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News Archive |
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Monday, 18 January 2010
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA · MediaTile announced that its African distributor Tactile Technologies has released the MediaTile Cellular Digital Signage product line, named Digital-Sign-In-A-Box, for immediate delivery across Africa.
"We are extremely excited about bringing the tremendous communication advantages that MediaTile digital signage solutions provide to both businesses and consumers to Africa," said Mauro Mercuri, general manager of Tactile Technologies and exclusive MediaTile business partner for Africa. "With our business partner Vodacom we have eliminated virtually all of the technical barriers associated with IP-based digital signage networks and thereby opened the market to far more businesses."
In June, Tactile Technologies announced that it had secured an agreement with Vodacom Business Solutions, a division of Vodacom South Africa, to accelerate the market adoption of networked digital signage deployments and direct broadcast networks. The agreement enables both companies to team up and offer cellular-based digital signage solutions to retail chains, product vendors and advertisers.
MediaTile Digital-Sign-In-A-Box displays are configured by simply plugging them into a standard power outlet. MediaTile displays instantly connect over the Internet using Vodacom mobile 3G/GPRS services, and are individually or collectively controlled through a secure Web-based portal. MediaTile displays are available in 19-, 32-, 42- and 47-inch HD LCD sizes, including touchscreen configurations. Also available is a separate component player that can be connected to almost any pre-existing display.
Monday, 18 January 2010
Clickz.com: If patent filings are anything to go by, contextual advertising powered by Google will start appearing on digital billboards in a shopping mall near you.
The Mountain View, Calif. search marketing giant has filed a patent application for technology that lets local stores tie their stock control computers to a Google-powered ad network, a strong hint that the company is planning to expand expansion beyond Web, print and radio advertising.
Read more
Monday, 26 October 2009
Real Digital Media (RDM), provider of the NEOCAST digital signage platform, has announced its CEO, Ken Goldberg, will lead a Tech Talk presentation at next month's KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show in New York City.
According to a news release from RDM, The presentation, "Coexistence versus Convergence: Digital Signage, Interactive Applications and Their Future," will focus on the increasingly coexistent relationship between digital signage and kiosk technologies and the ways both solutions impact the consumer and employee experience. RDM says the session will cover:
- The fundamental differences between digital signage and interactive applications
- What each approach can learn from the other
- Where the boundaries for conversion are likely to be and why
- How these items impact decision-making and infrastructure
Goldberg's Tech Talk is scheduled to take place Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 10:30 a.m., says RDM.
In addition, Goldberg will chair a panel discussion, "The 5 W's of Advertising on a Venue's DOOH Network," Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11:45. Also on the panel will be Rob Hoyt, retail concept manger for Seventh Generation, and Leslie Armour, president of the Youth Marketing Group for Tween Brands and The Tween Network. According to RDM, the panel will share insights on why advertisers participate in DOOH networks and why venues choose to launch them.
Lawrence Dvorchik, general manager of the KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show, says Goldberg's participation will help educate and inform attendees before they take on technologically complex deployments:
Successful digital signage implementations require the collaboration of a number of disciplines. Understanding how these disciplines interact and overlap is the first step to developing a sound strategy to incorporate a digital signage network that aligns with the company's specific business objectives. Our hope is that our attendees gain valuable insights from these discussions that can help them make informed decisions and move forward with more successful deployments.
The KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show are again co-located at New York's Jacob Javitz Convention Center and will take place Nov. 10-11.
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Library Automation Technologies Inc. has announced updates to its line of library self-checkout solutions that allow libraries to communicate with patrons via digital display technology during idle times. According to a news release from LAT, library clients can use their existing LAT-Central enterprise management systems to control the content displayed.
Oleg Boyarsky, president and CEO of LAT, says the upgrade will help libraries meet the marketing demands they increasingly face:
Libraries are changing and are evolving with the times. Like commercial enterprises, libraries must now market their value to their patrons. Instead of buying monitors, computers or creating a separate infrastructure to do that, we allow them the same capability using the equipment they already have.
LAT says the digital signage upgrade is free to existing customers.
Wednesday, 07 October 2009
The ng Connect Program today announced a new proof of concept developed by The MediaTile Co. in collaboration with Alcatel-Lucent. The program members have announced the first "HumanKiosk" prototype, a digital signage solution with integrated 4GVideoPresence technology.
According to a news release from MediaTile, the HumanKiosk will enable brands, retailers and other vendors to influence consumers where and when they shop. It combines out-of-home digital promotions with a way to connect personally with consumers who are purchasing products in-store, at the point of decision.
The HumanKiosk leverages 4G/LTE technology to deliver a live, two-way in-store video session between a consumer with a product question and a representative of the product or service.
A customer seeking information about a prescription after an in-store pharmacist has left for the day can simply tap the touchscreen to establish a live visual and audio connection with a pharmacist or product expert at another location.
MediaTile says setting up the fully integrated solution requires nothing more than a standard power outlet, making it easy to deploy in almost any environment.
With 4G/LTE technology, no on-site networking infrastructure or I.T. services are required to set up and use the HumanKiosk.
Simon Wilson, chief executive of MediaTile, believes solutions like HumanKiosk could permanently change the digital signage market:
With more than 155 million estimated viewers each month in the U.S. now watching digital signage networks as part of their daily routine, adding 4G/LTE into the equation means these viewers will be able to interact directly with the vendors whose products are onscreen. 4G/LTE and technologies, such as 4GVideoPresence, will fundamentally change the digital signage market as we know it today, and allow brands to re-engage and interact with consumers in a more personal, face-to-face manner.
The HumanKiosk, with its 4GVideoPresence capabilities, is just one of many digital signage configurations possible using 4G/LTE technology. With its massive bandwidth and persistent IP-connection, 4G/LTE-equipped digital signs will support a variety of rich media services, including on-demand video requests, live emergency video broadcasts, one-to-many broadcasts, one-to-one broadcasts, rich-media services and other significant communication enhancements.
Derek Kuhn, vice president of the Emerging Technology and Media Group at Alcatel-Lucent and a founding member of the ng Connect Program, says the long-term viability of 4G/LTE technology adds value to digital signage solutions:
By adding 4G/LTE networking directly into digital signage solutions, such as those developed by ng Connect member MediaTile, network operators will be able to provide a new level of experiential content for their customers. With more and more customers deploying 3G networks today, providing a built-in roadmap to the future with 4G/LTE adds tremendous business value and investment protection to digital signage about which customers are already ecstatic.
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
As the line between self-service and digital signage continues to blur, interactive technology provider DT Research has announced the deployment of its WebDT signage system at Taiwan's Taipei Bus Station, the country's largest transportation terminal.
According to a news release from DT Research, the WebDT solution combines a high-definition digital display with touch interactivity, allowing users to explore the station and surrounding area on the 47-inch screen.
DT Research also will provide its WebDT Content Manger software, allowing for real-time information updates.
The Taipei Bus Station opened in August as part of the city's Main Station Zone project to promote urban renewal. In addition to the multiline transportation terminal, the station offers a luxury hotel, residential condominiums with 24-hour concierge service, office buildings, a shopping center and a movie theater.
Wednesday, 09 September 2009
Kiosk and digital signage software provider Nanonation has announced a partnership with LodgeNet Interactive Corp. to provide digital signage software and services to the hospitality and healthcare verticals. Nanonation says in a news release that the deal will allow LodgeNet to add expanded digital signage capabilities, such as interior wayfinding, video walls and integrated meeting room signage, to its traditional informational and promotional digital display solutions.
Bradley Walker, Nanonation's CEO, says collaboration between the two companies will allow clients to create better customer experiences and save money:
Nanonation's software is engineered to drive sales, fuel profits and enhance the guest experience. Our platform seamlessly integrated digital media content while monitoring, measuring and managing customer interactions. Partnering with a complete solution provider like LodgeNet enables more businesses to take advantage of technologies that make a difference in creating compelling experiences, while enhancing the bottom line.
Wednesday, 09 September 2009
EuroTouch Kiosks has announced the availability of its FlexiMega digital display platform in North America:
As part of our ongoing commitment to our digital signage program, we are pleased to introduce our new FlexiMega series with new front-opening access. This unit differs from the standard units on the market, with its aluminum construction, contemporary, curved front and back fascia and with the entire front door opening for complete access serviceability.
EuroTouch says the platform is available in multiple sizes and colors and with or without touchscreens. The product comes standard in a silver color and sizes of either 40 inches, 46 inches or 52 inches.
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Working Solutions, which develops Acquire digital signage software, has added a Google Maps plugin to its program, allowing users to incorporate the GPS program into digital signage content. Content is updated using 3G cellular connectivity, making it useful for mobile digital signage applications.
“We already have one of our resellers waiting to use the new GPS plugin for a taxi system trial which will start this month”, said Neil Farr, managing director of Working Solutions. “The screens will be utilizing Acquire’s interactive technology to allow passengers to select relevant local information. They will also be able to see their speed, heading and location on the Google map.”
The company also announced a rental program for its Acquire package, where customers pay a monthly fee for use of Acquire software services.
“Customers can choose to rent the entire solution in the same way they would a SaaS solution but they have the option to purchase the software at any time. The rental model is also a good way for customers to evaluate the software for an extended period or even run a pilot or trial” said Paul Mayer, sales & marketing manager at Working Solutions.
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
According to DigitalSignageUniverse.com, the Netherlands' SNS Bank is replacing 150 of its traditional locations with a new store concept that uses kiosk applications on "a grand scale."
The article says the bank's new concept stores will emulate a retail setting:
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The SNS store is developed in the spirit of retail stores. It is a transparent, 'active' environment where the customer will be welcomed by a sales consultant, and she can orient herself on the SNS Bank's product offerings. The new SNS store is (easily) accessible, open and inviting.
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The concept will eventually be rolled out in more than 300 locations across the Netherlands.
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — PNI Digital Media, a provider of digital photography and media solutions for retailers, has announced several new initiatives related to its PNI Connected Kiosk.
According to a news release, PNI and Retail Imaging Management Group are working together to distribute the PNI Connected Kiosk to major retail customers across the U.S. Retail Imaging already has enabled PNI to sell the traditional touchscreen, terminal-based version of the PNI Connected Kiosk to Fred Meyer and King Soopers, the companies announced in April.
The companies now have teamed up to place the Web version of the PNI Connected Kiosk with Associated Foods Stores' online PixureThis photo solution. Based in Salt Lake City and with more than 500 independently owned supermarkets in eight states, Associated Foods Stores also will distribute a downloadable version of the PNI Connected Kiosk to PixureThis consumers.
Additionally, PNI has teamed up with Photo Gift World to launch the online version of the PNI Connected Kiosk to a new range of PGW customers, including small retailers, corporations, nonprofit organizations and schools. PGW, a producer of photo gifts, photo books and calendars for Canadian retailers, is now actively pursuing partnerships in the U.S. The PNI Connected Kiosk enables PGW to offer their thousands of photo gift products in an efficient manner to any number of new customers with ease.
Thursday, 09 July 2009
LOS ANGELES — AV Planners has announced its installation of digital display kiosks on the grounds of the Statue of Liberty. The monument now features Samsung 460DRn-A displays that contain a 46-inch diagonal LCD screen, designed to withstand the elements. The displays, as well as distribution and playback hardware, are incased in glass and carbon fiber housings.
“National parks and monuments are a market that AV Planners is excited to be entering into,” said Craig Heiman, president of AV Planners. “We are proud to be part of the new phase of this monuments history.”
The Statue of Liberty’s crown was recently reopened to visitors for the first time since Sept. 11, 2001.
Friday, 19 June 2009
EMMAUS, Pa. — Global media company Rodale Inc. announced today the introduction of a digital kiosk to aid shoppers at the Boston Public Market at Dewey Square, sponsored by Rodale and located along the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway. Designed by creative technology leader Obscura Digital, the kiosk, anchored in the center of the Dewey Square Farmers Market, is available for use by the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through Oct. 15.
“This kiosk represents a happy marriage between digital technology and a traditional farmer’s market,” said Steven Pleshette Murphy, president and chief executive of Rodale. “Deep content and useful features will help visitors get the most out of the market, and by providing a digital display in support of farmers and shoppers, as opposed to distributing paper marketing materials, we demonstrate our commitment to environmentally sound best practices.”
The kiosk will feature digital content that includes information about Rodale’s history, its magazines and international activities, Rodale.com, and the work of the Rodale Institute and the Rodale's Farmers Market Network. Rodale’s recipes and top-selling books, such as the New York Times bestseller “The End of Overeating,” Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth,” “Eat This Not That” and “The Flat Belly Diet” will be featured on the kiosk.
Other kiosk features include a calendar of events highlighting Boston Farmers Market activities, the harvest season, farmer information and vendor Web sites, farm locations in 3D Google maps, interesting farm facts and a glossary of terms. Users will have the ability to e-mail information such as recipes and shopping lists from the kiosk.
“The new kiosk underscores Rodale’s leadership role in the organic food movement, its sponsorship of the Boston Public Market at Dewey Square and the RFK Greenway Conservancy and supports the ongoing effort to inspire people to shop locally and live healthy,” said Nancy Brennan, executive director of The Rose F. Kennedy Greenway Conservancy.
Based on Rodale’s commitment to support both farmers and shoppers with a wealth of in-depth information, Obscura designed a highly interactive touchscreen kiosk. By combining a 42-inch LCD panel with Obscura’s customized touchscreen overlay and custom interface, Obscura created a friendly and intuitive experience for shoppers to navigate through a wide range of valuable content.
Friday, 19 June 2009
SEATTLE — MOD Systems Inc., a provider of digital media delivery systems for retailers, today announced that senior vice president of business development, Brad Gleeson, will participate in a session called “Digital Den” at the Entertainment Supply Chain Academy, or ESCA, in Los Angeles. Also speaking at the session will be executives from such companies as Yahoo! Connected TV, Edgecast, BuzzMedia, BluFocus and more.
The “Digital Den” session, hosted by Parks Associates, will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pacific on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at the Luxe Hotel in Los Angeles.
During this rapid-fire session, executives from eleven companies looking to monetize and find their footing in the emerging world of digital content delivery and home entertainment will offer brief individual presentations. Each presenter will describe the transition of content delivery from the traditional physical distribution model to where it stands today and how it may change in the future. Presentations will cover delivery models ranging from open source online video and interactive broadcasting to MOD Systems’ digital delivery in retail.
Gleeson currently serves as the senior vice president of business development for MOD Systems. Before joining the company, he founded and acted as managing partner of TargetPath LLC, a consulting company providing management, strategic planning and business development consulting to digital signage, specialty display and out-of-home media clients. Gleeson also has held senior positions with Planar Systems Inc., Active Light and CineLight, national value-added distributors that were among the first to sell plasma and large LCD monitors in the U.S.
Thursday, 18 June 2009
CHICAGO — Flyte Systems, a provider of airport travel information displays and digital signage content for the hospitality industry, convention centers and related businesses, has announced it will launch its newest FlyteTouch PLUS system with local traffic, weather and other essential travel information enhancements for hotel guests. Currently, FlyteTouch provides real-time, airport flight information on an easy-to-use touchscreen panel.
According to a news release, FlyteTouch PLUS delivers total end-to-end travel information that gives guests greater confidence in their travel plans and enables hotels and other travel companies to stand out from competitors. The system is available with either a desktop or large touchscreen display. The new FlyteTouch PLUS system provides instant touchscreen flight information for one or more airports and offers multiple travel information modules including:
• Boarding pass printing
• Real-time local Doppler weather radar display
• Local traffic condition updates
• Regional train or bus schedules
• Evacuation procedures
• First-responder directives
"Flyte Systems developed the new FlyteTouch PLUS travel information system based on its work with hundreds of hotels and other businesses to deliver the total travel system guests are asking for," said Brian Reynolds, president of Flyte Systems. "Our real-time airport flight information displays and kiosks provide a valuable service to travelers, and now we are enhancing our services to deliver local information on ground transportation, weather and regional safety-related issues."
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
MINNEAPOLIS — How quickly are banks adopting digital signage? What obstacles are they encountering? What can the industry learn from banks that have already pioneered this emerging medium?
Those topics will be explored in "Digital Signage in Retail Financial Services: What John Ryan's European Survey Means for Your Bank," a webinar slated for June 29, from 10 a.m. until to 11 a.m. EDT. Hosted by Bob Steele, vice chairman of John Ryan, the webinar will review the results of John Ryan's survey of European and South African bank-marketing executives.
The webinar also features two guest panelists — Paco Underhill, founder and chief executive of Envirosell and best-selling author of "Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping," and Mike Hiatt, former director of Walmart's Smart Network — who will discuss the implications of the John Ryan survey.
Friday, 29 May 2009
FLORENCE, Italy — MIT architects and engineers have unveiled EyeStop, an interactive bus stop designed for the city of Florence. The project was presented officially on Saturday, May 16, at the Genio Fiorentino by the president of the Province of Florence, Matteo Renzi.
PHOTO GALLERY: MIT EyeStop digital street furniture
EyeStop, developed by MIT’s SENSEable City Lab, is an exploration into the next generation of smart urban furniture; it aims to enrich the city with state of the art sensing technologies, interactive services, community information and entertainment. The project is partially covered with touch-sensitive e-INK and screens, so that it can deliver information to people seamlessly. Users can plan a bus trip on an interactive map, exchange community-relevant information on a digital message board, surf the Web, monitor their real time exposure to pollutants and use their mobile devices as an interface with the bus shelter.
“Interacting with EyeStop could change the access to urban information in a similar way to how the iPhone has changed our mobile life,” said Carlo Ratti, head of the SENSEable City Lab at MIT.
At the touch of a finger users can indicate their desired destination; the system will then display the shortest bus route from where they are and the position of all relevant buses real-time. The EyeStop will glow at different levels of intensity to signal the distance of an approaching bus. Riders and passers-by can also post ads and community announcements to an electronic bulletin board placed on the bus stop, enhancing its functionality as a public space — a place to gather and exchange community-relevant information.
In addition to displaying information, the bus stop also acts as an active environmental sensing node, powering itself through sunlight and collecting real-time information about air quality and the urban environment.
“EyeStop is an experiment into urban computing: it may be considered an 'info-tape' that snakes through the city, rising up like a pole or cropping out of the sidewalk like a shelter. It senses information about the environment and distributes it in a form accessible to all citizens,” said project leader Giovanni de Niederhousern.
A generative parametric model produces a unique design for each bus stop, providing both optimal sheltering for users and maximum sunlight exposure for direct photovoltaic powering. Unlike the typical mass-produced bus stop, EyeStop is designed to fit the physical characteristics of its surroundings, with each unit being slightly different from the others. Furthermore, simple materials like shiny steel, extra clear glass and gray local stone (pietra serena), together with its minimalist design, serve to optimize how it blends into the historic urban fabric of Florence.
“Since the Renaissance, there has been an interplay between the physical form of the city (urb) and its citizenship (civitas),” added Ratti. “Today’s technologies are adding new possibilities to that age-long relationship, thanks to the addition of digital information to physical space.”
EyeStop was developed at the SENSEable City Laboratory by Giovanni de Niederhousern, Shaocong Zhou, Assaf Biderman and Carlo Ratti, in collaboration with the Province of Florence and the local public transportation authority ATAF.
Friday, 22 May 2009
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Self-Service and Kiosk Association has published its 2009 Self-Service Consumer Survey, a comprehensive report that reveals what consumers like and dislike about self-service technology — and what they want more of.
The editorial staff of SSKA, along with research firm Second To None, interviewed more than 1,000 consumers to see how they feel about self-service technology and its various applications. The report contains the results of the survey, along with more than 45 charts and graphs, as well as expert commentary from various industry voices.
"The findings reflect larger trends we’ve observed over 10 years, with a few interesting developments," writes editor James Bickers in the report's introduction. "For instance, the generalization that older people are resistant to new technologies is eroding — pivotal knowledge for you, if you want to continue to delight those audiences."
Other findings in the data-rich publication include:
When asked "When being served as a customer, which of the following is most important to you," 40 percent of respondents chose "quality of service" as their No. 1 concern.
Respondents’ top three reasons for using self-service technology were: "Self-service is faster," "Self-service is more convenient" and "I like self-service technology."
The report also includes commentary from experts in self-service from various vertical markets: healthcare, travel, financial, hospitality, retail and the public sector. Experts include Bill Nuti of NCR, Norma Wolcott from IBM, Colleen Arnold of Air Canada, Bart Foster with SoloHealth and others.
For more information and to purchase the report, visit http://www.selfservice.org/2009research.
