August 30, 2011
Kiosks planned on KU campus to offer information; software includes ability to recognize types of people viewing ads
New kiosks planned for various Kansas University on-campus locations will offer interactive campus maps, event calendars and games for students and visitors.
The kiosks will also offer advertising space, and will employ software to provide demographic information to advertisers through a visual feed.
The KU Memorial Unions, a non-profit organization that is financially separate from the university that operates the KU unions and dining facilities, has a contract with Lawrence-based Axon Displays for a one-year pilot program to operate the kiosks.
The software can’t recognize individual people, said Bob Terry, president of Axon Displays, LLC, who also owns Star Signs, 801 E. Ninth St. The company isn’t keeping any images generated from the program.
“It doesn’t infringe on anybody’s identity or ability to be anonymous in any way,” Terry said.
The software does, he said, sort users into one of four demographic categories — an adult male, an adult female, a child or a senior citizen. The kiosks can keep track of that information and provide advertisers with information on the kinds of people who are looking at their ads, Terry said.
The company has installed similar kiosks in Newton that feature community information, Terry said, but KU is the first university to try the product.
Mike Reid, director of marketing, said that the unions would receive 20 percent of all the advertising revenue generated from the kiosks. Three kiosks are planned for the Kansas Union, two for the Underground dining facility at Wescoe Hall and one for a as-yet undetermined location, possibly inside a library, he said.
Advertising revenue will pay for their installation, which is set to occur in the next few weeks, he said.
Reid said he hoped that the more than six-feet-tall kiosks will serve as a place for students to obtain information. They will provide content from University Relations’ news feeds and social media accounts, he said. Terry said the kiosks may also feature games.
The unions did place a few restrictions on the kinds of advertising that could be used in the kiosks, according to the terms of the contract setting up the program.
Axon Displays will sell the advertising, but can’t feature some kinds of ads, including ones for alcohol, tobacco, unlawful substances or any ads that compete with Coca-Cola, the exclusive beverage provider for the KU campus. Also forbidden are ads for bookstores, other institutions of higher learning, firearms, sexual aids, condoms or other sexually related products.
May 16, 2011
Pepsi's 'Social Vending' Machine Features 'Gifting' Function
PURCHASE, NY -- New from PepsiCo is the Social Vending System, a networked vending machine with large "full-touch" screen designed to enable consumers to connect with Pepsi brands (and one another) at the point of purchase. It made its debut in prototype at the National Automatic Merchandising Association's 2011 OneShow in Chicago
Novel features of the system include provisions for a patron to "gift" a friend by selecting a beverage, then entering the recipient's name, mobile phone number and a personal text message – and, if desired, a short video recorded at the machine. Standard text message rates apply for the "gifting" function.
The gift is delivered with a system code and instructions for redeeming it at any PepsiCo social vender. The recipient may thank the original sender by dispatching a gift in return, or "pay it forward" by presenting a beverage to someone else.
The machines are equipped for remote monitoring, giving operators the ability to manage inventory levels and schedule deliveries remotely. Digital content also can be updated online, allowing easy changing of messages and media content.
"Our vision is to use innovative technology to empower consumers and create new ways for them to engage with our brands, their social networks and each other at the point of purchase," said Mikel Durham, chief innovation officer at PepsiCo Foodservice. "Social vending extends our consumers' social networks beyond the confines of their own devices and transforms a static, transaction-oriented experience into something fun and exciting they'll want to return to, again and again."
Social vending also makes it possible to perform a "Random Act of Refreshment" by purchasing a drink for a stranger through any other Social Vending System. For example, a consumer could send a message of encouragement to someone in a city smitten by challenging weather, or a congratulatory beverage to a student whose college or university has just won a championship.
The Social Vending System was conceived by PepsiCo's newly formed Equipment Innovation group, whose task is to apply emerging technologies to the delivery of relevant brand experiences for consumers through equipment. The design and user interface were created in collaboration with Milwaukee, WI-based DCI Marketing and Protagonist of Venice, CA.
"Our approach to technology innovation is driven by what we know consumers want," explained PepsiCo vice-president of equipment innovation Christine Sisler. "We're working with some of the best minds in the business to develop equipment that provides customization, personalization and choice."
PepsiCo explained that it sees large, prestigious accounts like colleges, universities and malls as offering a good fit for social vending. Further development of the platform is ongoing; a limited consumer test is underway now, and PepsiCo plans to test the concept with key strategic partners later this year.
