping this summer. Release 6 is a significant update that builds on the current Scala platform of Designer, Content Manager and Player. Release 6 highlights:

•      More Video and Streaming Options: Release 6 adds support for standard H.264 and MPEG2 streaming videos in addition to the support Scala has had for Windows Media Streaming protocols.
  
•     Razor-Sharp HD Quality: Capture cards such as the Datapath RGB E-1 video capture card and the BlackMagic Intensity Pro video capture card are now supported in Release 6 for capturing high-definition component video signals at 720p or 1080i, as well as unencrypted HDMI up to 1080p.
  
•     Making Life Easier for IT: A common requirement in larger networks is that Scala Content Manager can integrate with LDAP servers such as Microsoft’s Active Directory server. Release 6 will allow Content Manager to integrate with such established enterprise tools.
  
•     “Raising the Bar” for dynamic visual effects: Release 6 adds dramatic new visual enhancements for Scala content developed in Designer.
  
•     Bridging the Communication Gap: With this new release, Scala is introducing a new bridge server to support new non-PC players such as the SpinetiX Hyper Media Player.

Intel® AIM Suite an Anonymous Video Analytics Technology

Scala will also showcase the measurement capabilities of Intel® AIM Suite (Audience Impression Metrics), which was recently integrated with Scala Ad Manager advertising management software. Experience a live demo at the Scala stand. Intel AIM Suite software uses anonymous face-detection algorithms to aggregate data on the number of people viewing the sign, length of attention, gender and age bracket. It does this while maintaining complete anonymity and consumer privacy.

Real Directional Sound

The audio at the stand will be provided by Parametric Sound Partner Audionation-UK Ltd. The new award-winning HSS-III directional speaker system is designed to target a specific listening area. HSS-III technology uses tightly focused beams of sound to the intended audience in a lightweight and cost effective package. Delivering focused audio messages in conjunction with digital signage, point of sale, kiosks and other screen media.

I-Point

The I-Point is the newest member of the 10 Squared product range. It has a unique aesthetic, which is ideally suited to high-profile locations such as company receptions or hotel lobbies where first impressions are of great importance. The I-Point is a versatile unit and can be used for a number of different applications such as an information point, automatic check-in or interactive advertising.

About Scala

Driving more than 500,000 screens worldwide, Scala is a leading global provider of digital signage and advertising management solutions. Scala is the world’s first connected signage company, offering the leading platform for content creation, management and distribution in digital signage networks and the first unified platform for advertising management of both traditional and digital signage networks. The company's digital signage customers include Rabobank, IKEA, Burger King, T-Mobile, Virgin MegaStore, Warner Brothers, The Life Channel, Rikstoto, Repsol, NorgesGruppen, Audi, ECE Flatmedia, Kaufhof (Metro Group) and thousands more. Advertising management customers include CBS Outdoor, Clear Channel Outdoor and Newad, among others. Scala is headquartered near Philadelphia, USA, and has subsidiaries in Canada, The Netherlands, France, Norway, Germany and Japan, as well as more than 450 partners in more than 60 countries. More information is available at www.scala.com.

Multi-faceted partnership creates end-to-end deployment and support services for digital media customers

MISSISSAUGA, ON and CHARLOTTETOWN, PE - Metafore Technologies Inc. (“Metafore”) - a leader in the Canadian information technology business for more than 25 years - today announced a multi-faceted partnership with ScreenScape and Samsung to offer full service digital signage solutions.

MetaforeSamsungThis partnership combines ScreenScape’s innovative digital signage solution, Samsung’s cutting edge large format display products and Metafore’s end-to-end deployment and support services to provide a leading edge technology solution for digital media customers.

“Metafore is very well positioned and well equipped to help us service the growing demand for ScreenScape, including ScreenScape-certified hardware solutions” said Kevin Dwyer, President and CEO of ScreenScape Networks. “Metafore is a leader in selling, configuring, installing, and supporting IT solutions.”

“This partnership will help businesses reach their customers and teams by bringing together Metafore's multiplatform expertise, ScreenScape’s innovative solution, and the industry-leading lineup of Samsung Large Format Displays” said Peter Grady, Director of Sales and Marketing for Samsung Electronics Canada’s IT division.

“ScreenScape is reinventing what we have traditionally thought of as digital signage with its innovative Internet-based services” said David Toms, VP and General Manager at Metafore. “Metafore’s partnership with ScreenScape and Samsung will provide customers with simple, accessible, and cost-effective, solutions for location-based marketing.”
About Metafore

Metafore, a subsidiary of Hartco Inc. (TSX: HCI), has been delivering information technology solutions to private- and public- sector organizations of every size for more than 25 years. As one of Canada's leading IT solution providers, Metafore designs, supplies, installs and supports IT infrastructure solutions that contribute to improved productivity and overall business performance. For more information, please visit www.metafore.ca.

About Hartco Inc.

Hartco Inc. (TSX: HCI) has been a leader in the Canadian information technology business for more than thirty years. Through its operating divisions, which together include more than 50 locations across Canada, Hartco Inc. delivers information technology solutions to private and public sector organizations of every size. For more information, please visit www.hartco.com.

About Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. (SECA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung
Electronics Co., markets a broad range of award-winning digital consumer electronics, information systems, telecommunications, and home appliance products. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

About ScreenScape Networks

ScreenScape is the first community-based digital signage network. Businesses of all sizes and in a range of industries use ScreenScape for digital signage, media distribution, and advertising. ScreenScape is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, enabling members to turn any Internet-connected computer or screen into a dynamic digital display. Utilizing ScreenScape, companies can easily access, create, share and update content, while keeping the total cost of ownership low. Members of ScreenScape form a collaborative community, which acts as a shared resource for content creation, exchange, cross-promotion and advertising revenue.

AdderLink X-DVI PRO featuring transparent USB and DVI

CAMBRIDGE, UK - Adder, the experts in connectivity solutions, today announced the availability of the AdderLink X-DVI PRO. Following on from the original AdderLink X-DVI, the X-DVI PRO extender features transparent USB and full bandwidth DVI over a single cable. X-DVI PRO is the second generation DVI extender delivering greater distance, improved USB and faster setup.

The X-DVI PRO is ideal for users that require superior, no compromise video quality. Adder's PRO range is a specific set of devices designed for use in professional digital environments. Industries such as medical imaging, broadcasting, digital signage, graphic design, drafting and animation need to be confident that what is shown on screen is exactly what the workstation intends. The only real way to achieve this is via a digital medium such as DVI. The AdderLink X-DVI PRO will support the extension of full speed transparent USB together with no compromise DVI over distances up to 200ft.

The X-DVI achieves full frequency clock rate for single link DVI connections which means you can extend any resolution within the single link DVI range. As an example, resolutions of 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz can be achieved without the need to reduce data, frequency or colour depth in any way. Delivering full speed USB as a transparent data connection means the X-DVI PRO also supports isochronous devices such as web cams or USB headsets. Setup is now much faster with the inclusion of automatic cable equalisation which determines the cable characteristic and adjusts the signal to deliver perfect results each time.