About Second To None
Second To None, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary customer experience and customer satisfaction measurement firm specializing in mystery shopping, competitive analysis and merchandising and brand audits. We assist Fortune 1000 brands in measuring, understanding and optimizing their brand performance across all points of customer interaction by providing actionable forward-looking information about the customer experience. For more information, visit www.second-to-none.com.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Video Business: Digital kiosk company MOD Systems is negotiating with three retailers to launch test pilots in retail stores during the second half of the year, executives told Video Business at the Digital Hollywood conference in Santa Monica, Calif. MOD has partnered with Toshiba and NCR Corp. to develop and roll out the kiosks, which allow consumers to download movies to SD memory cards, the same cards used to store photos on digital cameras. SD cards are already playable on a number of devices, and Toshiba has announced plans to make its TVs, DVD and portable players and other devices compatible with SD cards as well.
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Friday, 08 May 2009
LAS VEGAS — If you’re a Chicago White Sox fan and have made the pilgrimage to U.S. Cellular Field, you may be already familiar with Ecast digital signage.
Ecast, a provider of end-to-end, place-based interactive solutions, put more than 50 large-format full HD displays at the stadium for use in video walls and concession areas, as well as 10 of the Ecast IQ 40-inch vertically oriented, interactive media touchscreens.
Ecast showed the IQ at KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show, a two-day event that concluded yesterday.
With IP connectivity by LG Electronics, the IQ is designed specifically for retail and hospitality deployers. Jon Howe, director of manufacturing for Ecast, demonstrated one retail application that enables video gamers to browse new titles as well as receive game recommendations based on preferences. For hospitality, he showed a virtual concierge that helps hotel guests find local restaurants and entertainment.
The Internet-enabled screens are designed to be installed and serviced easily by one person. Howe spent about 90 seconds on a pair of thumb screws before having the screen all but removed from its mount.
Other potential retail applications include:
• Peer and online reviews
• Employee photos
• Training
Hoteliers can offer flight status updates, surveys, rewards program information and more.
Wednesday, 06 May 2009
LAS VEGAS — The Advertising Council, the nation’s leading producer of public service advertising campaigns, and The MediaTile Company, a provider of cellular digital signage solutions, have announced a partnership to provide a free, new service for network operators to easily add public service advertisements (PSAs) to their digital signage programming schedules.
“PSA Casting” is planned for release in the fall of 2009 and will provide royalty-free access to a rich library of PSAs, previously available only to traditional media networks. The announcement was made at The Digital Signage Show in Las Vegas this morning. Information can be obtained on the show floor in the Ad Council booth, number 934, or by visiting www.psacasting.org.
“This partnership with MediaTile is a wonderful opportunity to share and promote our campaigns with digital signage operators,” said Tim Davis, EVP of media, The Advertising Council. “We’re excited about PSA Casting and the potential of this new technology to effectively distribute our ads to the growing number of digital signage networks. With this initiative, we will be able to engage broader audiences throughout the country with our public service messages.”
The MediaTile Company is supporting the PSA Casting initiative by providing its expertise in hosting and delivery of media-based content for digital signage networks. MediaTile will use its Web-based Mediacast content delivery and management system as the engine both to host and provide PSAs on-demand to digital signage networks of all types, regardless of their underlying technology platform. MediaTile will also utilize its recently announced Mediaservices organization to format PSAs into digital signage compatible file formats.
“We are delighted to be part of this broad industry initiative that will positively affect the lives of millions of viewers,” said Simon Wilson, chief executive of The MediaTile Company. “Delivering PSAs for the Ad Council is both an honor and a privilege, and we’re eager to support their efforts in improving awareness of critical social issues. Together, we will help non-profit organizations and government agencies extend their integrated communication campaigns beyond traditional media to include the ‘Fifth Screen’ — digital signage.”
The Digital Signage Show, which is co-located with KioskCom Self Service Expo, is where thousands of professional buyers of digital signage and kiosks from multiple vertical industries, along with digital out of home network owners and advertising agencies, have gathered.
“We’re ecstatic to provide a venue to showcase and launch an industry initiative that supports important social issues,” said Lawrence Dvorchik, general manager of The Digital Signage Show and KioskCom.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Understanding the process and setting a proper strategy from the outset is important to the success of any consumer-facing technology rollout. And when it comes to endeavors as complex as deploying digital signage and digital out-of-home (DOOH) media, it becomes critical.
To help deployers and potential deployers become more sophisticated in the kinds of details necessary to go from dark screens to light, producers of The Digital Signage Show have asked Lyle Bunn to bring his popular SPEED training conference to its event on May 5, 2009.
SPEED, an acronym for Structures for Planning, Explanation, Excitement and Deployment, will give attendees "an in-depth look at all of the aspects of deploying digital signage," said Bunn. "While digital signage appears quite simple on the surface, it is actually a deep web of interconnected and complex technologies that all act together in unison to produce the image we see on screen. Without a proper understanding and knowledge of the intricacies behind a successful deployment, failure looms."
"After 13 years of promoting and training organizations on successfully deploying customer facing and engaging technology solutions across all industries, we have noticed one constant to all of the successful projects we have seen," said Lawrence Dvorchik, general manger of The Digital Signage Show. "The proper foundation for the project itself has to be built long before the first piece of technology is purchased."
The Digital Signage Association is a supporter of the event. "We’re pleased to support Lyle Bunn’s SPEED program, and are thrilled that The Digital Signage Show will be the host," said David Drain, DSA executive director. "The best buyer is an educated one. The Digital Signage Show has clearly become an event for real buyers to attend and learn from. Show organizers have focused on this and once again delivered it for end-users. Programs like Lyle’s help the industry move forward, faster, and are a natural fit for The Digital Signage Show."
The core half-day program has been developed to meet the needs of anyone involved in the supply or use of digital signage. It comprises several modules that allow deployers and suppliers of digital signage to better plan objectives, timelines and budgets, as well as define key elements of a digital signage initiative.
Current end-user members of The Self-Service and Kiosk Association or DSA are eligible for the program at no charge as part of their membership benefits. Individuals wishing to register should send an email to Lawrence@jdevents.com. For more information, please visit http://www.thedigitalsignageshow.com/SPEED.asp
All other attendees can register for just $99. Qualified attendees also will receive a complimentary full-access pass for this show and the co-located KioskCom Self Service Expo. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.thedigitalsignageshow.com/SPEED.asp
The SPEED program is set for May 5 at The Digital Signage Show 2009, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The exhibit hall and other educational sessions will be open from May 6-7, also at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.thedigitalsignageshow.com/SPEED.asp.
Monday, 06 April 2009
Sys-Con: Digital signage is the fastest growing marketing and communications medium in the world, second only to the Internet and branded entertainment. Google has pursued a patent on digital signage and has launched a Google TV ads platform, which will likely revolutionize out-of-home and TV advertising in the coming years. APEX Digital Imaging is providing a total suite of digital signage services through a collaboration with the largest companies in the space.
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Thursday, 19 March 2009
TRUMBULL, Conn.— Producers of The Digital Signage Show and KioskCom Self Service Expo have announced the day one opening keynote speaker and two new educational sessions for their upcoming joint tradeshow and conference May 6-7 in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
According to a news release, Robert Fort, chief information officer and vice president of Information Technology for Virgin Entertainment Group will kick off the two-day event with a presentation entitled, "Enhancing the Customer Experience While Achieving Increased Sales Lift, and Operational Efficiencies Through Customer Facing and Customer Engaging Technologies."
Click HERE to view a slideshow of last year's KioskCom.
Fort will focus on certain retail technologies that are especially helpful in improving the customer experience and driving sales. In particular, he will address how Virgin uses technologies such as the Virgin TV digital network and kiosk listening stations, and how they complement each other to enhance the customer experience and increase sales lift. He also will examine ways the technologies improve employee productivity, control costs and ensure better compliance and consistency overall.
"Robert has not only been on the leading edge of implementing customer facing and engaging technologies, but he's been a pioneer in utilizing them to improve the customer experience," said Lawrence Dvorchik, general manager of the two co-located shows. "He has led a talented and dynamic marketing and IT group through the experience of completely overhauling how Virgin Entertainment Group connects with its diverse customer base at Virgin MegaStore locations around the country."
In addition to the keynote speaker, two new educational sessions have also been announced.
On May 6, Gerald Johnson, vice president of marketing communications at ConAgra, and Ray Rotolo, senior vice president and managing director of Chrysalis, will share their insights on purchasing DOOH media. Chrysalis is the highly acclaimed agency behind Schering Plough's recent $10 million DOOH ad buy.
The next morning, on May 7, panelists will discuss how they have implemented digital signage and kiosk programs that communicate a wide variety of messages, including the conveyance of corporate strategy, emergency notification, motivational messaging and employee scheduling. Panelists include Miguel Oliva, vice president of public relations and corporate affairs at HBO Latin America; Faith MacPherson, director of HRIS transactional services at Avery Dennison; and Tom Hunter, media productions administrator at McKee Foods.
Monday, 09 March 2009
There was a lot to see last month at Digital Signage Expo 2009 in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Convention Center was abuzz with activity. Joseph Grove, associate publisher, and Bill Yackey, editor of Digital Signage Today, were there and spoke to some of the movers and shakers on the showroom floor. Click below to view a slideshow and read about some of the exhibits that raised eyebrows.
Click to view slideshow
Monday, 26 January 2009
Mt. Pleasant, Pa. -- ITSENCLOSURES has announced a partnership with Ingram Micro Inc. to distribute the complete product line of digital signage LCD enclosures, according to a news release. ITSENCLOSURES will be the first large format display enclosures supplier for Ingram Micro.
ITSENCLOSURES products will further enhance the value of Ingram Micro's Digital Signage Division by addressing channel partners' needs to have access to custom and standard digital signage LCD enclosures.
According to Kevin Prewett, vice president of the Digital Signage Division and vendor management, Ingram Micro U.S., digital signage is becoming standard use in many of today's vertical markets, especially when real-time communications and streaming video are critical to ensuring a positive user experience.
"Take for example baseball stadiums, railroads, coffee shops, airports, retail outlets and entertainment parks - all of which have started to use digital signage as a primary means of communicating and interacting with customers," said Prewett. "There's no question that opportunity is out there and with this new line of standard and custom ruggedized LCD enclosures our channel partners will be able to better address market demands and protect and preserve their clients' digital signage investments."
JT Spangler, president of ITSENCLOSURES, issued a statement expressing his satisfaction with the new partnership.
"Ingram Micro's established footprint in the digital signage arena, combined with its existing reach into the U.S. channel community made this relationship an ideal catalyst for growing our partner base," said Spangler. "As the digital signage market has matured, demand for outdoor LCD displays has increased and created an outstanding value proposition for our enclosures. We see tremendous opportunity to market and sell our products to and through Ingram Micro's channel partners and look forward to growing our business together."
ITSENCLOSURES' complete product line of digital signage LCD enclosures is available now to Ingram Micro solution providers nationwide as well as international. For more information, contact your local Ingram Micro sales representative.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
TRUMBULL, Conn. -- KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show have annouonced the keynote and session rosters for this year's co-located events taking place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. New to the conferences, which take place from May 6-7, 2009, will be the SPEED Program, a strategic workshop addressing digital signage project planning, deployment, success and supplier capabilities, according to a news release.
See slideshow of KioskCom last year in New York.
"In addition to significantly cutting costs and improving business efficiencies, ensuring customer satisfaction is now more crucial than ever to a company's success," said Lawrence Dvorchik, general manager of the event. "Customer facing and engaging technologies like self-service kiosks and digital signage are increasingly being implemented all over the world and our shows are helping to bring buyers and suppliers together to make that happen."
Opening the 2009 shows on Wednesday, May 6, will be Robert Fort, chief information officer and vice president of information technology for Virgin Entertainment Group. Fort's presentation, Efficiencies Through Customer-Facing and Customer Engaging Technologies, will shed light on how Virgin uses CFTs to improve both employee productivity and customer satisfaction, which has translated into controlled costs and rising sales of core merchandise.
Joshua Weiss, managing director of Web and Self Services for Delta Air Lines, will present Thursday morning's keynote with a presentation entitled, Full-Service Self-Service. The presentation will showcase how self-service at Delta Air Lines has evolved into a far-reaching, multi-channel, multi-lingual strategy that aims to put the customer in control of their travel experience. Weiss also will discuss how Delta has advanced the adoption of self-service technology through new product development, application redesigns and facility changes.
Thursday’s closing keynote will be Why Ricoh Went Eco: Going Green with Environmentally Friendly Digital Billboards, presented by Ron Potesky, senior vice president of corporate communications, products / solutions & channel marketing for Ricoh Americas Corporation. Potesky's presentation discusses Ricoh's strategy, technology and implementation challenges, impact on the brand, cost and environmental savings, along with future challenges in "Going Green" with digital billboards.
New to the 2009 line-up will be SPEED – Structures for Planning, Explanation, Excitement and Deployment. Presented by Lyle Bunn of BUNN Co., SPEED offers practical, accelerated training for potential and new end users, suppliers, advertisers and investors to improve business and project planning, launch and deployment, as well as the application and use of Digital Signage and Digital Out-of-Home media. Taking place on Tuesday, May 5, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., program participants will receive complete SPEED training through a 4-hour session for only $99. Registration is available at www.thedigitalsignageshow.com.
The program consists of six modules, each addressing subjects that enable a digital signage opportunity or deployment to be initialized and continually advanced. The modules offer an industry overview and network description, an in-depth look at initiatives past and present, how to sell and advance your opportunity, various business models that supplement your chosen initiatives and a look at different resources that can assist you along the way.
"We provide executives and decision-makers with the most thorough 'start-to-finish' business resources available," said Dvorchik. "The SPEED program offers an impressive, information-rich course that will give our audiences a solid foundation of knowledge and practice to fill the information gaps between making the decision to employ digital signage and selecting and maintaining the tool for maximum utility."
A complete list of sessions and speakers can be found at: www.kioskcom.com or www.thedigitalsignageshow.com.
Monday, 05 January 2009
EXTON, Pa. -- Scala, a provider of end-to-end solutions for the digital signage and advertising management markets, and a member of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, has rennovated its Web site (www.scala.com) with a brand new layout and additional resources.
According to a news release, Scala's new Web site has been given a ground up re-architecture, providing the marketing team with the ability to change content quickly and easily.
"Since the digital signage industry is evolving so rapidly, Scala needed the ability to edit content on the fly so we can better educate the visitors to our Web site about the latest industry information," said Andrea Waldin, vice president of marketing.
The highlight of the new Web site is the Solutions Gallery, where customer profiles are provided to visitors looking for examples of digital signage in a specific vertical market or application. The Solutions Gallery currently features digital signage customer stories in banking and financial, corporate communications, digital menu boards, education, entertainment, government, healthcare, hospitality, outdoor, retail and transportation. This market-centric approach ensures that visitors to the Scala Web site can easily find relevant information, allowing them to make informed decisions about their digital signage projects.
"2009 is shaping up to be a great year for Scala and we're excited to see our new look, our Web site and Release 4 of Scala5 coming together all at once," said Waldin. "We're certainly putting oru best foot forward in 2009."
Friday, 19 December 2008
TORONTO -- Digital signage and smartphones are being combined to facilitate the first real-time giant video game application on Toronto's Eaton Centre Media Tower at Yonge-Dundas Square.
Using Rogers Wireless BlackBerry Pearl Flip smartphones, the public can communicate with the Outdoor Broadcast Network's massive video board located in the square. OBN secured the exclusive rights to "Dial to Play" software distributed by iGotcha Media and took the idea to Rogers Wireless through its agencies, MediaCom and Publicis. The software has been integrated into the operating system of the 40-inch x 30-inch digital display on the tower, enabling smartphone users to interact with it.
Rogers will station event teams at the square until the end of the year, inviting up to 10 people at a time to try out one of the new BlackBerry Flip smartphones, which use voice recognition to play the game in real time. Each player controls an avatar by shouting "Flip" into a mobile phone to make the character's hand reach up to a Christmas stocking and grab phones that appear to tumble from the sky. OBN has incorporated the game into the regular programming run of advertising on the digital display.
Monday, 15 December 2008
CINCINNATI — Electronic Art, an agency that focuses on customized hardware and software for interactive kiosks, digital signage and integrated Web sites, has deployed digital signage for Gardner Publications in Newtown, Ohio.
Founded in Cincinnati in 1928, Gardner Publications specializes in magazine publication and Web site construction for industrial clients. The company's focus on the manufacturing industry has led to its production of publications including "Modern Machine Shop," "Production Machining," "Plastics Technology," "Products Finishing," "Moldmaking Technology," "Automotive Design & Production," "Composites Technology and High Performance Composites" and "Time Compression."
"Gardner's new visuals will really impact how they are seen by everyone who visits their facility," said Tim Burke, president of Electronic Art. "We provided a state-of-the-art look and feel that is flexible and will provide the information visitors need. We also created a content management tool to allow the receptionist to change the messaging on-screen as often as needed."
Monday, 08 December 2008
SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. -- MediaTile, provider of cellular digital signage solutions, has announced that Heather Whalen has joined as vice president of North American sales in support of the company's continued growth and demand for its popular and unique "Digital Sign in a Box" and "Kiosk in a Box" solutions.
"I'm delighted to be part of the MediaTile team and to help drive the accelerated adoption of cellular digital signage and media services in key market segments and enterprises," said Whalen.
Whalen is responsible for MediaTile's North American sales strategy, distribution network and segment-based sales teams.
"Heather is a digital signage veteran with a rich background in both the industry and in building award-winning national sales teams," said Simon Wilson, chief executive of MediaTile. "Her past experience in management with cellular carriers and digital signage providers is a perfect fit with MediaTile's product offering and business value proposition."
Before joining MediaTile, Whalen held a variety of leadership positions at Symon Communications, Cingular Wireless, AT&T Wireless and Xerox Corp. Her 17 years of sales, operations and management experience has enabled her to build winning sales teams and accelerated product adoption.
Thursday, 04 December 2008
SAN LEANDRO, Calif. — Opinionmeter International Ltd., developer of survey and user feedback systems, has signed with Elo Systems for Elo's line of touchcomputers, which will be used by Opinionmeter to capture real-time, in-store customer feedback.
According to a news release, the company's devices use Elo TouchSystems touchcomputers and touchmonitors to deliver state-of-the-art electronic customer satisfaction feedback surveys.
Opinionmeter is transforming traditional market research methods with interactive, Web-enabled survey devices called Opinionmeters that capture customer feedback at the "point of experience." Traditional methods for collecting this data have included using interviews, focus groups, paper-based surveys and mystery shoppers, all of which can be cost-prohibitive for companies and time-intensive for customers.
"We get the pulse of the customer before they leave the store, the clinic or the museum," explained Morgan Strickland, chief executive of Opinionmeter. "Our solution delivers fresh, real-time feedback to organizations, allowing them to improve their customers' experiences, sometimes immediately. We are thrilled to be working with Elo TouchSystems on improving the product experience for our customers."
Elo's touchcomputers and touchmonitors can be mounted in numerous ways and now constitute all of Opinionmeter's tabletop, wall-mounted and kiosk solutions. Many currently use IntelliTouch surface-wave technology, although Opinionmeter is migrating to acoustic pulse recognition technology to take advantage of the ability to detect stylus and finger touches.
"What I value most is Elo TouchSystems' rock-solid products," said Strickland. "They're intuitive, durable and reliable. Elo is a great fit for our business model because it is a watertight solution. We haven't had a single touchmonitor or touch technology issue. That frees us to focus on our core competency, which is delivering great customer feedback technology tools."
The devices have many practical features, including ports that are hidden from public view, adjustable-height stands and lockable controls to prevent unit tampering. When the systems are not in use, digital signage displays, including multimedia presentations, are often used to catch the public's eye and to provide an additional marketing venue.
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
NEW YORK - Parabit Systems has announced that, after months of work, it has installed its first welcome center at the John F. Kennedy Airport, according to a news release.
The welcome center is the first of 27 that will focus on creating an easy transition as travelers are provided with information on ground transportation services, hotels, attractions and airport services. ATMs will also be provided for travelers who need cash. The welcome centers will be positioned in highly visible areas, either in Customs or next to the baggage claim area.
The JFK welcome center is designed so that passengers can obtain information they need from an array of self-service technologies, including digital signage, kiosks, restricted dial telephons and ATMs, as well as many brochure displays, graphic displays and manned customer service counters. Additional self-service technology to further enhance the center is under evaluation.
"Within the first few weeks of operation at JetBlue T5, thousands of customers have been assisted as well as assisted themselves via the self-service elements of the center," said Rob Leiponis, president of Parabit. "The feedback we are getting from the comments on its design, the services and information it provides and its highly identifiable presence from a distance, supports that our design and technology concept has had a very positive impact on the passenger experience."