The company reports that it respects its customers' privacy: email addresses and phone numbers are not stored unless expressly permitted by a user. PepsiCo does not share contact information with any other partners.
January 17, 2011
Royal Caribbean innovates with kiosks, digital signage
The newest ship in the Royal Caribbean International cruise line fleet, the Allure of the Seas, integrates self-service, digital signage and other technologies to provide a high-tech customer experience.
Video: Royal Caribbean innovates with kiosks, digital signage | DigitalSignageToday.com
The 16-deck ship with nearly 3,000 staterooms offers pervasive Wi-Fi access, with more than 900 Internet access points; self-service customer kiosks that allow voyagers to access their accounts and check-in for their flights home; and award-winning, digital-signage wayfinding stations.
"One of the things that we really wanted to do was to innovate new technologies that will make the guest experience better," RCI senior vice president of hotel operations Lisa Bauer said in the video embedded below.
Video: Royal Caribbean innovates with kiosks, digital signage | DigitalSignageToday.com
October 18, 2010
Technology - largest HD 3D TV
Samsung showing the C8000 Full HD 3D TV, which with a 65 inch all LED screen is the largest TV to support full high definition and 3D rendering.
Samsung shows largest HD 3D TV at GITEX - GITEX 2010 - ITP.net
The TV includes Samsung HyperReal Engine, a proprietary 3D processor and Precision Dimming Technology for for improved black point accuracy and motion clarity.
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The set, which is only 23.9mm thick, also include AllShare to wireless stream content from PCs and mobile devices to the TV, and Internet@TV, which allows access to downloadable online content, music widgets and apps like Yahoo!, Facebook and Twitter. The C8000 is also compatible with EnergyStar 4.0 guidelines.
"The C8000's 65" screen rivals the best the silver screen has to offer with an immersive Full HD 3D viewing experience at home. The sheer size of the LED screen makes even the most minute details come to life in glorious colour and depth, creating an unmatched 3D phenomenon," said Justin Shaw, general manager, TV division at Samsung Gulf Electronics.
RELATED: SONY LAUNCHES 3D BRAVIA
Sony has launched its new range of 3D HDTVs, the Bravia HX800, NX815/710 and LX900 series, in the Middle East.
The new Bravia line up are available in 40-inch, 46-inch, 52-inch, 55-inch and 60-inch screen sizes, all with full HD and 3D compatibility, with high frame rates of 200Hz (100Hz in Bravia NX710) and Active Shutter glass technology to create realistic depth and vivid 3D pictures.
In addition, the Advanced Motionflow 200Hz PRO technology and Image Blur Reduction technologies in the Bravia HX800, NX815 and LX900 deliver four times more image frames than conventional 50Hz TVs for ultra-smooth and realistic movie action, through the use of innovative backlight blinking to bring a real cinematic experience into the living room.
All models include Wi-Fi connection to access content from the internet, without the need for a PC, utilizing the XrossMediaBar (XMB) TV menu to browse content. The range also includes Eco Settings including an energy saving switch and edge-lit LED backlight technology that help reduce power consumption, while a light sensor adjusts the picture's brightness to the light available, lowering power consumption even under dimly lit conditions.
The Bravia LX900 series also includes an Intelligent Presence Sensor with face detection, which will automatically turn off the TV if it detects a face too close to the screen, to prevent children from sitting to close to the TV; along with a Picture Off Mode which switches off the screen when the TV cannot detect faces within a certain range and adjusts the TV's viewing-position control and left and right sound balance, to suit the viewer's position.
Osamu Miura, managing director, Sony Gulf FZE, said: "The new Bravia 3D LED TVs offer a window into Sony's immersive 3D-world ambience. They hold the key to the most exciting home entertainment experience we have ever created. Given that Sony is a pioneer in the technology that is used to generate original 3D content worldwide, our Bravia 3D LED TV is a must-have innovation for every consumer to take home."
August 31, 2010
Interactive Digital Signage from Elo TouchSystems
New large format interactive digital signage touchscreens introduced by Elo TouchSystems. 32 up to 46 inch with APR. Edge to edge supporting touch + optional computer modules. Nice.
