Signage Solutions May/June 2013
The Technology and Solutions Magazine for Digital Signage, DOOH, Mobile and Place-based Digital Media
KING OF THE DIGITAL JUNGLE WHY DIGITAL SIGNAGE FAILS
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TURNING UP THE HEAT
A digital signage design guide for extreme environments p20 www.signagesolutionsmag.com
MGM RESORTS CONNECTS WITH CUSTOMERS THROUGH UNPRECEDENTED DIGITAL NETWORK
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micro-adjustments and integrated cable management. Learn more at chiefmfg.com/fusion
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Visit Chief at InfoComm, booth #3331 ©2013 Milestone AV Technologies, a Duchossois Company. Chief is a division of Milestone. SS_May/June_2013.
Publisher’s Perspective SignageSolutions
magazine
Communication is Key I have news apps on my tablet that ping me when breaking news occurs. With so much happening in the world lately, they’ve been pinging me a lot. Just recently there was the Boston bombings, the Moore, Okla., tornado and the brutal killing of the British soldier.
Image courtesy of Janus Displays
These tragedies bring mass communication and disaster preparedness to mind.
Digital signage is playing a much larger role in helping companies communicate with employees. Many new technologies allow companies to message employees on digital message boards, their desktop computers, mobile devices and now on IP-based phone systems; messages pop up on the screen of the desktop phones. With all these new communication tools, there really is no excuse to not leverage one or more of these for your business or organization. Over the last few years, we have published some great articles about how schools, courthouses and medical centers are implementing signage and screens for mass communication purposes. Those are some of the more public environments; I want to know what private-sector companies are doing to help keep their employees informed and safe. Within your current role, how are you affected by what’s happening in today’s world? Are you in a position where safety and communication are within your job description? Our hearts go out to the individuals and families who have been affected by recent events. For those of us in the digital signage world, we can play a small part by staying up-to-date about the latest technologies and deploying solutions that can push life-saving messages to those who need it to keep people informed and safe. Until next issue,
Ben Skidmore Publisher ben@signagesolutionsmag.com
Find us on Twitter @SignageSolMag Follow Signage Solutions Magazine on Facebook
Digital Signage Technology for Today’s Applications
May/June 2013 • Volume Four • Issue Three Publisher/Editorial Director
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MAY/JUNE 2013
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Signage Solutions
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Contents
May/June 2013
The Technology and Solutions Magazine for Digital Signage, DOOH, Mobile and Place-based Digital Media
4 Technology @ Work A brief look at company/industry news within the digital signage industry.
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ertical Views V Arenas/Stadiums The Art of Digital Signage
Boise State’s Center for the Performing Arts Puts NanoLumens Center Stage
features
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A Growing Force China on pace to become world's largest DOOH market in 2013
Vertical Views - Public Spaces Constructing the Cube
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Queensland University of Technology builds a $230 million state-of-the-art science and engineering center
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Vertical Views - Restaurant Smarter Solutions
Facial-matching technology drives sales through intelligent digital menu boards
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ertical Views V Public Spaces All Eyes on Johannesburg
ABSA Tower installs the world's largest LED messaging screen
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Turning Up the Heat
A digital signage design guide for extreme environments
COVER STORY King of the Digital Jungle
MGM Resorts connects with customers through unprecedented digital network
Capitalizing on the Growing Potential of Outdoor Digital Signage
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Rich Content is Driving Substantial Growth in Digital Signage
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By the Way Why Digital Signage Fails
Signage Solutions & Products
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Digital signage products and solutions, along with the technology which runs them, make the industry what it is today. Every issue of Signage Solutions magazine features new products and solutions.
rose electronics a/v. smile power. XtensysTM Video Only
Up to 16 x 64 in 2U chassis. Up to 8 x 32 in 1U chassis. Auto equalization and skew compensation. Distance up to 1000 feet. Switchable from serial port or OSD. Miniature transmitters and receivers.
QuadraVistaTM HDMI Multiviewer - HDMI
Quad screen or Picture-in-Picture mode. Connect a USB 2.0 port to any or all computers. Layout control from OSD or network. Supports audio.
QuadraVistaTM 2 Multiviewer - DVI/VGA
Quad screen or Picture-in-Picture mode. Connect a USB 2.0 port to any or all computers. Each port VGA or single link DVI. Supports touch-screen.
UltraVistaTM Plus Video Wall Controller
Splits 1 DVI input into 4 outputs. Input resolution up to 2560 x 1600 (dual-link DVI). Programmable cropping, scaling, rotation, and gap. Expandable up to 32 monitors.
UltraMatrixTM AV Video Matrix Switch - VGA DVI Audio
VGA 8 x 8 or 16 x 16 - resolution to 1600 x 1200. DVI 4 x 4, 8 x 8, or 16 x 16 - resolution to 1920 x 1200. Select from front panel or serial port. Software switching utility included.
Video SplitterTM 1 Video to Multiple Monitors - VGA DVI CAT5 VGA resolution up to 1600 x 1200. DVI resolution up to 1920 x 1200. CAT5 up to 1000 feet. Audio and serial on some models.
Solutions for Data Centers, Digital Signage, Command and Control, Broadcast, Security, Entertainment, Mission Critical, Financial, Transportation, Military
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Go to www.signagesolutionsmag.com to read full version of articles found in the Industry News & Updates section of Signage Solutions Magazine.
Updates
Industry&News
Technology @ Work
Report Reveals Banks Frustrated with Digital Signage Installations "The Ryan Report," published by retail marketing agency John Ryan, captures the views of retailing and marketing executives at 204 banks operating 153,272 branches in 32 countries. More than half of survey respondents said they have been only "moderately satisfied" with their deployments — citing challenges with message localization, content creation and ease of use of the content management system as the main frustrations. The banks also revealed a wide spectrum of additional challenges ranging from unexpectedly high FTE requirements to IT challenges. John Ryan says that these critical pitfalls can be
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overcome through a marketing — versus purely technical — point of view on digital signage. This involves internal goal setting, team structure and participation, careful vendor selection and messaging strategy and execution carried out with the same thoughtful approach that a bank would use for traditional marketing initiatives. The report suggests there is ample room for improvement in how banks use their digital signage networks: targeting methods continue to be quite basic, with region or branch-level targeting far surpassing more sophisticated, data-driven targeting approaches. Integration of social media, mobile devices and tablets also remains in the experimental phase.
Technology @ Work Digital Signage Expo Opens Call for 2014 APEX Awards Nominations
STRATACACHE Lands Sweet Deal with Dairy Queen® STRATACACHE, a leading provider of scalable, high-performance digital signage, content distribution and enterprise video acceleration technologies, has announced its role as an approved feature panel/digital menu board software provider for American Dairy Queen Corp. To spice up Dairy Queen static menu boards, STRATACACHE’s ActiVia for Media software was chosen to power digital feature panels across 300 Dairy Queen and DQ Grill & Chill® restaurant locations. Serving up a rich selection of dynamic content, the 46-inch thin bezel LCD feature panel plays high-definition product videos to increase options for monthly promotions, direct sales to higher margin items and increase product awareness. The software driving the Dairy Queen experience is STRATACACHE’s ActiVia for Media digital signage software. ADQ chose STRATACACHE’s managed solution offering, allowing all content to be designed and managed by ADQ and all installation and maintenance to be carried out by STRATACACHE. Technical support is also available, ensuring Dairy Queen operators a hands-free experience with digital signage.
Digital Signage Expo® (DSE) is now accepting nominations for its 11th Annual APEX Awards. The Apex Awards honor innovation as demonstrated in the deployment of technology in the global digital signage, interactive technology and digital place-based media industries. New for 2014, DSE has added a "Professional & Personal Services" category to differentiate services provided by banks, insurance companies, accounting firms, brokerages and salons from the general retail category. The definition of the “Interactive Self-Service” category has also been broadened to include submissions from the burgeoning automated retail sector To qualify, nominees must have a new or current digital signage or interactive technology program installed between November 1, 2012, and November 1, 2013. Submissions deadline is Friday, October 4, 2013. Entry forms are available at www.digitalsignageexpo.net/dse-apex-awards. Nominations will be evaluated by a panel of independent judges on the basis of: • Challenge: The size, scope or unique requirements of the deployment and what problems had to be solved or overcome to ensure successful implementation. • Solution: The degree to which the solution was “cutting edge” (new, unique or innovative). • Result: The quantitative extent to which the digital signage or interactive technology deployment benefitted the viewer and achieved the installation’s goals. Nominees retain the venue where the installation was deployed. The nominating companies can be the venues themselves, the technology providers that provided the installation hardware and software, the architects and design firms who conceived the project, as well as the system integrators who did the installation.