Once all 27 welcome centers have been completed, the port authorities in New York and New Jersey will have a standard impressionable design in all terminals for customers to remember for future travel through their four airports.
Monday, 24 November 2008
MT. PLEASANT, Pa. -- ITSEnclosures, a provider of electronic display and computer protection equipment and a member of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, has introduced the ViewStation Array digital signage hardware enclosure.
A combination of hardware, LCD, thermal and enclosure protection, the ViewStation Array includes CAT-5 cable technology for video distribution and up to six 46-inch LCD displays within the same "billboard-sized" (12-inch x14-inch) enclosure.
According to a news release, the six-screen design provides the versatility to present one "giant" message or up to six individual messages within the same product. All the deployer has to do is "add content and go." The Array is a perfect solution for public venues such as: airports, hospitals, hotels, stadiums, arenas, convention centers, universities, and car dealerships, just to name a few.
"Our customers demanded media-rich content in large scale environmen," said ITSEnclosures president John Spangler. "The ViewStation Array fills this long overdue need by allowing digital service providers a large format that's safe from public vandalism and the outside environment."
The ViewStation Array is part of the larger ViewStation family of products. Each product focuses on providing serviceability and enclosure protection in a variety of possible applications.
Wednesday, 05 November 2008
TRUMBULL, Conn. — Following the successful debut of the co-located spring event in Las Vegas, organizers for The Digital Signage Show and KioskCom Self Service Expo celebrated equally impressive results for their joint fall offering, which took place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on October 15 and 16.
According to a news release, the shows enjoyed their highest attendance to date, with a 34 percent overall increase in pre-qualified attendees, as well as 50 percent growth in the exhibit hall compared to that of the New York 2007 event. In total, 2,490 professionals attended the New York shows in 2008.
"The team behind these conferences have maintained excellent momentum throughout the year and delivered an event that went beyond our expectations," said Peggy Stalhut, marketing communications manager for Harris Corp. "Harris is already planning to attend again in 2009!"
KioskCom Self Service Expo has been named by Tradeshow Week as one of the 50 Fastest Growing Trade Shows in North America three separate times.
Monday, 27 October 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Digital Signage Today, the leading daily news and information portal covering the digital signage industry, announced the availability of its Digital Signage Software Comparison Wizard, a publication and interactive software tool that helps businesses select the right software for their digital signage product.
"Some business software decisions are very simple — like which word processor or Web browser to use," said James Bickers, senior editor of Digital Signage Today. "Usually, you don't have to decide — you just use the one that's already on your computer. But choosing software for digital signage is a very complicated affair, one that hasn't had a comprehensive tool until now."
With several hundred digital signage software products on the market, deployers have to wade through an unwieldy amount of information to make informed decisions about which software product is right for their deployment. To make it easier for companies to find the perfect software solution for them, the editors of Digital Signage Today have identified more than 65 attributes — operating system, deployment platform, media types supported, integration with advertising plans, etc. — and created a comprehensive grid that spells out the exact capabilities of more than 130 digital signage software products.
In addition, the guide includes an interactive desktop application that allows users to place checkmarks next to the attributes they need. After all the necessary attributes have been selected, users can click the "Generate Report" button to view a complete list of all software products that meet their needs.
"This tool makes a very complex purchasing decision considerably easier," said Bickers. "It's a tool that needs to be on the desktop of every digital signage installer, every pro A/V professional, and anyone who consults with companies on digital signage technology."
Monday, 20 October 2008
NEW YORK — Dakota Audio, a provider of full range directional audio devices, has announced its newest product designed specifically for digital signage and kiosk applications. The new focused speaker designated the MA-5, was released at KioskCom Self Service Expo in New York.
"The MA-5 is the successor to the MA-4, which has been widely deployed with flat screen technology around the world," said Dakota Audio's founder and chief executive Lynn Mader. "Prior to the release of the MA-5 we had been integrating some of these features in MA-4s only on a special order basis, but due to the popularity of that configuration, we have decided to roll out an all-new directional speaker aimed squarely at Digital Signage and Kiosk Applications."
The new MA-5 is slightly larger than the MA-4 at 2.5 inches high, 2 inches deep and will be stocked from 22 to 38 inches wide (custom sizes also available by special order) and features a richer, fuller range sound, ambient noise level compensation and proximity detection. The amplifier included with the MA-5, like the MA-4, is remote to the speaker and includes additional configuration options to assist installers in controlling the directionality and sound quality of the MA-5.
Prior to digital signage's retail advertising application for flat panel displays, the most common need for controlling high quality sound electronically was in the museum market. Museums were very quick to appreciate that greater control of audio between exhibits would increase the museum's overall exhibit density capabilities. Over the past 10 years, Dakota Audio has been able to realize over three quarters of the museum industry as their clients.
"Our decision to formally enter the digital signage and kiosk markets was brought about by the requests from our customers," said Mader. "Their vocalizing a need for a high quality directional audio solution that, according to them, didn't exist in the digital signage or kiosk markets was a big factor in our decision. So far the response has been overwhelming and manufacturing is struggling to keep up with demand."
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
EAST HAVEN, Conn. — Netkey, provider of solutions for self-service kiosks and digital signage, has won the Fiondella Milone LaSaracina "Deal of the Year" Award. The award was presented during the second annual Innovation Pipeline Awards and Technology Showcase in Norwalk, Conn.
Netkey also was named by the Connecticut Technology Council as one of 100 technology "companies to watch" for 2008.
According to a news release, the award was presented in recognition of Netkey's acquisition of Alpharetta, Ga.-based Webpavement, which develops software to manage networks of digital displays. The transaction has propelled Netkey to a leadership position in the fast-growing digital signage market, which is expected to exceed $2.5 billion by 2011.
Netkey digital signage software is used by hundreds of organizations worldwide including Clear Channel, Kellogg's, Pfizer, the University of Houston and the United Nations.
"This is a great honor and we appreciate being recognized for the hard work and success we have achieved," said V. Miller Newton, chief executive officer of Netkey.
Friday, 29 August 2008
ECT News Network: As the general population becomes more comfortable with high-tech gadgets, retailers are looking for ways to incorporate them into the shopping experience. An assortment of devices, including touchscreens, kiosks and so-called "smart" shopping cards, are now available to help customers buy smarter and faster, reducing the need for customer service while boosting satisfaction.
Click to continue
Thursday, 28 August 2008
WCBS (New York City): If you're on the outside looking in at Manhattan's Ralph Lauren Rugby Store not only can you find out how much the new fall looks cost but now you can buy them all without ever stepping foot inside the store. WCBS highlights this popular digital merchandising project in this video segment.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Advisory Board of the Digital Signage Association has elected its first executive committee, with Stu Armstrong, president of EnQii North America, named the first president of the Association.
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Newly-elected DSA president Stu Armstrong.
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Along with electing a president, the DSA Advisory Board also elected vice presidents representing various constituencies. Those elected include:
- President – Stu Armstrong, EnQii North AmericaVice
- President, Vendors – Charles Ansley, Symon Communications and Dick Trask, Scala
- Vice President, Users – Margot Myers, United States Postal Service
- Vice President, Integrators & Pro A/V – Tom Johnson, Digital AV
- Vice President, Network Operators – Rocky Gunderson, SeeSaw Networks
- Vice President, Agencies/Brands – Jacquelyn Corbett Cyr, Espresso | Brand Infiltration
"The contribution of the Digital Signage Association and its membership is critically important to the growth of the industry," said Armstrong. "As the DSA Advisory Board's first president, I hope to start paving the way for the Association to contribute to the accelerated industry growth and excellence of digital signage deployments worldwide."
"We're delighted to have the high caliber of people on our Advisory Board and their enthusiasm for helping the Association and the industry it serves," said Dick Good, chief executive of NetWorld Alliance and DSA chairman.
The Digital Signage Association was formed in October 2007 and now has more than 100 members. The Advisory Board will hold its next meeting Sept. 16 in Philadelphia, in conjunction with the Digital Signage Expo East.
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
FREMONT, Calif. — Nexcom, an embedded Industrial PC provider, has expanded its digital signage territory by launching the new NDiS 161, according to a news release. The NDiS 161 is a reliable yet cost-effective digital signage media player with rich graphics, multiformat multimedia support and versatile connectivity.
NDiS 161, powered by Intel 945GME Chipset with support of Intel Core 2 Duo/Core Duo/Celeron M family, is designed to present versatile media content for maximum advertising impact. For the highest possible image quality, NDiS 161 integrates DVI-I, S-Video, SPFD and composite display output, and provides outstanding graphic and high-resolution (up to 1920 x 1080) performance with multiscreen display capability.
With the revolutionary fanless design, NDiS 161 has no rotary parts, no dust accumulation and no noise concerns during the operation. It saves system maintenance costs and is highly reliable for 24/7 operation. Thanks to its slim size (11" x 8.2" x1.6",WxDxH), NDiS 161 easily can be mounted behind large LCD screens. Moreover, the media and contents can be updated from a content management server via Gigabit Ethernet and optional wireless connectivity. Various interfaces included SATA 2.5" HDD, CF (Type I/II) and u-DOC are optimal for media and content storage.
If you are looking for highly expandable multimedia computer with rich I/Os, Nexcom provides another great solution. Digital Signage media player NDiS 361 provides the optimal solution with two PCI slots and one PCIe x16 expansions. NDiS361 targets high-end digital signage applications demanding large-size display devices.
Applications:
• Dynamic advertising and promotions in retail stores and grocery stores.
• Real-time flight information in airports, bus stations or train stations.
• News and event updates in casinos, gas stations and pubic environments.
• Entertainment in hotels, ocean liners, trains and airlines.
• Movie trailers and movie schedules in cinemas.
• Programs/schedules in museums and theaters.
NDiS 161 product highlights:
• Supports Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo/Core Duo/Celeron processors
• Intel 945GME chipset
• Fanless design and ultra-slim size (11" x 8.2" x 1.6")
• Wide-screen video resolution of up to 1920 x 1080.
• Multiscreen display supporting capability
• Storage: 1 x SATA 2.5" HDD, 1 x CF (Type I/II), 1 x u-DOC
• Video Interface: DVI-I, S-Video, S/PDIF, Composite video output
More info can be obtained by visiting Nexcom's Web site.
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Digital Signage Association recently signed its 100th member when Ingram Micro joined the association.
Based in Santa Ana, Calif., Ingram Micro is one of the world's largest distributors of technology solutions as well as a technology sales, marketing and logistics company.
It was a milestone for the association, which launched in Nov. 2007 and held its first meeting in Feb. 2008.
"We are pleased to welcome Ingram Micro into the Digital Signage Association," said David Drain, DSA executive director. "The fact that we were able to reach the 100-member milestone so quickly demonstrates the sheer amount of interest there is in an association dedicated to digital signage for all market segments."
Other companies to join in recent weeks include Cables To Go, KenCast, John Ryan, MosChip Semiconductor, netFaze, NEXCOM, PRN and X2O Media.
Thursday, 31 July 2008
CHATSWORTH, Calif. — Provision Interactive Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of Provision Holding Inc., has announced that it has signed an agreement with LocalVision Digital Advertising to bring the company's advertising portfolio to Provision's 3DEO Media Center, according to a news release.
The partnership will bring LocalVision's advertising to Provision's 84 screens, including Fred Meyer Stores, in the greater-Portland area, adding more than 5 million new impressions per month to Provision's screens. LocalVision's top-tier brand advertisers now will be able to feature their messaging on Provision's fast-growing network of 3DEO Media Centers located in retail locations. The advertisements can be in a variety of forms, including 3D holographic videos and digital coupons.
"The collaboration between Provision and LocalVision is a great partnership in the rapidly expanding out-of-home digital advertising market," said Curt Thornton, president and chief executive of Provision. "National advertisers can now place their brands' messaging on 3DEO Media Centers and reach consumers at a time and place where they are most likely to be receptive and take action."
Consumers report that advertising on digital signage catches their attention more than any other media, including television, according to a 2007 OTX Digital Out-of-Home Media Attitude and Awareness study.
Provision's 3DEO Media Centers in Fred Meyer Stores use Provision's patented Holo 3D technology which projects full-color, high resolution videos into space detached from the screen, without the need for any special glasses. The kiosks will be a destination for shoppers looking for promotions, sweepstakes or coupons for products and services.
Tuesday, 01 July 2008
TORONTO, Ontario — ADFLOW Networks, a provider of Web-hosted digital signage and interactive kiosk solutions, has announced that it has provided Koodo Mobile, Canada’s newest mobile service provider, with the latest in interactive kiosk and digital media software technology for their Koodo Mobile retail locations across Ontario.
 Mike Drennan, director of retail store operations for Koodo Mobile, said the Koodo launch has surpassed their initial expectations.
"Our customers love the interactive kiosks and our sales representatives are using them as a sales aid," he said. "ADFLOW’s adaptable interactive kiosk technology provides us with a sound solution that involves our customers from initial engagement through to the transaction process."
Targeting the youth market, Koodo Mobile envisioned a captivating and enticing sales-driven customer shopping experience within their retail locations that would connect to this younger demographic. Koodo Mobile’s interactive kiosks feature easy-to-use touchscreens which engage consumers at the point of purchase, informing and educating shoppers on products, services and promotions.
To support this new brand launch, Koodo Mobile commissioned ADFLOW Networks to provide their patented Dynamic Messaging System with interactive touchscreens, content triggering system and LED reader board integration, within newly designed in-mall sales kiosks.
"Digital media is a key enabler for customer engagement," said Wayne Ruttle, vice president of sales, national accounts for ADFLOW Networks. "Customers can select a mobile device at the workstation and then interact with a touchscreen that informs and educates them regarding the many product features, plans and promotions available for that specific mobile device or service. Once a decision has been made, an on-site sales representative can assist in completing the sales transaction. Customers want to shop this way and retailers want to sell this way — it is a win-win for both."
Furthermore, through these new customer-centric information stations, Koodo Mobile has the ability to enhance the total shopping experience, quickly react to market changes in rate plans and pricing models and provide their customers with the latest mobile products and services. Interactive content is centrally updated and broadcast remotely to all networked screens and kiosks via ADFLOW’s latest content management software.
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Financial Services Technology: In an increasingly crowded marketplace the battle for customer attention is fiercer than ever. Digital signage could be the tool that makes the difference, says David Drain, executive director of the Digital Signage Association and the Self-Service & Kiosk Association.
Read more
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
TORONTO, Ontario — ADFLOW Networks Inc., a provider of digital signage and interactive kiosk technology in the self-service vertical, has announced it has achieved "ready for IBM" AnyPlace Kiosk status with ADFLOW’s Dynamic Messaging System software.
"Ready for" status means a business partner has earned the right to display specifically designed IBM marks in packaging and marketing materials of qualified offerings that have met compatibility and integration requirements established by IBM.
"We are very pleased to be working with IBM to help support digital signage and interactive kiosk initiatives," said Steve Kartonchik, vice president of sales and marketing for ADFLOW Networks. "We look forward to collaborating with IBM to provide our mutual clients digital signage offerings based on IBM AnyPlace Kiosks running ADFLOW’s Dynamic Messaging System software."
Designed to optimize the consumer experience across a broad range of market segments, including retail, travel, financial, government, healthcare and entertainment, IBM’s AnyPlace Kiosk line includes powerful self-service kiosks in 15-, 17- and 19-inch touchscreen performance models with dual video display capability, and integrated expansion for wireless capability.
IBM’s Anyplace Kiosk products support ADFLOW Networks’ innovative single Web-hosted applications designed to deliver dynamic marketing messages to digital and interactive displays, from a single control panel that controls both digital signage and interactive kiosks. ADFLOW’s patented security and proven implementation methodology means the users are ensured a completely controlled customer experience.
Monday, 12 May 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Digital Signage Association has published “Retail Digital Signage ROI: Finding the break-even point,” an exclusive research report that uses real-world numbers to estimate ROI and benefits for various types of retail.
“The one question that gets asked about digital signage more than any other is, ‘What is this going to do for me?’” said James Bickers, editor of Retail Customer Experience and former editor of Digital Signage Today. “This report spells out the benefits with clear numerical data.”
About the report
It’s clear that digital signage has a positive impact on retail sales — but just how much of one is a matter of debate. Numerous studies have been commissioned and published, trying to determine the net effect dynamic signage will have on the average store’s sales.
In this report, we aim to provide a thumbnail estimate of that break-even point, for various types of retail. To do this, we created a fictional shopping center retailer, complete with a screen layout floor plan. We took that floor plan to 10 leading digital signage providers and had them price out a signage program. We averaged those numbers together, and then compared them to an average of the sales uplift figures and the ultimate impact on revenue.
You’ll see the assumptions we used, the prices we received and the results that follow when they’re all put together.
- Learn about the costs – and the benefits – of deploying digital signage in your retail space.
- Get a grip on ROI with actual numbers provided by actual digital signage vendors.
- How much does your store stand to profit over time as a result of deploying screens?
- Pages of exclusive graphs tell the story.
- Make the case for adding digital signage with research-based sales-lift data.
- Gain insight into how digital signage works, and what specific benefits it brings, to specific retailer types.
Get your copy of the report here.
Thursday, 08 May 2008
ESSEN, Germany — The second annual Kiosk Europe Expo opened yesterday with a new component this year: Digital Signage Expo. The co-located expos are organized by hf media & events, publishers of Kiosk Europe magazine. hf partnered with POPAI to produce the Digital Signage Expo.
The organizer reported 170 exhibitors from 26 countries and over 3,000 pre-registered attendees and exhibitor personnel. About 100 of the exhibitors are related to kiosks with the other 70 related to digital signage. Some companies, like IBM, displayed both technologies in their booth.
During a press briefing yesterday, the show organizers claimed this to be the largest self-service and kiosk show in the world, based on size of the show floor. They also made a similar claim regarding being the largest digital signage show in Europe.
Karin Wunderlich, managing director of POPAI (Germany-Austria-Switzerland), said she was pleased with the exhibitor turnout being the first year for the Digital Signage Expo. The expo includes a Digital Signage Content Centre, “showing to visitors what digital signage can deliver,” she said. She was also pleased to announced that in two weeks, POPAI will be releasing a 400-page global digital signage study.
Jens Schindler, managing director of hf media & events, indicated his belief that kiosks and digital signage are complementary and that the industries can learn from each other. He also announced that next year the show will have yet another component to be called Cash Management Expo. hf is partnering with Coin Media and EFMA on this effort.
David Drain is the executive director of the Self Service & Kiosk Association and the Digital Signage Association. He is on location in Essen, Germany.
Tuesday, 06 May 2008
DUBAI, United Arab Emirites — MxN Middle East FZ-LLC, a Dubai-based digital signage and digital media company, has been appointed as distributor by KIOSK Information Systems. MxN is pleased to add the Self Service Kiosk products of KIOSK to the impressive list of products it distributes for the Digital Signage and Digital Media industry. KIOSK manufactures information kiosk solutions with functions such as touchscreens, ticket printers, card readers, card dispensing solutions, bill payment, money accepting, money dispensing, order entry, photo kiosk solutions, music download, public Internet access terminals, gaming kiosks as well as biometric solutions such as fingerprint readers.
"In today's digital world, solutions like the ones MxN provides will increasingly become the norm. MxN provides a full turnkey solution including the hardware, software, content and technical support," said Raad Raad, managing director of MxN.
Dan Stewart, director of international sales for KIOSK said, “I strongly support the fact that we are learning and growing together in a business where sharing our knowledge with the right partner is critical. Our partnership with MxN enables us not only to support our customers with a complete solution, but most importantly, brings their attention to cost effective and world leading products with partners they can trust.”
Preliminary research indicates that the out of home media industry is growing at a very fast rate. There are many underutilized opportunities for the integration of digital signage and information kiosks. More and more customers are requesting overhead LCD screens to be integrated into their service kiosks to promote their products or to generate extra revenue. MxN has developed innovative solutions for integrating digital signage into kiosk solutions. The main benefits of this are to leverage the kiosk placement and use an overhead screen for media sales or information distribution.
MxN is one of the only companies in the region to be able to provide a full turnkey solution for its customers. MxN is an example of a company committed to maintaining its dominant leadership position in the area of digital media.
"In choosing MxN, one of the determining factors was their ability to deliver on all aspects of a project from hardware, software and technology to content," continued Stewart.
"We are very excited about adding KIOSK as a product that MxN distributes. We are constantly looking for solutions and products that take our integration and installation abilities above those of our competitors. KIOSK is a very real example of a product that helps us achieve that goal," said MxN's Raad.
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
LAS VEGAS—KioskCom Self Service Expo opens its spring show today in Las Vegas with a twist: Digital signage gets a room of its own.
