DigitalSignageWeekly.com

2008 Flat Panel Digital Signage Conference

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:14:37 PST

DisplaySearch has unveiled the final line up of speakers for its upcoming 2008 Flat Panel Digital Signage Conference, called �The Future is Out-of-Home.� Presenters at the conference represent executives from a varied group of businesses who will present their views on the digital signage market and their visions for the next big market for flat panel displays � outside the home in public and commercial environments. The inaugural conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago on May 28.

ISF Training at TI/DLP

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:12:42 PST

Registration is still open for the ISF Commercial special Training and Certification Course, May 29-30 at the facilities of Texas Instruments/DLP in Plano, TX (a suburb of Dallas). ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) Commercial, under the direction of Alan Brawn, exists to establish standards and training to ensure that display devices are set up and calibrated for the best possible image quality throughout the life of an installation. Since being launched at InfoComm in 2007, the ISF Commercial program has seen rapid growth as commercial AV installers, including those working in the booming digital signage arena, have seen the value and need to differentiate themselves in the market and take their display expertise to the next level.

2008 LCD Backlight Report Released

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:10:54 PST

Insight Media has announced the release of the 2008 LCD Backlight Report: Including LCD-TV, Monitor & Notebook PC Displays - An Opportunity Analysis. The report reveals penetration expectations for alternative backlight technologies; with LEDs taking significant share from CCFLs by 2012. The 193-page report provides a detailed analysis of the technologies competing with CCFLs, and provides insights into on-going developments of other components in the Backlight Unit ("BLU") such as light guides, prism films, diffusers and multi-function films. Special emphasis is placed on the throughput analysis of various technologies, their costs - now and through 2012 - and penetration rates by application. The report contains 100 figures and 69 tables.

Audio for Signage at Paradise Forum

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:07:50 PST

The largest directive audio Sound Shower installation in the world can now be found in the Paradise Forum in Birmingham, UK. Panphonics and Nexus Digital Signs were brought in to provide a new and innovative digital signage system, linking the best in audio and visual technology. The idea was to introduce directive audio speakers by Panphonics together with a giant video wall made up of smaller screens by NEC to create a point where the signage would have highest visibility and recognition by the people passing through Paradise Forum on their way to the city center. The screens were placed above one of the Forum�s exits and a compilation of Sound Showers was elevated metres above the central hall where movement of people is greatest.

ISF Training May 29-30 at TI/DLP

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:16:21 PST

ISF Commercial will conduct a special Training and Certification Course May 29-30 at the facilities of Texas Instruments/DLP in Plano, TX (a suburb of Dallas). Registration is still open, but is filling up quickly.

ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) Commercial, under the direction of Alan Brawn, exists to establish standards and training to ensure that display devices are set up and calibrated for the best possible image quality throughout the life of an installation. Since being launched at InfoComm in 2007, the ISF Commercial program has seen rapid growth as commercial AV installers, including those working in the booming digital signage arena, have seen the value and need to differentiate themselves in the market and take their display expertise to the next level.

Scala, SEEN Media at Digital Signage Expo Germany

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:15:26 PST

Scala , a provider of end-to-end solutions for the digital signage market, has announced it will be exhibiting, in cooperation with Scala Certified Partner SEEN Media, at stand 11E.02 in Hall 1 during Digital Signage Expo, in Essen, Germany on May 6 - 8, 2008.

Digital Signage Expo is a truly pan-European digital signage trade show, and as such is set to be a meeting point for professionals from across the entire spectrum of industry sectors where customer communication matters.

Vivitek Taps Malik

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:14:42 PST

Vivitek Corporation has appointed Sam Malik as vice president of sales & marketing for the company’s projectors and digital signage business. In his new role Malik will be responsible for developing the Vivitek brand of products in the retail, distribution, and pro AV channels. Most recently Malik was Director of Sales & Marketing for the Toshiba Projector group in Irvine California.

For more information: 626-369-8420, www.vivitekcorp.com

Hall Research Switching Scaler

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:13:47 PST

Hall Research Technologies, Inc. – a manufacturer of video processing and distribution equipment – has developed a new product to consolidate installations with the TVB-400 Video to PC/HDTV Switching Scaler with Optional Audio.