TYCO ELECTRONICS INTRODUCES THE ELO TOUCHSYSTEMS
INTERACTIVE DIGITAL SIGNAGE SOLUTION
– New Family of Ruggedized, Stylized, Large Format Touch Displays Deliver the Power of
Interactive Information, Consumer Engagement and Content Measurement –
Seattle, WA – May 24, 2010 – Elo TouchSystems, a Tyco Electronics business, today launched at SID
2010 a new line of Interactive Digital Signage (IDS) touch systems designed to drive significant
opportunities for digital display applications and development. The new IDS portfolio – which combines
precision acoustic pulse recognition touch screen technology with commercial-grade, large format LCD
panels – offers System Integrators, Value-Added Resellers and Software Developers a high-performance
solution for the interactive enablement of large-scale digital displays in high-traffic environments.
Interactivity that Works
The new Elo TouchSystems IDS portfolio offers the digital signage market a unique industry solution: the
only display system to incorporate zero-bezel, edge-to-edge glass touch-screen technology into large-
format, ruggedized panels specifically built for commercial environments. The responsive Elo
TouchSystems acoustic pulse recognition (APR) touch technology – which promises consistent, resilient
touch functionality – is housed in a highly durable, aluminum chassis to ensure reliable interactivity and
performance in almost any public-access location. Optional computer modules further optimize media
bandwidth and interactivity for the delivery of highly engaging and measurable consumer content.
“Our new IDS portfolio offers the digital signage market something it hasn’t seen before: large-format,
exceptionally durable display screens specifically designed for interactive touch applications,” said Mark
Mendenhall, vice president Tyco Electronics and general manager Elo TouchSystems. “Elo considers
touch functionality the next wave of consumer engagement and targeted out-of-home messaging – and
we believe that our IDS portfolio will significantly drive this evolution in the digital signage market by
accelerating our channel partners’ adoption and competitive advantage.”
High-Grade Components
The new Elo TouchSystems IDS family features three sizes of zero-bezel Digital Signage-rated displays (vs.
panels designed for home environments) measuring 32- to 46-inches. The portfolio incorporates advanced
panel technologies including Samsung Electronics’ LCD Digital Information Display (DID) technology to
provide a scratch resilient, aluminum frame encased solution able to withstand constant interactivity in high-
traffic, public-access venues. Elo TouchSystems APR technology recognizes touch on virtually the entire
screen surface, offering full-screen interface navigation regardless of how the screen is touched (finger,
prosthetics, stylus or pen) and a highly efficient display canvas for almost any commercial application.
“As today’s businesses and consumers become more and more accustomed to touch interfaces on their
mobile devices it becomes clear that the integration of touch will create an entirely new class of large-
scale, out-of-home digital signage for retail environments,” said Scott Birnbaum, vice president, Samsung
LCD Business. “Elo TouchSystems’ robust interactive IDS solution – combined with Samsung’s bright,
high-contrast DID panel technology – should be a real game-changer for the digital signage industry.”
Elo TouchSystems IDS also features optional high performance computer modules ideally suited for
interactive media delivery and measurement. These optional computer modules run either an Intel
Celeron Dual Core or Core 2 Duo processor, and slide into a dedicated bay behind the touch display.
The system is interoperable with content management servers and Web-based consoles for seamless
connection with the Internet and applications such as multimedia sharing and electronic point-of-sale.
The computer modules can support optimal partitioning of locally cached and network stored content,
allowing developers to monitor and deploy content via device-to-device or Web connections.
The seamless edge-to-edge glass design of the new Elo TouchSystems IDS family facilitates dust and
contaminant resistance as well as easy care and cleaning. Power and monitor control functions can be
locked-out to prevent tampering and speakers are built-in with audio expansion capabilities.
Elo TouchSystems will showcase its new Interactive Digital Systems, along with other touch technology
innovations, in Booth #1207 at the Society for Information Display (SID) 2010 Display Week at the
Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, WA May 23 – 28th.
Find more information online visit:
• Tyco Electronics Website
• Elo TouchSystems Website
• Elo TouchSystems Interactive Digital Systems Product Page(s)
• Follow Elo TouchSystems on Twitter @EloTouch
Technorati Tags: Elo TouchSystems, services, digital media, digital sign, digital content, DMS, creative
services, touchscreen
ABOUT TYCO ELECTRONICS
Tyco Electronics Ltd. is a leading global provider of engineered electronic components, network
solutions, specialty products and undersea telecommunication systems, with fiscal 2009 sales of
US$10.3 billion to customers in more than 150 countries. We design, manufacture and market products
for customers in a broad array of industries including automotive; data communication systems and
consumer electronics; telecommunications; aerospace, defense and marine; medical; energy; and
lighting. With approximately 7,000 engineers and worldwide manufacturing, sales and customer service
capabilities, Tyco Electronics' commitment is our customers' advantage. More information on Tyco
Electronics can be found at http://www.tycoelectronics.com/.