Joel Davis, president and CEO of JD Events, which owns and operates KioskCom, spoke about the change at the semi-annual Self-Service & Kiosk Association Advisory Board meeting.
“It comes from conversations with the board, where I heard a lot about convergence and overlap, and mainly about the similarity of audiences,” he said.
About 80 percent of KioskCom attendees are also interested in digital signage, he said.
The area bespoke to display technology is branded the Digital Signage Show and has about 40 exhibitors. Other digital signage products appear in exhibits among kiosk and other self-service applications. Floor space set aside for those applications increased 15 percent over 2007.
The show continues to recruit attendees to comprise a wholly merchant/deployer mix. Since taking over the show in 2005, Davis has implemented tighter standards against vendors coming to the show to sell to exhibitors, or even compete with them.
“Our main focus is to deliver a quality audience to our exhibitors,” Davis said. “Our mandate was to clean up the audience when we bought KioskCom.”
This year, he said, anyone suspected of not being a merchant/deployer was denied a badge. For the 2007 spring show, 83 applicants did not receive one. This year, 487 were turned away.
“It’s almost as though we put the onus on them to prove they aren’t a vendor,” Davis said. “It hurts us on the show floor, but is upping the quality of the audience.”
When pre-registration closed last Friday, 2,200 attendees had been approved, and Davis expects another couple of hundred to register at the show.
Davis said that in addition to a fall show in New York (Oct. 15-16 this year) and one in London (Oct. 1-2), his team is working on building an edition in Asia, and hopes to have something set up no later than 2010.
Monday, 14 April 2008
CINCINNATI, Ohio — Electronic Art, an interactive agency specializing in custom kiosk software, kiosk hardware and integrated Web sites, has launched its new Web site focusing on custom-designed interactive kiosks and digital signage for all industries. The company will celebrate the official unveiling of its new Web site while exhibiting at KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show in Las Vegas April 16–17, Booth #521.
Also making its debut at KioskCom will be EA’s new EasyShip XL Kiosk. The EasyShip XL Kiosk’s full-size cabinet allows integration of components, such as full-size printers or PCs. Providing an alternative to using an all-in-one kiosk, the EasyShip XL’s larger cabinet also provides customers space for applied signage or other branding. And the kiosk’s oval base allows for a smaller footprint and 20 percent more stability than previous models. The kiosk also features an overhead signage option, which allows space for printed or digital signage.
Additionally, Electronic Art has announced its partnership with Ripley Metalworks as EA’s new fabrication partner, giving EA a broader range of custom metal enclosure options, lower cost, greater capacity for large orders, and more options for color and powder coating finishes.
Thursday, 24 January 2008
MINNEAPOLIS — Wireless Ronin Technologies, a Minneapolis-based digital-signage provider, has announced that Alteris Group, a Michigan-based marketing communications company, will launch a Ford Motor Company interactive digital program using RoninCast software.
The digital signage system will promote and demonstrate the latest Ford SYNC in-vehicle technology designed by Microsoft in collaboration with Ford engineers. The initial deployment is 50 units for use in public events.
Ford will utilize the interactive RoninCast digital signage system at auto shows and other special events to demonstrate and promote Ford SYNC features and benefits. The system integrates 50-inch and 32-inch touchscreens with fabricated Ford SYNC branded enclosures. The program simulates the key SYNC features with on-screen virtual guides that interact with the audio "voice" of SYNC to demonstrate hands-free calling, play audio tracks from an MP3 player and USB drives.
"The Ford SYNC product is a unique technology that will greatly enhance the customer explanation experience for Ford's customers," said Alteris Group Co-owner, John Thompson.
Thursday, 17 January 2008
BEAVERTON, Ore. — Planar Systems Inc. has announced shipments of the new Planar iS40 integrated digital signage and DS15 integrated kiosk.
“More businesses large and small across different industries, including financial services, gaming, retail and transportation, are recognizing how effective digital signage is at capturing customers’ attention and engaging audiences,” said Brad Gleeson, Planar’s vice president of business development.
As a fully integrated digital-signage system, the Planar iS40 combines a 40-inch LCD, CoolSign iS software, Windows XP processing, optional Wi-Fi features, and all the networking components needed for integrators to set up digital signs throughout multiple locations. The “plug-and-play” appliance only requires AC power and an Ethernet connection for set-up.
Featuring CoolSign, Planar’s digital signage software solution, the iS40 allows users to create, display and centrally manage digital signage content being displayed in multiple locations.
The new DS15 offers a kiosk solution that combines hardware and software, and can be placed anywhere there is an electrical outlet. It combines a heat-tempered, scratch-resistant IR touchscreen and high-bright 550 nits display with an operating system and software suite that enables businesses to incorporate their creative assets such as JPG, HTML, Flash, Shockwave and QuickTime content.
Thursday, 10 January 2008
LONDON — Retec Digital announced that it has developed a touch-enabled digital sign used for wine retailing. Retec says the touchscreen is designed to impact the customer’s enjoyment and knowledge of wine, increase sales, reduce dependency on staff and make a positive impact on the retailer’s bottom line. The company, which already has partnered with Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, IBM UK Ltd., Boots and Argos, is currently in talks with a number of large retailers for deployments in 2008.
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A screen shot of Retec Digital's Wine Selector.
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The units have been designed to help shoppers make the best purchasing decision based on what they look for in a wine, be it taste, price or occasion. Recommendations of which foods accompany and compliment each wine also are incorporated into the solution.
“Wine is very personal,” said Matthew Stubbs, a master of wine who helped design the solution. “Each batch is unique in quality, price and most importantly of all flavor, and it can be extremely difficult for retailers to train staff adequately and consumers to ensure their purchase suits their personal palate or, indeed, occasion.”
Tuesday, 08 January 2008
LONDON — Customers at selected Tommy Hilfiger Denim stores can now join the Hilfiger Hall of Fame by adding their pictures to an interactive storefront campaign that launched today.
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The Tommy Hilfiger Denim store on Carnaby St. in London.
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Hilfiger stores in London, Amsterdam, Cologne, Antwerp and Dublin now feature through-window touchscreens, providing an interface for passing shoppers to capture, stylize and submit their image as part of collage of images being shown on digital screens in the shop windows.
The digital storefronts enable customers to interact with the Hilfiger brand even outside of business hours. At the end of the campaign, customers will be able to return to the store and have their own T-shirt specially printed using the image they created as the design. The campaign also serves as mechanic for driving subscriptions to Hilfiger’s email newsletter, with users being asked to opt-in when uploading their images.
The campaign was created by Hilfiger’s marketing agency Ministry of Experience. Coupled with special UCS optical rear-projection screens from dnp, which deliver bright, sunlight-resistant images through the glass, and a camera behind the window, the systems allow passers-by to interact directly. Users can pose, then take their own photo, then manipulate and add effects ready to be printed onto T-shirts.
Pixel Inspiration, a digital-signage agency, developed the interactive software that powers the touchscreen displays and their attached cameras. The software is also responsible for managing the marks that users create, integrating the solution with the Hilfiger Web site and the in-store printer.
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
TRUMBULL, Conn. - Self Service Expo conference organizers have announced the debut of their highly anticipated new event, The Digital Signage Show. The Digital Signage Show debuts in 2008 at Self Service Expo in Las Vegas. Both shows will be co-located at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center from April 16 — 17, providing attendees with access to like-minded colleagues and thought leaders, new technologies, forums and case studies.
"The Digital Signage Show is debuting after extensive research over the last 12 months, including meeting with industry leaders, companies that have deployed digital signage initiatives, current attendees and digital signage exhibitors," said Lawrence Dvorchik, general manager of Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show. "It became clear to us that our attendees made the final decisions on digital signage purchases, and they requested that we enable them to meet with more of these suppliers by bringing them to the event. They are excited about now being able to fill their short list of suppliers and address all of their buying needs under one roof at one time."
The Digital Signage show will reflect Self Service Expo's 12-year reputation as a valuable and critical resource in attendees' decision-making and implementation processes. The speaker rosters are comprised of merchant deployers who are facing - or have faced - similar challenges as attendees. Well-known companies including Harrah's Entertainment, Dave & Buster's, McCarran Airport, United States Postal Service, Vanguard Car Rental, redbox, Avery Dennison, Sprint-Nextel, SuperShuttle, Hollywood Entertainment, Rolls-Royce, LiveNation.com, Mayo Clinic and SanDisk will participate in educational sessions during the April conferences. Attendees receive admission to all aspects of both Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show.
"The key for us is meeting with qualified buyers and we were excited to see the positive customer reaction to Netkey's kiosk and digital signage products at Self Service Expo in New York," said V. Miller Newton, CEO of Netkey, a leading kiosk and digital signage software provider. "By adding The Digital Signage Show to Self Service Expo, the organizers have made it easy for buying attendees to see both technologies in one place. We are confident The Digital Signage Show in Las Vegas will continue to deliver pre-qualified buying attendees. We couldn't be happier to be a Platinum Sponsor of both the Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show."
Monday, 10 December 2007
HONOLULU · In order to accelerate and automate fund raising efforts for the new Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum & Visitor Center, the Arizona Memorial Museum Association, and its Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund, have installed several digital signs at the museum's entrance. The new displays consist of an interactive donor display, an interactive memorial display, digital signage displays and a donation kiosk to allow self-service donations via credit and debit cards.
A third display delivers marketing and museum information, as well as special greetings and messages to museum visitors.
"It was nice to be able to put up special messages for Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and of course, December 7th," said Laurie Moore, director of development at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund (PHMF). "We were able to schedule the messages ahead of time and they automatically started and stopped exactly when we wanted them to."
The digital signage software allows for scheduled content of various media types including Flash, Web pages, PowerPoint, video and customized tickers, among other features.
The interactive donor display consists of a 40-inch NEC LCD display combined with a 15-inch NEC touchscreen. They are powered by a custom application developed by PDS that runs on a PC in a nearby data closet. The Donor Kiosk includes a 40-inch NEC LCD screen above a touchscreen kiosk that includes a credit card swipe and receipt printer. The screens are mounted neatly to the concrete structure using Peerless mounts.
Monday, 03 December 2007
LAS VEGAS - The Association of Volleyball Professionals has launched an interactive marketing campaign, called the "Cuervo Cabana," for one of its main sponsors. Jose Cuervo, the AVP's largest sponsor, is in its second year of a three-year marketing agreement with the AVP.
The AVP contracted with SeePoint Technology, to provide mobile marketing kiosks for its outdoor locations. The AVP travels to 18 locations throughout the summer, including seven beaches.
The units allowed the AVP to display historical and modern-day volleyball highlights to lure-in visitors. The visitors then use the interactive kiosks to register for various events and provide consumer information. Combining digital signage with kiosk interactivity implements a powerful tool for lead generation, mobile marketing and customer information, AVP officials said.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
EXTON, Pa. · Scala Inc. announced that Carnival Cruise Lines now features Scala InfoChannel Digital Signage on all of its cruise ships.
Scala InfoChannel powers a variety of Carnival Cruise Lines' shipboard information displays. From large format 61-inch plasma screens to 32-inch LCD's, Scala InfoChannel has been adaptable to a variety of display platforms, including several large screen interactive kiosks, providing Carnival's guests access to large amounts of information, quickly and easily. The touch-enabled Digital Signage Kiosks are used by guests to access information about deck plans, onboard events, dining times, shore excursions and other port-of-call information.
Carnival Cruise Lines first implemented Scala InfoChannel on its vessels in 2001, with the introduction of the Carnival Spirit · the first vessel to carry digital signage. Since then, Carnival has deployed more than 150 units across the fleet, and extended installations to the cruise terminals in a variety of embarkation ports. To run this operation, Carnival employs a group of A/V professionals dedicated to the installation, maintenance, programming and design of the entire network of units.
With vessels situated in the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and cruise terminals in Florida, California, and Puerto Rico, the company performs all content updates from its Miami headquarters via satellite.
Friday, 09 November 2007
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A new association for the $1.1 billion digital signage industry has officially launched. The Digital Signage Association has been created to serve those involved in the rapidly growing digital signage industry.
Digital signage is the growing practice of using dynamic displays to communicate messages with a targeted audience - in settings as varied as retail stores, banks, restaurants, airports and anywhere organizations need to connect with their viewers. LCD, plasma and projection systems, coupled with intelligent software that allows messages to be altered in real time and delivered with precision, have opened up a whole new era of digital communication and one-to-one marketing.
The Digital Signage Association aims to be an advocate for industry issues, increase awareness about the effectiveness of the medium and provide education and networking opportunities for its members.
Deployer members will have access to complimentary expert advice, critical know-how, networking with other professionals and savings on research and trade shows.
Vendor members will enjoy visibility through a membership listing on the Web site, sales leads, the opportunity to establish strategic relationships as well as save on industry resources.
Members of the Digital Signage Association Advisory Board currently include executives from:
- ADFLOW Networks
- BroadSign
- DigitalSignageToday.com
- Dynasign
- IBM
- Keywest Technology
- LG
- Microspace
- Nanonation
- Netkey
- Scala
- Selling Machine Partners
- Symon
"The industry needs an association that is dedicated to the digital signage business and will serve all market segments," said David Drain, the association's executive director. "We're excited about bringing the industry together under one roof to educate the marketplace on how to effectively implement digital signs."
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
SAN JOSE, Calif. · PFU Systems has announced the availability of the first in its line of information kiosk and digital signage products. The Mediastaff DS is a small kiosk designed for countertop or wall-mount applications. It is built around PFU Systems' Media Engine Single Board Computer (SBC).
"The Mediastaff DS provides our customers with an inexpensive way to deploy digital signage or information kiosks with high performance video and sound," said James Payne, PFU Systems' marketing manager.
The PFU Systems Media Engine at the heart of the Mediastaff DS uses a 520 MHz PXA270 and a 2700G Multimedia Accelerator running Windows CE to achieve full-motion video and excellent sound in a low-cost, low-profile solution. The Mediastaff DS provides a number of additional interfaces, including 4 USB ports and 10/100Base-T Ethernet to fit a wide variety of customer-facing projects.
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
NEW YORK — The Self-Service & Kiosk Association will launch a separate association for individuals and companies in the digital signage space, and create an umbrella alliance to connect them.
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David Drain, executive director, Dick Good, chairman, Alex Richardson, president and Janet Webster of the USPS.
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The new association was the main topic yesterday at the SSKA executive board meeting, held in New York on the eve of Self Service Expo.
Dick Good, association chairman, said the new group will provide support and representation for digital signage vendors as well as deployers who have implemented digital signage solutions in their businesses.
Good said the Digital Signage Association would be affiliated with the SSKA in that both associations will be united by a newly formed Digital Technology Alliance. The Alliance will be a committee made up of selected members of both associations. There will also be special pricing for those companies interested in joining both associations, Good said.
The Digital Signage Association will launch Nov. 1.
Also at the meeting:
- Executive board members discussed whether to raise dues for the first time in the five-year history of the association.
- Association Executive Director David Drain made a push for companies to submit their best practices in article form to help the Best Practices Committee develop a database for online reference.
- Board member V. Miller Newton, CEO of Netkey, said that the Research and Statistics Committee is calling for company submissions for a database of case studies and white papers on SelfService.org, the association's website.
- Association president Alex Richardson said the association will look into developing network security standards. The association then would compile best practices and security information and possibly develop a way to certify companies for network security.
Friday, 19 October 2007
FREMONT, Calif. · Dynasign Corp., a Silicon Valley-based digital signage technology provider, has announced that Private Dental Network (PDN), a Burbank media company, is deploying the digital signage network powered by Dynasign technology in dental offices around the United States.
Dynasign digital signage platform will help PDN to effectively manage more than 60 minutes per month of originally produced oral health information and patient education along with advertisements and real-time news crawls while providing the option to display customized dental content on the same screen.
"Dynasign enables PDN-TV to program customized content and advertising on a national, regional or individual office level," said Matthew Berriman, PDN-TV operations chief. "It is important we deliver multi-zone scheduling, tracking ability and full screen transitions that truly define the PDN TV viewer experience."
The initial national roll-out includes the top 10 major media metropolitan areas in NY, LA, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta, Washington DC, Houston and will reach approximately 200,000 viewers per month. PDN anticipates a national audience of one million viewers per month within the next 12 months.
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
The Harvard Crimson: Dining halls are now serving up nutrition information on a high-tech array of glowing flat-screen monitors that cost them thousands of dollars. Harvard University Dining Services installed 13 42-inch flat-panel plasma television monitors and 14 free-standing electronic kiosks into the 13 dining halls across campus last summer.
Read more
Monday, 24 September 2007
BEAVERTON, Ore. · Planar Systems Inc. has announced the addition of transparent and segment electroluminescent displays to its family of high-performance EL displays. Featuring the same visual performance characteristics of Planar's EL displays, this new technology offers added benefits of transparency and the ability to cut or shape the display. The TASEL technology introduction demonstrates Planar's continued investment in the future of electroluminescent products, building on the company's strategy to deliver specialty display solutions.
Transparent displays are ideal for markets in which design aesthetics are a crucial component in communicating product innovation and quality. Feedback from product and industrial designers of transportation systems, premier pro-consumer electronics and architectural projects have identified TASEL's unique characteristics as an enabling technology that removes constraints imposed by flat, rectangular, non-transparent displays. Planar's TASEL display technology can be integrated into a variety of enclosures and used in products that need a unique look for product differentiation. These displays upgrade product appearance from more traditional LED or TN LCD display technologies.
"Our innovative electroluminescent technology enables glass displays to be curved into different shapes and configurations, opening up markets with new OEM customers," said Doug Barnes, general manager and vice president of the industrial business unit, Planar Systems. "Product designers seem inspired by this breakthrough to reimagine how they incorporate displays into projects."
Monday, 24 September 2007
EXTON, Pa. · IDS Menus, a division of International Display Systems Inc., has announced the recent successful installation of its digital menu board system for South Coast Winery Restaurant, located in Orange County, Calif. South Coast Winery Restaurant's sister property is South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, located in Temecula, California. Founded in 2002, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is a luxury destination for fine wine, gourmet dining, spa facilities, private villas and more.
Eight LCD screens were installed in the breakfast and lunch areas of the restaurant. IDS Menus was called upon by South Coast to provide a state-of-the art menu display with user-friendly content management tools. With their foodservice marketing expertise and the help of the South Coast staff, IDS' designers created a mix of menu layouts and full screen promotional video.
Thursday, 30 August 2007
EXTON, Pa. · Scala Inc., a solution provider of end-to-end digital signage software, announced that We Three Multimedia, a Gnoasis Inc. company, has contracted with emebaVet LLC, a digital signage network operator, to install a 250-location digital-signage network in veterinary hospitals across the United States.
The veterinary contract includes a large NEC 1020 LCD in the lobby of each veterinary hospital. The content consists of entertainment, education, news and weather, public service and commercial announcements. In addition, each location runs custom, personalized content for the hospital.
Deployment of the 250 locations began in the spring. The project is expected to be complete by October. This implementation is only considered a preliminary step, with emebaVet expecting to be in 1,000 locations by the end of 2008.
Tuesday, 21 August 2007
BEAVERTON, Ore. · Planar Systems Inc. has announced the addition of three widescreen LCD desktop monitors to its PX product line. The new 26-, 24- and 22-inch PX widescreen displays increase productivity and performance by providing up to 82 percent more screen space than a standard 4:3 19-inch display.
Planar's new displays were developed to sustain high-end graphics and other demanding applications required by specific specialty markets, such as graphic design, video-editing and computer-assisted design manufacturing, and finance, as well as for use by advertising and marketing professionals. Widescreen displays, such as the PX line, are capable of displaying multiple application windows, Web pages or documents simultaneously, which limits the time spent switching between windows and programs.
Planar's PX monitors are capable of displaying two full pages, side-by-side, with toolbars and software palettes. Planar's PX displays also support the latest operating systems. The monitors also can be bundled with a widescreen laptop.
The largest vocational school in Ohio, Miami Valley Career Technology Center, recently enhanced both its AutoCAD and MAC labs on campus by installing PX2210MWs.
"The new PX2210MW 22-inch widescreen display is ideal for education, since much of the curriculum and educational websites are now in widescreen format," said Randy Schmidt, technology coordinator at Miami Valley Career Technology Center. "Planar's widescreen displays increase our students' ability to be productive during the limited time they have in the labs."
Wednesday, 15 August 2007
TEL AVIV, Israel · McDonald's Singapore will leverage SMS-controlled digital signage technology developed and deployed by provider C-nario to draw customers into outlets across Singapore. In the initial phase of an Asia-wide program, 67 out of 127 Singapore restaurants have already been outfitted with digital signage networks.