Digital Signage Players Power Menu Boards in Argo Tea’s 26 Global Locations BrightSign, LLC announced that Argo Tea, a Chicago-based chain of specialty tea cafés, has installed a total of 78 BrightSign network-enabled digital signage players to deliver high-definition menu boards at the company’s 26 cafés located across the globe. Argo Tea uses the networking capabilities of BrightSign’s controllers and BrightSign Network Manager to remotely update prices and menu items on the 78 menu boards from its headquarters in Chicago. “For example, updating seasonal menu items from company headquarters centralized a process that created efficiencies and cost savings.” "BrightSign's digital signage players enabled us to consolidate management of our entire network of digital menu boards," said Simon Simonian, Argo Tea's co-founder. Argo Tea’s triple-board menu displays use three ultra-compact BrightSign media players discreetly hidden behind slim 46- and 52-inch monitors for each location in Chicago, New York City, St. Louis, Boston, Beirut and Abu Dabi. The menu board for Argo Tea’s Signature drinks displays looped content featuring high-resolution photos of its signature drinks, loose leaf tea varietals and coffee beverages, all highlighting pricing and calorie count for the various sizes. Other zones in the displays are used to showcase Argo Tea’s seasonal specials, loyalTea program and chariTea partner. Digital Signage Technology for Today’s Applications
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Technology @ Work Grocery Chain Turns to Digital Signage to Improve Shopping Experience San Francisco Giants to Develop New Social Media Center Array Interactive, Inc., a digital signage agency focused on delivering brand and audience-relevant digital signage experiences, announced that it has been selected to design, develop and deliver a new social media, digital signage experience for the World Champion San Francisco Giants. This installation is designed specifically for fans attending games at AT&T Park and will take over the former Build-A-Bear store located above center field. Custom content and applications will integrate with Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to incite social conversation, connection and participation among the sports world’s most active social communities. “We are designing a social visualization experience that is exclusive to the San Francisco Giants brand and characteristic of a world champion,” said Jeff Dumo, partner at Array Interactive. “The San Francisco Giants have a storied legacy on and off the field, delivering a unique game time experience for its fans as well as supporting social endeavors in the community. This digital signage experience is yet another extension of their brand, delivering an experience that is built for their fans and ultimately by their fans. After all, primary content delivered to screen will be coming directly from social participants from around the globe.” According to the organization, AT&T Park led all sports venues in social check-ins and Instagram photos and the hashtag #SFGiants was the top sports themed hashtag on Twitter.
When Philadelphiabased supermarket The Fresh Grocer, decided to open their first store in New Jersey, near Rutgers University, it became apparent that the chain needed to improve the shopping experience while maintaining the “fresh, marketplace” appearance of previous stores. This full-service store required a unique system to advertise, inform, entertain and educate customers. They also boast a number of prepared food departments, thus they desired to move away from the “pick a number and wait” toward an innovate system to alleviate the long lines that usually accompany the lunch ordering crowd. The goal was to increase the profitability of each transaction with targeted up-selling while reducing human error in the ordering process. The Fresh Grocer relied on Ping HD, a leading provider of digital communication solutions for restaurant and retail services, to design, create and install a full 15 screen digital network in all areas of the fresh food and perishables sections. Ping HD worked closely with The Fresh Grocer’s marketing department to create the graphic content and the overall look of the artwork and layouts. In many areas of the store, using two screens together enable a more creative approach to inform and engage the customers than traditional static menu boards. In the deli area, Ping HD installed two touch screen kiosks that run a custom-created ordering program that is easily updated with The Fresh Grocers menu. These kiosks allow the customer to place an order, receive a receipt and then send the order wirelessly to a printer in the deli area for fulfillment. The entire network is cloud-based, managed and monitored 24 hours a day by Ping HD.
NANOLUMENS CREATES DYNAMIC STOCK TICKER IN NEW YORK CITY New York City is known for being on the cutting edge of technology, design and culture, so it is ironic that the most notable feature of the city’s stock tickers is that they all look like 1970s alarm clocks, displaying single-color text on a plain black background. Now, a midtown Manhattan branch of a major financial institution has set a new standard for information displays with the unveiling of the city’s first NanoLumens-powered stock ticker. As the main technological attraction of the branch’s top-to-bottom renovation, the incredibly bright, full-color, 3-foot tall by 60-foot long L-shaped LED display is one of New York’s most dynamic, vibrant and unique stock tickers, according to Bill Shiverick of Atlanta-based Vertical AVTV, the AV integrator who recommended and installed the NanoLumens NanoSlim Design-Specific display. “In Vertical AVTV’s 10-year relationship with this financial institution we’ve installed all types of audiovisual and television systems, but never anything quite like this,” Shiverick said. “As far as stock tickers and information displays go, there’s nothing else like this being used in New York City. But now that we’ve shown what a unique NanoLumens DS display can do for the ambience of a retail environment, I doubt it will be the last.” A high-resolution stock ticker display was a vital element of the design of the branch’s new storefront, and the decision to use Na-
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noLumens’ unique NanoSlim DS display technology was the result of an intense comparative analysis of three state-of-the-art LED display manufacturers. After Vertical AVTV and the client’s project management team evaluated the ease of installation, ease of maintenance, brightness, weight, durability, life expectancy and total cost of ownership, they came to a decision to install the NanoLumens DS display.
Vertical View Public
Spaces
Constructing the Cube
Queensland University of Technology builds a $230 million state-of-the-art science and engineering center The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Australia, was in the process of building a $230 million state-of-the-art science and engineering center at the Gardens Point campus. As an education provider, QUT wanted a digital installation that would form the heart of the new center, deliver knowledge and provide an engaging visitor experience. The university leadership envisioned a building that could reach out and showcase science and technology to Brisbane and beyond. Pro AV, the Australian member for the Global Presence Alliance and the company charged with creating the installation, was faced with the challenge of creating a building exciting enough to draw people in. The answer lay with a high-impact audiovisual experience, which visitors could not merely see and hear but could actually have some control over. The Cube, as it was named, was to be a purpose-built interactive video wall space that engages people to touch content and discover facts about ocean life, learn about physics with wooden blocks, hear about the Brisbane floods and how social media had played its part, and much more.
Thinking Big For the installation to make an impact, it needed to be big, And if it was to be operated by dozens of visitors at a time, it was going to take some amazing technology to make it work. Pro AV already knew about MultiTouch’s reputation. It is a company that boasts a huge portfolio of stunning interactive installations specifically designed to accommodate any number of people. A raft of big-name clients, including Siemens, Lincoln, Audi and NASA, have had installations built using MultiTouch products. “The way we saw it, we were creating the ultimate scholastic tool and a new cultural icon,” said Philip Holtum of Pro AV. “When you look at it from that angle,
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Vertical View Public
there’s no room for shortcuts. The finished piece was going to have to be the best it could possibly be, and that means using the best technology and the best brains in the industry. MultiTouch has an unsurpassed reputation for creating cutting-edge interactive technology for multi-user applications, and we knew from the start that we wanted these guys on our side.” MultiTouch creates LCD screens, known as MultiTaction Cells, that can be stacked together in any configuration to create giant interactive walls that work like single displays. MultiTaction Cells are truly multi-touch because they can process an unlimited number of simultaneous touches. So it’s feasible to build a stacked display that is big enough for 100 people to stand in front of, and each of those 100 people could work on the display at the same time using their fingers. MultiTouch has enhanced the appearance of stacked or tiled arrays with the development of the ultra-thin bezel display, which reduces the seam between adjoining MultiTaction Cells to a barely discernible 6 millimeters. Such attention to detail made MultiTouch the only sensible choice of partner for The Cube installation.
Inside The Cube Comprising 1,400 cubic metres, The Cube is one of the biggest spaces of its kind in the world and utilizes 48x 55-inch MT553 MultiTaction Cells—the world’s first and only interactive displays with an ultra-thin bezel LCD. The two-story-high Cube is dedicated to providing an inspiring, explorative and participatory experience of QUT's science and engineering research. Part science lab, part digital engagement, The Cube will be the hub of scientific exploration for highschool students, the QUT community and the wider public. The 48 MultiTaction Cell displays are used across five zones. The displays are complemented with edge-blended projection to provide a spectacular, fully immersive experience. Processing an unlimited number of concurrent touches, MultiTaction Cells boast a tracking speed of more than 200 frames per second while MultiTouch’s proprietary Hybrid Tracking technology renders the displays immune to ambient lighting conditions. The touchscreens allow visitors to interact with and control the single giant image that spreads seamlessly across the monitors and projectors. The images are real-time anima-
Digital Signage Technology for Today’s Applications
Spaces
tions, created by a metric tonne of custombuilt servers housed two floors above. Breakout areas are placed all around the building with a common view to content giving more visual impact from a distance. “The best way of thinking about it is as a giant, $3.5 million multiplayer video game that’s capable of absorbing busloads of school students at a time and switching them on to science and engineering,” said Gavin Winter, QUT’s Cube project manager. Currently on display in each of the five zones are the Virtual Reef, CubIT, ECOS, the Flood Wall and the Physics Playroom.
Virtual Reef The virtual reef, which is so lifelike it gives the impression one could dive straight in, gives visitors the chance to interact with and find information on various fish species, corals and other marine life. It is even possible to rotate creatures in any direction to investigate them fully.
CubIT In CubIT, the public can collaborate with and access research content shared by QUT's students and academics. The Community SciMAY/JUNE 2013
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green buildings, the ECOS area presents data on The Cube using a simple and interactive game-like application. The data shows how energy consumption and generation impacts people in a variety of climates within a five-star rated green building like the Science and Engineering Centre, where The Cube is located.
Physics Playroom Finally, the Physics Playroom is a game-like environment where people of all ages can learn about physics. Objects in the virtual playroom can easily be found in any child's bedroom, from blocks to wooden horses and trains. Each of the objects is characterized by real-world properties, such as mass and friction. Additionally, the state-of-the-art room is governed by the laws of physics such as gravity and wind velocity.
Behind the Scenes ence wall, in yet another part of this amazing installation, allows the public to connect with Queensland stories and experiences as told through a large-scale interactive map and timeline. For The Cube's launch, Community Science is showcasing the Flood Wall, a virtual and interactive storytelling of the 2011 Brisbane floods.