ABOUT ELO TOUCHSYSTEMS
Tyco Electronics’ Elo TouchSystems is the global leading brand in touch technology. The Elo
TouchSystems portfolio encompasses the largest selection of touchscreen technologies, touchmonitors,
and all-in-one touchcomputers for the demanding requirements of diverse applications, such as
industrial, medical, POS, kiosks, retail, hospitality, transportation, office automation and gaming. Elo
founders invented the touchscreen over 35 years ago. Since then, Elo touchscreens have delivered one
common, powerful result - advanced computer technology simplified for all users. For more information
on Elo products and services, please contact 800-ELO-TOUCH (800-356-8682), or view Elo products
website at www.elotouch.com or direct electronic mail inquiries to [email protected].
.
Elo TouchSystems, Tyco Electronics and TE (logo) are trademarks of the Tyco Electronics group of
companies and its licensors. All other products and company names referred to herein may be
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.
###
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Public Relations:
Jennifer Shanks
408-286-9899
[email protected]
Marketing Communications:
Gary Sadamori
(650)361-4669
[email protected]
Interactive Digital Signage from Elo TouchSystems
New large format interactive digital signage touchscreens introduced by Elo TouchSystems. 32 up to 46 inch with APR. Edge to edge supporting touch + optional computer modules. Nice.
TYCO ELECTRONICS INTRODUCES THE ELO TOUCHSYSTEMS
INTERACTIVE DIGITAL SIGNAGE SOLUTION
– New Family of Ruggedized, Stylized, Large Format Touch Displays Deliver the Power of
Interactive Information, Consumer Engagement and Content Measurement –
Seattle, WA – May 24, 2010 – Elo TouchSystems, a Tyco Electronics business, today launched at SID
2010 a new line of Interactive Digital Signage (IDS) touch systems designed to drive significant
opportunities for digital display applications and development. The new IDS portfolio – which combines
precision acoustic pulse recognition touch screen technology with commercial-grade, large format LCD
panels – offers System Integrators, Value-Added Resellers and Software Developers a high-performance
solution for the interactive enablement of large-scale digital displays in high-traffic environments.
Interactivity that Works
The new Elo TouchSystems IDS portfolio offers the digital signage market a unique industry solution: the
only display system to incorporate zero-bezel, edge-to-edge glass touch-screen technology into large-
format, ruggedized panels specifically built for commercial environments. The responsive Elo
TouchSystems acoustic pulse recognition (APR) touch technology – which promises consistent, resilient
touch functionality – is housed in a highly durable, aluminum chassis to ensure reliable interactivity and
performance in almost any public-access location. Optional computer modules further optimize media
bandwidth and interactivity for the delivery of highly engaging and measurable consumer content.
“Our new IDS portfolio offers the digital signage market something it hasn’t seen before: large-format,
exceptionally durable display screens specifically designed for interactive touch applications,” said Mark
Mendenhall, vice president Tyco Electronics and general manager Elo TouchSystems. “Elo considers
touch functionality the next wave of consumer engagement and targeted out-of-home messaging – and
we believe that our IDS portfolio will significantly drive this evolution in the digital signage market by
accelerating our channel partners’ adoption and competitive advantage.”
High-Grade Components
The new Elo TouchSystems IDS family features three sizes of zero-bezel Digital Signage-rated displays (vs.
panels designed for home environments) measuring 32- to 46-inches. The portfolio incorporates advanced
panel technologies including Samsung Electronics’ LCD Digital Information Display (DID) technology to
provide a scratch resilient, aluminum frame encased solution able to withstand constant interactivity in high-
traffic, public-access venues. Elo TouchSystems APR technology recognizes touch on virtually the entire
screen surface, offering full-screen interface navigation regardless of how the screen is touched (finger,
prosthetics, stylus or pen) and a highly efficient display canvas for almost any commercial application.
“As today’s businesses and consumers become more and more accustomed to touch interfaces on their
mobile devices it becomes clear that the integration of touch will create an entirely new class of large-
scale, out-of-home digital signage for retail environments,” said Scott Birnbaum, vice president, Samsung
LCD Business. “Elo TouchSystems’ robust interactive IDS solution – combined with Samsung’s bright,
high-contrast DID panel technology – should be a real game-changer for the digital signage industry.”