Diners can interact by sending text messages from their mobile phones to be displayed for all to see on an array of 42-inch screens strategically deployed throughout the chain's restaurants. In the digital-signage enhanced McDonald's environment, guests can engage one another in chat-like conversations, respond to running content or live feed, and even generate classified ads that run on a news-like ticker. Every Saturday and Sunday, sports fans can watch five-hour long video and audio streaming of sporting events in better-than-broadcast-quality.
"This initial roll-out of an Asia-wide, digital signage-based campaign not only enhances patrons' dining experience, but establishes a sense of community in McDonald's restaurants," said Rami Bahar, C-nario's Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We are thrilled that McDonald's has chosen C-nario as a partner in this venture."
C-nario's digital signage network will feature advertising spots rotated at intervals to maximize exposure based on the measured average times spent in the restaurants sitting areas. Touch-screen kiosks linked to restaurants' points-of-sale will issue coupons to eligible customers notified via the digital screens. Points can also be redeemed and gifts retrieved later at the cash register. Music selected based on predetermined parameters, will be streamed across various locations.
The McDonald's deployment is a result of a partnership between global digital signage provider C-nario, Singapore-based content provider At-Life and ABI Digital, an integration and operations company.
Friday, 20 July 2007
Media Buyer Planner: NBC Universal has reached an agreement with Premier Retail Networks in which NBC U will sell package deals, bundling time on its network with space on PRN's Supermarket Checkout TV.
Supermarket Checkout TV has a presence in more than 1,000 stores, including chains such as Shop Rite and Albertson's, and NBC U said the deal with PRN will yield 45 million impressions a year. More details of the deal, including ad specifics, are expected to be announced soon.
Read more
Thursday, 12 July 2007
 MINNEAPOLIS · Chief Manufacturing announced the launch of its Cinematic Series of automated mounting solutions. The line includes swing-arm mounts, flat panel and projector lifts, and table stands.
The Cinematic series offers programmable viewing angles and fine-tuned viewing adjustments. The CM1 Automated Swing Arm Mount can extend a screen from the wall and rotate it to the desired angle. The CM2 Automated Pop-Up Lift raises and lowers screens up to 61 inches and 200 lbs., and the CM3 Automated Swivel Table Stand is a tabletop solution with a free-standing base and integrated IR sensor.
Thursday, 28 June 2007
 LONDON · Clear Channel Outdoor UK's Create division has partnered with Esprit Digital to develop digital advertising panels at bus shelters across the UK. The displays will feature a two-month Bacardi digital campaign at locations in Brighton, Leeds and Edinburgh.
The panels feature content that ties in with the Bacardi brand's new product-focused campaign. Previously, Esprit developed the digital signage installation in the London Underground.
The Bacardi campaign will also run across other outdoor formats, print, TV and digital. A video of the campaign in action can be seen here.
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
ANAHEIM, Calif. · Planar Systems Inc. unveiled two lines of Clarity rear-projection displays at InfoComm 2007. Available in "open system" or "integrated system" configurations, the RX and RP rear-projection displays come in 50-inch (c50RX/c50RP) and 67-inch (c67RX/c67RP) diagonal screen size options and incorporate Planar's "Set It and Forget It" (SiFi) technology.
SiFi automates the continuous operation of Clarity displays at peak performance. In addition, the SiFi Auto Color Balance feature enables each RX or RP display in a wall to simultaneously measure the brightness and color of actual light directed at the screen, reducing the time required to optimally balance a video wall of multiple rear-projection displays.
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
TROY, Mich · Nextep Systems announced the completion of several self-order kiosk and digital signage projects for MotorCity Casino Hotel, located in Detroit, Mich.
MotorCity contracted Nextep to provide new kiosk ordering solutions for three foodservice outlets in the casino complex, the MotorCity Pit Stop BBQ, the Grand River Deli, and the Classics Buffet. The twelve self-order kiosks allow customers to order their meals from a touchscreen ordering system and pay with a combination of Club Metro Comp, cash, credit, and/or coupons.
Nextep also developed a Web site for the recently expanded hotel. The Web site provides information on the upcoming hotel, theater, convention center, spa and meeting facilities. Also included are a new virtual tour and audio streaming capabilities. Nextep also designed 2D and 3D creative content for ongoing customer loyalty promotions and digital signage throughout the casino.
To date, Nextep Systems has delivered more than 20 software and services projects to MotorCity Casino Hotel.
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
MINNEAPOLIS · Chief Manufacturing announced that its steel stud mount kits and accessories have been UL listed. Chief worked directly with Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) to manufacture the industry's first UL-listed steel stud swing arms for 10- to 50-inch flat panel displays up to 125 lbs (18 kg).
Chief was recently approved by UL to be a certified Client Data Test Site (CDTS). With the new test site, Chief will be able to test most products for UL standards in-house and submit the paperwork to UL for review (automated products will not be tested by Chief).
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
ATLANTA · Message Technologies Inc., provider of interactive voice response (IVR), speech technologies and call center solutions, announced that it has formed a partnership with Fastrak Retail LLC, provider of in-store, interactive media solutions for retailers. The companies announced they will develop "Virtual Sales Associates," digital signage capable of holding actual spoken conversations with customers.
Customers speak with the Virtual Sales Associates while inside a store or through an exterior window by calling a phone number provided by the signage and speaking into their cell phone using natural language conversations. The first prototype presented a fashion show of one designer's clothing line and allowed interaction with the Virtual Sales Associate to obtain additional product information.
The personality of the Virtual Sales Associate can be customized to the retailer's branding and armed with product specifications, promotions, videos and even suggestions for alternative and add-on products. The product is especially effective for after-hours "window-shopping" or to eliminate in-store information booths.
Wednesday, 06 June 2007
LENEXA, Kansas · Keywest Technology announced the appointment of Hal Archer, a digital signage and television veteran in the Far East, as vice president of Keywest Technology Asia, the company's new business unit with responsibilities for Asia, the Middle East and Australia.
Archer is an American with a long, distinguished career in Asia in the digital signage, TV production, consumer electronics export and manufacturing sectors. He will be responsible for the day-to-day sales, marketing and management of the new Hong Kong-based business unit.
Archer joins Keywest Technology with nearly two decades of experience in the media and digital signage industries. Most recently he worked with Digital View Ltd. where he was responsible for new business development in various vertical segments of the digital signage market.
Tuesday, 29 May 2007
EXTON, Pa. · Scala Inc., provider of end-to-end digital-signage software, announced that Spotmedia, a digital-signage-network operator in the Middle East, has deployed new digital signage for Mobily, a mobile-service provider in Saudi Arabia.
Corporately branded as the Mobily Channel, the digital-signage network runs in 64 locations across Saudi Arabia. Computers power more than 150 display screens via Scala InfoChannel Player software and Scala InfoChannel Network Manager. Plasma screens and rear-projection video walls broadcast text, video and graphics.
Mobily Channel also is integrated with the queuing system of the service centers, and scheduling is incorporated to indicate the Muslims' prayer times as well as to display special announcements.
Controlled centrally from a remote site and deployed via a private network, the Spotmedia team updates digital signage three to four times a week. The content is sent to all the networked showrooms and runs in 28.6 minutes loops throughout the day.
Thursday, 24 May 2007
MARKHAM, Ontario·Artisan Complete Group was awarded best product display at the 2007 Canadian Marketing Association Convention.
Among the display were digital-screen integrated initiatives from Artisan Live, the digital signage specialist within Artisan Complete, and an RFID-enabled kiosk that allows shoppers to interact with both merchandised products and custom content on a touchscreen interface.
"For more than 30 years, Artisan has worked with brands, retailers and agencies to provide retail communications solutions that help them display and promote products to consumers. It stands to reason that we should be able to do the same for our products and services," said Kris Matheson, vice president of marketing.
Thursday, 17 May 2007
CHICAGO · On the eve of the Digital Signage Expo, the Self-Service & Kiosk Association held the first meeting of a new council formed to help embrace the mushrooming digital-signage industry.
Nine representatives from supplier companies and two from deployers joined association leadership to brainstorm strategies that would help promote the makers and users of dynamic digital signage, and at the same time grow the ranks of the association by adding new members.
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| Surrounded by notes from the meeting are, from left, David Drain, SSKA executive director , Alex Richardson, SSKA president, and Matt Sheehan, vice president for Redbox Automated Retail. |
"If you look at the DNA of every great industry, you see a great association," said Alex Richardson, association president. "This meeting was a very good start in expanding our role in one of the fastest-growing parts of the marketplace."
The association, which launched in 2001 as Kiosks.org Association, changed its name in 2005 to recognize that self-service had moved beyond kiosks. While there was no definitive talk of once again rebranding, many touted the easy fit of digital signage among the traditionally "heads down" for very individualized·technology that has been the exclusive focus of the group.
"They're related," said David Roscoe, president of Adflow Networks, who said his business of helping deployers control content with a Web-based interface grew by 300 percent last year. "I go back to the experiences themselves: How many touchpoints can you have with a customer? You can start with a digital sign, and end with interactive self-service."
The council set preliminary plans to talk four times a year, twice in person and twice by conference call.
Other points of agreement:
- The council should reach out to others for participation, including agencies, systems integrators, analysts and more deployers.
- Members should consider suggestions about how best to mold the association to reflect the new role of digital signage. Plans to alter the homepage of SelfService.org, the association Web site, are already developing.
- The involvement of companies like AC Nielsen and Arbitron, as well as focused efforts, could help the association pioneer measurement methodology.
Initial Council members include:
Brian Ardinger, Nanonation
James Bickers, DigitalSignageToday.com
Jeff Cohen, Chyron
Jeff Curtis, Helius
Jimmy Dun, Dynasign
Don Fasick, LG
Bob Fincher, NetWorld Alliance
David Little, Keywest Technology
Wayne McKeen, AVI
Margot Myers, U.S. Postal Service
Greg Nank, Chief Manufacturing
Miller Newton, Netkey
Doug Peter, St. Clair
Alex Richardson, Selling Machine Partners
Wayne Ruttle, ADFLOW Networks
Matt Sheehan, Redbox
Thursday, 17 May 2007
CHICAGO · A poet might look out the glass expanse of the Navy Pier Exhibition Center, the site of the 2007 Digital Signage Expo, and find metaphor in the view of unending roiling water, rather than one of land and buildings. In its own fashion, digital signage is an industry resolutely sailing away from a cluster of related industries, driven by the winds of demand.
Chris Gibbs, the expo's show director, was wide-eyed and talking fast about the industry following the opening-night awards reception. He worked a crowd of about 400 at the reception, which was sponsored by NEC and Peerless. He declined to give specific attendance figures, saying finals would not be tallied until next week. But Gibbs predicted the show's attendee totals would exceed the 1,200 or so who attended the expo in 2006.
DSE's show floor is an anomaly in the trade-event space. Gibbs won't sell booth space smaller than 10-feet by 20-feet, namely, he says, because the technology is big and shows well in big-floor spaces. Take LG Electronics' booth as an example. LG showed for the first time a 3-D monitor that effectively renders images so crisp and multidimensional that they look palpable at a distance of about 15 feet.
And the winner is
Moving on to the awards, 60 nominations were given for six categories, which are listed below. Judges Kristin Godsey, Steve Kaufman and Matthew Hall of VMSD magazine's editorial staff called the picks.
The winners:
- Best in Class: Creative Content in a Public Space: Aquaria, nominated by Scala
- Best in Class: Creative Content in a Retail Store: Zia Sleep Sanctuary Store, nominated by Wireless Ronin technologies
- Best in Class: Creative Content for Financial Banking: Umpqua Bank, nominated by Nanonation
- Best in Class: Creative Content for Hospitality: Royal Caribbean International, nominated by Nanonation
- Best in Class: Creative Content for Environmental Design Integration: Canterbury Park, nominated by Wireless Ronin Technologies
- Interactivity Innovation: Boss U.S., nominated by AdMart Custom Signage
Next year, the Digital Signage Expo moves West, to Las Vegas, on Feb. 27-28.
Tuesday, 15 May 2007
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Avocent Corporation, announced customer partnership with Gas Station TV providing programming through video monitors and speakers integrated into gas station pumps at leading gas retailers. Avocent's wireless HD distribution technology delivers news and advertising content to each gas pump display while GSTV supplies rich media content geared towards motorists.
"Consumers spend, on average, four and a half minutes at the gas pump with nothing to do. Using Avocent's wireless HD technology for enhanced video and audio at the gas pump allows GSTV to offer superior digital signage to consumers when refueling,"� said David Leider, CEO of GSTV.
Avocent's Emerge MPX1000 media distribution system delivers a synchronized stream of high-definition computer graphics or video and associated audio from one source to as many as eight display devices. Manageability is provided through an onboard web interface and device control is accommodated through extension of serial, IR and HDMI control data. The Emerge MPX1000 extender solution supports VGA and HDMI/DVI digital video and audio signals.
The Emerge MPX1000 extender solution provides connectivity for professional audio and video applications that require moving high-definition quality content from one source to multiple destinations. High resolution VGA or HDMI/DVI computer graphics up to 1280 x 768 resolution, and HD video including 720p are supported. Demonstrations of the Avocent wireless VGA and HDMI/DVI distribution system will take place at the Digital Signage Expo booth (#815) in Chicago, IL May 16 - 17.
Thursday, 10 May 2007
LAS VEGAS — During its annual membership meeting the Self-Service & Kiosk Association announced the formation of a digital signage council.
The Council's stated purpose is to:
- Increase the awareness and understanding of digital signage, including growing integration with self-service and POS systems.
- Increase the visibility of the Association, its role in digital signage and its members who offer digital signage hardware, software and/or services.
- Be a resource to the membership to answer questions about digital signage.
The SSKA Digital Signage Council will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, May 15, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The Council meeting was timed to be held immediately prior to the Digital Signage Expo.
Initial Council members include:
- Brian Ardinger, Nanonation
- James Bickers, DigitalSignageToday.com
- Jimmy Dun, Dynasign
- Bob Fincher, NetWorld Alliance
- David Little, Keywest Technology
- Wayne McKeen, AVI
- Margot Myers, U.S. Postal Service
- Greg Nank, Chief Manufacturing
- Miller Newton, Netkey
- Doug Peter, St. Clair
- Alex Richardson, Selling Machine Partners
- Wayne Ruttle, ADFLOW Networks
"Like the self-service and kiosk industry, the digital signage industry is experiencing tremendous growth," said David Drain, executive director of the SSKA "Many deployers of self-service technology are also responsible for, or considering, the implementation of digital signage. As the Association's role is to stay at the forefront of customer-facing technology, it's important that we have a leadership team dedicated to this market."
Wednesday, 09 May 2007
ESSEN, Germany · POPAI, a global association for marketing at retail, and HF media & Events, a European trade publisher and event organizer for the interactive self-service market, are hosting a pan-European trade show for digital signage.
Digital Signage Expo 2008 (which is not affiliated with expo being held in Chicago) is set for May 6-8, 2008, at Messe Essen near Dusseldorf, Germany. The show expects to cover topics such as in-store TV, digital media, ad screens, content, and solutions.
The event will be held as a parallel event to the Kiosk Europe Expo 2008.
Monday, 07 May 2007
LOUISVILLE, Ky. · Digital Signage Today, a daily news and information portal devoted to the burgeoning digital signage industry, announced the publication of "Measurement and Analysis for Digital Signage," a free how-to guide.
Sponsored by BroadSign International Inc., the 40-page guide describes how companies can measure the effectiveness of their digital signage initiatives. It covers hardware and software solutions that measure the number of views each screen receives based on considerations such as time-of-day and day-of-week, and how to correlate and use that data to make marketing and branding decisions.
"The time has come when major advertisers are urging agencies and media specialists to explore digital signage ad space," said Brian Dusho, executive vice president of sales and marketing for BroadSign. "If we as an industry do not want to miss the ad budgets increasingly allocated to new media, we better put standards and measurements in place as soon as possible."
The guide is available for download, at no charge, from Digital Signage Today.
Thursday, 03 May 2007
MONTREAL · Neo Advertising, the largest digital signage network operator in Canada, has converted its network of screens in 55 upscale shopping malls to the BroadSign Suite platform. The BroadSign Suite is a digital signage software package backed by ASP-model support and services.
According to Benjamin Mathieu, chief executive of Neo Advertising Canada, the switch is part of the overall strategy of modernizing the whole network before the next stage of expansion.
"We have to dedicate the resources of our own IT department to R&D, innovation and network operations, so using BroadSign's ASP solution allows us to stay lean and mean and focus on our core business, that is, selling advertising and expanding the network," said Mathieu.
Other divisions of Neo Advertising Group have been using the BroadSign Suite to operate digital signage networks in Switzerland, Germany and Spain since early 2006.
Neo Advertising Canada currently manages digital displays located inside food courts in 55 major Canadian malls. The network has a measured audience of 7 million shoppers per week (Canadian Outdoor Measurement Bureau audit) and is the first national digital signage network in Canada, with such regular advertisers as Telus, Wireless Wave, Telephone Booth, Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox and Government of Canada, among others.
Mathieu also announced that by October 2007 each old screen will be replaced by new 46-inch LCDs and the network will grow to 80 locations. Each display unit will consist of two high-definition screens mounted side by side, one of them playing entertainment and information content and the other one fully dedicated to advertising. Both screens will play a 15-minute long content loop; the average shopper dwell time is 32 minutes.
Monday, 30 April 2007
MEQUON, Wis. · D2 Sales announced that it won the Self-Service Excellence Award for Best Digital Signage Deployment at KioskCom's Self-Service Expo in Las Vegas. The award recognized D2 for the Palm Treo 680 Times Square interactive installation.
The award was accepted by D2 founder Sandra Nix at the during an awards ceremony at KioskCom.
"The KioskCom award is a special honor that is both professionally rewarding and personally exciting for the entire AKQA/Palm project team," said Nix. "This award recognition is especially meaningful because it is awarded by our peers in the industry."
The winning entry was part of a larger national campaign that also included installations in Los Angeles and San Francisco to promote the launch of the new Palm 680.
Wednesday, 25 April 2007
VMSD: Three digital signage installations · a casino, a salon and a bank · have a common thread in their strategic approach to planning. In the case of Postbank, the implementation of different types of display and interactive technologies is leveraged to create a more "human" environment. The function of the Grand Casino systems is to deliver a range of messages as efficiently as possible, while also creating excitement in appropriate areas. And the long content loop in the Oddysée de Loft salon is a narrowcast engineered to support a fashion brand in a nimbus of lifestyle visuals.
Read more
Thursday, 29 March 2007
This year's Digital Signage 2007 conference featured two days of speakers, presentations and panel discussions, all touting the bright future of digital signage in the years to come but also outlining its challenges.
Content is king' was the overriding message of this year's conference. Virtually all of the presentations discussed how content, its relevancy and ability to hold an audience, will determine the viability of digital signage as it grows into an even bigger presence on the selling floor.
"There's an immediate cause and effect. The more relevant and recent your information is, people will pay that much more attention," said Jeff Porter, executive vice president, Dynamic Signage, Scala Broadcast Multimedia.
Featured speakers included Aerva's president and founder, Sanjay Manandhar and Synergex Corporation vice president of Corporate Strategy Eric So. Porter moderated a panel discussion titled "Choosing the right vendor partners for your digital signage."
The author is editor of Self-ServiceWorld.com and KioskMarketplace.com.
Wednesday, 28 March 2007
CHICAGO · NEC Display Solutions of America Inc. announced a digital signage deployment project with Hospitality Partners and Omnivex software to provide a dynamic signage and wayfinding solution for Hyatt Regency Chicago.
The installation included 40-inch NEC MultiSync LCD4010 and 32-inch NEC MultiSync LCD3210 displays to cover the public areas and 228,000-sq. ft. of meeting space at the Hyatt.
Due to the high-traffic volume, traditional means of directional information were not providing timely updates as information changed. The Hyatt chose Hospitality Partners to integrate a full digital-signage, wayfinding solution to meet the needs of hotel visitors better.
"Not only are the NEC LCD displays and digital signage software functional and beneficial to hotel guests, but they also provide an elegantly pleasing addition to the hotel decor," said Martin Kwitschau, CEO of Hospitality Partners. "The display's sleek frame and the screen quality enable an extremely high-color scheme, which allows images on the display to match each location within the hotel. The displays look great and serve a useful purpose."
The combination of NEC LCD displays and Omnivex software eliminates or decreases the need for guests to read printed signs or consult hotel management for directions to their meeting rooms. The solution also can display real-time traffic, forecasted weather, or up-to-the-minute flight status. The Omnivex software customizes all content based on time of day, location, client requests and has the capability to direct individual meeting attendees to the proper meeting room by using RFID technology.
