Signage Insights
Times Square promotion combines digital billboards with text messaging
Nov 9, 2005 10:24 AM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
 Manhattan digital video billboard with qtags promotes the Rip Curl 2006 brand campaign. |
The 38x32 video screen, provided by Charter Digital Media, features the call to action "Rip Curl, Follow Your Search." Consumers are instructed to transmit the text message "ripcurl" to the qtags short code 78247. The participant is given access to a Rip Curl Web site video vault where he or she can view a teaser to Rip Curl's upcoming film about surfer Mick Fanning.
The use of qtags is intended to appeal to younger consumers, while providing the advertiser with a means of directly measuring the impact of the signage. Each qtag is assigned a unique Web address and descriptive text reply. The short code works with most mobile phone carriers in the U.S. and Canada. Upon transmitting the text message, the consumer receives the qtags' reply and Web link, but is promised not to receive any further communication from the advertiser. Advertisers can update the link and reply text and have access to reporting showing volumes of texts, click-throughs and links forwarded to friends.
For more information, visit www.ripcurl.com, www.charterdigitalmedia.com and www.qtags.com.
Narrowcasting News & Events
Baltimore Ravens upgrade stadium with 177 flat panels
Nov 9, 2005 10:52 AM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
 New displays adorn suites at M&T Bank Stadium. |
The stadium’s suites and club level had been outfitted with conventional 20in displays for nearly eight years. The stadium’s operations staff worked with the Maryland Stadium Authority’s Technical Committee to select the new displays.
The displays complemented other improvements ranging from expanded seating to re-designed in-stadium retail stores. Most of the 42in plasmas were installed in more than 100 private suites, while all of the 32in LCD displays were placed on the stadium’s club level bars and lounge areas. At one bar, for example, six, 20in TVs were supplanted by 12, 32in LCDs along with two 42in plasmas. All displays were installed prior to the pre-season kick-off last August.
For more information, visit www.panasonic.com/proplasma.
Abbott Northwestern Hospital installs medical-grade LCDs
Nov 9, 2005 11:05 AM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
 NEC MD21GS displays will be used in Abbot Northwestern’s Heart Hospital. |
The hospital is using NEC’s MultiSync LCD2180UX and the medical-grade MD21GS displays in the Cath Labs and throughout the nursing floors. The displays will enable cardiologists to read cardiac angiograms and view MRIs and CT scans.
The MultiSync LCD2180UX provides 1600x1200 resolution and automatic black level adjustment. The MultiSync MD21GS-2MP is a medically certified 21.3in grayscale two-megapixel display and is designed for diagnostic imaging and use in picture archiving and communication system applications.
For more information, visit www.necdisplay.com.
ShopKo implements promotions management system
Nov 9, 2005 11:51 AM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
ShopKo Stores has begun production with a new advertising, merchandising and promotion (AMP) software system in its merchandising and advertising departments. The $3 billion specialty discount retailer operates more than 360 ShopKo and Pamida stores.
ShopKo implemented Connect3’s AMP Performance Series, integrating Connect3's core Promotion Manager module with ShopKo's Retek merchandising, inventory and POS systems. Connect3 Signage Manager will provide digital asset management and version optimization for ShopKo’s targeted in-store visual merchandising materials.
The new system will help ShopKo manage complex promotional offers while improving collaborative promotions and streamlining merchandising and advertising workflows. The Connect3 system includes Web-based merchandising, reporting and workflow tools that enable merchandising, marketing and advertising departments to collaborate cross-category to deliver promotions that follow company business rules.
For more information, visit www.connect3.com.