ECOS Inviting play and reflection on the role of
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An audio matrix manages 96x80 audio paths for localized audio at LCDs and immersive audio for the projection zones. Video signal management is provided with five 32x32 matrix switchers and three videowall processors. Touch-panel control in the main server room and through an iPad docked in the wall structure allows management of signals from either within the installation or from the main rack. There are no less than four separate Cat-6 networks connecting the custom-built SGI serv-
ers to the displays. Video and multi-channel audio comes via Cat-6 transmitter/receiver pairs, and a separate network handles just the touch commands between panel and server. A third network allows the servers to communicate with each other to synchronize the animation elements as they pass between screens, and a fourth network, the QUT LAN, provides overall communication and control. Nine kilometers of structured cable were installed in total, and the entire installation was successfully completed within a compressed six-week program. “We’re delighted that MultiTaction Cells have been used in such an original and captivating installation,” said Petri Martikainen, CEO of MultiTouch. “The Cube is a monument to learning and collaboration between academics and the general public, and we could not be more proud to put our name on it.” “The interactive aspect of The Cube was always crucial to the end product,” Holtum said. “MultiTouch offers superior interactivity backed up by a raft of technologies that make them the No. 1 choice for a project of this magnitude.” The Center was opened on February 28, 2013, by the Australian Prime Minister and Queensland Premier, using The Cube as the venue centerpiece. SSM Find out more about The Cube at www.thecube.qut.edu.au.
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Vertical View Restaurants
Smarter Solutions
Facial-matching technology drives sales through intelligent digital menu boards By Rick Elliott Traditionally, quick-serve restaurant owners and operators viewed security and surveillance solutions as a way to protect employees and guests, help with employee training, and prevent external and internal theft. But now, in the ultracompetitive QSR market, owners and operators also have the opportunity to connect security cameras, point-of-sale systems and flat-panel displays used as digital menu boards for targeted marketing and advertising. This intelligent digital menu board solution can give QSRs a competitive advantage by improving operational efficiency as well as customer service, tracking sales, monitoring inventory, and promoting menu items and special offers. Many QSRs are already replacing physical/ printed menu boards with digital signage, as it makes it easier to display menu information, accommodate new local, state and federal menu-board regulations regarding ingredients, and enhance the customer experience with a sleek design. Besides saving on printing costs, restaurants can instantly update prices and add new menu items with a digital display.
Targeted Marketing Digital menu boards also enable QSRs to display specific content based on a variety of factors through the use of face-matching recorders connected to security cameras. With these intelligent digital menu boards, QSRs can display digital content most relevant to individual customers based on relative age and gender. This data allows restaurants to predict menu choices and display menu promotions accordingly. For example, if a 20-year-old woman enters a store, the system might display a promotion on a chicken salad wrap. A network video recorder with face matching and an integrated POS system with analytics software can scan data to track orders, make menu changes, monitor inventory, reorder supplies and flag purchases of interest. An intelligent digital menu board solution can offer four main benefits to QSRs: Increase sales. Through instantaneous digital menu board updates, it is possible to display timely, targeted content to generate higher sales. As mentioned earlier, video analytics based on perceived age and gender enables QSRs to
instantly promote items of high interest, such as a new salad or new hamburger, on the digital menu board. Additionally, other menu updates could be based on weather information, such as promoting hot chocolate on rainy days or frozen lemonade on hot days. Upselling the customer. With an intelligent digital menu board system, QSR owners/operators can easily monitor and manage inventory. Based on sales recorded via the POS system, if a product with limited shelf life is not selling, the QSR can easily update the menu to highlight the item and help drive sales to clear out excess inventory and limit waste. Improve operational efficiency. An intelligent digital menu board solution enables QSRs to change prices with quick, one-touch updates that ensure both POS terminals and menu boards reflect the same prices. Whether the franchise operator owns three or 300 restaurants, an intelligent digital menu board will help them maintain price consistency. Enhance the customer experience. Digital menu boards feature excellent picture quality and eye-catching visibility that attract customers and amplify the QSRs' overall brand impression by patrons.Engaging graphics can also reduce perceived wait time.
Measure Marketing Campaigns The analytic capabilities of these systems enable restaurants to more accurately measure the success of marketing and advertising campaigns and customize menu preferences for individual stores’ demographics. For example, despite a heavy in-store marketing campaign for a new Southweststyle burger, it is still not selling well in stores in the Northeast. With an intelligent menu board solution, operators can report findings back to the brand and update their menus accordingly. Along with the benefits of intelligent digital menu boards, there are also some a few subjects QSRs should consider before deploying such a solution, including the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer privacy recommendations and how to select the right hardware for the actual digital menu board.
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Vertical View Restaurants
Recommended Best Practices In response to an increasing number of companies deploying the technology, the FTC in late 2012 issued a staff report, “Facing Facts: Best Practices for Common Uses of Facial Recognition Technologies,” containing a series of recommended best practices for using facial recognition technologies in commercial applications. To quote the FTC directly, it recommends that companies using facial recognition technologies should: • Design their services with consumer privacy in mind. • Develop reasonable security protections for the information they collect and sound methods for determining when to keep information and when to dispose of it. • Consider the sensitivity of information when developing their facial recognition products and services. For example, digital signs using facial recognition technologies should not be set up in places where children congregate. The FTC also recommends that companies using facial recognition technologies for commercial purposes take steps to inform customers that data is being collected and that they can opt out.
in order to maximize the return on investment.
Here are a few reasons why a QSR should install professional-grade displays as digital menu boards: Durability: Consumer televisions aren’t built for the demanding environments of QSRs. For instance, professional displays often have a fanless design, which is ideal for QSR kitchens that can contain moisture, grease and smoke. Exposure to such elements can lead to a display failure. Hours of operation: Consumer televisions are built to operate for about four to six hours a day, which is about the average amount a consumer has their television on per day. However, many QSRs require their digital menu boards to operate 24/7, seven days a week. With a consumer-grade television in these situations, the odds of having to replace a display increase due to overheating and lower ROI. Professional displays, however, are designed to run continuously.
Display Considerations When building an intelligent digital menu board solution, it is important to select a device that has the right feature set for a commercial application. Often, in order to save money on the initial sticker price, operators will purchase consumer-grade or “prosumer-grade” displays. Despite their similar exterior appearance, consumer and prosumer televisions aren’t ideal displays to use as digital menu boards. Digital menu boards require a more robust feature set to handle the increased usage, expansion needs and varied locations. Despite the lower sticker price, you’ll want to avoid consumer-grade displays Digital Signage Technology for Today’s Applications
Expandability and integration options: Unlike consumer televisions, many professional LCD displays built for digital signage offer interchangeable input board features such as Slot 2.0 architecture. Slot 2.0 accommodates optional boards, expanding application possibilities for the professional display; this is especially important for facial-recognition applications that have more robust computing needs. The Slot 2.0 architecture also allows for a variety of input terminal cards, including the i5/i7 Plug-In PC capable of running even the most powerful software applications. Vertical or horizontal mounting capability: When consumer-grade televisions are mounted vertically, the television can experience “gravity mura,” which can cause dark spots to appear on the screen and may lessen lamp life. With a professional LCD display, an improved liquid-crystal-injection method keeps the pressure at the bottom of the screen at a level that is no higher than that on ordinary TVs or those in a horizontal position. Warranty: Consumer displays usually come with a one-year warranty, which can often be reduced to 90 days or deemed void if the display is used in a commercial application. Professional displays, however, often come with a standard two-year warranty, with an option for an additional three- to five-year extended warranty available. Device control: Professional displays offer increased device control via RS-232 or a LAN control. Let’s say an operator owns 60 QSR locations, each with five displays. These control options allow all the devices to be managed from a central location, eliminating the need for a person to run around with a remote control to turn screens on and off or adjust other settings. Consumer devices lack this capability. In the ultra-competitive QSR industry, changing economics have made operational efficiency and customer service more critical than ever. Intelligent digital menu board solutions that incorporate POS workstations, flat-panel displays and surveillance cameras can help QSR restaurants streamline business processes, boost sales and improve the customer experience via anonymous analytics. QSRs looking to deploy such a solution with face-matching technology should work closely with their vendors and integrators to maintain appropriate consumer data security protections and make sure to select the right technology to create a reliable and profitable solution. SSM Rick Elliott is the director of food services at Panasonic System Communications Co.
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All Eyes on Johannesburg
ABSA Tower installs the world's largest LED messaging screen
Photo by Herring Media Group
By Louis M. Brill
The ABSA Tower in Johannesburg has recently installed LUMEN, the world's largest LED messaging screen that has been placed on the crown of the 29-story building, showcasing a state-of-the-art large scale public media communications system.
Johannesburg, South Africa, has a new illuminated wonder projecting from its sky, courtesy of the ABSA Towers skyscraper in its central business district. ABSA is a member of the Barclay's Group, and one of South Africa's largest consumer banks, supporting the South African community with financial services representing their retail, business, corporate and investment banking opportunities throughout the country.
A Media Showcase The ABSA Tower recently installed LUMEN, the world's largest LED messaging screen, which has been placed on the crown of the 29-story building, wrapping around each side and presenting fullcolor messages that can be seen for miles from any direction. Each of the ABSA screens, sized at 56 feet tall by 124 feet long, are almost twice the size of a basketball court. Beyond being the biggest LED displays of its kind in the world, the ABSA screens also contribute to positioning Johannesburg as the leading business center on the African continent. Not only are the ABSA displays promoting its branding and financial services messaging to the community, they are
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also providing a highly visible cultural presence by showcasing a state-of-the-art large-scale public media communications system. From creation to completion, the ABSA LUMEN project was designed by the Herring Media Group, of Glastonbury, Conn., a consultancy that specializes in the design, management and execution of advanced communication solutions— including the integration of architectural media with building design. The company's principle designer and creative director, Marc Herring, said HMG was the lead design consultant for the LED systems and was part of an international team of leading professionals, including Project Architect, GHL and Associates, Turner & Townsend, Tiber Bonvec Construction and WSP Structures Africa, WSP Consulting Engineers SA. The LED screens were acquired from Barco of Kortrisk, Belgium, a global technology company that designs and develops visualization products, including the LED screens for indoor/outdoor display solutions. For the LUMEN project, Barco supplied its LiveDot TF-20 LED tile (3-feet square) with a 20mm pitch. The LED tiles are robust indoor/outdoor modules rated at IP 65, making them waterproof
and suitable for outdoor display situations.