Tuesday, 20 February 2007
Wric.com: Washington Metrorail riders are now getting more information about approaching trains even before they enter some stations.The transit agency is testing new electronic signs outside of five stations in the system.
Read more
Wednesday, 14 February 2007
MONTREAL · More than 60 OfficeMax locations are using digital signage from ADFLOW Networks and Matrox Graphics, and more of the company's locations are expected to incorporate the technology through 2008.
According to a news release, OfficeMax's digital signs include a combination of ADFLOW's dynamic messaging system with the Matrox Millennium P650 multidisplay graphics card.
The signs have reportedly helped Office Max enhance customer service, promote merchandise and provide entertainment to customers as they wait in line.
"This vision required content to span two screens and switch to two individual content feeds. ADFLOW Networks and Matrox Graphics will continue to provide this innovative solution to the OfficeMax Network going forward," said David Roscoe, ADFLOW's president.
OfficeMax Advantage and mid-size stores will continue to incorporate in-store media into their environments, OfficeMax said. Each store will feature two 40-inch state-of-the-art LCD panels, designed and mounted to fit within a newly designed menu board that is located in the printing-service area.
Thursday, 08 February 2007
SUWANNEE, Ga. — Pro-Tech Solutions is offering an in-wall kiosk for applications in universities, parks, retail stores and real estate companies. Pro-Tech is known for their innovations in the outdoor kiosk industry.
The in-wall kiosk is just 7 inches deep and protrudes less than three-quarters of an inch from the wall surface. Outdoors, the kiosk can be hosed down and operated in direct sunlight. The in-wall kiosk carries on Pro-Tech's philosophy of building "goof-proof" machines that won't to have to be replaced after 3 or 4 years of public use.
"The demand growth for outdoor kiosks is driving much of the innovation being seen in the kiosk marketplace today. Outdoor kiosks are the fastest growing segment of the kiosk marketplace and as part of this growth we have seen a significant demand for in-wall kiosks," said Don Turner, President and CEO.
Experts expects that the overall kiosks market will see a 39% compounded annual growth from $324 billion in 2005 to over $1.2 trillion in 2009.
The new kiosk unit is a response to a growing demand for in-wall units from diverse market segments. The new in-wall unit can operate indoors and out. Additionally the unit offers customers a choice of a secure keyboard and patent pending touch screen technology.
Friday, 26 January 2007
NEW YORK · mCosm and Helio have joined forces to develop a fresh consumer experience for Helio members using mCosm's mCast software to create, manage and distribute various digital media, ranging from signage and video to 3-D effects and animation. The mCast system prepares updates and schedules digital signage and media from a central server, sending the content immediately to displays throughout the Helio retail locations. The files are shown on sleek computer displays manufactured by mCosm's parent company, Micro Industries.
"Our stores reflect Helio's unique approach to this constantly changing wireless industry," said Ali Zanjani, executive vice president of sales and distribution, HELIO LLC. "Helio locations are on the cutting edge and need to be able to take our displays to the next level at a moment's notice as well. Our partnership with mCosm allows us to update our look and media · even if we are on the go. Just like our members."
Helio stores feature pods that are an integrated environment where visitors can sample live devices and services, learn about Helio memberships, accessorize and sign up without ever having to wait in line at a traditional cash register. Digital displays, constantly updated with the help of mCosm's user-friendly software, are a key element of this design. The intuitive Web-based service offered by mCosm makes constantly updating digital content simple and is capable of being presented on almost any size screen, from the hi-definition displays on the walls to Helio's own exclusive handsets in the palm of the customer's hand.
Helio Stores are open in Santa Monica, San Diego, Palo Alto and Denver and a store is planned to open in New York early this year. Additional Helio Stores are planned for 2007 and throughout the coming years.
Monday, 22 January 2007
Thisweek Online: The Eagan City Council placed a moratorium on electronic billboards at its meeting Jan. 16 so that city staff can investigate the impact of the new technology. LED billboards weren't around when existing sign ordinances were drafted, the city said.
Several other cities in Minnesota are taking a closer look at the signs, as is the League of Minnesota Cities, which could undertake a study of the issue on behalf of its member cities. Eagan currently has one such billboard, owned by Clear Channel. The image on the sign changes every eight seconds.
Read more
Monday, 22 January 2007
CHICAGO · NEC Display Solutions of America Inc. and Cisco announced a collaboration to deliver a function-rich digital signage solution.
NEC Display Solutions will offer its suite of large-screen MultiSync LCD displays while Cisco will offer its Cisco Digital Signage solution to provide digital signage customers rich marketing, advertising and training functionality · in addition to unique operational ease and efficiency. Cisco's Digital Signage solution is an advanced offering for management, publishing and playback of digital media on networked digital signage displays.
"We haven't seen the full potential of digital signage due to a lack of flexible network-based offerings. The Cisco Digital Signage and NEC Display Solutions combination has the potential to drive digital signage into prime time," said Melissa Webster, program director, Content and Digital Media Technologies, IDC. "Global operations and rapidly changing business conditions require signs that can be adjusted quickly, and with the way this solution uses the network as the platform, this can be done remotely. It's clear that enterprises will be able to gain strong support from these two leading companies."
"Recently there has been terrific growth in the digital signage market · more companies are recognizing the possibilities of out-of-home media in retail; marketing messages during business hours; corporate communication before and after," said Chris Cicmanec, technical director, broadcast production and emerging content, DraftFCB. "We see Cisco and NEC's partnered entry into the digital signage business as the start of a new era · bridging the gap between marketing strategy and IT requirements. Since Cisco already provides the backbone to many corporate networks, we're excited they're offering a powerful, value-added platform to deliver messaging for this channel."
Monday, 22 January 2007
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. · StrandVision LLC, a provider of hosted digital signage services, has established its Digital Signage Content Developer Program to make it easy for StrandVision customers, as well as installers and resellers, to find approved graphic designers.
The program is limited to content developers with proven capabilities in graphic design and customer communications. Two companies, Blue Pony Digital of Fort Wayne, Ind. and EZ New Media of Menomonie, Wis. are charter members.
The Content Developer Program was developed to assist StrandVision customers.
"StrandVision Digital Signage customers are often smaller companies with signage and marketing content requirements that go beyond their in-house capabilities," explained Mike Strand, StrandVision founder and chief executive. "The content developers listed on our site have experience in creating StrandVision digital signs so they will work quickly and efficiently. They can translate ideas into great looking signage and they can even regularly update and administer the signs, if that's what customers want."
Tuesday, 19 December 2006
JERUSALEM - Screen Expo, in association with Minicom Advanced Systems, is presenting London's first-ever digital-signage showcase Jan. 31 and Feb.
The showcase will provide a glimpse into the workings of a complete digital-signage installation as well as a chance to meet key market leaders. Featured will be Minicom, manufacturers of player-to-screen distribution systems; 3M, suppliers of content management software; NEC, Europe's largest provider of large-format LCD displays; and DVI Partnerships, which specializes in digital-signage installation.
Friday, 15 December 2006
InfoWorld: Commuters in Tokyo are getting a chance to experience some cutting-edge display technology. On three commuter trains some traditional paper advertisements have been replaced with color e-paper displays. The 13.1-inch displays are made by Hitachi Ltd. and are based on Bridgestone Corp.'s "electronic liquid powder" technology. Two such displays are mounted on the carriage walls at either end of each of the three trains. Each display is connected to a smaller unit that contains companion electronics and an 8MB memory module that can hold 37 advertisements. Each advertisement is shown for two minutes in a continuous cycle.
Read more
Friday, 15 December 2006
SEATTLE - 3M Digital Signage, worldwide provider of digital-signage-network solutions, has released 3M Digital Signage Software · Network Operations Manager. According to a news release, the software allows users to remotely monitor, manage and proactively maintain their entire digital signage networks and computing infrastructures. Network Operations Manager displays information via a configurable dashboard, enabling at-a-glance visibility of network status.
The software also allows diagnosis and repair of many hardware and software problems through a secure Web-based interface, reducing the need to deploy technicians for on-site repairs.
"Because a failure anywhere within a digital-signage network can be highly visible, it's especially important for digital-signage operators to have a network analysis and maintenance solution that is comprehensive and enables a quick response," said Fred Arsenault, senior systems engineer at 3M Digital Signage.
Monday, 11 December 2006
SUNNYVALE, Calif. - Palm Inc. launched a $25 million worldwide marketing campaign to generate mainstream awareness of its Treo smartphone line. The six-month campaign highlights Palm's new Treo 680 smartphone and encompasses a fully integrated media mix consisting of print, out-of-home, online, mobile and viral-marketing components. AKQA, a leading interactive marketing agency, developed the campaign, which combines non-traditional marketing approaches with tried-and-true media.
The campaign includes Palm's first-ever SMS-activated kiosks, which enable people to select and view category-specific content on larger-than-life Treo smartphones. The kiosks contain a live monitor in place of the Treo screen; it also displays canned and dynamic content. The interactive kiosks are located at bus stops and window fronts in major metropolitan cities, including Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.
"By aligning with passion brands such as Amazon, Orbitz and Yahoo!, we're demonstrating that Treo smartphones do much more than the average cell phone," said Scott Hancock, director of marketing communications for Palm. "We're showing people how easy it is to interact with these sites while mobile. For instance, one ad might simply say 'Buy tickets on Fandango' or 'Orbitz and go,' with the corresponding logo appearing on the home screen of the Treo smartphone."
Thursday, 07 December 2006
LINCOLN, Neb. - Digital signage and kiosk software developer Nanonation Inc. has joined the Retail Broadband Alliance.
The Retail Broadband Alliance brings together companies that represent products and services used in the retail-sales supply chain for data networks. The Retail Broadband Alliance now includes more than 225 companies. Retail merchants pick and choose the providers they want.
According to a news release, Nanonation's software gives retailers a way to monitor, measure, and manage in-store interactions to drive sales and fuel profits. Whether a network of digital signs or interactive kiosks, retailers can distribute and control their digital marketing messages to create powerful customer experiences.
"Nanonation is proud to be a member of the Retail Broadband Alliance because it enables us to bring together the people, tools and experience needed to create powerful in-store experiences," said Brian Ardinger, vice president of business development for Nanonation. "Having the right set of partners that can provide solutions for networked in-store technologies is vital to the future of retailing and its ability to connect with customers."
Wednesday, 29 November 2006
SARASOTA, Fla. · Real Digital Media (RDM), provider of digital-signage products for establishing point-of-purchase marketing, promotions and corporate-communication networks, announced that Kyle Private Networks (KPN) has selected RDM's NEOCAST digital-signage solution to manage point-of-purchase programming and advertising to more than 600 retail stores on the DrinksTV network.
"When building a digital-signage network, it is critical to find the right partner that can scale and meet the demands of your network. Otherwise, you are back to square one," said KPN president John N. Kyle II. "With NEOCAST, we found an economical solution that offers both the precision and flexibility to reach our target audience. Furthermore, their solution's ability to support both terrestrial and satellite environments out-of-the-box gives us a tremendous advantage when dealing with retailers with mixed environments. NEOCAST is simply a superior digital-signage application that gives us all the tools we need to succeed."
DrinksTV provides programming for beer, wine and spirits.
DrinksTV programming includes short entertaining segments featuring such topics as wine pairing, the latest drink trends, party tips, trivia, plus exclusive DrinksTV "Pour It On" infotainment segments and more. Programming is updated weekly and reaches more than 33 million consumers on an annual basis.
KPN expects to extend the network to more than 1,000 stores by the end of 2007.
"KPN's deployment of RDM's digital signage solution in up to 1,000 stores nationwide is a sign of the increasing maturity of the digital signage market," said Max Engel, industry analyst with Frost & Sullivan's Information & Communications Technologies Group. "As larger entities begin to roll out these applications on a broader scale, growth in the digital signage arena will accelerate rapidly."
Monday, 27 November 2006
CHICAGO -- SeeSaw Networks, a leading out-of-home digital media company, announced it has closed $10 million Series A financing from Sutter Hill Ventures. As the sole institutional investor in SeeSaw Networks, Sutter Hill Ventures holds two positions on the board of directors for Tench Coxe and Jim Gaither, both managing directors at the firm.
The new funding will be used to develop and operate SeeSawAds.com and expand its sales force and network of affiliates across the country. SeeSawAds.com enables advertisers and agencies to customize campaigns across venues, markets and demographics.
"The SeeSaw management team is a powerful blend of media, brand, and technology experts," said Coxe. "We believe SeeSaw's experience and capability in this space will quickly take the company from start-up, to revenue, to profit."
SeeSaw's founding team includes Monte Zweben, chairman and former chairman, CEO and founder of Blue Martini Software; Peter Bowen, CEO and former president of multiple divisions of the H.J. Heinz Company; Jeff Dickey, vice president of business development, founder of DoubleClick and former senior vice president of PRN; Rocky Gunderson, vice president of marketing and network development; and Scott Hines, vice president of user experience.
"As people become increasingly more mobile, the importance of adding out-of-home digital media to the marketing mix is critical for brands to stay competitive," said Gaither. "Out-of-home digital media is an effective advertising media and is becoming a major component of advertisers' media mix much like the Internet is today."
SeeSawAds.com is in beta now and will be available for broad commercial use in 2007. Out-of-home digital media networks, media buyers and advertisers who want to be among the first to influence this emerging medium should contact SeeSaw Networks at .
Wednesday, 22 November 2006
PALO ALTO, Calif. -- The Information & Communications Technology Group at Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce its Exclusive 2006 Quarterly Webinar on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. CST / 3:00 p.m. EST.
The emergence of interactive digital signage continues to blur the distinction between the digital signage and kiosk vertical markets. A primary impetus for this convergence is the availability of vibrant, low cost digital displays in a wide variety of sizes. The market space for digital signage and kiosks is becoming cluttered. What happens when two already fragmented markets begin to merge?
"It is becoming increasingly difficult to delineate between the digital signage and kiosk market spaces. End users employ both types of systems in an attempt to differentiate themselves from their competition though enhancing the consumer's experience and as a means of cost reduction," said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst M.L. Burns. "End users are finding themselves managing multiple networks for multiple digital signage and kiosk applications. The potential to realize efficiencies exists and can be achieved through integration of these various networks and the applications they serve."
The briefing will focus on defining the digital signage and kiosk markets, methods of segmentation and the similarities between these markets. Forces that drive and restrain both markets will be reviewed. The factors driving the convergence in these two markets and emerging opportunities will also be discussed.
Those interested in participating in the interactive webinar should send an email to Mireya Castilla - Corporate Communications at mireya.castilla@frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail address, city, state and country. She will send the registration details via email upon receipt of the above information.
This briefing will benefit digital signage and kiosk solution providers and their vendors. This includes manufacturers of the hardware components for these systems (digital displays, printers, scanners, payment acceptance, etc.), software developers for both markets (content creation, delivery and management) and end-users that have deployed or are considering implementation of digital signage and/or kiosk systems.
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. While serving clientele including Global 1000 companies, emerging companies and the investment community, Frost & Sullivan's comprehensive industry coverage includes a unique global perspective that combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.frost.com/.
Tuesday, 21 November 2006
DUBAI - MXN Middle East FZ-LLC will feature digital signage solutions during GITEX 2006 from November 18th to 22nd at the Aptec Kiosk Services stand in hall 4 at the Dubai International Exhibit and Convention Centre in the UAE.
"We will be featuring our digital signage software solutions and our integrated Digital Media solutions," said Raad Raad, managing director. "MxN representatives will be available to discuss and highlight our abilities and strengths in the areas of content creation, content management, project management and integration."
MxN Middle East has worked with AKS to integrate digital signage into its kiosk solutions. The two companies will feature a self-service kiosk with an integrated digital signage solution above the kiosk.
This is MxN Middle East's first presence at GITEX. At the prestigious event, the company will present unique demonstrations of their solution. It will also showcase its industry leading digital signage solutions, including its flagship product, Octane. MxN will also showcase its integrated kiosk solutions (in partnership with AKS), it AV broadcasting solutions which have been uniquely developed for the digital signage industry as well as some of its integrated Queue Management Solutions.
Monday, 20 November 2006
PHOENIX - Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc. announced new digital billboard launches in the cities of Milwaukee and Tampa, furthering its goal of adding digital billboard networks in all of its major U.S. markets.
"Our goal for 2006 was to deploy fully networked, digital signage products in four to six markets, and by year's end we will successfully reach the upper end of that goal," said Paul Meyer, global president of Clear Channel Outdoor. "New digital technologies provide us with the capability to execute both general market and targeted advertising campaigns that consumers can't mute, fast forward or erase. Outdoor's digital conversion is slowly but surely transforming the industry into the most flexible and responsive of all advertising platforms."
In Milwaukee the company has converted six large format bulletins into a digital network that provides broad general market coverage reaching almost 600,000 Milwaukeeans every day. Tampa has converted the first three locations of what is expected to be a nine-bulletin network that will also provide general market coverage in that city. Like the company's existing digital networks, these too will allow advertising copy to be changed remotely as often as advertisers' needs dictate. Advertising messages will run in a continuous loop, enabling each message to be displayed on each sign in the network multiple times each day, and in the case of Tampa, a minimum of 1,250 times at each location during every 24 hours. Both markets are running public service messages during most of the remainder of November prior to taking paid commercial advertising.
Similar digital billboard networks were launched in Las Vegas, Albuquerque and London, England earlier this year. The company's first digital network debuted in Cleveland last year. Next year it plans to add digital networks in both Cleveland and Las Vegas.
Friday, 10 November 2006
TOKYO - The Ziris digital signage solution is said to offer advantages over traditional, paper-based communication, such as posters, leaflets and other traditional marketing materials, as it allows corporations and retailers to easily and cost-effectively create, target and display high-impact media, and organize, deliver and support digital signage networks.
Sony has also appointed WEBlife Infochannel as the distributor of Ziris, providing technical support and training to all its dealers.
"Setting up a digital signage network can be complex: creating appropriate program material, feeding it into a distribution network, delivering it to the right locations, and playing out the resulting tailored messages to individual screens in separate places," said Will Klopper, manager of professional products for at Sony SA.
"Different suppliers are usually required for the content, software, hardware, delivery systems, installation and servicing. The Ziris hardware and software package includes Ziris Create, Ziris Transfer, Ziris View, NSP-Series Network Players and Ziris Manage."
Thursday, 09 November 2006
LOUISVILLE, K.Y. -- Captive Indoor Media announced that it has successfully implemented its digital signage software system in 18 Arizona State Credit Union branches. As part of the agreement Arizona State Credit Union will also purchase monthly content updates as well as dynamic news feeds and financial index information from Captive Indoor Media
"We had experience with a legacy digital signage system and we wanted to upgrade to a more dynamic piece of software," said Paul Stull, senior vice president, marketing, for Arizona State Credit Union. "Our old system did not allow us flexibility of scheduling and was very complex to learn and use. The digital signage system from Captive Indoor Media gives us everything we need in an easy to use format and without great expense or effort to learn and use."
Tuesday, 07 November 2006
TheGlobeAndMail.com: Customers walking into the Tim Horton's on Ontario Street in Stratford, Ont., have become a captive audience. The shop is one of 2,000 locations participating in Tim Hortons Inc.'s $50-million rollout of digital displays, part of a nationwide marketing strategy aimed at delivering Tim's-branded messages to its 100 million monthly customers. But despite the touted revenue-generating potential, finding the business case to justify the investment has been a challenge for many companies.
Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006
AVInteractive.co.uk: Growing demand from the indoor-venue and hospitality markets has emerged as some of the biggest opportunities for revenue growth among manufacturers of digital-signage and professional displays, according to iSuppli Corp. The indoor-venue segment accounts for 26 percent of the total digital-signage and professional market revenue. iSuppli forecasts revenue for the indoor venue-segment will achieve a growth rate of 8 percent, $3.8 billion by 2010, up from $2.8 billion in 2006.
Read more
Thursday, 02 November 2006
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. · StrandVision LLC, a provider of Internet-based digital signage services, is now including animated radar weather maps as part of its online information package.
The no-charge service for U.S. subscribers supplements StrandVision's locally sourced digital-signage content, which can include advertising, photographs, graphics, hours of operation, employee news, etc. StrandVision's standard package of automated information feeds includes local and national news, weather, and currency rates. Other specialized optional feeds also are available.
The new service supplements StrandVision's text forecasts with full-color weather maps that show a looped weather animation similar to the Doppler radar sequence. Forecasts and radar maps are updated every 10 minutes. Organizations, such as distributors or retail outlets with installations in multiple locations, can select to have the appropriate local maps and forecasts automatically displayed based on zip codes.
Wednesday, 01 November 2006
LINDEN, N.J. -- Minicom Advanced Systems has received an investment of an undisclosed amount from Intel Capital.