Calendar
DSU Calendar
Feb 10, 2006 8:00 AM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
National Religious Broadcasters Convention & Expo
Feb. 17-22, Dallas-Ft. Worth
http://content.nrb.org/convention-files/NRB2005/home.htm
Digital Signage for Venues & Public Spaces
Feb. 28 - March 1, Washington, DC
www.strategyinstitute.com
NSCA Systems Integration Expo
March 16-18, Las Vegas
www.nsca.org
DisplaySearch US FPD Conference
March 21-23, San Diego, CA
www.displaysearch.com
GlobalShop 2006
March 26-28, Orlando
www.globalshop.org
Second Annual World Digital Signage Summit
April 4-5, New York City
www.strategyinstitute.com/040406_digisign_ny/dsp_digisign_world.php
KioskCom 2006
April 10-12, Las Vegas
www.kioskcom.com
NAB
April 22-27, Las Vegas
www.nabshow.com
AD:Tech San Francisco
April 26-28, 2006, San Francisco
www.ad-tech.com/sf.asp
Digital Signage Products
Monster Media, GestureTek launch interactive display system
Nov 9, 2005 12:01 PM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
Monster Media has launched the GroundFX system developed by GestureTek in the U.S. The advertising system draws consumers into each ad by using interactive video technology projected onto an 8x10 or larger floor display, where consumers use a range of body motions to interact with dynamic animation.
By waving a hand or foot, consumers can manipulate items such as car colors and styles in automobile ads. Ads also can be turned into games — some can prompt customers to putt golf balls or race around a car track while observing the advertiser's brand.
GroundFX integrates sound as part of its interactive features and provides monitoring of consumer reactions. Prior to the partnership with Monster Media, GestureTek employed its Video Gesture Control technology in high-end video game applications and museum exhibits.
For more information, visit www.gesturetek.com and www.monstermedia.net.
Christie debuts widescreen DLP projector
Nov 9, 2005 12:09 PM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
 The Christie DW30 DLP is a dual-lamp widescreen projector. |
Features include native 720p resolution (1280x720) and dual 300W lamps. The DW30 delivers 2500 ANSI lumens in dual-lamp mode, offers a contrast ratio of up to 5000:1 and 10-bit image processing. Built-in edge blending and optional image warping allow images to be displayed on screens and objects of almost any shape.
The projector also provides an on-board HDCP-compliant DVI interface, optional input modules including HD15, HD-SDI and SDI, and is compatible with sources ranging from VGA through QXGA and all current HDTV formats. Optional short-throw to long-throw lenses are available. The DW30 is network-enabled.
For more information, visit www.christiedigital.com.
2C Visual introduces multimedia triggered by consumer movement
Nov 9, 2005 12:27 PM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
2C Visual Communications has introduced the diVA-integrated system that relies on a customer’s physical movement to trigger attention-grabbing experiences such as lighting effects, sound, smoke machines or moving props. In addition, plasma and LCD screens within proximity of the customer can play customized multimedia messaging relating to the experience as it unfolds.
The technology is based on the assumption that the shopper’s physical movement towards a product indicates interest. diVA integrates motion detectors, RFID readers and other devices, and is powered by Scala's InfoChannel software. Retailers can change, and use diVA as a dedicated video kiosk.
For more information, visit www.twoc.ca
Sony introduces new plasma displays
Nov 9, 2005 12:34 PM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
 Sony’s 50in FWD-50PX2 plasma display. |
The 32in FWD-32LX1R, 40in FWD-40LX1 LCD, and 50in FWD-50PX2 plasma models have been reengineered and are networked, while the 32in FWD-32LX1R and 40in FWD-40LX1 LCD displays feature 1000:1 contrast ratio S-LCD panels for improved black level reproduction.
Each display can be controlled remotely with Sony's current BKM-FW32 Network Management Card or recently introduced BKM-FW50 Network Media Card via Ethernet. The BKM-FW50 networking card also has the ability to remotely control multiple displays, as well as transmit movies or still images.
For more information, visit www.sony.com/displays.
Belden offers UTP cables for combined video and data applications
Nov 9, 2005 12:51 PM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
 VideoTwist cables provide extended video transmission distances. |
The single UTP cables perform reliably when used in component video displays, standard premise Ethernet installations, and in blade edge computing/KVM applications.
VideoTwist cables provide extended video transmission distances (1300ft or more, depending on transmission equipment) and offer improved video quality with better pixel alignment, sharper images with cleaner edges, and reduced vertical bands and ghosting.
Three UTP cable types are available in both plenum and riser versions.
For more information, visit www.belden.com.