Behind the Scenes Managing each LUMEN display is four Barco DX-700 units, a video processor capable of driving large LED walls, in a full operational mode. In terms of screen operations for display content, LUMEN is able to present its content on either four separate screens with identical messages on each side of the building, or as a single “streaming” message that scrolls from one side of the building to another as it wraps its content around the building. To enhance its viewing capabilities, the TF-20 is configured with brightness-optimizing features, including a 6,000 nits brightness ratio for both day and evening display presentations. The screens are full color and, for ease of viewing, brightness levels can be controlled separately and automatically. Each LUMEN display includes a contrast-enhancing shader that allows for lower brightness and lower power consumption at any time of day during the LED screens' operations. Moreover, the tilted LED configurations aim the LEDs downward to ensure that their display content is well targeted at its audience, proving full screen visibility at any viewing
location in sight of the displays. Herring said the final installation of the screens began with the fabrication of a great number of massive steel frames that were hoisted and assembled at the top of the building, with each frame mounted to a building side. With the steel frames erected and completed, the Barco LED tiles arrived on-site and were lifted in place from the staging area to the building's crash deck for final placement on each steel frame. “Each LED wall was built one tile at a time on the roof of the building with flawless precession by our local teams,” Herring said. “In the configuration of each LUMEN display, 720 tiles were combined together to create each of the four LED screens, with a total of 2,880 TF-20 tiles comprising the full wrap around display. Each of the LUMEN displays were assembled between 15 to 20 days apiece. Over 70,000 accident-free man hours working at height were accomplished in less than six months.”
Lumen Solar Cell Farm With the Barco displays in place, each LED board consumed 52 percent less energy than similar designs. Not only are the LED boards very energy efficient, but their power configuration also includes a first-time use for an LED display of a massive photo-voltaic farm comprised of dozens of solar-cell panels to provide much of the required
Photo by Herring Media Group
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The ABSA screens, each sized at 56-feet tall by 124-feet long (38m x 17m), during installation at the top of the ABSA building. Each is almost twice the size of a basketball court.
energy for the boards' ongoing operation. The photovoltaic farm, located on nearby building roofs, will offer approximately 700,000 kilowatts per hour of power, or approximately 23 percent of LUMEN's total energy consumption. During the LUMEN display's inaugural period, HMG is also part of a team that is responsible for its management, providing some of the display's creation content, coordinating traffic management for content operation, and maintaining and monitoring LUMEN's operation. "There are several groups, some in various time zones, who contribute to operating and supporting the LUMEN displays," Herring said. "This includes
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ongoing performance review with the ability to monitor the LUMEN displays in real-time via CCTV from other nearby buildings surrounding the ABSA Tower. Technical support is local, and on-call 24/7 to be dispatched to the installation as needed." Although recently introduced, ABSA's LUMEN is on its way to becoming a distinct world-class LED landmark, not only for its distinctive size, but also for its unique photovoltaic solar-farm power source. LUMEN also acts as a cultural catalyst in Johannesburg's urban redevelopment of its central downtown district, as Herring pointed out. "Johannesburg, and the African continent, are going through a major revitalization,” he said. “The ABSA Tower displays are now a critical part of that development. Its digital signage not only provides an important commercial communications asset, but a cultural asset as well, because the display speaks in a visual vernacular—to one Africa." With so many different languages in play, the importance of the ABSA LED displays' visual content is magnified by a challenge: creating iconic messages that cut through cultural and language difficulties and still present the same message to their surrounding community. SSM Louis M. Brill is a journalist and consultant for hightech entertainment and media communications and can be reached at louismbrill@gmail.com
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The Art of Digital Signage Boise State’s Center for the Performing Arts Puts NanoLumens Center Stage
When the Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts at Boise State University needed to install a digital display in its lobby to engage, inform and entertain patrons before, during and after shows, they knew they needed a state-ofthe-art display solution that would shine as bright as the performers on stage. That’s why the Center decided to use a 6-feettall by 11-feet-wide NanoLumens NanoSlim 4-millimeter LED display that complements the existing lobby décor, while adding a subtle, yet modern, technological design element.
A Versatile Solution The new NanoLumens display will be used to share useful information with the center’s patrons in a dynamic and flexible new way, resulting in a more enjoyable theater-going experience. Content will include upcoming show promotions, artists' video content, campus-wide events, student and faculty visual art, images of Boise's picturesque landscape and important campus-related information. To avoid mid-performance interruptions, the display will also alert patrons to take their
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Vertical View Arenas/Stadiums seats as curtain time approaches, and the installation of a high-definition camera in the theater will provide a closed-circuit, live feed of the show to the lobby display so patrons arriving after curtain time can watch the show until they are allowed to enter the auditorium.
Digital Signage on Display "The NanoLumens product is unique in the digital display market, and we are excited to be their first installation in Idaho at a true performing arts center," said Morrison Center Executive Director, James Patrick. "It is not only designed and assembled in the United States, but is also ultra-lightweight, slim and provides vibrant, high-resolution
images from all viewing angles. This new addition to the Velma V. Morrison Center lobby is more than a marketing tool, it is a transformative display that will provide a digital canvas to communicate our mission to the Boise community." Under the supervision of NanoLumens technicians, the display was installed by Superior Signs & Screenprinting, located in Caldwell, Idaho. The wiring and electrical work was completed by two Boisebased companies, Quality Electric and Neurilink LLC. The display was funded, in full, by the Morrison Center Endowment Foundation Inc. and is part of the center's ongoing efforts, in collaboration with university leadership, to ensure that the center remains Idaho's premier performing art center. SSM Digital Signage Technology for Today’s Applications
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China’s digital out-of-home media (DOOH) industry was surging toward 40 percent annual growth in the third quarter of 2012, and the country’s blistering expansion pace may drive it past the United States as the world’s largest market in 2013, according to PQ Media. Revenues generated by China’s DOOH network and billboard operators were pacing for 40 percent year-over-year growth in the third quarter of 2012, which would push the Chinese market past the $2 billion mark for the year, trailing only the United States, and gaining fast. An accelerated 2012 performance followed a 39 percent expansion in 2011, when China became only the second market besides the United States to exceed $1 billion in annual DOOH revenues, according to preliminary data released from the “PQ Media Global Digital Out-of-Home Media Forecast 2013-2017.” In real dollars, the Chinese market expanded by more than $400 million in 2011, nearly doubling in size compared with 2009.
Going Digital Digital place-based networks in a range of venues, such as corporate, transit and cinema, accounted for about two-thirds of China’s DOOH revenues in 2011, while digital billboards operating in various OOH locations comprised the rest. Digital billboard revenue expanded faster, but both DOOH segments produced enviable double-digit growth in the fastest-growing market among the world’s regional leaders. “Remarkably, China could be growing faster if stringent regulations on content distribution were loosened, agencies were more educated about DOOH and digital signage quality improved,” said PQ Media CEO Patrick Quinn. “Global brands want to advertise in China, and they’re increasingly drawn to the vast DOOH opportunities, as media operators upgrade their expanding networks with attractive mobile, social and interactive features, while pursuing better audience metrics.”
China’s strong growth drove global DOOH revenue up 15 percent to nearly $7 billion in 2011, and was the catalyst fueling 20 percent growth in the first half of 2012, according to the “PQ Media Global Digital Out-of-Home Media Forecast 2013-2017.” By comparison, U.S. DOOH revenues increased 11 percent in 2011, and were on an accelerated pace in the first half of 2012, although second-half trends may have impacted the final growth outcome.
Major Players China is home to some of the largest and fastestgrowing DOOH companies in the world, including Focus Media, AirMedia and VisionChina, as well as divisions of Phoenix Satellite TV and Beijing Bashi Media. China’s DOOH industry has, by far, the most digital screens of any global market, with Focus Media operating more than 200,000 screens in the corporate and healthcare office vertical alone. VisionChina reportedly operates more than 100,000 digital screens throughout this market’s vast transit system. China’s corporate and healthcare network vertical is the market’s largest venue category, accounting for about one-quarter of all DOOH industry revenue, according to the “PQ Media Global Digital Out-of-Home Media Forecast 2013-2017.” Focus Media targets upscale business executives in more than 90,000 buildings. The company has aggressively pursued deployment of interactive screens, which it refers to as the Next Generation Network. Focus also partners with Enjoy China Technology to add mobile and social media features to its screens. The growing transit venue is dominated by AirMedia, the largest operator, and VisionChina. AirMedia operates screens in 40 airports through an exclusive arrangement
with nine airlines, as well as a smaller network at gas stations. VisionChina has more than 100,000 screens deployed in subways and bus systems in about 25 cities, including exclusive agreements to manage digital signage in the Shenyang public transportation system and DOOH networks in Guangzhou subways. China’s cinema network vertical is expanding rapidly, as the country surpassed Japan in 2012 as the world’s second-largest film market behind the United States. Cinema operators have moved fast in recent years to upgrade China’s theaters by installing the latest digital screen technology. Focus Media is the largest cinema network operator with nearly 2,000 screens in almost 300 theaters in early 2012, a three-fold increase from only 100 theaters in 2008, outstripping Filmore Media’s network of 1,200 screens in about 200 metroplexes. IMAX is also aggressively expanding its screen deployment in China, working closely with the Wanda Cinema chain to increase its footprint to 50 screens by year-end 2013.