A true plug and play solution, the AdderLink X-DVI PRO feeds extended profile DDC EDID information from the screen so that the video card is always set up perfectly. X-DVI PRO can also be interface powered at the computer, avoiding the need for additional power sockets and reducing cable clutter. For video only applications, an optional power supply can also be purchased.

Suitable for PC, Mac and Sun computers, the AdderLink X-DVI PRO is available through local distribution partners around the world. For more information, visit www.adder.com

About Adder

Adder is a leading developer and thought leader in connectivity solutions. Adder's media networks, extenders and keyboard, mouse and video switch solutions enable the control and distribution of IT systems around the world. The company distributes its products in more than 60 countries through a network of distributors, resellers and OEMs. Adder has offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Shanghai and Singapore. Visit http://www.adder.com.

New York and Jerusalem - EnQii Holdings and Minicom Digital Signage (MDS) today announced the merger of their companies, creating a global leader in multichannel message management. The merged company will offer a seamless platform that provides leadership, simplicity and innovation in a complex marketplace.

Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP) led a growth capital financing round together with other existing shareholders - Wellington Partners, Amadeus Capital Partners and Aviv Ventures - to complete the merger. The new financing will go towards expanding the current solutions portfolio as well as to grant necessary resources for additional acquisitions.

Lauded with multiple awards in their respective fields, EnQii-MDS will provide marketers with an end-to-end solution encompassing distribution, content management and proof-of-performance - while reducing capital and operational costs. This platform will ensure the delivery of consumer messaging that has recency, relevancy and accountability and which will deliver a strong return on investment to customers at the lowest total cost of ownership. These solutions are designed to be future-proofed, utilizing a cloud-based platform that offers the flexibility to accommodate both small and large installs.

“This is an exciting milestone for the industry as it creates a true global powerhouse providing an integrated suite of hardware, software and services required for the best digital signage deployments going forward,” said Ajay Chowdhury, CEO of the new venture and former CEO of EnQii. “I am particularly excited with our new solutions such as IP Streaming, mobile and web linkages and the ability to provide proof of performance for signage networks.”

Headquartered in New York City, EnQii-MDS will operate from six offices around the world and a global network of dedicated partners that includes 150 worldwide distributors serving thousands of resellers and system integrators.

“This strategic move creates a powerful vertical solution in an industry that has been plagued by complexity,” states Ronni Guggenheim, President of EnQii-MDS and former CEO of Minicom Digital Signage. “This gives us a deeper base to continue to provide compelling innovations in this rapidly growing industry to our current and future partners across the globe.”

Led by a veteran team of industry innovators, EnQii-MDS sets a new standard that will provide focused expertise that larger players cannot deliver. In addition to the officers previously mentioned, Shlomo Nimrodi, has been named Chairman. Stuart Armstrong and Amir Shaked have been tapped to lead the US business and Max Stevens-Guille will lead the Canadian business. In Israel Ofer Dar will act as the Group’s CFO, Moti Guberman will be in charge of operations and Mordehay Hilu will drive the R&D.

Gadi Tirosh, General Partner at JVP and Chairman of MDS concluded: “When we invested in MDS over a year ago, we clearly identified the potential of leveraging MDS’ unique market position and channels as a platform for further growth -- organically and through M&A. This merger is the realization of this strategy creating the most prominent, fastest growing market leader.”

About EnQii

EnQii is a global leader in the digital signage and out-of-home media market with offices in New York, Toronto and London. As one of the world’s truly global digital out-of-home companies, EnQii currently services thousands of locations across more than 14 countries. EnQii couples a deep understanding of customer behaviour with its powerful media technologies to provide clients with fully managed solutions that enables them to advance their overall customer communication strategy for many years to come. Investors in the company include Amadeus Capital Partners and Wellington Partners. EnQii has recently been voted as the number one global digital signage provider for the third year in a row by www.DailyDOOH.com and a Tier One player by Frost & Sullivan for the second year in a row.

About Minicom Digital Signage

Minicom Digital Signage (MDS) is a leader in providing advanced media delivery solutions and innovative management platforms based on cutting edge technology in order to reduce OPEX and enhance the value of Digital Signage networks. MDS’ mission is to offer network operators, integrators and distributors solutions which allow the distribution of rich content from a player to multiple remote digital displays with advanced network management capabilities in order to bring the highest value to the network at the lowest capital and operational costs. With more than two decades of experience and partnerships all over the world, as well as 400,000 screen displays powered in all types of industry verticals, Minicom Digital Signage is a recognized leader in providing innovative and comprehensive solutions to the ever-growing challenges of the Digital Signage industry.

About JVP

JVP is one of the leading venture capital funds in Israel. The fund operates from Jerusalem and manages over $780 million. JVP focuses on building market leaders in the fields of digital media technology, including gaming and virtual worlds, mobile media, software and hardware applications and Internet advertising. With leading industry venture partners and consultants in New York, Los Angeles and Europe and an international network of strategic partners, JVP leverages its unique market expertise, its dedicated management team and substantial capital base to build companies with the potential of shaping the global markets.

About Wellington

Wellington Partners is one the most successful pan-European venture capital firms. With €800 million under management and offices in London, Munich, Palo Alto and Zurich, the firm invests into companies throughout Europe that have the potential to become global leaders, in the areas of Information Technology, Media Convergence, Cleantech and Life Science. Since 1998, Wellington Partners has invested in more than 100 companies in Europe, including now publicly traded Actelion, SAF and XING and successful privately held companies like Alando (acquired by eBay), Ciao (acquired by Microsoft) and ImmobilienScout24 (acquired by Deutsche Telekom).

About Amadeus

Amadeus Capital Partners is one of Europe’s leading technology venture capital firms. Since its inception in 1997, the firm has backed companies across the technology spectrum in industries that include communications and networking hardware and software, cleantech, medtech, computer hardware and software, media, and e–commerce. Amadeus has £460m under management, with active investments in around 40 companies at any time. Amadeus offers its investee companies more than just capital – it offers vision, imagination, experience and a network of contacts across the globe. Global businesses built by Amadeus include Cambridge Silicon Radio Ltd, now CSR plc (LSE:CSR), the leading producer of single chip bluetooth radios for short range connections, and Solexa Ltd, the developer of next generation genetic analysis systems, merged into Illumina, Inc. (ILMN) to create the world-leader in gene-sequencing technology.

About Aviv Ventures

Aviv Ventures invests in Israel related technology companies, with a focus on companies providing “high-tech solutions to low-tech industries”. The fund seeks to invest in revenue stage companies as they transform themselves from R&D centric organizations into globally oriented companies with customer facing operations. Aviv helps its portfolio companies to bridge geographical and professional gaps as they grow and develop from Israel to world markets.

MONTREAL and CHICAGO — Haivision Network Video, leading provider of the most advanced video networking, digital signage, and IP video distribution solutions, today announced that Louis D. Giacalone, founder of CoolSign, will be presenting "TCO: Understanding the Real Costs of Digital Signage" at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24 at Digital Signage Expo 2011. Giacalone, a well-known innovator in digital media, joined Haivision with the company's purchase of CoolSign and its digital signage technology. Digital Signage Expo 2011 will take place May 24-26 in Messe Essen, Essen, Germany.