Minicom products feature out-of-band access to servers, enabling system administrators to maintain vital control when system problems arise. The company also develops audio/video and serial distribution systems, which are essential for cost-effective installation and maintenance of in-store advertising and public display networks for the growing digital signage market.
Intel Capital's investment allows Minicom to further expand its product range, and enhance its KVM and Digital Signage sales and customer service support centers worldwide.
"Minicom is an innovative vendor in the growing KVM market," said Joel Fisch, investment manager with Intel Capital. "Their technology enhances manageability and remote support capabilities which have become a key component in data centers and mission critical computing environments."
Thursday, 19 October 2006
DES MOINES, Iowa -- The fashion, music or computer industries usually set retail trends. However a titan in the battery industry is testing an "extreme customer service" concept that will rival the look of high-end retail stores. Interstate All Battery, a division of Dallas-based Interstate Batteries, is testing its "I World" concept in a Fort Worth, Texas suburb and Des Moines, Iowa.
The "I World" prototype, at the Interstate All Battery Center (IABC) stores in Euless and Des Moines, provide an animated shopping experience with modern, high-tech interiors and digital applications. The store includes wood floors, plasma monitors and a "Find It" kiosk, which helps customers find the power solutions they need. The kiosk supports Interstate All Battery's pledge to "Have it - Find it - Build it" - literally guaranteeing they will have, find or build a battery from the ground up in order to solve every battery need (up to 13,000 are available).
Led by a team of internal marketing and operations personnel, the new store took 12 months to research and complete and is designed to appeal to a younger and broader demographic, including females, which drives a significant portion of America's passion for personal digital gadgets.
"We're extremely excited about the results so far," said Terry Schulze, Director Operations at Interstate All Battery. "In fact, it's going so well that we plan to incorporate the high-tech look and feel of the prototype stores into all our new Interstate All Battery franchise stores going forward."
These test stores come during the company's aggressive retail development plan to build 400 new IABC stores by 2010. Interstate All Battery has received 800 applications for their 400 proposed franchises.
Last year was Interstate All Battery's most successful year where both company-owned and franchisee stores experienced double-digit revenue increases. Currently, there are 60 one-stop battery replacements stores in 26 states including stores that will soon open in Canada and Puerto Rico.
Friday, 13 October 2006
NetIndia123.com: At a time when the country's information-technology sector is facing high attrition rates, Tata Consultancy Services has come out with a way to counter attrition by implementing the Infinity Channel. The Infinity Channel is an in-house digital-signage network that enables information sharing and increases TCSers' awareness about its own company across countries, cities and offices.
Read more
Tuesday, 10 October 2006
PALO ALTO, Calif. — Roku entered the digital sign market with the announcement of its BrightSign digital sign and kiosk controller. BrightSign is designed for small businesses, merchandising departments and retailers that want to use flat-panel displays for point-of-purchase promotions.
At $299.99, it offers an economical and turnkey solution for businesses to promote their messages on flat screen and HD displays in stores, at trade shows or other locations. BrightSign is made to be setup without an IT department. Content can be created using familiar, off-the-shelf photo or video editing tools. Common tasks like playing a looping video or slide show are accomplished by simply dragging-and-dropping files onto a CompactFlash card. But the real power of BrightSign shines with customers who want to create interactive experiences.
In addition to flexible media playback, BrightSign supports BrightScript. Roku created this easy scripting language specifically for digital-sign and kiosk applications. BrightScript enables new interactive features for digital signs. For example, a simple, repetitive video loop can be turned into an attract loop that lets customers choose to receive more information on a particular topic through the touch of a button.
Unlike DVD players or PCs, BrightSign with BrightScript is designed specifically to control digital signage and in-store point-of-purchase displays. BrightSign has no moving parts and does not run a full-scale operating system, making it much more reliable than other display options. It easily mounts to walls, shelves or cabinets. It connects to both standard VGA LCD monitors and high-end HD displays, and comes loaded with other connectivity options like component video, USB keyboard, analog or USB speakers, touchscreen, custom button panel, IR remote control, Ethernet and serial ports.
Thursday, 05 October 2006
TORONTO · Artisan Live introduced its Mobile Affiliate Advertising Program (MAAP), which it is calling the first affiliate marketing program for digital signage.
"MAAP serves as a marketplace for digital signage network owners and advertisers to fill signage and mobile phones with relevant, high impact content that moves the consumer," said marketing manager Kris Matheson.
With MAAP, advertisers make content available to leading retail, out-of-home and place-based digital signage network publishers. Campaigns are measured by consumer interaction via mobile phone text messages. Network publishers receive a commission for the interaction.
"The affiliate approach is a model that's been very successful for the likes of Google and Ask.com," said Artisan Live's Raji Kalra. "Everybody wins. Network publishers receive content that drives viewership and advertisers make the last three feet of their marketing plan highly actionable. MAAP facilitates the whole process with tools that are easy to access and use."
Tuesday, 26 September 2006
MEXICO CITY · Two of Latin America's most dominant companies, Grupo Televisa and Wal-Mart de Mexico ("Wal-Mex"), have launched an in-store media network covering 292 Wal-Mex stores across Mexico.
Comprising more than 5,000 digital-signage displays and touchscreen kiosks, the network is centrally managed using FireCast software and media player hardware from WireSpring Technologies.
 Televisa creates original retail-specific programming for the Wal-Mex network, combining informational segments and advertising spots. For shoppers, the content enhances the store experience and helps them make smart purchasing decisions. For advertisers, the network provides an additional opportunity to highlight key selling points, complementing traditional point-of-purchase advertising. Content is delivered through large-screen LCD displays in key store locations, as well as touchscreen kiosks in the pharmacy and other areas.
For Televisa, the Wal-Mex network provides new out-of-home ad inventory that can be sold to Wal-Mex product suppliers and other advertising clients. By outsourcing the content delivery technology and in-store playback software to WireSpring, Televisa retains focus on its core competencies of content production and advertising sales.
Key facts about the network:
- 292 stores under the Wal-Mart Supercenter and Bodega Aurrera brands.
- 21-28 large-screen LCDs per store, plus touchscreen kiosks.
- Content is customized by store type, with multiple channels per store, including a dedicated channel for the pharmacy in Supercenter locations.
- Products include WireSpring's FireCast OS, FireCast ClientCenter, and FireCast Media Appliance, as well as IBM's Anyplace Kiosk.
The Wal-Mex network rollout began in July 2006 and is expected to be complete by early November.
Thursday, 21 September 2006
EXTON, Pa. · Scala Inc., provider of end-to-end digital signage software, announced the creation of Scala KK, a wholly owned subsidiary located in Tokyo.
Scala KK will be the center of operations for Scala's Asian market. Guillaume Proux will assume the role of general manager, and Takahiro Furuichi will serve as technical services manager. Scala's sales office in Greater China, headed by Elaine Chew, will move under Scala KK's umbrella.
"Our InfoChannel product line has been available for some time now in Japanese, Chinese (simplified & traditional) and Korean language versions." said Gerard Bucas, Scala president and chief executive. "Now with Scala KK based in Tokyo we will be able to provide local support and other services to our customers in their own language."
Tuesday, 19 September 2006
DUBAI - MxN Middle East will work to help Aptec integrate digital signage into its kiosks and provide support services to Aptec in helping it establish a digital signage arm. "We look forward to working with Aptec and building an increased awareness of digital signage and kiosk technology," said Raad Raad, managing director of MxN Middle East.
Read more.
Thursday, 14 September 2006
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - McDonald's locations in the Philippines have added digital signage systems, built on the Scala InfoChannel platform and implemented and managed by Globaltronics Inc.
McDonald's digital signage network runs in most of its outlets, spanning across the Philippines archipelago from metro Manila to Cebu and Davao City. Geographically, Globaltronics also covers outlets from Central Luzon down to the Visayas and Mindanao islands.
Most of the fast-food outlets are equipped with a 42-inch plasma screen (several locations have two screens installed) positioned mainly at or near the counters in the store and driven by one Scala InfoChannel Player. Currently the Scala InfoChannel is deployed in 32 locations, with another 118 locations to be deployed by the first quarter of 2007.
The digital content for all locations is developed and managed by Globaltronics, and remotely controlled from the Globaltronics network operations center. The content is updated an average of twice a week or as frequent as necessary for the entire network, selected outlets or sometimes specific individual outlets.
The rich media content includes McDonald's marketing and product collaterals, product promotions, video commercials and special announcements. Further revenue is generated from the sales of advertising space to McDonald's business partners as well as third-party advertisers.
The management and control of the digital signage network is supported by an infrastructure comprising a proxy server installed at McDonalds' main server that is used to distribute the content on McDonalds' WAN system. A 256Kbps VPN connection links Globaltronics with the proxy server at McDonald's headquarters.
Globaltronics selected the Scala Infochannel suite as the preferred tool-of-choice for the digital signage network mainly because of its network management capabilities and the versatility of the display output in addition to its ease of implementation and operations.
Wednesday, 13 September 2006
LEICESTER, U.K. · Working Solutions, software provider for the self-service and digital signage industries, announced in a news release the launch of version 3.0 of its digital-signage management suite, Acquire.
Acquire is designed to accommodate different software "plug ins" called ACQs. A few examples of ACQs are a ticker-style scrolling message controller, RSS (really simple syndication) data-feed organizer and a background music manager.
"As Acquire has grown over the past few years, our customers have driven the development of many new ACQs," said Neil Farr, managing director for Working Solutions. "We wanted the new version to be more powerful, so one of the things we have done is to bundle many of these ACQs with Acquire 3.0."
Acquire 3.0 also comes with a site manager network administration package and the Sentinel security product, which is based on the Kiosk Monitor Watchdog product. It allows customers to securely deliver digital content to all units in their networks and gives them the tools to proactively manage screens in real-time. Any screens that lose connectivity can be easily identified, with alert messages being sent to network administrators and site engineers via SMS and e-mail.
Thursday, 07 September 2006
BURR RIDGE, Ill. · Targeted media company TAP.tv marked its expansion into the quick-serve-restaurant segment through a multimedia installation with leading McDonald's operator JDD Investments Inc.
Using proprietary set-top box technology, TAP.tv went live Aug. 14, with a multiscreen installation at JDD's signature McDonald's store in Chicago.
Designed to build patron loyalty and enhance the McDonald's in-store experience, the TAP.tv installation leverages the company's ability to deliver a variety of content to any type of video display, targeted to conform to McDonald's day-part communication needs.
Components of the installation include:
8 foot, multiscreen "VideoBar." Mounted above the ordering counter, the proprietary configuration delivers multimedia messaging in support of store marketing events, menu suggestions and promotional offers.
On-demand "KidVid" display. Located in the McDonald's Playplace, the 50-inch display presents a variety of kid-oriented content, activated by patrons via a McDonald's themed touchpanel kiosk.
Playplace-mounted "PartyCam." Activated via the kids' kiosk, the feature allows patrons to "see themselves on TV." It will also be used to digitally capture family parties.
Multimedia presentation screens. Multiple 42-inch plasma screens, mounted throughout the McDonald's dining area, present a variety of day-part appropriate promotional material as well as content provided by TAP.tv's Content Division. Content includes news, music videos and action sports features which can be selected by patrons via cell phone text messaging.
Tuesday, 29 August 2006
TORONTO, On. · Concourse Media announced a partnership with ADFLOW Networks to deploy a digital signage network in the corridors and food courts of downtown Toronto's PATH.
The PATH is considered the world's largest underground commuter shopping complex with more than 1,200 shops and services, and more than 50 businesses and offices. The digitally displayed messaging provides the public with relevant and engaging information as they shop, browse, eat and commute.
"After becoming frustrated with the off-the-shelf hardware and software they were using to operate their network, Concourse Media looked to ADFLOW to provide an easier, more cost-effective 'hands-off' solution to deploy and maintain their network in the PATH so they could focus on their core competency," said Wayne Ruttle, ADFLOW's vice president of sales.
As a strategic partner to Concourse Media, ADFLOW Networks provides the digital media engine and digital media technology for the PATH digital signage network. The ADFLOW Networks Dynamic Messaging System also includes the hosted infrastructure that manages, remotely monitors and maintains the network to ensure that all content is organized, tracked and displayed properly. The solution is integrated with Concourse Media's network of bright, high-definition SHARP LCD display screens.
Monday, 28 August 2006
Linuxdevices.com: A Bangkok-based company is shipping a tiny, sub-$100 PC capable of running Puppy and other lightweight Linux distributions. NorhTec's MicroClient Jr. measures 4.5 inches square, draws 8 watts, and has a 166MHz Pentium-compatible processor with three integer units. It targets thin-client, kiosk, and electronic signage applications.
Read more.
Friday, 18 August 2006
SAN DIEGO · American Technology Corp., provider of directed sound products and solutions, announced that digital-signage solution provider Adflow Networks is expanding its HSS-enabled in-store digital signage network installations with OfficeMax.
The OfficeMax digital signage network features ATC's award-winning HSS directional sound technology, branding and advertising content, as well as a live CNN satellite feed to inform and entertain customers without disrupting their shopping.
OfficeMax retained Adflow Networks in 2005 to establish a digital-signage network in large-format OfficeMax Advantage stores across the United States. With the success of the initial deployment, Adflow is extending the network to also include select mid-sized stores.
"Content is delivered through two high-resolution 40-inch LCD panels and two HSS units mounted within an eye-catching menu board located in the high-traffic printing service areas of the stores," said Wayne Ruttle, vice president of Adflow Networks. "To date, we've installed this system in select OfficeMax locations across the country. We have more than 120 new locations scheduled for installation over the next 12 months."
ATC's patented HSS products offer display-point sound that only the intended listener can hear. HSS provides consistent virtual listening areas without the variability in sound intensity that is common in conventional loudspeakers.
"We are excited to be working with Adflow and other channel and distribution partners on an increasing number of HSS-enabled retail-based digital signage network installations," said Bruce Gray, ATC's vice president of commercial sales. "HSS provides in-store networks the critical feature of directionality to ensure that customers clearly hear the audio content while keeping the sound confined to a selected listening area."
Thursday, 17 August 2006
HUTTO, Texas · TouchSystems Corp., provider of touch-enabled products, announced its new digital signage series of touch monitors. The new touchmonitors, ideal for interactive digital signage, offer wall-mountable/desktop LCD touch displays in large sizes, up to 46-inches.
The first offering in the line is the 32-inch P3250C touch monitor, which includes NEC's Digital Signage Technology suite and standard 3-year limited warranty. Features include a self-diagnostics capability to detect possible failures, a new backlight system for better brightness, real-time content scheduling, 1366 x 768 ultra-high resolution and brightness control to reduce energy consumption.
Wednesday, 16 August 2006
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. · StrandVision LLC, a provider of Internet-based digital signage services, has introduced an automated time-based counter called Count Up/Down.
The Count Up/Down feature is useful for announcing the time until a meeting or church service starts, cruise or bus departures, theater and movie start times, store and office openings, and other scheduled events. It also is an excellent automated way to count milestones. Some StrandVision customers are using it to list safety achievements such as days since the last Occupational Safety & Health Administration reportable or lost-time accident, production goals achieved, time left to reach sales goals and sweepstakes deadlines.
The Count Up/Down page offers several variable text areas including a "Message for Before Event" text field that is tied to the Count Down clock and will only display before the event occurs.
Once the event starts and the current time hits zero, the message is replaced by a "Message for After Event" text field that also is tied to the clock. It automatically replaces the before-event message as the current time display counts up.
When combined with StrandVision's scheduling feature, Count Up/Down slides can be scheduled to be automatically added and removed from the digital signage slide mix.
Monday, 14 August 2006
EXTON, Penn. - Scala Inc., provider of end-to-end digital signage software, announced that Ya Mogu, a Brazil-based digital signage company and Scala certified value-added reseller, was chosen for the project-development, installation-management, operation and support of a digital signage network installed at Brazilian retail chain Casa & Video. The retailer specializes in home goods and electronics.
As one of the fastest-growing retail chains in Brazil, Casa & Video are present in 31 Brazilian cities. Rio de Janeiro alone has 29 stores. A pilot project started in early July at its downtown Rio store is configured with 42-inch plasma screens managed from Ya Mogu´s network-operations center.
The contract was signed between Casa & Video and media company VTV-Comunication Digital, the Ya Mogu partner that funded the project and is responsible for ad sales.
Content includes videos produced internally by Casa & Video as well as advertising messages from its suppliers. The system is based on the Scala InfoChannel platform.
"It is the first project in Brazil of its kind and potential scale to employ (modern) digital-signage techniques from the solid and field-proven software platform, InfoChannel, to performance metrics," said Yuri Berezovoy, Ya Mogu principal. "The next stores to be receiving this new and advantageous form of dynamic visual communication are already being negotiated."
Tuesday, 08 August 2006
Bizjournals: Jiffy Lube International announced Monday an agreement to put the J-TV network in its North American retail waiting rooms.
The Houston-based fast oil change provider signed a deal with digital sign company AlivePromo Inc. to air the Internet-transmitted content, which will include car-care tips, additional service options and specials, and third-party programming.
Read more.
Friday, 14 July 2006
CALGARY, Alberta - SMART Technologies Inc. announces the continued expansion of its Actalyst interactive digital signage product line to include an overlay for 32" (81 cm) flat-panel displays. The overlay fastens securely to LCD or plasma displays to create touch-enabled interactive surfaces. The new 32" overlay, the smallest of the Actalyst interactive overlays, gives purchasers another option when space for digital signage is limited. Actalyst interactive overlays now range in size from 32 to 65" (81 to 165 cm) diagonally and can be oriented in portrait or landscape mode. SMART supports most 32" digital displays, including those from NEC, Samsung, LG, Panasonic and Toshiba, with others to follow.
Actalyst interactive digital signage combines with a flat-panel display to provide an increasingly popular way for people to find information in public places. They simply walk up to the product and use a finger to navigate multimedia content to find what they need. The overlay is ideal for interactive information stations in retail stores, office buildings, real-estate developments, museums, hotels and shopping malls, where people often need information, but may not need human assistance.
"SMART added the 32" overlay in response to customer demand," says Nancy Knowlton, SMART's president and co-CEO. "The full line of Actalyst interactive overlays allows retailers, facility managers, exhibit designers and others to bring high-impact interactive digital signage to virtually any public place."
Features
Touch system: SMART's DViT® (Digital Vision Touch) technology lets users manipulate the display's content simply by touching the surface of the overlay. DViT technology uses state-of-the-art digital cameras embedded in the overlay's frame to detect contact on the screen. Touch accuracy remains consistent across the entire screen area, and image quality is clear and crisp. DViT technology's durability, reliability and simplicity ensure maximum uptime for interactive stations.
Protective surface: The durable, touch-friendly, anti-glare, scratch and chemical-resistant surface protects displays without compromising image quality.
Mounting brackets: Actalyst interactive overlays feature a universal mounting bracket that fits in between the flat-panel display and the panel's specific mounting plate to allow mounting in a portrait or landscape mode.
Supported flat-panel displays: Actalyst interactive overlays are compatible with large-screen plasma and LCD display screens from more than 15 manufacturers. Sizes range from 32 to 65" (81 to 165 cm) diagonally. SMART supports most 32" digital displays, including those from NEC, Samsung, LG, Panasonic and Toshiba. For a complete list of displays supported, visit www.smarttech.com/actalyst/panels.
Software: The driver software provides touch control and is available for most Microsoft® Windows® and Apple Mac OS X operating systems and is compatible with content-development software.
Pricing and availability
The 32" Actalyst interactive overlay is available. For more information, specifications or a list of authorized resellers, visit www.smarttech.com/actalyst or call 1.888.42.SMART.
Monday, 10 July 2006
Times Online: A former investment banker hopes to revolutionize the advertising market by importing cylindrical digital display units that can be viewed from any angle.
Trevor Lawless, of 360 Digital Displays, hopes to import up to 30 of the estimated 100,000 units, which are similar to eight-foot-high digital televisions, over the next 12 months.
Read more.
Friday, 16 June 2006
TORONTO -- Digital View, provider of digital signage and digital media networks, and Pattison Outdoor Advertising, Canada's largest out-of-home media firm, are launching a unique interactive advertising experience for consumers. Shoppers in some of Canada's busiest malls are now able to choose which TV commercials they'd like to view during a special promotion, using their cell phones like remote controls.
The first client to sign up is Nike Canada, which kicked off this year's world soccer championships blitz with a series of long-form TV spots featuring some of the planet's best-known soccer players. This groundbreaking digital signage was tested first in Toronto's Yorkdale Mall and is now running at Bramalea Town Centre, Montréal's Mall Champlain and Montréal Eaton Centre, as well as Vancouver's Oakridge Centre and Metropolis at Metrotown malls.