A GROWING FORCE By Patrick Quinn
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China on pace to become world's largest DOOH market in 2013
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Revenues generated by China’s DOOH network and billboard operators were pacing for 40 percent year-over-year growth in the third quarter of 2012, which would push the Chinese market past the $2 billion mark for the year, trailing only the United States, and gaining fast. Global Presence Large global OOH operators are helping to spur China’s growth, as well, but they often need to partner with a China-based OOH operator to achieve significant success. For example, JCDecaux helps to manage AirMedia’s digital airport signage, while Clear Channel’s AdShel partners with Clear Media to operate digital signage and CBS Outdoor collaborates with
Clear Media to manage Beijing Bashi’s digital bus network. The "PQ Media Global Digital Out-of-Home Media Forecast 2013-2017" is the sixth edition in a series that has become the industry’s leading benchmark for revenue, growth and trends, providing in-depth data, insights and perspective on all four global regions and 28 leading markets. PQ Media tracks the global DOOH
Digital Signage Technology for Today’s Applications
industry by the two major media platforms and six venue and location categories,including cinema, retail, corporate, healthcare, entertainment, education, transit and roadside. SSM Patrick Quinn is the president of PQ Media and Publisher of “Global Digital Out-of-Home Media Forecast 2013-2017.” Patrick can be reached at pquinn@pqmedia.com.
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Turning Up the
HEAT A digital signage design guide for extreme environments By Sarah Colson
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Digital signage and digital menu boards are rapidly becoming mainstream. You will start to see restaurants aggressively adopting this technology to enhance their business and customer experience.
Restaurant Digital Signage The most common application for digital signage in restaurants is digital menu boards, which provide great benefits, including reducing clutter, highlighting certain menu items and promotions, and displaying nutrition and calorie information. It was quick-serve restaurants that first adopted digital signage in the form of static images to provide these benefits. Soon more restaurants began leveraging this solution to organize their menu to display all menu options and feature certain menu choices. A picture is worth a thousand words, and walking into a restaurant and seeing a high-definition image of a featured menu item will not only promote the offering but also make it more appealing, increasing sales. Now, we are seeing a shift to digital signage in high-scale restaurants and everywhere in between. Today we are beginning to see different uses of digital signage in restaurants. Digital menu boards started off static, as a way to display the restaurant’s items in a collective and organized way. This strategy is becoming stale and ineffective. Restaurants are now trying to stay ahead of the industry norm and stand above their competition.
The Next Level Restaurants need to promote a positive customer experience using digital signage. That way, restaurants are able to create a fun, unique and memorable experience to increase business and customer loyalty. The secret for restaurants to stand out from their competition is to provide stimulating displays and videos throughout the restaurant, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere. Digital signage menu boards help restaurants maintain branding, run promotions and advertise to their customers. When a customer walks into a restaurant and sees a stimulating digital display with features and specials, this will only enhance their interest in those items. Positive experiences lead to repeat business and loyal customers. lead to repeat busi-
ness and loyal customers. Restaurants also can use digital signage to enhance customers’ experience with customer loyalty programs or discounts. For example, an interactive social media strategy allows customers to comment on and share promotions, meal reviews or experiences during their dining experience. This method introduces a new way to attract customers and enhance sales.
Key Factors to Consider With any digital signage development project, there are key factors to consider when selecting the media player and content management service. Essential factors for digital signage include the types of content needing to drive the display (HD video, audio, multi-region messaging, etc.), the number of video outputs (single or multi-display) and graphic capabilities. These factors are very important in a successful digital signage deployment. Overlooking any of these key elements could result in an unsuccessful project. For a restaurant digital signage deployment, there are many additional factors that must be considered in order for the solution to operate effectively. First and foremost, consider the environment where most digital displays are located within the restaurant. The solution will most likely be exposed to harsh conditions such as heat, dust, smoke, steam and possibly grease. You need to be certain that your media player solution will be able to endure this type of environment, but how can you be sure? Hardware is the framework that holds your solution together and drives your content. If any piece of the puzzle fails, then your entire solution fails. Hardware manufacturers can guarantee the conditions under which their media players can work. For example, restaurants need a solution that can run in extremely hot environments. And because restaurants are open for long hours, the media player must be able to work effectively the entire time. Guaranteeing the temperatures and conditions your media player solution can work under could mean the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful project. Performance should not be jeopardized based on the environment of your project. Considering these environmental conditions can make or break the project. Restaurant digital signage will continue to expand, and having a solution that can operate successfully in these environments will become more and more important as the industry grows. SSM
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Sarah Colson handles marketing at Seneca Data and can be reached at sarahc@senecadata.com.
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Capitalizing on the Growing Potential of
OUTDOOR DIGITAL SIGNAGE By Tom Dixon
In 2004, the world’s first true outdoor television was launched, pushing the digital signage world in a new direction. Now, outdoor screens are becoming increasingly important in reaching audiences wherever they are. Driving the growing popularity of outdoor digital signage are technical advances that allow outdoor screens to be used in a wide variety of applications and the recognition that in many applications, today’s outdoor screens are more cost-effective than traditional signage. Today, digital signage has found wide appeal in the hospitality field. Bars, restaurants and hotels are enhancing their outdoor spaces with screens to provide both entertainment and information, including interactive menus, changing specials, directional information, event schedules and more. Outdoor attractions are also increasingly turning to digital signage. Parks, zoos, theme parks, outdoor festivals and more have found that digital signage provides the functionality of traditional signage, but with the flexibility to change messages as needed, whether it’s to provide maps, highlight a particular attraction, promotion or event, or even for use in emergency situations. It’s this ability to change messages when necessary, and even program messages so that they change automatically, that makes digital signage a cost-effective option. But to withstand the rigors of the outdoors requires something far more than an attempt to weatherproof an indoor TV or monitor. TVs and displays purpose-built from the ground up for outdoor use, taking into consideration all weather conditions as well as other abuses, will endure considerably longer. With the potential to short-circuit components and wreck motherboards, moisture is the most obvious enemy of outdoor electronics. And that includes not just rain, but also the intense humidity found in many parts of the country. A specially designed, weatherproof housing is paramount. The smallest gap can allow moisture to seep in, eventually ruining the unit. Look for robust powder-
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coated aluminum resin cabinets and all-weather gaskets that effectively keep out moisture. Indoor TVs modified and refabricated for outdoor use don’t have the same longevity as those designed for the natural elements. Retrofitted weatherproof housings can’t provide high-quality brightness and will generate internal heat, damaging the unit. Less intimidating but no less of a factor when using a TV outdoors is strong direct sunlight, which can often render a conventional LCD TV un-viewable. But, that’s not a problem now that high-heat tolerant 700-nit screens have overcome isotropic blackout. This is caused when direct, horizontal sunlight overloads the LCD crystals and causes temporary black splotches on the screen. This is not an issue in high-heat tolerant panels and this image consistency means screens are viewable in any light. Temperature extremes, too, are hard on electronics. High temperatures can quickly cause thermal overload in conventional displays, often times leading to permanent damage. Similarly sustained extreme cold can cause the LCD panel to crack. To address these challenges, a multi-fan airflow system present in several models keeps them cool and dry in temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit and operating safely at temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. This kind of internal heating and cooling isn’t built into indoor screens, and implementing these mechanisms post-production is difficult, expensive and extremely energy inefficient, contributing to higher ongoing operating costs. Wildlife is a factor as well both human and from the animal world. Those powder-coated aluminum cabinets along with protective front screens form a dependable defense structure. These features greatly lower risk of vandalism, a necessity in many public spaces. As for Mother Nature’s creatures, insects and spiders are attracted to the warm confines of a TV. Spider silk is extremely conductive and spider infestations have
been known to cause arcing and electrical shorts inside conventional indoor TVs. Some companies have solved this problem by utilizing special micro-fiber filters on all air vents to seal out insects and spiders. Outdoor displays can even handle challenges brought on by larger animals. The same bulletproof aluminum casings and protective front glass panels that can deter human vandals can also guard against wild animals. In locations where larger animals are a potential problem — in national parks, for example — the screen is all that separates a curious wild animal from the vulnerable electronics inside a TV. The strongest screens can be depended on to resist animal interference. Because the environments for outdoor digital signage vary so widely, it’s wise to work with a supplier that can customize screens for each application. Manufacturing location comes into play here, since far-flung manufacturing and assembly locations make customization, on small or large scales, extremely difficult. Consultation among the client, integrator and factory is simplified when the manufacturer is based in the U.S. Customization options can include color, dust covers, additional compartments, radio options, wiring components and a wide range of installation options. Naturally, the odds of a job going well are that much greater when working with an integrator with
With the potential to short-circuit components and wreck motherboards, moisture is the most obvious enemy of outdoor electronics. And that includes not just rain, but also the intense humidity found in many parts of the country. plenty of experience in outdoor installations. Additionally, it’s more likely that experienced integrators will work with brands well established in outdoor digital signage, and thus be able to meet a wide range of needs and possess a reputation based solely on understanding the unique demands of the
Digital Signage Technology for Today’s Applications
outdoor environment. As with many projects, there’s a wide variance in what can be spent on outdoor digital signage. Indoor televisions modified for outdoor use will be the cheapest solutions, but lack of durability and longevity makes this option the least cost-effective in the long run. Outdoor screens designed for residential use aren’t always fully equipped to handle elements like isotropic blackout and strong impacts. These screens may be best suited to environments where customers will be physically separated from the screens and interacting less, or in semi-covered areas where the sun is not as much of a factor. Residential outdoor screens start around $1,495 for a 32-inch model. More robust, commercial allweather units increase the price substantially. As an example of what more is available, touch screen technology can be integrated in the same base model (32 inches) for a total of $4,995. All-weather outdoor digital signage is a product category that was once viewed as a niche market. But today more and more businesses of all kinds are finding that it’s a powerful and costeffective tool for staying ahead of the competition and better serving customers, whether for advertising, guest services, way-finding, brand experience or other applications. SSM Tom Dixon is vice president of marketing at SunBriteTV and can be reached at tdixon@sunbritetv.com.