Elo TouchSystems IDS also features optional high performance computer modules ideally suited for
interactive media delivery and measurement. These optional computer modules run either an Intel
Celeron Dual Core or Core 2 Duo processor, and slide into a dedicated bay behind the touch display.
The system is interoperable with content management servers and Web-based consoles for seamless
connection with the Internet and applications such as multimedia sharing and electronic point-of-sale.
The computer modules can support optimal partitioning of locally cached and network stored content,
allowing developers to monitor and deploy content via device-to-device or Web connections.
The seamless edge-to-edge glass design of the new Elo TouchSystems IDS family facilitates dust and
contaminant resistance as well as easy care and cleaning. Power and monitor control functions can be
locked-out to prevent tampering and speakers are built-in with audio expansion capabilities.
Elo TouchSystems will showcase its new Interactive Digital Systems, along with other touch technology
innovations, in Booth #1207 at the Society for Information Display (SID) 2010 Display Week at the
Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, WA May 23 – 28th.
Find more information online visit:
• Tyco Electronics Website
• Elo TouchSystems Website
• Elo TouchSystems Interactive Digital Systems Product Page(s)
• Follow Elo TouchSystems on Twitter @EloTouch
Technorati Tags: Elo TouchSystems, services, digital media, digital sign, digital content, DMS, creative
services, touchscreen
ABOUT TYCO ELECTRONICS
Tyco Electronics Ltd. is a leading global provider of engineered electronic components, network
solutions, specialty products and undersea telecommunication systems, with fiscal 2009 sales of
US$10.3 billion to customers in more than 150 countries. We design, manufacture and market products
for customers in a broad array of industries including automotive; data communication systems and
consumer electronics; telecommunications; aerospace, defense and marine; medical; energy; and
lighting. With approximately 7,000 engineers and worldwide manufacturing, sales and customer service
capabilities, Tyco Electronics' commitment is our customers' advantage. More information on Tyco
Electronics can be found at http://www.tycoelectronics.com/.
ABOUT ELO TOUCHSYSTEMS
Tyco Electronics’ Elo TouchSystems is the global leading brand in touch technology. The Elo
TouchSystems portfolio encompasses the largest selection of touchscreen technologies, touchmonitors,
and all-in-one touchcomputers for the demanding requirements of diverse applications, such as
industrial, medical, POS, kiosks, retail, hospitality, transportation, office automation and gaming. Elo
founders invented the touchscreen over 35 years ago. Since then, Elo touchscreens have delivered one
common, powerful result - advanced computer technology simplified for all users. For more information
on Elo products and services, please contact 800-ELO-TOUCH (800-356-8682), or view Elo products
website at www.elotouch.com or direct electronic mail inquiries to [email protected].
.
Elo TouchSystems, Tyco Electronics and TE (logo) are trademarks of the Tyco Electronics group of
companies and its licensors. All other products and company names referred to herein may be
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.
###
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Public Relations:
Jennifer Shanks
408-286-9899
[email protected]
Marketing Communications:
Gary Sadamori
(650)361-4669
[email protected]
August 06, 2010
Opinion - I Can See Clearly Now 10-4 on my 1080 LCD TV
Latest opinion piece on 1080i and value proposition.
Is it my imagination or is 1080 over-rated? It seems like we have to victims of techspeak and extend our money on demand for the latest and greatest. I remember when 1024 x 768 first arrived with a stunning 256 colors in my old PC. I had Diamond Stealth 64 with 1MB (yes, megabyte) and it introduced me to 24-bit color.
Now we have 1080i and 2560x1600 single link or dual link. I have 720p and a 1080p televisions and I can't tell the difference even though I am using native HDTV over the air. CNET put it this way.
We've done numerous side-by-side tests between two same-size HDTVs, one with 1080p resolution and another with lower resolution, and every time it's been almost impossible to see the difference with regular program material, especially when that material is moving. The difference becomes even more difficult to see at smaller screen sizes or farther seating distances--say, more than 1.5 times the diagonal measurement of the screen
The client wants to know if we are going to run in 1080. I ask how much content do we have that is high quality. I ask how far away is the audience sitting. How big is that LCD anyway?