"When starting and running a digital signage network, operators need to think about the costs and implications of maintenance, network operations, telecommunications, and, perhaps most important, content," said Giacalone. "These areas involve labor-intensive tasks that must be performed every day to support network operation, and their cumulative costs can add up to staggering sums. If these aspects of running a digital signage network are not properly accounted for, project ROI calculations can be misleading and potentially disastrous for both supplier and buyer. In this case, even a successful deployment can quickly turn into a failed program."

Understanding the total cost of ownership (TCO) of a signage network is critical in determining the viability of the project. In his presentation, Giacalone will go beyond the obvious up-front capital costs to examine the ongoing costs that begin after deployment and often wind up being the largest overall cost of the system. His session will examine all cost components in a signage system, from hardware to labor and everything in between, and discuss how technology selection can have an impact on the downstream costs of digital signage networks.

As founder of AdSpace Networks in 1998, Giacalone pioneered the deployment of digital advertising networks, launching what is now the largest network in shopping malls, and invented the CoolSign digital signage software suite. As an independent consultant, he helped the Pentagon and the Playboy Club to deploy digital signage networks. At Titan Worldwide, he developed and launched digital initiatives including cutting-edge network deployments on buses, trains, and rail stations. At Silicon Gaming, Giacalone designed the first high-volume multimedia slot machine, and at Electronic Arts, he developed 3D graphics creation tools.

Giacalone also founded Infinidisc Corporation, developer of a CD jukebox; Solid Ideas, developer of computer graphics software; and Advanced Entertainment Associates, producer of 3D computer graphics and animation. He studied computer engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, and at Polytechnique Montreal. He holds seven patents.
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. 

MUMBAI, India /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The State Bank of India (SBI), India's largest bank, has signed an agreement with U.S.-based automated teller machine (ATM) provider Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) for yet another ATM expansion project for State Bank Group (SBG). The group's strategy is to expand its reach and leverage its brand in the region through branch and retail deployments.

As part of the contract, Diebold will deploy approximately 1,000 cash dispensers (CDs), more than 600 full-function lobby ATMs and approximately 60 cash recyclers. After this expansion is complete, SBG's total ATM network will grow to more than 28,000 terminals. This is part of SBG's plan to support its strategic self-service expansion plan and serve its widespread customer base across India with a significant number of deployments planned in metro, urban, semi-urban, rural and remote areas including Northeast India.

"As the self-service market evolves, automated self-service deposit functions continue to gain popularity," said Naresh Hosangady, vice president and managing director, South Asia, Diebold. "SBG has decided to adopt deposit automation to enhance the self-service technology on ATMs, and we look forward to delivering our solution and further developing our relationship with the SBG."

Diebold is providing the SBG with its full-function models D450 ATM and D422 CD specially designed for India, powered by a highly-efficient Intel Atom Dual Core embedded series processor to optimize power consumption and total cost of ownership.

Power consumption on these ATMs will be approximately 40 percent less than conventional processors. Also featured on these ATMs and CDs are:

•     Touch screen along with function keys for higher availability of the machines;
•     Voice guidance support and Braille enablement to support the visually challenged;
•     Card reader with enhanced security features; and,
•     An advanced dispenser with a special feature that helps in reducing jams and errors enabling better uptime and availability of terminals to end users.

Deposit automation functionality for the SBG will be enabled by Diebold's Opteva® 328 bulk cash recycling ATM, which is a high-capacity cash deposit and recycling terminal with a compact footprint. Unlike envelope deposits, this technology allows for validation of currency during the deposit, immediate credit to the consumer's bank account. The bulk cash recycling ATM is able to emulate a teller transaction while validating each note, helping to reduce the risk of fraud. It also doubles up for routine cash withdrawal transactions.

With more than 17,000 branches, SBG offers the largest banking network to Indian customers. The ongoing ATM network expansion plan will strengthen SBG's mission of providing banking services and solutions across the length and breadth of the country.

About Diebold India

Diebold India is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Diebold, Incorporated, and is headquartered in Mumbai, India, with an infrastructure supporting more than 780 locations across the country. A leader in managed services for ATMs in India, Diebold provides services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to more than 27,000 ATMs in the country. For more information, visit the company's website at www.dieboldindia.com.

About Diebold

Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery and security systems and services. Diebold employs approximately 16,000 associates with representation in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in the Canton, Ohio, region, USA. Diebold is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'DBD.' For more information, visit the company's website at www.diebold.com.

PITTSBURGH— PNC Equipment Finance, LLC (PNCEF) has announced a new group to focus on the equipment financing needs of sports and entertainment businesses. The new group combines PNCEF’s former golf finance and sports venue technology finance segments.

“With our vendor-centric focus, experience and intimate knowledge of these industries, PNC Equipment Finance is well positioned to help sports and entertainment customers achieve their objectives with a full range of financing options,” said Paul Vecker, senior vice president and manager of the vendor finance business of PNC Equipment Finance.  “The sports and entertainment group combines financial strength with the knowledge and understanding of today’s golf, sports media and technology industries.  We will work diligently to create financing programs that meet the needs of this multi-faceted market,” said Vecker.

The new group provides financing options for turf maintenance equipment and golf cars for golf courses, country clubs, municipalities and sports fields throughout the U.S. and Canada.  In addition, it offers financing for sports venue technology equipment such as video boards, score boards, production equipment and other technology-related assets for professional sports teams and other entertainment venues.

Chris L. Schauerman has been chosen to lead the group, which will be an operating unit of the vendor finance business at PNC Equipment Finance.  PNC Equipment Finance, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PNC Bank, National Association, and an affiliate of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., offers a wide variety of financial tools for equipment financing needs, including master lease and master loan agreements which minimize paperwork and speed up the equipment delivery and funding process.

About PNC Financial Services

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. Follow @PNCNews on Twitter for breaking news and announcements from PNC.

Following the recent installation at Larnaka Airport, Acquire’s software is again the platform of choice for Larnaka Tourism Board’s new information kiosks.

Following our recent story about Acquire in Larnaka airport, three more kiosks providing information for tourists and locals have recently been installed in several key locations in Larnaka, Cyprus. The installation of the information kiosks is an initiative by the Larnaka Tourism Body in collaboration with Cyprus Kiosk Company and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.

The official unveiling ceremony was performed on the 2nd of May 2011 by the President of Larnaka Tourism Board - Mr Dinos Lefkaritis, the president of Cyprus Tourism Organisation -  Mr Alekos Orountiotis and Mr Lefteris Efstathiou - Managing Director of Cyprus Kiosk Company.

Information kiosks have already been installed on Finikoudes beach (Kimonos Square), and Larnaca-Dhekelia road (tourist areas and Voroklini Pyla), and in the next few days another will be placed at St. Lazarus square.

The information kiosks powered by Acquire`s Interactive Kiosk & Digital Signage Software, installed and maintained by Cyprus Kiosk Company, will provide information on the attractions and sights of the Larnaka District, cultural events, bus schedules, history of Larnaka, area maps and other useful information in five different languages (English, Greek, German, Russian and French).