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As the popularity and versatility of digital signage has grown, the size of typical installations have grown as well. Today, many companies find themselves creating content for and managing hundreds—or even thousands—of screens. In Randy Dearborn's case, that number is more like 50,000. As the vice president of multimedia and guest technology for MGM Resorts International, Dearborn is responsible
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for all digital signage at MGM's U.S. and international locations. That includes 10 Las Vegas hotel-casinos; locations in Biloxi, Miss., and Reno, Nev.; China's stunning MGM Macau and a handful of other properties. “We grew it from a one-man shop,” Dearborn said. “Now, we control the hardware, software and content for over 50,000 devices, if you count the in-room TVs. All the digital media flows through our team, everything from mobile apps
to iPad wine menus to traditional digital signage to interactive screens.” It's a daunting amount of content that requires incredible attention to detail and Randy Dearborn unending creativity, as well as leadingedge technology to get the job done. For Dearborn, it's all in a day's work.
KING OF THE DIGITAL JUNGLE MGM RESORTS CONNECTS WITH CUSTOMERS THROUGH UNPRECEDENTED DIGITAL NETWORK By Megan Weadock
Multimedia's Beginning Dearborn came to MGM in 1993, after a seven-year stint with Walt Disney programming audio and video content. As a music major in college, he hadn't expected his career to take the course it did. “I really came up in the industry from its inception,” he said. “I was there in the beginning. There was no such thing as 'multimedia'.” When Dearborn came on board, the
Mirage hotel-casino was looking into buying an Avid, which was a nonlinear editing system, to create a new form of digital signage for marketing purposes. From those humble beginnings, as the MGM brand grew, Dearborn's responsibilities—and the possibilities of digital signage—grew exponentially. “Initially, to get the digital signage, it was a little tough to justify because it was so expensive at the time,” he said. “As the pricing came down, it just exploded.
Digital Signage Technology for Today’s Applications
It reached a point where you could justify the cost of not having to do print and the labor to replace that print. And with the dynamic ability of the media, it just took off.” Now, his team includes about 30 people. As for the possibilities: in most cases, if they can dream it up, they can do it. “With our streamlined team, it's actually kind of amazing when you see the amount of content that comes out of this shop,”
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he said. “It kind of gives us a unique view of things, since we do the hardware, the software and the content, we think of the entire process, all the way through.”
A Screen for Every Job With about 50,000 digital devices in the network, it seems there is a screen for nearly every job at MGM. And it's not all about the casinos. “People often think that we're just a gaming company,” Dearborn said. “But
these buildings are so massive. We have restaurants, retail, guest rooms, theaters, sports arenas. We're literally all these different companies. It's a challenge, and there are a lot of moving parts.” In the Las Vegas properties alone, there are 42,000 hotel rooms, 350 food and beverage venues, 450 retail outlets, 15 theaters and an incredible 3 million square feet of convention space. With such dizzying stats as these, no wonder MGM relies so fully on digital
Dearborn and his team can also highlight special events using the digital signs throughout each hotel-casino. Some are even assigned their own Twitter handle during, for example, UFC fights, big-name concerts, tradeshows or holidays.
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technology. Already, digital signage has replaced most of the static signage throughout MGM's properties. Now, live directional displays intelligently communicate to customers as well. “I want our digital displays to be really dynamic according to the time of day,” Dearborn said. “So in the morning people are looking for the convention center, the pool or Starbucks, and it tells you where that is. And then around lunch I can start putting up images of restaurants. And an hour before a show starts, I can announce that there are still tickets available.” This type of dynamic signage is also more convenient—and more affordable— when major changes occur, such as when a restaurant closes or moves locations. Dearborn and his team can also highlight special events using the digital signs throughout each hotel-casino. Some are even assigned their own Twitter handle during, for example, UFC fights, bigname concerts, tradeshows or holidays. Customers really respond well to such targeted marketing, Dearborn said. “We decide what is going to be the look, the feel, for this week, because we
know this or that is in town,” he said. “And it's stunning the amount of traffic we get.” Of course, much of MGM's digital signage is used to advertise restaurants, events, concerts, shows and anything else going on at each property. This includes the massive digital billboards that reside on each hotel-casino's sign. Content for such high-profile ads must be carefully considered and targeted. For example, in Las Vegas alone, MGM casinos will soon play host to a total of seven Cirque du Soleil shows. Promoting all those events takes a lot of planning— but in the future, analytics will drive the advertising even more, Dearborn says. “Already, I'll promote or not promote given shows, according to real-time data,” he said. “And I want to apply those same rules to restaurant reservations, arena shows, spas, retail. Really, I don't want to schedule stuff anymore; I want it to schedule itself through analytical data.” MGM is also getting creative with digital signage in their restaurants. Of course, digital menu boards are common, but now wine and dessert menus are also going digital. Gone are the days of the paper menu. In many restaurants, customers who request a wine or dessert menu are now presented with a digital menu on an iPad. Not
“What's more impressive: the words 'chocolate layer cake' or actually seeing a chocolate layer cake?” Dearborn said. “I can also tell them what's in it and suggest a dessert wine pairing, which maybe they'd never think of before. And we can now do dynamic pricing, depending on different events.” only are digital menus more impactful for customers, they're also much more flexible. “What's more impressive: the words 'chocolate layer cake' or actually seeing a chocolate layer cake?” Dearborn said. “I can also tell them what's in it and suggest a dessert wine pairing, which maybe they'd never think of before. And we can now do dynamic pricing, depending on different events.” Better yet, digital menus give Dearborn and his team invaluable information on why customers make the decisions they do. “When someone would order a bottle of wine from a paper menu, I didn't
Digital Signage Technology for Today’s Applications
know how they came to that decision,” he said. “Now I can track their behavior, and I know exactly how they got to that bottle of wine—and what wines they're not looking at. So I can really start to reshape my menus and my warehouses.”
Behind the Scenes As MGM grew and acquired new properties over the years, Dearborn and his team found themselves working with a huge variety of software and hardware. When the time came to standardize across the MGM brand, he knew he wanted a platform that is both powerful and versatile. MAY/JUNE 2013
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Each digital screen is backed by an Apple Mac mini, and can be accessed remotely by Apple Remote Desktop, while content management is done using Four Winds scheduling software. Dearborn's team writes a lot of their software inhouse in order to customize everything to their needs. Throughout the properties, custom-made mounts from Premier Mounts hold up industrial-quality digital screens from NEC Display Solutions.
Looking Ahead For MGM, the next step in digital signage will be analytics, Dearborn said. “We're starting to look for the analytical capabilities,” he said. “These interactive screens, they're telling us what's really going on, what people are reacting to. With things like Twitter, near-field communication and
QR codes, now every screen is interactive. And now we're really on the precipice of getting into the APIs and the hooks. Right now I know when someone's standing in front of a restaurant ad. What I don't yet know is that final buy-in, when they say 'yep, book me a reservation right here, right now'.” That's really the next wave.” MGM also wants to perfect their trigger-based marketing to ensure that they're pushing the right content to the right person on the right device. “Now, trigger-based marketing is really just getting intelligent about the methods and making sure the message is going to the right people, based on age, interests—it's knowing that we're not just throwing stuff up against the wall,” Dearborn said. “I've got so many digital devices—mobile apps, the in-room TV system, all these interactive
Currently, the MGM team is looking at the full customer digital experience—from the time they consider a trip to Las Vegas, to the trip itself, to after they return home.
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touchscreens—I'm gathering data nonstop on our customers. And we want to realize the full potential of this tool.” Currently, the MGM team is looking at the full customer digital experience—from the time they consider a trip to Las Vegas, to the trip itself, to after they return home. Dearborn wants to use all the tools at their disposal, including websites, email blasts, apps, SMS messaging, digital signage and more, to create a cohesive, highly effective digital experience—one that will ensure each customer becomes a repeat visitor. In the near future, Dearborn also wants to help re-imagine casinos altogether. Younger generations expect, and are drawn to, interactivity. How will the casino floor of tomorrow appeal that? Dearborn guesses interactive race and sports books, where guests are invited to take control of massive digital screens, or video games that combine betting and hands-on play. “What's the funnest part of a casino floor? It's the craps table,” he said. “That's because everyone's involved. I see that being the case with other areas. Our gaming floors have to change, and the next demographic is going to change it.” SSM Megan Weadock is associate editor for Signage Solutions and can be reached at mweadock@gmail.com.