For example, to see the benefits of stationary 1080p content on a 50-inch screen, you'll generally need to sit about 6.5 feet or closer. Few viewers want to sit that close, especially when low-quality content seen at that distance (remember the "garbage" maxim?) looks so bad.
February 17, 2010
Digital Signage - New Digital Signage Federation
Digital signage is undergoing a lot of growth and today there was interesting news development as the association wars heat up. This is the non-profit versus the not-for-profit and at stake is thought leadership.
Broad Thinking. Narrowcasting.: The Genie Leaves the Bottle, Now the Fun Begins
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Genie Leaves the Bottle, Now the Fun Begins
Well, our digital signage world just got a lot more interesting with today's announcement from Exponation, owners of the Digital Signage Expo conference. Exponation has created and provided initial funding for a 501-c non-profit industry association to be called the Digital Signage Federation (DSF). This raises the stakes on the discussion that has gone on here and in other places, including the Digital Signage Association (DSA) web site, regarding the future of industry leadership. By making the announcement, and by taking several very affirmative steps, Exponation has clearly outmaneuvered the DSA and filled a void that has been around the industry for years. If and how DSA responds will be interesting. If and how Exponation walks the walk will be of equal interest. And of course, the end game itself is still an unknown.
Within an hour of DSF coming to light via Twitter and DailyDOOH, I was asked by several people if I was somehow a part of forming the new association. I wasn't sure how to feel about that question, but to be clear, I was not. While it is flattering to think that previous posts are perceived to have played some role in the announcement, I suspect that wheels were turning well before those were published. Exponation has taken a number of steps that indicate a high level of planning. They appear to have already created the non-profit entity. They have a rudimentary web site up and running. They have an experienced association executive, John Johnson, already on board as a consultant and interim Executive Director. They have thought through membership categories and programming. They have created an ambitious agenda even before they begin. And most cleverly of all, they have timed the announcement one week before every potential member descends upon Las vegas at their captive conference, the DSE. Recent efforts to expand the nature of the DSE web site as an industry news portal are also signs that a plan has been in place for some time.
DSF has also assured itself of many members by creating member rates for DSE conferences, exhibit space and sponsorships that will very likely make the decision to join and pay dues an economically wise one for any company that attends or exhibits at DSE. I have asked Exponation directly what the financial relationship between Exponation/DSE and DSF will be going forward. Specifically, will revenue from Exponation events flow to DSF, and if so, on what basis? I received an email in return promising all answers at the show. Since I am a blogger and not a journalist, I don't feel the need to wait for an answer. We have a comment section for that. In my opinion, it will be vital to understand the exact nature of the relationship between Exponation and DSF beyond the very generous donation of seed funding to kick the process off. But let's not be naive here. One can not doubt Exponation's intent in terms of advancing the industry: it is in their best interest to have a vibrant, healthy non-profit association in place. To have it in their initial control also assures DSE's place at the vortex of conference activity. How quickly, clearly and effectively DSF becomes truly independent will dictate its survival and effectiveness. I trust that the founders have learned lessons from DSA.
The opportunity for Exponation to take this strategic and altruistic action was created by NetWorld Alliance's slowness to convert DSA to a 501c, which was no doubt partly due to their pay-to-play Board's inertia. Nature and business abhor a vacuum. DSA's planned meeting in Las Vegas next week will have a certain sense of urgency now, and you can bet the cell phones are melting down well in advance. They have options to consider. Here are a few:
1. Proceed and battle: DSA can proceed with the process of becoming a 501c and reorganizing as a non-profit group. That will precipitate a battle for the hearts, minds and checkbooks of members and potential members alike. DSF will have tremendous momentum from their recruiting efforts at their show next week. Some entities will happily join both organizations. Others will simply choose one, or neither. DSA would almost certainly have to go on bended knee to JDEvents to make a deal to have their conferences become official DSA events, given that DSE will not be a choice. Won't that be an interesting conversation?
2. Capitulate and partner: DSA can go to Exponation and negotiate a deal to smoke the peace pipe and merge the organizations, effectively short-cutting the route to non-profit status, dissolving the DSA Board, reorganizing, and starting over together. That has merits, if Exponation is open to the discussion.
3. Press on with the status quo: DSA can choose to remain a part of NetWorld Alliance, and refocus its activities and agendas to exist in co-opetition with DSF. Their connection to SSKA could give them staying power as is. But the genie is out of the bottle now: most people want an independent voice leading the industry. This choice is not likely to succeed or retain digital signage members.