Engaged by a large LCD, directional speakers and vinyl floor graphics, consumers are encouraged to select, via text-messaging, any one of the five "Joga Bonito" Nike Soccer videos that rotate on the screen.
"This is exciting on a number of levels," Digital View chief operating officer Stuart Armstrong said. "Not only does this allow consumers to choose what they want to see, they're also more deeply engaged with the brand advertisers through the text-messaging process."
The text message request routes through wireless carriers to a custom SMS receiver device that controls the output of Digital View's Remote Player 300 digital signage player. The video that is chosen is then played in full audiovisual mode.
The program is able to track the popularity of the videos by counting requests, and also engages consumers by sending them return messages, encouraging them to visit a dedicated Web site and to opt in to receive other Nike news via SMS text messaging.
Wednesday, 14 June 2006
HOUSTON - qtags has created a new advertising program called GoodyBag that delivers promotional offers via a spam-free, no-charge shortcode program. The GoodyBag program is deploying in NYC's Times Square on a 32-foot by 38-foot digital video board and will feature national and regional advertisers. The board is part of the Smart Sign Media digital advertising network.
The GoodyBag ad program hosts multiple advertising messages in a single text word. Each time the word is texted, a different advertiser's 145-character message will be sent to the texter's mobile phone, offering a special goody."
Read more.
Tuesday, 13 June 2006
CINCINNATI -- Electronic Art, a full-service Internet services company specializing in computer kiosks and Web-based software development, signed a contract to provide kiosks to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for an upcoming exhibit on the tragedies in Darfur, a region of western Sudan.
The exhibit, which opens at the Center on June 14th, 2006, features images and video taken by George and Nick Clooney during a recent visit to Darfur. The Clooneys hope their trip to the war-torn Sudan province will focus world attention on getting protection and aid for the refugees. The poignant exhibit, named Smallest Witnesses: The Conflict in Darfur through Children's Eyes, presents drawings from children in refugee camps along the border between Darfur and Chad. The children's illustrations offer a fresh, often heartbreaking perspective on the violence and suffering in the region.
The kiosks provided by Electronic Art will be used in the exhibit to enable guests to learn more about the struggles in Darfur and empower them to become more involved by supporting organizations that are actively helping refugees. Custom software was created to make the exhibit interactive for guests, and to allow them to visit the websites of organizations that have partnered with the Freedom Center, perhaps becoming "agents of change" in the process.
Along with providing kiosks and custom software, Electronic Art is also fabricating custom signage hardware to match the kiosks. For the opening night event, the Center will have five to six kiosks available and then a reduced number during the temporary exhibit, lasting for one month.
Wednesday, 31 May 2006
Seattle — 3M Digital Signage, worldwide provider of digital signage network solutions, announced the release of 3M Digital Signage Software - Network Edition version 3.0. Network Edition digital signage software provides the ability to distribute and play back media files, schedule playlists, and monitor a network of digital signs from any Internet-connected computer.
Network Edition 3.0 adds new functionalities, plus augments and streamlines the content and network management features 3M Digital Signage products are known for. Highlights include new network management capabilities such as the ability to assign multiple users/multiple roles, network-status reporting enhancements and an enhanced user interface designed for even easier use. In addition, functional improvements, fixes and optional content services help optimize network performance.
Current users of Network Edition 2.0 will receive automatic upgrades and see these improvements the next time they log in.
Among the highlights of 3M Digital Signage — Network Edition v. 3.0:
- "User-defined media folders: Organize media to suit any size or type of project.
- "Multiple users/multiple roles: Create new usernames and assign specific privileges.
- "Schedulable layouts and tickers: Change screen layouts at will within a playback schedule.
- "Multidimensional reporting: Generate network activity reports by player, media item, or time interval.
User Interface Improvements
- "Task-oriented User Interface, with new descriptive tabs for faster, easier content, schedule and network management.
- "All new portal look and feel.
Functional improvements
- "Streamlined player registration.
- "Various speed and performance enhancements and fixes.
"Network Edition 3.0 delivers more power, flexibility, and reliability to our customers while noticeably improving usability," says Steve Saxe, product marketing manager, 3M Digital Signage. "Combined with a new reporting engine and other functional improvements, we're building on our promise to 'Keep it simple, make it count.'"
Tuesday, 16 May 2006
Waterloo, Ontario — Digital Display & Communication, Inc. (DDC), one of the leading digital signage network companies in North America, has aligned with Miller Zell, NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc., and 3M Digital Signage to deliver one-stop shopping for a full-range of turn-key, retail digital signage solutions. Marketed by Miller Zell as MZ In-Store Digital Media, this innovative offering is designed to help retailers and consumer products companies navigate the new world of electronic in-store digital signage and place-based private television networks.
DDC will lead the development of all digital programming and content management for MZ In-Store Digital Media, which offers a full-range of turn-key signage solutions, including display equipment, digital integration, content production and digital ad sales. Miller Zell's retail merchandising strategy, design, graphics, fixture production and full-program implementation capabilities complement the offering.
"DDC is committed to delivering communication that influences, so we are excited about the potential to collectively make a marked impact on the way people shop the traditional retail store," said Stuart Kirkpatrick, president of DDC. "Together, the four companies share a common vision to be major drivers of the rapidly increasing use of digital media as the de facto standard for in-store retail communication."
The unique combination of digital expertise is already paying dividends with all four companies supporting major retail-level digital programs, including a networked system in Future Shop (Best Buy) stores in Canada; a customer communication system in SunTrust Bank branches; a 26-channel interactive system in HSBC's flagship bank branch in New York; and a new showroom messaging system in Mohawk flooring dealers throughout the United States.
"We believe this powerful collaboration will help clients better promote retail and consumer product brands at the critical point of shopper decision-making," said Craig Apatov, executive vice president of Miller Zell.
DDC brings a wealth of expertise to the alliance, as one of the digital signage industry's founding companies with vast experience in digital merchandising systems.
Tuesday, 16 May 2006
Boston, Mass. — Nanonation, a leading provider of customer experience software for kiosks and digital signage, and LocaModa, Inc., a technology company enabling mobile consumers to use cell phones as remote controls to interact with out-of-home networks, announced a partnership to deploy mobile-enabled interactive digital signage.
Nanonation and LocaModa are previewing several mobile-enabled digital signage applications at the Digital Signage Expo, Chicago, May 17-18, 2006. The applications create an engaging experience for mobile consumers who can use a cell phone like a remote control to surf multi-media content on internet-connected signage, typically in storefront windows. As a result, brands can now reach consumers in-the-moment of purchase consideration, while consumers
remain in control of the experience.
LocaModa has opened up its StreetSurfer platform interfaces to Nanonation in order to enable mobile solutions based on Nanonation's Nanopoint platform. Now Nanopoint can extend the reach and power of the web to storefront windows, creating a closed loop between brands and the mobile consumer.
Bradley Walker, CEO of Nanonation, commented, "Brands are actively seeking ways to engage mobile consumers and to dynamically measure the results. Embedding LocaModa's technology into Nanopoint allows us to leverage the ubiquity of cell phones and deliver innovative and measurable solutions that address our customers' requirements."
"We've designed our StreetSurfer platform with an open architecture to enable innovators such as Nanonation to add mobile interactivity to their own solutions," said Stephen Randall, CEO and founder of LocaModa. "We're delighted to announce Nanonation as our first platform partner."
LocaModa's solutions work on any cell phone and any network without requiring any downloadable software. The combination of LocaModa StreetSurfer and Nanonation's Nanopoint self service platform results in a cross platform solution that addresses a variety of mobile-enabled applications and vertical markets such as retail, automotive, travel
and tourism markets and beverage market sectors.
StreetSurfer and Nanopoint systems are designed to run on affordable hardware to create innovative interactive storefront applications that not only help to convert passers-by into relationships, but also create measurable web-based interactions.
Nanonation's client list includes Mazda, Minnesota Wild, Douglas Theatres, Nebraska Book Company, Burger King, Petro, Yahoo, and many others in the retail, hospitality, entertainment, and education markets.
Monday, 15 May 2006
CALGARY, Alberta -- SMART Technologies Inc. announces the continued expansion of its Actalyst interactive digital signage product line to include an overlay for 32" (81 cm) flat-panel displays. The overlay fastens securely to LCD or plasma displays to create touch-enabled interactive surfaces. The new 32" overlay, the smallest of the Actalyst interactive overlays, gives purchasers another option when space for digital signage is limited. Actalyst interactive overlays now range in size from 32 to 65" (81 to 165 cm) diagonally and can be oriented in portrait or landscape mode. SMART supports most 32" digital displays, including those from NEC, Samsung, LG, Panasonic and Toshiba, with others to follow.
Actalyst interactive digital signage combines with a flat-panel display to provide an increasingly popular way for people to find information in public places. They simply walk up to the product and use a finger to navigate multimedia content to find what they need. The overlay is ideal for interactive information stations in retail stores, office buildings, real-estate developments, museums, hotels and shopping malls, where people often need information, but may not need human assistance.
"SMART added the 32" overlay in response to customer demand," says Nancy Knowlton, SMART's president and co-CEO. "The full line of Actalyst interactive overlays allows retailers, facility managers, exhibit designers and others to bring high-impact interactive digital signage to virtually any public place."
Wednesday, 10 May 2006
Beaverton, Ore. · Planar Systems, Inc., a worldwide leader in flat-panel display systems, is expanding its open-frame family of displays by adding products featuring superior brightness for digital signage, and streaming video capabilities for indoor kiosks. Ideally suited for the retail and hospitality industries, the new LB1500R and LB1503R models are designed to give kiosk integrators and OEMs bright, attention-grabbing displays that attract and entice customers to view content.
The LB1500R and LB1503R are almost twice as bright as standard displays, attracting attention from a distance, increasing visibility and ultimately reaching a wider audience.
"As kiosks are enjoying widespread adoption, integrators and OEMs are continually challenged to build systems that entice kiosk visitors to use them and enable kiosk deployment in more unique locations, especially outdoors," said Francie Mendelsohn, president, Summit Research Associates. "The value of kiosk implementation is tied closely to functionality. Enhancing video and brightness capabilities generates more traffic, which ultimately delivers greater value for the investment. As display features improve, we expect user satisfaction to increase and deployment costs to decrease even further."
Wednesday, 26 April 2006
DALLAS, PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (NYSE: TXN) (TI) and Arrow Electronics Inc. (NYSE: ARW) will present a live Analog eLab Webcast entitled "Power Concerns for LEDs Used for Display Lighting" on Wednesday, May 10, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. CDT (18:00 hrs CET). TI analog expert Bill Klein, P.E. and eLab panelists, Michael Day of TI and Mike Cox of Arrow Electronics, will provide designers with a clear understanding of LED lighting vocabulary and critical design issues. Analog design engineers are invited to register now at http://www.ti.com/analogelab to view the live Webcast.
During the hour-long session, the panelists will discuss LED use in general display lighting and how rapidly the technology is changing. The Webcast will lay the foundation for understanding the issues, important features and current methods and practices used to provide power for general display lighting. Different types of topologies for lighting systems, including advantages and disadvantages of various designs, will be discussed. The panelists will also cover LED manufacturers' recommendations for improved light quality.
During the lab segment, Klein and Day will demonstrate methods for driving multi-LED arrays, dimming techniques and high intensity flash circuits. Low- and high-current drivers will also be shown and a discussion of their relative points of interest will follow.
Analog eLab Design Engineers
Bill Klein, P.E. is the host for the TI Analog eLab Webcast. Klein is a senior applications engineer with the high performance linear division of TI. He joined TI through its acquisition of Burr-Brown in August 2000. Klein is the author of more than 50 magazine articles, application notes and conference papers. His experience as an analog circuit designer covers 30 years in fields ranging from mineral exploration to nuclear medical imaging.
Michael Day manages the portable power applications team of TI. Day has 14 years of design experience in power conversion that includes work on many switching power supply topologies and project designs that range from milliwatt to megawatt outputs. He has published over 40 articles on power, portable power and lighting topics. Day earned a B.S.E.E. and M.S.E.E. from Texas Tech University.
Mike Cox is a field applications engineer for Arrow Electronics in Denver, Colorado. Cox joined Arrow after a 16-year career in electrical design and management with Ametek. His work at Ametek involved the design and implementation of automotive instrumentation systems and extensive hands-on experience with display technology and LED lighting. Cox earned a B.S.E.E. from the University of Central Florida.
To view previously broadcast Analog eLab Webcasts, visit http://www.ti.com/analogelab .
In addition to eLabs, TI offers analog engineers a wide-ranging support infrastructure that includes training and seminars, design tools and utilities, technical documentation, evaluation modules, an online knowledge base, a product information hotline and a comprehensive offering of samples that ship within 24 hours of request. TI keeps the engineer in mind throughout the design process by providing tools, systems expertise and technical support to help customers get to market quickly. For more information on TI's complete analog design support see http://www.ti.com/analog .
About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions.
TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.
Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com .
About Arrow's North American Components Group
Based in Melville, New York, the North American Components (NAC) group of Arrow Electronics, Inc. is a leading provider of semiconductor and passives, electro mechanical and connector products, services, and supply chain solutions tailored to serve distinct customer segments with dedicated sales teams. Three primary, customer-focused NAC groups serve these market segments: The Arrow/Zeus Electronics Group targets the aerospace and military markets; the Arrow Electronics Components Group serves local OEM and contract manufacturing customers; and the Arrow Alliance Group focuses on large customers with complex needs. www.arrow.com
Arrow Electronics is a major global provider of products, services, and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and computer products.
Thursday, 13 April 2006
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE) -- 3M Digital Signage announced today it has entered into a distribution agreement with Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE:IM), the world's largest technology distributor.
3M Digital Signage provides distinctive digital signage solutions fully optimized to deliver measurable business results.
Together, the two companies will work to identify sales opportunities and build new customer relationships by leveraging Ingram Micro's vast network of solutions providers.
"We're committed to delivering innovative communications solutions to clients for a wide variety of applications and verticals," said David Reynolds-Gooch, business unit manager, 3M Digital Signage. "Ingram Micro provides skilled sales and technical expertise that will complement 3M's core competencies and enable us to deliver even more value to digital signage clients."
The distribution relationship focuses on expanding the 3M Digital Signage footprint across North America. The agreement provides a framework for companies to market and sell 3M Digital Signage Network Edition, LAN Edition and Solo Edition software for digital signage content and network management.
"The addition of 3M Digital Signage to our portfolio allows our resellers to offer complete, all-in-one digital signage solutions and makes entry into this growing market easier," said Irene Chow, category manager, Digital Home and Digital Signage, Ingram Micro U.S. "This new product line builds on the momentum Ingram Micro has in the digital signage arena and opens up a potential new revenue stream for our reseller customers."
About 3M Digital Signage
3M Digital Signage provides digital signage network solutions for retail, financial services, entertainment, education and other industries. The company's products and services have powered thousands of digital sign locations worldwide. Applications range from single screen installations to over 4,200 interactive kiosks and large-screen displays, controlled and monitored through a single network. The company is headquartered on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Wash. Visit www.3mdigitalsignage.com
3M Digital Signage offers a broad suite of easy-to-use content management software. Every version of 3M Digital Signage software lets customers use today's standardized digital media files in their native formats, including Flash, QuickTime, Windows Media, PowerPoint, URLs, .jpeg, .gif. and High Definition Video.
About Ingram Micro Inc.
As a vital link in the technology value chain, Ingram Micro creates sales and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique marketing programs, outsourced logistics services, technical support, financial services, and product aggregation and distribution. The company serves 100 countries and is the only global IT distributor with operations in Asia. Visit www.ingrammicro.com.
About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 69,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
Thursday, 02 March 2006
Toronto, Ontario — March 2, 2006 — GestureTek Inc. announced today that they have experienced a significant growth with their GroundFX product for use in the Trade and Exhibit marketplace. Tradeshow exhibits are specifically designed to draw attendance to their booths; and while technology is increasingly becoming a dynamic of this design, one product "GroundFX" an interactive floor projection, has created a whole new dimension, becoming a definitive showstopper.
While a recent Arbitron study reveals that over 6 in 10 customers exposed to interactive floor projection platforms told at least one other person about the experience within 24 to 72 hours, even the impact of passive observers is similar, significantly increasing the reach of this medium.
GestureTek Inc., a leading edge company who owns the patent on computer human interfacing through video cameras, created GroundFX by applying their video analysis to floor projection. Their ability to track people's movements and actions allows GroundFX multimedia content to be controlled, and manipulated by simply stepping up to and onto the projection.
"Even the simplicity of an interactive logo that ripples on what seems to be a pool of water has people lining up to "dip their toes" and have their own "walk on water" illusionary experience. The effect is a real showstopper" says Vincent John Vincent, President, and Co-Founder of GestureTek Inc.
GroundFX content can be as intricate or complex as any multimedia experience; it can function as ‘play' or be used to impart information in form of a presentation. Although GestureTek Inc. has created over 50 different custom applications for various clients, they have also created a diverse library of applications, and effects which can be integrated, and personalized with corporate branding. Similar to billboards - although much more dynamic - GroundFX has a variety of interactive effects. Exhibit booth visitors can use their feet and hands to wipe away a picture (located either on the wall or the floor) to reveal another picture. As they walk on the floor, they can flip over interactive tile components, step on animated buttons to call up information, and run videos or presentations. How about walking through fire, or lava, or mist, or ice, or sand even kicking balls and other objects; these are just a few of the marvels available.
According to Vincent John Vincent, GestureTek Inc. GroundFX implementations for tradeshow applications in 2005 doubled over 2004 and they are forecasted for the same growth for 2006.. Some of the companies that employed GroundFX as a tradeshow interactive illusionary experience include Crestor, BMW, Epson, Dephi, Astellas, and Matrex Exhibits to name just a few.
For an online video review of GestureTek's GroundFX application and experience please click the following link or come and see GroundFX in action, live at the EXHIBITOR SHOW booth #505.
About GestureTek
GestureTek (formerly known as Jestertek/Vivid Group) is the world leader in gesture technologies employed in a wide array of applications and environments: videogame consoles, museum/trade show exhibits, location based entertainment facilities, physical rehabilitation programs, corporate boardrooms for executive presentations, military control rooms, retail kiosks, interactive floors/windows and interactive billboards. GestureTek headquarters are in Toronto, Canada, with additional offices in Ottawa, Silicon Valley, and New York. For information and/or a DVD or video, contact GestureTek at 1-800-315-1189 ext. 273
Sunday, 22 January 2006
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 26, 2006--3M Digital Signage and LSI Graphic Solutions Plus, a division of LSI Industries, today announced a 2006 business development initiative to provide customers with distinctive digital signage solutions fully optimized to deliver measurable business results.
"3M and LSI are well-positioned to plan, deploy and manage digital sign networks that deliver strong business results for our customers," said David Reynolds-Gooch, business unit manager, 3M Digital Signage.
3M Digital Signage addresses the foremost issues of companies considering digital signage: network and provider accountability. Together, 3M and LSI bring established track records of adapting new technologies for increasingly complex brand-building and communication challenges.
A menu of capabilities includes:
- Pilot planning, research design and execution to validate and optimize network return-on-investment;
- Network design and project management, including hardware procurement, installation and systems integration, and hardware management programs;
- Command and control services including content hosting, scheduling and playback with proof-of-run reporting, network monitoring, diagnostic reporting, and maintenance and support programs;
- Content consulting led by Human Factors Ph.D.s, original content creation and re-purposing of existing digital assets, and easy-to-use content management software.
"We're confident that our customers will recognize the benefits of 3M and LSI as trusted, results-oriented solution providers," said Dave McCauley, president, LSI Graphic Solutions Plus.
For more information, contact Kelly Canavan, marketing manager, 3M Graphics Market Center, (651) 736-4501.
About 3M Digital Signage
3M Digital Signage is a worldwide provider of dynamic digital signage and interactive kiosk network solutions for retail, financial services, entertainment, education and other industries. 3M Digital Signage is an evolution of Mercury Online Solutions Inc., acquired in August 2005, an industry pioneer with more than a decade of experience designing, deploying and maintaining digital signage solutions. The company's products and services have powered thousands of digital sign locations globally. Applications range from single-screen installations to over 4,200 interactive kiosks and large-screen displays, controlled and monitored through a single network. The company is headquartered on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Wa. (www.3Mdigitalsignage.com)
About LSI Graphic Solutions Plus
LSI Graphic Solutions Plus, a division of LSI Industries, a publicly held company, is an integrated design, engineering and manufacturing company providing custom graphic solutions and high-quality lighting systems for interior and exterior retail environments. The company is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio. (www.lsi-industries.com)
About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 69,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
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