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Signage Solutions
&Products
Digital signage products and solutions for today’s applications HDMI Extender Hall Research introduces the UHD-2D HDMI extender kit which uses two Cat6 cables to extend HDMI video. The Sender and Receiver set support HDCP, Deep-Color, 3D and can achieve a distance up to 150 ft @ 1080i/720P to or 120 ft @ 1080p. A single power supply is provided that can be plugged at either end for easy installation. Hall Research www.signagemag.com/18251
QMOD-HDMI-1.5 HD/Signage Modulator The Contemporary Research QMOD-HDMI-1.5 features HDMI, RGBHV/Component, and dual Composite/CC video, coax, and stereo audio inputs. Adaptive encoding supports 1080p/720p 60 Hz video, and optional keycodes enable full scaling and two-channel operation. GigE port for IPTV, Web pages, IP control, and encoding includes AC-3 and captioning. Contemporary Research www.signagemag.com/18253
Digital Donation Kiosk The iGIVE™ Digital Donation Kiosk provides user-friendly, 24/7 touchscreen technology. The kiosk accepts tithes, offerings and other donations at any time and in any form of payment. iGIVE securely tracks and reports donation information. Create, schedule and distribute multimedia content to one or more kiosks using inLighten’s web-based management interface. Plus, provide intuitive touchscreen access to your website for activity listings, event registration and more. inLighten www.signagemag.com/18255
ITX Board for Mobile Applications The VIA VAB-600 Pico-ITX board features a rich I/O set with multimedia performance, including a built-in Multi-standard decoder for playback support of several video formats in resolutions up to 1080p. The VIA VAB-600 includes a broad range of on-board pin-headers to provide optional 3G or WiFi connectivity, touch screen support and support for either battery or 12V~24V DC-in power options in an ultra-compact design. VIA Embedded www.signagemag.com/18256
Digital Signage in a Box Mitsubishi Electric and Shuttle Computer have created a new turn-key hardware, software and content system bundle that features everything needed to create compelling digital signage. The bundle features one or two 42-inch or 46-inch commercial-grade Mitsubishi Electric LCD flat panel display(s), Shuttle digital media player(s) and all necessary cables. It also includes 90 days of free content management software and service. Mitsubishi Electric / Shuttle Computer Group www.signagemag.com/18257
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Signage Solutions
Ultra Small Media Player with Built-in Power Supply The HDN is an exclusive offering from Seneca, inspired by the Intel® Next Unit of Computing (NUC). Using low power consumption, this ultra small form factor media player has builtin power supply for easy mounting and cabling. This solution is ideal for Quick Serve Restaurants (QSR) menu boards, intelligent vending and kiosks, and digital signage projects where space is at a premium. The custom design media player improves thermal efficiency while providing powerful performance. Seneca Data www.signagemag.com/18258
Customizable Digital Signage Software 22MILES digital signage software connects TVs, Touchscreen Kiosks, Smartphones, Printers, POS, and more. This next-generation digital signage with wayfinding feature reaches hotel guests and hospital visitors in a more dynamic, engaging way. All the changes and statistics are reflected on the fly, without any interruptions. 22 miles www.signagemag.com/18260
Professional Outdoor LCD Display The 47” Panasonic TH-47LFX6U professional LCD display with a full 1,000 cd/m2 of brightness and IP 44 level dust and water resistance, is ideal for outdoor use including drive thru menu boards at quick serve restaurants, as well as an outdoor wayfinding solution. Images are crisp and clear even in brightly lit places, so information is accurately relayed and visibility is superb. The display also features an air-cooled system which suppresses temperature rises in the panel due to direct sunlight exposure. Panasonic www.signagemag.com/18262 Digital Signage Technology for Today’s Applications
Products
Self-Adhesive Projection Material Stewart Filmscreen’s Mystik! is a self-adhesive projection material designed for use in digital signage applications. Mystik! is ideal as a storefront application, as well as in other retail and public venues when a 2-piece projection solution is desired. It can be applied to any window or glass door to transform the surface into a translucent projection screen and easily deployed in venues such as retail outlets, trade shows, restaurants, museums, public spaces, and more. Stewart Filmscreen www.signagemag.com/18259
Interactive Greeter Kiosk Reflect’s interactive kiosk solution enables self-serve interaction, providing customers with a more engaging shopping experience, as well as real-time information on products and services, all without human interaction or an increase in man hours. Reflect Systems www.signagemag.com/18261
Interactive LED LCD Table Primeview’s new interactive 42” 1080P LED LCD table combines Art and Technology together. The LED eco-friendly design encourages reduced energy consumption and offers vibrant imagery, while allowing for a true multi-user experience with 10 simultaneous points of touch. This solution utilizes the most current technology to provide a professional LED LCD with 6mm TEMPERED glass touch screen. The new surface table is plug and play compatible with Windows 8, Mac, Linux and offers a 3rd Generation INTEL core I5 processor. The design allows for use in Corporate, Education, Retail, Museums, Broadcast, Gaming, and more. Primeview www.signagemag.com/18263
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Signage Solutions Products
HDMI Extender over Cat6 to 500 ft UHBX-P1 is an extender kit from Hall Research that utilizes HDBaseT technology. It can send HDMI, IR, bidirectional RS-232, and PoH (Powerover-HDBaseT) at 4K x 2K to 330 ft (100M) or 1920x1080 to 500 ft (150 m) on a single Cat6 cable. The extender uses one +5v power supply and internally creates 48v PoH and complies with IEEE 802.3af handshake. Hall Research www.signagemag.com/18237 Digital Signage Media Player Exhibio's X-800HD is a powerful yet easyto-use digital signage player capable of driving a wide range of multimedia content to one or more HD displays. The X-800HD can be accessed remotely through its intuitive, web-based interface allowing users of any skill level to create, manage, and schedule custom content on the fly. Supported content can be combined simultaneously into each scene and includes images, video, live TV, weather, scrolling text, HTML, RSS feeds, and more. Exhibio www.signagemag.com/18238
HDMI 3D Single CAT5e Active Extender Kit QVS HD-C5S4P provides a simple solution for extending HD audio and video over long distance. Supports 1080p/60Hz up to 40-Meter and 1080i/720p/60Hz up to 60-Meter using single CAT5e/6/RJ45 cable. FullHD HDMI with HDCP, 3D, Deep Color, DTS-HD & Dolby TrueHD multichannel digital audio. It has EDID learning capability, bi-directional infrared supporting full IR frequencies (20kHz~60kHz), Serial Control allows remote management of source & display, and built-in mounting. Includes HDMI transmitter/receiver, IR transmitter / receiver, mounting screws, and universal locking power adaptors. QVS www.signagemag.com/18242
Digital Signage Player Haivision's newest digital signage player, Mantaray, is a player appliance for low-cost, enterprise-grade, scalable digital signage. Fully integrated with CoolSign, the player supports CoolSign’s advanced Datawatcher for real-time and automated information updates and its advanced player-level scheduling. Mantaray supports multiple regions, ultra smooth tickers, and full motion 1080p60 video playout. Haivision www.signagemag.com/18243
LED EzSign TV
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LG’s LED 55LN549E EzSign TV offers Full HD 1080p display capability in a energy-efficient package. It allows users to combine advertisements, information and broadcast content on the same screen to attract attention and deliver specific messages to customers. Without requiring any additional hardware, content can be easily developed on a personal computer using the easy-to-use, free software provided by LG and then uploaded directly to the display via USB or wirelessly with an optional Wi-Fi dongle. LG www.signagemag.com/18244 www.signagesolutionsmag.com
Signage Solutions
LED Touch Display The TouchSystems X 55 touch display is designed for 24/7 operation; it comes with internal temperature sensors and is LED BLU, features that ensure longevity and decreased power consumption. The LED backlighting also results in a slimmer depth and sleeker bezel. The screen is complemented by a built-in Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) slot that allows for seamless integration with third-party components such as media players and single board computers. The display boasts 12 touch points, offering a complete multi-touch experience. TouchSystems www.signagemag.com/18245
60-inch All-Weather Touch Screen Kiosk The 60-inch Outdoor Touch Screen kiosk is one of the latest innovations from the ViewStation line of LCD enclosures. Standard features include a 60” high bright LCD, touch screen glass and integrated thermal management that can withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 120 F in direct sunlight. Applications include wayfinding, directories and many more. ITSEnclosures www.signagemag.com/19642
Products
Real Time Web Content Delivery Software Re-use and streamline web assets and web marketing tools to manage and measure digital signage with your web and mobile marketing. OpenSign solves the largest issue facing the Global Digital Signage Market; the cost of content creation and management. OpenSign www.signagemag.com/18246
Plug N Play Interactive Display System The new CUBE V4 is a compact, turnkey, ‘plug and play’ interactive display unit that brings the power of gesture control to a variety of display spaces. It now projects a larger, higher resolution engaging 7’ x 5’ interactive display with entertaining games and special effects onto virtually any floor for branding, advertising, entertainment and product promotion. The new CUBE V4 comes with a higher 1280 x 800 resolution projector, which can run in either a 16:10, or in the original 4:3 aspect ratio. No technician is required to install it, you can just take it out of the box and turn it on, and it occupies minimal floor space. GestureTek www.signagemag.com/18247
Media Player AOPEN introduces its most powerful Digital Engine series media player solution, the DE67-HAI, which supports the latest Intel® Active Management Technology 8.0 firmware and 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processor family. The rugged compact design of the DE67-HAI makes it ideal for retail, finance, hospitality, and any other vertical market that requires high performance, security and advanced remote management capabilities. With an abundance of I/O options, the DE67-HAI provides maximum versatility with uncompromising performance. AOPEN www.signagemag.com/18248
Digital Signage Technology for Today’s Applications
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Signage Solutions Products
Collaboration Videowall Solutions Prysm is now offering two standard Laser Phosphor Display (LPD) configurations for next-generation multi-purpose meeting rooms – a 117” diagonal videowall, and one at 190”. These solutions are aimed at raising team productivity by enabling the convergence of user-generated content, telepresence and collaborative applications into a unified experience on a large digital canvas. LPD offers anywhere-in-the-room viewing angles, industry-leading resolution and combines high image quality with energy efficiency. These integration-ready solutions include frames, cosmetic paneling, video processing and controls. Prysm www.signagemag.com/18487
HDMI HDBase-T Extender with IR, RS232 & Ethernet The XTENDEX® HDMI HDBase-T Extender transmits uncompressed digital HDMI signal, IR, RS232, and Ethernet up to 328 feet over a single CAT5e/6/7 cable using HDBase-T technology. Each video extender consists of a local unit that connects to an HDMI source and a remote unit that connects to an HDMI display. The ST-C6HDE-HDBT supports HDTV resolutions to 1080p and computer resolutions to 4096x2160. Only one power supply is necessary to power both the local and remote units. Network Technologies www.signagemag.com/18491
Hyper-Local Traffic Content Channel Screenfeed's Local Traffic Content Channel engages viewers with 3 different real-time graphics: Current Conditions, Traffic Forecast and Top Routes with Maps. Covering every metro area in the US and Canada, now any digital signage network can access this professional content via Media RSS, Direct URL, Flash, HTML or XML. Built intelligently to scale even across the largest of networks, this is "set-it-and-forget it" content ready for location-aware software and players. Screenfeed www.signagemag.com/18490
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55-inch Indoor Digital Signage ANOVO's newest indoor digital signage series uses the 1080P full HD screen and the product sizes range from 42 inches to 65 inches. Screens can be put in shopping malls, hospitals, banks, hotels and more. ANOVO provides standard products, as well as OEM/ODM services for various customers. AnovoTech www.signagemag.com/18489
Point-of-Sale iPad Dock with Multi-Language Capability Kokley’s Padloc™ POS Flip allows for multi-language capability at the point-of-sale. In retail, employees can scan items in one language, then flip the dock to display in another language to the customer. In QSR settings, customers select their items in one language and employees flip the dock to see another. Optional bar code scanner and credit card swipe are available as custom options to complete the system. Kokley www.signagemag.com/18492
DEALERS WELCOME!