Cyprus Airports (F&B) Ltd was established in January 2007 and it is a Joint Venture between CTC-ARI and SSP Louis Airports (F&B) Ltd. The business is managed by SSP, which is the leading provider of food and beverage services in travel locations world-wide. SSP operates a broad portfolio of international and national brands, as well as its own tailor made concepts in 28 countries around the world.

About Working Solutions (Creative IT) Ltd

Based in Leicester, England, Working Solutions (Creative IT) Ltd has been providing award winning solutions to the digital signage and kiosk market segments for more than 12 years. So much more than just another media player, the Acquire™ range includes software products and player devices that combine power and functionality with the ability to control and manipulate content to create unique digital signage and interactive kiosk projects. Acquire™ software is already powering more than 15,000 players worldwide and has the flexibility to support multi-nationals corporations and small ‘start-ups’ alike.

Working Solutions (Creative IT) Ltd is based in Leicester, England.

SUNNYVALE, Calif.---iBASE Technology (TASDAQ: 8050), a world-leading manufacturer of single board computers and embedded systems is introducing the SI-18 Signature Book – an ultra-compact digital signage player powered by the AMD Embedded G-Series APU.

The AMD Embedded G-Series APU, packs two (2) CPU cores and eighty (80) GPU cores on one piece of silicon. It supports applications DirectX® 11, Direct Compute 11, OpenCLTM 1.1 and OpenGL 3.2. Also included is AMD’s UVD3 hardware video decoder which handles full HD playback of MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264, WMV9 and VC-1 video streams.

The SI-18 measures 4.9” x 4.9” x 1.3” and features an industrial grade all metal chassis with integrated mounting brackets. Near universal display compatibility is ensured by the Hybrid-DVI connector supporting DVI, HDMI and VGA displays. SI-18 systems come standard with an AMD Embedded G-Series T56N processor, 2GB of DDR3 memory, 160GB of hard drive storage and gigabit Ethernet Maximum power consumption is an efficient 25 Watts.

“iBASE has been ahead of the game in terms of understanding that graphics quality and multi-display capabilities are key attributes for the maturing digital signage market,” said Buddy Broeker, director, Embedded Solutions, AMD. “As a long-time AMD Embedded Solutions technology partner, we know iBASE is on the cutting-edge for digital signage systems and their adoption of the AMD Embedded G-Series platform will let their customers take advantage of the unique size, power and performance advantages of our APUs.”

SI-18 Signature Book features:

•  G-series Dual-Core Fusion APU
•  Integrated 80 Core DirectX 11 Graphics Processor Unit
•  Hybrid-DVI (Supports CRT, DVI, or HDMI w/ Audio)
•  DDR3 main memory (up to 4GB)
•  Up to 1 Terabyte of hard disk storage
•  WiFi + Bluetooth Option
•  Serial Port (RS-232)
•  Ultra Compact Design
•  5-year Product Availability

About IBASE Technology

Founded in 2000, iBASE Technology (TASDAQ: 8050) is an ISO9001 certified company that specializes in the design, production, sales and marketing of industrial PC products. iBASE's R&D team is composed of talented hardware and software engineers - 50 percent with over 10 years and 45 percent with 5 to 10 years of experience in their respective fields. Current product offerings from iBASE include various single board computers, Mini-ITX boards, industrial motherboards, ETX CPU modules, embedded systems, network appliance and digital surveillance systems for different applications in the gaming, entertainment, automation, medical, military, network and security markets. iBASE also provides OEM/ODM services tailoring products to customers' requirements. For more information, please visit www.ibase-usa.com

This week London Earls Court will host the show for digital place-based media. See a wide range of cutting-edge technology, like AOpen Digital Engine® to power all types of digital signage, kiosks, 3D, point of sale (POS), vending machines, medical applications, flight information systems and many more. For more information we invite you to visit booth A13, where Avnet Embedded will be presenting the latest edition of the AOpen Digital Engine series: DE35-HD.

The Digital Engine is a unique Small Form Factor (uSFF) Media Player with fan or fanless. The compact size makes it easy to install behind a display without increasing the space between the wall and the display or to integrate in a kiosk or other specially designed presentation system. The DE35-HD is equipped with the latest AMD Dual-Core G-series processor, display port and USB3.0.

AOpen Digital Engine DE35-HD

AOpen Digital Engines will be present at various booths throughout the London Screenmedia Expo. On booth A13, one of AOpen premier distributors, Avnet Embedded will be demonstrating the AOpen Digital Engine DE35-HD. 

Each and every AOpen Digital Engine has passed shock and vibration operation tests with 40,000 hours of MTBF, 8G operation shock and 0.5Grms operation vibration tests which guarantee their reliability. AOpen’s Digital Engine series adapts MoDT technology – a technology that started a new standard for digital signage media player products which requires the machines to be energy saving, ultra silent, space saving and high in performance.

Come and visit Avnet Embedded from 18-19 May at booth A13 London Screenmedia Expo or make an appointment with an AOpen Sales representative phone +31736466422 during one of the expo days if you’re interested in powerful, reliable and green computing in a uniquely small PC design.

London Stock Exchange chooses Christie’s latest digital display solutions for its atrium with the promise of sharp and uninterrupted broadcast activity.

WOKINGHAM,  England – Christie®, a global visual technologies company, is proud to announce the largest and one of the most prestigious installations of Christie® MicroTiles™ to date in EMEA, at the London Stock Exchange in Paternoster Square, London. The installation will be utilized in the Exchange’s new market open ceremony.

The installation of 508 Christie MicroTiles at the London Stock Exchange follows a recommendation for their use by CMS Consultant Jerry Collins and a subsequent tender won by long-standing Christie Partner, Focus 21 Visual Communications Ltd. 

Christie MicroTiles are a unique proposition in display technology, offering video and data display building blocks that can be used to create displays of varying size and shape, which are complementary to their environment.

The new market open ceremony provides companies joining London Stock Exchange markets with the opportunity to mark the occasion using the most advanced display technology and bespoke visual communication. The Christie MicroTiles installation replaces The Source, a moving sculpture previously installed in the atrium. 

Visitors to Paternoster Square are now welcomed by columns of Christie MicroTiles in a 1 x 5 configuration. Then as they enter the atrium, their view is directed to either side by two strips of MicroTiles, each consisting of 29 and 31 MicroTiles respectively, and on to an impressive video wall that uses 132 MicroTiles in an 11 x 12 array. The video wall, in unison with the other MicroTiles arrays, streams a variety of content throughout the day including live news and market updates from CNBC.

The displays are managed by six Christie Spyder X20 processors with content offered from a variety of sources, including Scala Infochannel. A Crestron Controller manages lighting, audio, live camera feed and orchestrates an automated opening and closing ceremony of the market.

Another MicroTiles video wall (8 x 6 array) has been installed on the balcony overlooking the atrium and can mimic the content on the main video wall. On the ground level, there is a mosaic of 46 MicroTiles of different depths and heights. Outside of the atrium, visitors are kept updated with another set of four columns of MicroTiles (2 x 4 array).