The TVB-400 series can accept Component (SD and HD from 480p to 1080i), S-Video (NTSC or PAL), Composite (NTSC or PAL) and PC (RGBHV from VGA to UXGA) inputs and then both switch and scale the output to the desired resolution, while optionally switching the Audio from each of the inputs to the output. The unit has controls for input switching, output resolution, picture adjustment, aspect ratio, digital noise reduction, 3D enhancement and optionally the volume for each input. The unit can be controlled via the front panel controls, IR Remote or RS232 control software.

SF Bio AB Deploys SCALA-based Digital Signage Network

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:38:10 PST

SCALA – a provider of end-to-end digital signage software – has announced that SF Bio AB of Sweden has deployed the most modern digital signage network throughout its movie chain. For years SF Bio AB has been the leading theater chain in Sweden with 36 movie theatres and 242 “halls” across the country. SF Bio’s vision is to offer and continuously develop the best movie experience for their customers. To attain this goal, they are focusing on the overall experience including: picture quality, sound and food service delivery to cater to the 15 million movie visitors throughout the country. In 2006, SF Bio AB introduced a project in eight movie theatres in Stockholm, Jönköping and Göteborg to install a digital signage network combining screens for digital menuboards, dynamic movie posters, and for previewing film trailers. SF Bio turned to SCALA Certified Partner Zone Systems in Sweden to design and implement the SCALA-based digital signage network.

Rise Vision, Inc. Issues Spring ’08 RDN Release

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:35:04 PST

Rise Vision, Inc. – a provider of a web-based content management system for the control of digital signage networks – has issued the Spring ’08 Release of its Rise Display Network (RDN) service. Quarterly updates are one of the significant benefits of RDN, and are included in the subscription price. Because RDN is a web-based system, new versions of the software are automatically installed on display devices, ensuring that users benefit immediately. New features for this quarter’s upgrade focus on improving ease of use of file management, and adding support for LED ticker content management.

BroadSign Releases Suite 6.1 SaaS Solution

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:31:47 PST

BroadSign International, Inc. – a leading worldwide provider of ‘Software as a Service’ (SaaS) solutions for managing digital signage networks – has released the next version of the acclaimed BroadSign Suite, designed to further facilitate buying screen time on digital signage networks. The application also offers more flexibility in creating content playback schedules. Using BroadSign Suite 6.1, network operators can satisfy the most demanding advertisers by generating media buyer-friendly documents such as insertion orders, campaign progress reports and affidavits. BroadSign Suite 6.1 includes a range of new features requested by client networks, as well as other enhancements dictated by the fast-paced evolution of the digital out-of-home market.

VIAAV Introduces SIGNERA Online Templates, Modules

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:28:31 PST

VIAAV, LLC – a provider of digital signage content management solutions – has announced the release of SIGNERA. Developed from a constant demand of clients wanting to make their digital signs visually inviting and easier to manage, VIAAV created SIGNERA, a comprehensive web-administered digital sign application. SIGNERA delivers quick, effective and professional looking content with minimal software and IT support through its online model. The library of templates and modules address the marketing, HR and PR needs of many markets, including corporate environments, education, government, healthcare, hospitality, public spaces, and retail.

Bringing Research to Retail

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:27:57 PST

Economists define a recession as two consecutive quarters of negative growth of Gross Domestic Product. Before this officially occurs, it can sure feel like a recession. Like right now. Our economist friends won�t officially pronounce that the U.S. economy is in a recession for another couple of months. But putting lipstick on a pig does not alter the fact that it is a pig, or a recession. You might now inquire as to how we managed to find our way into this (or, as stated by two other noted economists in 1930 �this is another fine mess you have gotten me into,� MGM Films).

The next logical question is, of course, how deep and how long? At the Platt Retail Institute, we like going out on a limb, because economic forecasting is not our day job, and we can�t get fired if we are wrong. Hey, at least we take a position. In any case, our response is a very straight forward: not very deep and not very long. Here is why to both.