Chyron offers two-channel video alert system
Nov 9, 2005 1:56 PM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
 ChyAlert-2CH works with MATV systems in government and other public facility display networks. |
Chyron has developed the new ChyAlert-2CH, a two-channel video emergency and security alert system.
ChyAlert-2CH is an industrialized version of the recently introduced ChyAlert single-channel system. It is intended for use with MATV systems in government buildings, hotels, hospitals, transportation centers, universities and any public facility where television signals are widely distributed to TVs and video displays.
An emergency message that includes graphic, textual and audio information and instructions may be added to the television programming being viewed or override the program with full-screen alert messages. ChyAlert-2CH has the ability to squeeze back the external video source and position the information around a video window, superimpose the graphics over full screen video or provide full screen video messages. In addition, ChyAlert-2CH can also provide non-alert messages such as schedules, general information, promotional items and entertainment. Alert messages can automatically be accessed via alarm systems or can be updated in real-time. Secure software applications allow preset messages to be displayed or controlled by authorities.
ChyAlert-2CH is a solid-state appliance that can be stand-alone or networked. It features a rugged 1RU chassis with built-in power supply and automated bypass mode. The Ethernet port allows control of individual units or groups of units via a local network, the Internet or secured private interface.
For more information, visit www.chyron.com.
Helius offers scheduling and management software
Nov 9, 2005 2:18 PM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
 Helius MediaSignage scheduling software |
In conjunction with the MediaStream SST Advanced output device, which has onboard storage capabilities, the MediaSignage software package provides a drag and drop interface for developing playlists.
Content also can be displayed in a one-, two- or three-panel display with a main window, side information bar and ticker. Location and size of each panel is customizable to fit each business’s needs.
For more information, visit www.helius.com.
NewTek releases international version of TriCaster
Nov 9, 2005 2:34 PM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
NewTek is now shipping the international version of TriCaster, its portable live production system that combines presentation and video production.
TriCaster now supports Japan's NTSC and PAL standards.
Capabilities include real-time switching and editing, PowerPoint support, template driven titles, more than 200 transitions, and simultaneous distribution to video, Internet and projectors.
For more information, visit www.newtek.com/tricaster.
LG.Philips demonstrates prototype TFT-LCDs
Nov 9, 2005 2:42 PM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
LG.Philips LCD showcased new TFT-LCDs for HDTVs, desktop monitors, digital information displays and other applications during FPD International 2005 in Yokohama, Japan.
The company showed its 37-, 42-, and 47in HD (1920x1080, two-megapixels) TFT-LCDs. These panels feature a viewing angle of 178 degrees, a 1600:1 dynamic contrast ratio, a maximum brightness of 600cd/m2, a gray-to-gray response time of 8ms and a high color gamut of 90 percent for natural image display. The company showed its 55in TFT-LCD for full HDTVs.
Other prototypes demonstrated include a 47in HD LCD TV featuring a low-power LED backlight; a 42in LCD for HDTV with a motion picture response time of 5ms; a 42in, 12-bit LCD for HDTV with 64 billion colors; and a 32in hybrid backlight LCD, featuring a mixture of LED and CCFL backlights.
For more information, visit www.lgphilips-lcd.com.
Resources
Extron offers free application for collecting AV system usage data
Nov 9, 2005 2:47 PM, Digital Signage Update e-newsletter
Extron Electronics has introduced Data Logger, a free asset management tool for collecting AV system statistics for data analysis.
Data Logger is a customized Microsoft Excel spreadsheet application that allows administrators to automatically gather up-to-date lamp hour and usage statistics for AV equipment located facility wide.
Data Logger works in conjunction with the Extron MLC 104 IP and MLC 226 IP MediaLink controllers that feature IP Link technology to collect critical system information such as frequency of usage for each front panel button and current lamp hours of connected projectors. Administrators can use Data Logger to determine exactly how often each AV resource has been used in a given range of time. This information can help schedule classroom usage and plan equipment purchases. Data can be collected periodically and archived as a file, allowing resource usage and lamp hour consumption to be monitored over time.
For more information, visit www.extron.com.