Adeel Saeed, Head of Corporate Technology Services at London Stock Exchange Group, said, “The launch of the new London Stock Exchange market open installation has been a huge success. We are delighted to work with Christie on developing this project. The innovative and exciting installation will offer companies joining our markets a vibrant and exciting platform to showcase their business.”

Dale Miller, Christie’s EMEA Vice President, added, “We are delighted that Christie MicroTiles has been selected for such a prestigious venue. Both the high footfall of the London Stock Exchange and the paramount information displayed are perfect testimonials of the trust they put in this revolutionary solution.”
 
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.

AOpen Digital Engine DE7000 was successfully tested on the 3-D technology from Dimenco. Dimenco offers end-to-end 3-D solutions without the need for special glasses, which includes 3-D displays, components, rendering solutions, software and content conversion services. Dimenco acquired a 3-D technology license from Philips, enabling them to commercially use and further develop this technology on Philips Public Display screens.

3-D displays are slowly finding its way to the market. Its uniqueness and captivating way of drawing attention to the screen outweighs the extra costs for going 3-D. The 3-D technology from Dimenco is of high quality and can be viewed clearly and beautifully with your own eyes.

Dimenco chooses AOpen Digital Engine because of the proven power and reliability of the DE7000 with strong graphic features. The displays include Philips Smart Insert solution which is perfect for mounting the Digital Engine to the back of the display. AOpen Digital Engine DE7000 is compatible with the Dimenco rendering code, which is integrated in the Philips 3-D displays.

After successful testing of the compatibility of the hardware, both parties are enthusiastic about the new cooperation. Customers that are interested can view this combination at the Screen Media Expo in London at booth E15 or contact an AOpen sales representative at the European headquarters telephone +31736466400.

About Dimenco

Dimenco is an independent company, which was founded by young ambitious Dutch people that all share the same passion for 3-D technology. The company offers end-to-end 3-D solutions which includes 3-D displays, components, rendering solutions, software and content conversion services. Furthermore, they provide consultancy services to several leading industry players. Dimenco also acquired a 3-D technology license from Philips, enabling them to commercially use and further develop this technology. www.dimenco.eu

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. www.aopen.com

Turnkey bundle, including latest Philips display and Advantech PC technology, set for debut at Screenmedia Expo digital signage trade show, May 18-19 at Earls Court in London.

LONDON – A new digital signage software/player/screen bundle that simplifies and fast-tracks deployments – at half the cost of similar offers – will have its debut at next week’s Screenmedia Expo trade show in London.

The bundle combines signagelive’s web-based software with a 42-inch Philips commercial LCD and a powerful, small form-factor Advantech PC that fits into a universal slot in the rear of Philips “Smart Insert” (www.smartinsertsolution.com) displays. The combined offer makes deployment of digital signage networks of any scale standardized and affordable and gets operators off to a quick start.

“We’ve seen solutions come on the market that have put some disparate elements together into bundles that are marketed as fast and easy, but there’s been a problem,” says Jason Cremins. “The solutions we’ve seen either require a series of compromises, or the overall price is off the chart in terms of cost. This new bundle, we think, ticks all the proper boxes.”

Cremins says the bundle’s overall cost is roughly 50 percent that of competing offers on the market, and comes with a three-year warranty and ongoing signagelive support.

The bundle is the centrepiece of a very active stand presence planned for Screenmedia Expo, (www.screenevents.co.uk/screenexpo2011) Europe’s largest digital signage sector trade show. The stand has a large live demo area intended to show signagelive’s open architecture solution for scheduling and managing ad-based, retail and private communications networks of any scale.

Among the highlights:

• The first public showing of Philips’ BDL6540AT 65” new open pluggable specification-enabled display, which has an easy-install, rapid-service docking slot for PCs;
• Philips BDL5231VS 52” glasses-free autostereoscopic 3D displays;
• Philips HalO edge-lit displays that frame displays with cool, configurable light effects;
• A multi-touch display table application;
• A four by 46” thin bezel LCD videowall, powered by Datapath’s x4 controller   http://www.datapath.co.uk/products/multi-display-controller
• Advantech’s ARK-DS303P, which uses a Broadcomm chip optimized by signagelive to run full 1080p 60 fps video and multiple content zones, on a relatively low-powered Intel Atom CPU;
• New Advantech ARK-DS520 and ARKDS220 Intel Atom players with Nvidia ION graphics processors, in standalone and integrated “smart insert” configurations;
• Advantech dynamically-updated SMIL devices, including a 10-inch XDS-104 screen and player running signagelive’s virtual player.             

“We’ll also bring a little bit of Glasgow to the show,” says Cremins, explaining how the stand will include a display unit similar to the Primesight digital out-of-home advert screens now running in Glasgow's subway system. “We’ll be showing live news from Scotland TV and adverts, through our integration with Key Systems’ (www.keysystems.co.uk) media planning platform.”

Based near Cambridge, signagelive is the software brand of Remote Media - among the fastest growing firms in the digital signage software and solutions sector. 

signagelive’s software is also driving Screenmedia Expo’s trade show communications network this year. Sponsored by display solution specialist Melford, http://www.melford-elec.co.uk/Melford_sponsor_Screenmedia_Expo some 10 50-inch screens located around the hall will feature live Twitter and FourSquare social media feeds, show agenda and general information.

That software is also powering a cascading set of escalator panels demonstrated at Melford’s stand, showing player synchronisation to within 1/100th of a second, and a configuration that steadily auto-corrects itself for timing.

Also on display and driven by signagelive, 10 Squared’s (www.10squared.co.uk) retail-centric screen fixtures and the first showing of a new iTaxitop offering from Eyetease Media. www.eyeteasemedia.co.uk

The Screenmedia Expo trade show is May 18-19 at the Earls Court 2 events center in London. Experts from signagelive, Philips and Advantech will be on hand to demonstrate capabilities and offer ideas and guidance both days at stand E15.

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 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.

Austin, TX – Alveni, LLC, a leader in interactive kiosk solutions, has announced it has joined the prestigious Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA). DSA is a non-­profit trade organization serving the digital signage, interactive kiosk, mobile and self-­service technology industries.

Alveni offers complete interactive kiosk solutions to medium and large companies as well as government agencies in Mexico, Latin America, Canada and USA. The company offers faster, convenient and personalized interaction to their customers and employees in an effective way.

“As we grow into an international company through our US office, it is key for us to get involved in DSA since the organization connects industry leaders”, says Jorge Euran, Alveni’s CEO. “It’s a great opportunity to be part of a group focused on finding ways to grow the industry. I look forward to being a contributing member of the association.”

“The DSA membership is a who’s who in digital screenmedia,” said David Drain, DSA executive director. “We have a broad cross-­section of members, from small start-­ups to Fortune 500 companies. Our membership includes users, vendors, network operators, agencies, brands, integrators, pro A/V firms and more. Companies join DSA to meet people and companies, gain access to valuable information and to save money – in other words, to be successful.”