Industry Calendar 2008

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:13:00 PST

NAB
National Association of Broadcasters
April 11-17
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas Convention Center
www.nab.org

KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show
April 16-17
Las Vegas, NV
www.kioskcom.com

DisplaySearch Flat Panel Digital Signage Conference
May 28
Chicago, IL
Hyatt Regency Chicago
www.displaysearch.com

Digital Signage Technology Summit
(co-located with InfoComm 2008)
June 16 - 17 June
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas Hilton
www.strategyinstitute.com

InfoComm International 2008
June 18-20
Las Vegas Convention Center
www.infocomm.org

HITEC
June 16-99
Austin, TX
www.hitec.org

In-Store Marketing Institute StratConn (Strategic Connections)
"Custom Merchandising"
June 25-26, 2008
Chicago
contact Maureen Macke at 847-675-7400, ext. 127

Digital Signage Expo/East
September 17-18, 2008
Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania Convention Center
www.digitalsignageexpo.net

KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show
October 15-16
New York, NY
www.kioskcom.com

The In-Store Marketing Expo
November 13-14
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas Convention Center
www.instorexpo.com/expo

InfoComm-SCN A/V Awards-Digital Signage

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:26:05 PST

InfoComm International and NewBay Media have created the Systems Contractor News Product Installation Awards to recognize excellence in the integration of digital signage, as well as other audio/video, control, and networking products in the installation market, and online voting is now open at www.systemscontractor.com/finalists2008.shtml. Nominated products were chosen by a Blue-Ribbon panel of industry experts, and winners will be chosen by the readers of Systems Contractor News, with voting to end on April 30.

3M Touch Systems Showcases MicroTouch at KioskCom

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:23:28 PST

3M Touch Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of 3M and a manufacturer of touch technology, is showcasing its line of MicroTouch products April 16 � 17 at the 2008 KioskCom/Self-Service Expo (booth #312) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev. Featured products include MicroTouch Dispersive Signal Technology (DST) touch screens, MicroTouch CT 150 LCD enclosure monitors, and MicroTouch ClearTek II capacitive touch screens.

STRATACACHE Establishes Indian Branch

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:20:41 PST

STRATACACHE - provider of scalable, high-speed data delivery solutions for the digital cinema and digital signage industries - has announced the opening of an office in Mumbai, India. STRATACACHE has several ongoing digital cinema, digital signage, and content distribution projects in India and has established a local presence to support these initiatives and fulfill demand. STRATACACHE�s digital signage solution, ActiVia for Media, and STRATACACHE�s recently upgraded digital cinema distribution software, OmniCast for Digital Cinema, both address the growing digital media distribution market in this region. To spearhead these efforts, STRATACACHE has named Ramkumar Ramamurty as digital media business development manager for the region.

Minicom Completes Media Player Placement White Paper

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:13:15 PST

Minicom Advanced Systems � a manufacturer of distribution and extensions solutions for digital signage system networks � has completed a major white paper comparing the advantages and repercussions of different locations for media players in digital signage Last Mile applications. The paper is entitled "Cost Ramifications of Player Placement in Digital Signage Networks." While both media "player in back room" and "player at screen" topologies are popular choices for digital signage networks, there are significant differences between the two, which have major repercussions on Total Cost of Ownership.

Wireless Ronin Automotive Dealers Whitepaper

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:02:10 PST

Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc., a Minneapolis-based worldwide digital signage provider, has announced the release of a free whitepaper entitled �The Automotive Dealer�s Guide to Digital Signage.� Available online, the whitepaper helps automotive dealers and manufacturers gain a solid grasp on the digital signage industry.

Triveni Digital Technology MPH-Enabled Mobile DTV Demo

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:03:36 PST

Triveni Digital, a subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., has announced that at the 2008 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, its technology will be highlighted in MPH in-band mobile digital television (DTV) technology demonstrations hosted by Harris Corporation, LG Electronics, and Zenith. Showcasing during the NAB exhibition (Booth SU5605), April 14-17, Triveni Digital's SkyScraper point-to-multipoint content distribution system will support delivery of MPH-encoded content via a local Sinclair Broadcast Group television station to an MPH receiver traveling around Las Vegas in a stretch Hummer limousine.