Signage Solutions Products Smart Menu Board The BrightSign XD Smart Menu Board is a complete solution to get you up and running with your digital menu board, promotions board, drive through, or order confirmation and pickup notification systems. This turnkey package delivers dynamic and persuasive menu boards that will elevate your brand, improve sales, and enable easy menu updates using the free BrightSign App for iPhone and iPad. BrightSign www.signagemag.com/18493
Outdoor Sunlight Readable Monument Kiosk Comark's monument kiosk offers 47” High Definition LCD Displays (2000 NIT sunlight readable), single or double-sided touch screens, several CPU options, rugged enclosure and dual speakers. Camera, WiFi, backlit branding and other optional peripherals. Indoor kiosk with 450 NIT low bright display is also available. Comark www.signagemag.com/18496
Content Management Software CastNET is now shipping version 10.4 of its award winning Content Management Software for digital signage. CastNET is an industrialstrength software solution for creating, managing and scheduling content for digital signs in corporations, educational institutions, casinos and sporting venues. CastNET Version 10.4 includes enhancements to improve system performance and the User experience including userdefined hot buttons, support for message video previewing, auto-save options, faster message editing, and the ability to customize and brand the user interface. CastNET www.signagemag.com/18488
Digital Signage Player with CPU Cooling Black Box’s new VESA-mountable iCOMPEL™ Q Series player features a finned design with a heat sink integrated into the case itself, a design that enables CPU cooling and heat dissipation without the need for a noisy fan or ventilation holes in the case. With no fan drawing in air through holes, dirt and other contaminants cannot be circulated into its interior—making the player ideal for industrial signage and quick-service restaurants where airborne grease particulates can damage processor boards. Black Box www.signagemag.com/18494
Digital Signage Solution Bundles NEC’s eight Digital Signage Solution bundles provide everything needed to get your signage up and running smoothly. Each bundle includes a V or X Series commercial-grade display from 32” to 80”, complimentary NEC Content Management Software, a two-hour NEC Content Creation Services voucher, single board computer, wall mount kit and surge suppressor. Select models include LED backlighting and a premium industrialgrade panel.NEC Display Solutions www.signagemag.com/18495
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Collaborate. Communicate. Connect. Conference: June 8-14 | exhibits: June 12-14 Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, florida
RICH CONTENT is Driving Substantial Growth in DIGITAL SIGNAGE By Jeff Hastings
For those of us in the digital signage industry, we’re in the midst of our busiest time of the year. At this point we’re well-traveled— having hopped from ISE in Amsterdam to DSE in Las Vegas and now we find ourselves at InfoComm in Orlando. These events afford us the opportunity to speak extensively with customers, partners and fellow vendors, and from those discussions we’re gleaning some great insight about the months ahead. In general, there is a great deal of optimism and excitement about where our industry is headed. Even though the year isn’t yet half over, we’re seeing some interesting trends emerge trends that will be responsible for much of the growth we’ll see in the remainder of 2013 and beyond. To start with, we believe that the demand for rich content and interactivity will drive explosive growth the second half of this year. We’re seeing a proliferation of rich, compelling content developed in HTML5 and delivered in HD. 4K HD is on the horizon as well this new, ultra high resolution video format has twice the horizontal and vertical resolution of 1080p, with four times as many pixels overall. It can be delivered using a new codec called H.265 that provides a 50-percent bit rate reduction so file size remains manageable. The crux of all this, however, is that rich media like this requires powerful devices capable of hosting, managing and serving it up, and software capable of supporting the latest development tools. Additionally, the ubiquity of touchscreens is driving big growth in interactivity. This shift is a direct result of the proliferation of smartphones and tablets. People are comfortable with touch/swipe as a method of interaction with their devices, so it makes
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perfect sense that digital signage will begin to connect with people in the same manner. The market has produced substantial advancements in hardware devices are smaller, less expensive and more powerful than ever before. For example, there are XD players that are more than capable of handling today’s rich media, with the ability to scale as content continues to develop in the months and years ahead. And we’re reaching an inflection point where the richness of content is matched by the impressive capabilities of today’s hardware. While the shift to solid-state technology is becoming commonplace, installers and end-users must remember to choose carefully and be sure they are investing in the very best equipment. Solid-
state players have set a new standard for reliability, rendering those dreaded blue or black screens a distant memory, and now they are exceeding customers’ performance expectations at every turn. The common thread in all these trends is the co-dependence of hardware and software and this rings true now more than ever. We stand at the confluence of rich content and robust hardware, and what results is digital signage that’s nothing short of breathtaking. SSM Jeff Hastings is CEO of BrightSign and can be reached at jhastings@brightsign.biz
By The Way
Why Digital Signage Fails
By Lyle Bunn
An estimated 20 million displays are currently operating in North America’s corporate, ad-based and brand networks. Some areoutright failing, many are failing to build-out and grow to points of greater service and many could be delivering much higher value to those they intend to serve. Most problems are operational, but the seeds of failure and strife are sown in the planning stage. Plans that do not adequately contemplate communications impact and link value to investment is destined to be the runt of the digital signage project litter. Inadequate benefits planning and analytics fail to demonstrate (or predict) the return on investment or return on objectives. Without a reason, projects cannot “earn” required budgeting — given that funding must typically be found and re-directed from other seemingly equally worthy initiatives. When planning does not consider all aspects of future operations and engage stakeholders to validate approaches and
assumptions, breakdowns can, and typically do, occur. The resulting surprises in operating costs and the necessity for stop-gap and work-around approaches can place digital signage projects in the categories of nuisance or unsubstantiated investment. When additional expenses become a
Digital Signage Technology for Today’s Applications
surprise, with wariness or reevaluation being required, the end user can find it easily to shy away from the embarrassment of an inadequately planned and budgeted initiative. Dynamic signage projects require good organizational leadership skills that can take advantage of available capabilities and marshal the resources and organizational attention that the media requires. Answering key questions, dealing with multiple suppliers and sorting out the most cost effective approach demands time, attention and project talents. The underperformance of dynamic signage is most commonly based on poor content. Poor approaches to playloop, day-parting and audience message targeting significantly hobble project success. Insufficient message refreshment that results in content being outdated, stale or overexposed naturally results in viewers disregarding the displays. The quality of content both indicates and drives the life of the network. The medium needs animation and motion in message
May/June 2013
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Signage Solutions
By The Way
Plans that do not adequately contemplate communications impact and link value to investment is destined to be the runt of the digital signage project litter. composition to assure advantage of the medium. Presenting a loop of still images (i.e., Powerpoint-type slides) under-uses the technology infrastructure and ultimately will be considered uninteresting or not worthy of viewing. Ongoing operations mean that displays are operational, content is interesting and relevant and that the symbiosis of viewership and messaging is constantly improved. Network health also intends that
economies and efficiencies are constantly sought, within the context of increasing value to those who use the network. A monthly webinar series called “Network Operators Boot Camp” being provided by Digital Signage Federation, BUNN and several leading industry suppliers will focus on the ways that network operators can ensure their success. The year-long series will commence on June 19th. See DigitalSignageFederation. org for more details. SSM
Lyle Bunn is a highly regarded advisor and educator in North America’s dynamic signage and enterprise media industry, who has assisted hundreds of end users and suppliers. He has published more that 250 articles, whitepapers and most recently “how to” guides for dynamic signage use in food services, education and health services. He can be reached at Lyle@LyleBunn.com
Advertiser Index BLACK BOX www.blackbox.com ................................................................................................................................................. 28 CHIEF www.chiefmfg.com............................................................................................................................................................IFC CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH www.contemporaryresearch.com............................................................................................... 23 DEEL! MEDIA www.deelmedia.com ............................................................................................................................................. 35 GEFEN www.gefen.com/DS......................................................................................................................................................... 21 IAVI www.iavi.com........................................................................................................................................................................... 7 INFOCOMM www.infocommshow.org ......................................................................................................................................... 37 NANOLUMENS www.nanolumens.com........................................................................................................................................ 11 PREMIER MOUNTS www.premiermounts.com............................................................................................................................. 19 ROSE ELECTRONICS www.rose.com............................................................................................................................................ 3 SAMSUNG www.samsung.com/smartsignage............................................................................................................................ BC SENECA www.senecadata.com .................................................................................................................................................. 15 VIEWSTATION www.viewstation.com........................................................................................................................................... 17
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OUR THINKING IS INSIDE THE BOX. The embedded Samsung SMART Signage Platform creates more opportunities for your business. As an easily integrated, open-source platform, it helps eliminate external hardware, streamlining deployment and helping businesses save money. It’s powered by industry-leading professionals with just about everything your business needs to deliver dynamic content and create engaging customer experiences all embedded into the display. Only a leader can deliver that. See how this New Business Experience can open more doors for your business at samsung.com/smartsignage or InfoComm booth 3343. The Samsung products that power the New Business Experience.
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