About Alveni

Alveni, LLC is the US subsidiary of Alveni, SA de CV, a Mexican company leader in interactive kiosk solutions since 2003. Today, Alveni has implemented successful projects in areas like human resources, retail and finance. Alveni’s customers include global companies like Honewyell, GE and The Home Depot Mexico, as well as different government agencies and financial institutions like Banco Nacional de Costa Rica and ING. For more information, visit www.alveni.com.

About Digital Screenmedia Association

The Digital Screenmedia Association was formed through the April 2010 merger of the Digital Signage Association and the Self-­Service & Kiosk Association. With over 650 members, the purpose of the DSA is to advance the growth and excellence of the global digital signage, interactive kiosk and mobile community through advocacy, education and networking. See www.digitalscreenmedia.org.

Top features include full high-definition panel, ultra-narrow bezel, digital loop through, direct LED backlighting.

CHICAGO – NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today a new ultra-narrow model to its X Series, the 55-inch X551UN. This professional-grade large-screen display is designed for the rigors of 24/7 operation in a variety of video wall applications.

The X551UN is a direct LED-backlit LCD display, which allows for improved uniformity, reduced power consumption and mercury-free components. Enhanced from its award-winning 46-inch X462UN sibling, the X551UN has a 5.5mm distance between active screen areas of two neighboring displays. This model is the 3rd product in NEC’s X Series to support Intel’s Open Pluggable Specification (OPS), which is the first industry-wide standardization in option slots to simplify digital signage. The OPS option slot allows for easier installation, use and maintenance of digital signage.

“We’re very excited about all the new features and capabilities that are integrated in the X551UN and the solutions that can be created because of their addition,” said Rachel Karnani, Product Manager for Large-Screen Displays at NEC Display Solutions. “Video walls will be incredibly crisp with full 1080p resolution, and the sheer 55-inch size in any configuration will surely stop traffic in any environment. The display is future-proofed with Intel’s OPS option slot while continuing to offer all the technologies of the X462UN that our customers have made so popular.”

The X551UN includes the following features:

• Professional-grade LCD panel with advanced thermal protection and sealed panel  design for the most formidable digital signage industry requirements
• Full 1080p high-definition resolution
• Brightness of 500 cd/m² (typical)
• Contrast ratio of 4000:1 (typical)
• Power consumption of 190W (typical)
• Full digital connectivity with DisplayPort, HDMI and DVI-D and Ethernet with automated email notifications for diagnostic purposes
• Digital loop through and RS-232C enabled multi-display control and daisy chain capabilities
• Network control and communication allows the highest level of remote display management
• TileMatrix™ technology for video walls up to 100 displays
• Built-in closed captioning enables the decoding and display of text information from a video source
• Optional accessories and products for the X551UN include the Remote/Ambient Control Kit, Overframe Kit, Display Wall Calibrator Color Calibration Kit, stand, wall mount, single board computers, external PC, IPTV tuner, DVI daisy chain module and internal HD-SDI card

The X551UN will be available in June 2011 at an estimated street price of $7,799.  The display ships with a 3-year parts and labor warranty, including the backlight.

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 www.vukunet.com or call (877) 805-VUKU. 

New features include expansion slot and full high-definition resolution.

CHICAGO – NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the addition of a 65-inch model to its commercial-grade V Series, the V651. This model offers digital signage users world-class features at a cost-conscious price.

Designed for extended use in retail, restaurants, indoor venues, training facilities and corporate boardrooms, the V651 introduces several new features to the V Series product line. Its full 1080p high-definition resolution provides stunning detail and crisp imagery with a commercial-grade LCD panel that protects against permanent image retention. Along with a built-in expansion slot that allows for seamless integration of NEC accessories, 3rd party components and OPS-based products, the V651 offers built-in low-profile 10W speakers to enhance the users’ experience with superior sound. Another new feature is the expanded connectivity with digital loop-through option.

“The V651 is an excellent addition for customers that want to brighten their facility with a product that brilliantly displays dynamic content,” said Rachel Karnani, product manager for Large-Screen Displays at NEC Display Solutions. “The addition of the expansion slot future-proofs the display and offers a solution for current technologies like a single-board computer. Customers will appreciate the added features in this new model, as well as the increase in size to accommodate larger areas and audiences.”

Features include:

• Commercial-grade, sealed panel design with advanced cooling capabilities
• Brightness of 400 cd/m²
• Contrast ratio of 5000:1
• Full 1080p high-definition resolution
• Expansion slot supports the Open Pluggable Specification (OPS), which is the industry's first standardized option slot that simplifies digital signage installations
• Enhanced connectivity with DisplayPort, HDMI and DVI-D
• Remote diagnostics and external control including RS-232C, RJ45 LAN, IR Remote, DDC/CI
• TileMatrix™ technology (up to 100 displays)
• Real-time clock has the ability to set schedules for display on/off times and warm up 30 minutes before use for optimum color representation
• Programmable look-up tables (LUT) and 10-bit color over an HDMI connection
• Carbon footprint meter tracks and calculates the conservation of green gas emissions
• Optional accessories and products for the V651 include stands, wall mounts, external PCs and media players

The V651 will be available in June 2011 at an estimated street price of $5,299.  The display ships with a 3 years parts and labor warranty, including the backlight.

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 www.vukunet.com or call (877) 805-VUKU. 

Shawnee, Kansas – Rise Vision, a uniquely positioned web platform for digital signage, announced today that Paul Flanigan has joined Rise Vision as vice president of marketing and business development.

In this newly-created position, Flanigan serves as the primary marketing executive for Rise Vision, a web-based, open-source platform for digital media. He is also charged with evangelizing the platform and Rise Vision brand through applicable channels, building a subscription-based following, and developing partnerships with manufacturers and suppliers to fortify the organization’s place as the premiere open-source platform for digital signage users.

Flanigan reports directly to Byron Darlison, president of Rise Vision, Inc.

“Paul’s background in branding, marketing, digital and social media, and digital signage makes him the ideal executive to shape the evolution of Rise Vision,” said Darlison. “We are confident in both the platform and Paul’s abilities to grow the product and the brand.”

Prior to his recent work as a consultant, from 2005 to 2009 Flanigan managed the billion-dollar in-store network for Best Buy’s global retail chain. From 2001-2004 Flanigan managed the marketing and sponsorship activities for the Sacramento River Cats, the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Oakland A’s.

“I am elated to join Rise Vision and the talented team that creates this remarkable platform,” said Flanigan. “This is a tremendous opportunity to bring together different markets and users through a common, open-source platform that fosters user engagement.”

About Rise Vision

Rise Vision is a private company wholly owned by Rise Holdings, based in Toronto, Canada, and has been creating web-based software services since 1992 to thousands of clients around the world. For more information, please contact Paul Flanigan - .

Makito™ Decoder

At BroadcastAsia2010, Haivision will highlight the latest Makito™ Decoder, an H.264 decoder that supports video up to 1080p60. When paired with the very popular Makito HD H.264 encoder, this system provides low-latency decoding and efficient delivery of HD video via HD-SDI or HDMI output. Sharing the space-saving, miniblade form factor and low power requirements of the Makito encoder, this new product is an optimal solution for medical and military applications seeking a professional-grade, low-latency, high-performance video decoding solution.

ZiXi Ready™ Makito™ Encoders

Haivision will also showcase the latest ZiXi Ready™ Makito™ HD video encoder, which dramatically reduces HD transmission costs. East to set up and deploy, Haivision's ultra-compact, low-power Makito appliance now can be ordered with ZiXi ready capabilities and at a very competitive price point.

The revolutionary Makito encoding system delivers low-latency, full-frame-rate H.264 encoding of HD video up to 1080p60, or computer graphics resolutions up to 1280x1024 75Hz (SXGA). The Makito incorporates HiLo-Streaming™, the ability to encode once and emit both high- and low-bandwidth streams simultaneously, and MultiStreaming™, the ability to send streams with different IP encapsulation to different destinations. When integrated with the Furnace™ IP video system, the Makito also distributes 100-percent secure and robust video. The Makito offers the most efficient and affordable distribution, capture, and rebroadcast of HD video.

Haivision Demonstrates Furnace™ 6.0 Including MultiStream™ Recording and Advanced Publishing

This important sixth revision of the acclaimed Furnace™ IP video system brings forward advanced recording and publishing features to enable clients to capture and distribute synchronized multistream video content. The VF Recorder module is enhanced to support recording and review of up to four simultaneous video streams associated within a combined video asset. During the recording, real-time metadata can be applied (HotMarks™) to all streams either through the user interface or as triggered by third party control systems. HotMarks enable viewers to search for and jump to specific tagged events quickly. The VF Publisher module is introduced to establish automated ingest and publishing of content. After a record process, users can instantly assign content to specific groups, make the content available within the Web portal, email links to specific users or groups, or deposit the content into third-party systems for further editing.

About Haivision

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.

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

The “Digital Signage, there is no alternative!” conference will take place on May 31,2011 in Moscow’s Korston Hotel.

The conference is organized by DigiSky, the only Russian member of the Digital Screenmedia Association and OVAB (Out-of-home Video Advertising Bureau). Technical partner to the event is Adissy, who supplies the Russian market with a wide range of the best innovative products and solutions in the area of advertising systems.

Digital communications are in a period of extremely rapid development. All over the world an integration process is underway between digital signage, mobile and interactive technologies, and social media. New technologies such as augmented reality, gesture control and multi-touch are constantly emerging and developing. With each successive year, modern information technologies are integrating to offer ever wider-reaching possibilities.

Despite the high-tech nature of digital signage, the main emphasis of the “Digital Signage, there is no alternative!” conference will be on the business aspects of the industry. Many Russian companies are aware that digital communications are both contemporary and necessary, but how should they make optimal use of them? How can they maximize their return on investment? Where can they find reliable partners?

Precisely this is the aim of the conference. To create a forum for communication between all the actors in the market, and to educate end users who want to create advertisement networks, corporate information channels and other types of digital signage systems.

Speakers will include leading experts in digital signage from the USA, Europe and Russia.

It is anticipated that representatives of more than 70 major companies from the fields of finance, oil and gas, retail and the restaurant and hotel industries will attend.

For an invitation to the conference, please register at www.digitalsignagerussia.ru.

Christie MicroTiles installation forms digital communications hub to inform, educate and entertain.
 
CYPRESS, Calif. – Clarkson University, New York State’s highest-ranked small university, is using Christie® MicroTiles™ for a unique, digital display wall that is quickly becoming the hub of campus life.

With the concept developed by Christie partner Video Visions Inc., the video wall is the centerpiece of the amphitheater in the school’s new Student Center, which opened in September 2010. Students voted to increase their own activity fees to help fund the center, and wanted to make it both welcoming and technologically advanced. The wall combines an array of 80 Christie MicroTiles arranged in a 10 wide by 8 high configuration, media servers, Crestron touch panel and 12 inputs (with expansion potential for 15), deliver a rich, vibrant audio/video experience that gives students information about campus events, sports feeds, such as hockey games, live music from the campus radio station and four HD television feeds. The installation is also used by students for video games, and is used to create interesting backdrops during live performances, such as comedy nights or concerts.
 
“Our school is very technology-focused, so it was important for us to have state-of-the-art multimedia,” said Kevin Lynch, chief information officer at Clarkson. “We’re especially pleased that our design students can use the wall as a canvas for their own work. It gives them a learning experience on the latest in digital display technology. It’s also easy enough to program, so that anyone with good laptop skills can do it.”
 
Lynch said that when he and the IT team first reviewed all the available options, he was pleasantly surprised by the overall cost competitiveness of a Christie MicroTiles installation. “Upon factoring in the lower maintenance costs, greater longevity, and the fact that you can replace individual modules without scrapping the whole system, the total cost of ownership made MicroTiles the best option over competing proposals. Christie MicroTiles are also much more environmentally-friendly than most of the alternatives.”
 
The installation begins on the main floor of the amphitheater, and rises upward. It is easily seen throughout the center, including from some opera-style boxes at the side. Students check the Christie MicroTiles video wall regularly as they walk from one class to the next, and officials sometimes joke that the content is so compelling it’s hard to get people back to their work or studies.
 
“The modern, open concept structure has a lot of ambient light, which would have created glare if other digital display systems had been used,” said Ted Manahan, director of sales and engineering at Video Visions Inc. “You can’t beat MicroTiles when you have high ambient light.”
 
The major challenge was installing during construction. “The installation backs onto a solid wall, so there is no rear access. This isn’t a maintenance problem, since MicroTiles can be maintained from the front, but it did mean the wiring and signals had to be carefully planned and tested for each tile as we went along, since there is no second chance. We had no problems,” said Manahan.

In all, the installation was completed in just six working days.  Students and staff alike are very pleased with the adaptability of the wall. It was featured at the dedication play of the facility with a multimedia video and live stage performance about the founding years of the university. Segments from the late 19th and early 20th century were in black and white, while content that is more modern was in color. The color and contrast were of exceptional and consistent quality throughout. The university has been showcasing a variety of student-oriented work, including a student artwork display on the wall at the next graduation ceremony and serving as a “Watson” site for IBM’s Jeopardy Challenge.
 
About Clarkson

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in six alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world’s pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.
 
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.

Christie® is a registered trademark of Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc.
Christie® MicroTiles™ is a registered trademark of Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. 

Moscow, Russia – Digisky, one of the CIS market leaders in providing integrated media experiences for business,  and has provided a narrow casting service of media content for global leader and Fortune 500 company Metro Cash & Carry for several years. Now Digisky expands its service to  Metro Cash & Carry Kazakhstan.

All Metro stores are equipped with professional high technology equipment which allows on-line updates and management of media, music content and information spots in each store via satellite distribution system (SDS). Kazakhstan – a country with more than 2 700 km² territory. The distance between stores can be as much as 1000-2000 km. Installed equipment allows reduced cost of on-line content updates and frees employees from system management. All Metro Cash & Carry stores are controlled and managed from one center in Moscow which is located at DigiSky. Audio spots in stores are dual language Russian and Kazakh.

METRO Cash & Carry is the leading international player in self-service wholesale: customer-focused, international, and innovative. The concept is oriented towards helping customers to successfully run their own businesses; made for professional customers who hold a business license, such as hotels, restaurants, caterers, small retailers and offices.

The strategy is focused on an enhanced wholesale model suited for the most demanding international markets - across the world from Madrid to Moscow to Shanghai.

Founded in 1964 in Germany, Metro Cash & Carry Company quickly spread into many countries in Europe, Asia and Northern Africa.

DigiSky is a modern company, satisfying the needs of different groups of customers in such industries as: Retail, Fitness, Banking, Hospitality, etc. As the leading regional provider of creative and customized media solutions for different businesses, DigiSky is the industry’s end-to-end services provider for Digital Signage, branded music, messaging, media programs and systems integration services. DigiSky is a privately held company established in 2004 with offices in Russia and Ukraine.

DigiSky provides true end-to-end solutions to more than 50 clients in CIS market including: METRO CC, OBI, Castorama, IKEA, Real, Mega, Sber Bank, Selgors CC, Bin Bank,Okey, Dream House, Strata Partners and many others. DigiSky and it's 50 certified partners are supported - via satellite and terrestrial networks - the large territory: 3000 km from north to south and 9000 km from to east to west. DigiSky works closely with its clients and is focused on achieving the best solutions.

Aquiring the Digital Signage Solution

Aquired in Q4 of 2010 by Haivision Inc, Coolsign was a software provider catering to resellers and end-users that were looking to get into digital signage but were having difficulties understanding the vast array of products and services available to them. After their acquisition, the need for a hardware based digital signage solution became a top priority.

80% of the market

As a software company, CoolSign was looking to broaden their reach in the digital signage landscape, Raffi Vartian, Director of Business Development said, "We needed to have a hardware out-of-the-box experience where users can simply pull something out of a box and have it online. We were looking to cover 80% of the (digital signage) market, and we found that AOpen was covering 80% of that market."

CoolSign Software / AOpen Hardware

CoolSign is a feature-rich signage solution that incorporates sophisticated and patented technology to control, schedule, distribute, display, and monitor digital media. A mature technology that can scale to meet the demands of digital signage deployments of any size, CoolSign can manage media displays from complex video walls, to synchronized flat panels, to highly distributed picture frames. Initially launched more than 12 years ago, CoolSign boasts a large installed base of networks and players at premier clients, including the US Department of Defense, covering a broad spectrum from retail to corporate to pure-play digital-out-of-home advertising (DOOH) networks. Some of these applications run 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, and the media player behind it needs to be able to withstand those demands.The AOpen DE7000, with its ability to run the most demanding high definition content, was chosen to fill that out-of-the-box need. Housed in a miniscule 6.5 by 6.5 inch foot print, is a fully configurable media player capable of handling the most rigorous of digital signage installations. "It's a rock solid 'industry grade', great Windows-based platform." Raffi added.

Working with AOpen

When asked about what kind of feedback he received about AOpen hardware, Raffi said, "Well, here's the thing. We only get feedback from our clients when there are negative things to say. We haven't heard anything back from them(regarding AOpen hardware). Take that as a positive." Asked about their relationship with AOpen, Raffi stated, "AOpen is very easy to work with and listened to our feedback. There is a great group of partnering organizations working with them, and it's a great company to be involved with."
 
About Haivision Network Video

Based in Montreal and Chicago, Haivision Network Video is a private company and a world leader in delivering the most advanced and intelligent IP video networking and digital signage technology. Haivision's products are deployed worldwide within the foremost Fortune 100 companies; in the most rigorous military and defense applications; in state-of-the-art healthcare facilities for video collaboration and training; in highly renowned educational institutions for IPTV, teaching, and signage; in the most efficient interactive broadcast applications; and within the world's leading TelePresence suites. Haivision distributes its products through value-added resellers, system integrators, distributors, and OEMs worldwide.

About AOpen America, Inc.

AOpen, Inc. founded in 1996 is headquartered in Taiwan with offices in America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. AOpen has more than 10 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 digital signage hardware 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 has cultivated a sophisticated ecosystem of premium solution providers to offer its solutions via its value added channel network to the market.

Alliance designed to ensure seamless integration with leading ISVs offering
point-of-sale, mobile printing and kiosk applications.

Torrance, CA, – Seiko Instruments USA Inc. (SII) Thermal Printer Division, http://www.siiprinters.com, a globally recognized leader in thermal printer technology today announced its new Ascend ISV Partner Program for independent software vendors. The program’s charter is to keep SII’s development efforts in close alignment with those of industry-leading software vendors, while facilitating new business opportunities for Seiko Instruments and its partners. 

“We are enthusiastic to be part of Seiko Instruments’ ISV Partner Program, said Michel Cote, President, Posera Software. “Our products provide the flexibility, simplicity, and increased efficiency needed to deliver measurable bottom-line results. We also partner with select hardware manufacturers that offer the value and reliability our customers demand, and the Seiko Instruments printer worked seamlessly with Matre’D software.” 

“As a global leader in the point of sale, store operations and back-office software applications for the specialty retail industry, it made perfect sense for us to partner with a leading peripherals manufacturer such as Seiko Instruments,” said Kerry Lemos, CEO, Retail Pro. “Our scalable and adaptable products tackle complexity and simplify day-to-day retail operations. We look to align with manufacturers offering the right vision and caliber of product to help drive new business opportunities – for both of our companies and our partners."

Through this alliance, Ascend ISV ensures Seiko Instruments’ development efforts are in lockstep with those of leading software vendors. By deploying these applications with reliable Seiko Instruments peripherals, VARs and integrators can offer their customers total solutions that make an immediate impact based on greater efficiencies, lower costs, and new revenue streams. With that vision and mission in mind, ISVs partnering with Seiko Instruments will experience a full complement of features, functions and support, including:

•     Direct access to factory-trained technical support personnel.
•     Free evaluation units.
•     Drivers, SDKs, and utility tools.
•     Technical documentation.
•     Test reports.
•     Sample code.
•     Marketing and sales support.

Furthering its dedication to promoting the seamless integration of leading-edge technologies, Seiko Instruments’ Ascend ISV program is poised to develop steady, long-term partnerships with the channel’s leading ISVs. Furthermore, the program was developed with the vision of continually driving bottom-line results and increased revenues, while providing advanced, fully integrated solutions to best-meet end user needs across hospitality, retail, healthcare, government, and other relevant sectors.

“Our Ascend ISV Partner Program is an integral component to solidifying our strategy,” said Kaz Onishi, Vice President, Seiko Instruments USA. “Our printers are designed for performance, reliability, ease-of-use, and simplified integration, and our support team is responsive and technically astute. Now we are locking in the right partnerships to ensure Seiko Instruments and our partners are best positioned for long term success.”

For more information on the requirements for and benefits of joining Seiko Instruments’ Ascend ISV Program, please call (877) 905-2291, or go to www.siiprinters.com/partners.