It is hard to say where this will end, and there are a number of entities that will be heard from before this is over. For starters, how about InfoComm, JDEvents, Platt Retail Institute, Strategy Institute, POPAI, and OVAB? Each has some combination of assets, constituents, members, resources and events that influence our industry. It will be very interesting to see where all the chips fall. This is a good sign of our industry being here to stay. It will all get figured out, and we will press ahead with important business. See you in Las Vegas.
September 29, 2009
Digital Signage and Hospital Wait Times
Novel use of digital signage is electronic billboard in Florida which updates every 30 minutes the average wait time in the Emergency Room. Picture.
Get ER wait times in advance
Receive local emergency room wait times via text, Internet and on a billboard
Largo Medical Center, St. Petersburg General Hospital and Northside Hospital and Tampa Bay Heart Institute’s Emergency Room wait times are now live and up on a billboard.
Largo Medical Center, St. Petersburg General Hospital and Northside Hospital and Tampa Bay Heart Institute’s Emergency Room wait times are now live and up on a billboard.
This new billboard is located near the intersection of Starkey and Ulmerton Roads in Largo featuring the wait times of all three hospitals. This is Pinellas County’s first electronic Live ER wait time billboard.
This ER wait time billboard will be updated electronically approximately every 30 minutes, using an average from the previous four hours.
Largo Medical Center, St. Petersburg General Hospital and Northside Hospital and Tampa Bay Heart Institute’s ERs consistently rank below the national wait time average of one hour.
In March 2009, the three hospitals kicked off a very successful ER wait time initiative by posting the information on their Web sites at www.largomedical.com, www.stpetegeneral.com and at www.northsidehospital.com.
At the same time a text messaging campaign was launched. A person can also receive these wait times via text. Just text ER to 23000 and you will be prompted to enter your zip code. You will immediately receive the wait times of the three closest HCA hospital ERs.
In addition to superior ER wait times, these hospitals house accredited Chest Pain and Stroke Centers.
Largo Medical Center, St. Petersburg General Hospital and Northside Hospital and Tampa Bay Heart Institute are affiliates of HCA West Florida.
Article published on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009
July 28, 2009
DT Research Deploys Digital Signage at Beijing International Airport
DT Research announces win for digital signage at Beijing airport. The display LCDs are 82" and 108".
read article at Thinclient.org
June 04, 2009
Outdoor Digital Signage Directory Kiosk Installation
An outdoor digital signage directory kiosk has been installed in the heart of Buffalo, MN, giving people more reasons to walk in the downtown retail area. The 7-foot tall, polished metal cabinet has two changeable, full-color LCD screens and two art panels that can be seen from a block away
Buffalo, MN (PRWEB) June 4, 2009 -- People will have more reasons to walk in downtown Buffalo, MN starting this week - and they are celebrating the exciting addition to downtown sidewalks on June 4.
The New Sidewalk LCD Kiosk in Buffalo, MN
The new Directory Kiosk will help attract and inform people about retail services and products within a short walk of the center of downtown as well as the citywide events. A new pedestrian amenity will be added to the heart of the downtown retail area just in time for Buffalo Days June 7-14. Downtown sidewalks will feature a state-of- the-art outdoor digital signage kiosk with changeable information panels controlled from City Hall. Walking connections to and from the kiosk corner at 1st Avenue and Division Street will be strengthened by the visual energy and information content featured by this new pedestrian amenity.
A public celebration of the Buffalo directory kiosk installation will be held June 4 at 4:30 pm at the corner of 1st Avenue and Division Street. Buffalo Mayor Fred Naaktgebronen and Buffalo Housing and Redevelopment Authority Chair Judie Rose will be speaking.
"The Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Buffalo continues to reinvest in the city's infrastructure and the redevelopment of beautiful downtown Buffalo. The directory kiosk is yet another helpful addition for shoppers, downtown worker and visitors," says Mayor Naatktgebronen.
The 7-foot tall, polished metal cabinet has two changeable, full-color LCD screens and two art panels that can be seen from a block away. Based on the guidance of consultant Peter Bruce of Pedestrian Studies, the Buffalo Housing and Redevelopment Authority contracted Minneapolis digital signage provider AlivePromo, Inc. for the kiosk design, content and fabrication as part of the downtown street scape improvement project which will be completed this summer.
After the celebration, as day turns into night, downtown visitors, diners, and shoppers can see the illuminated screens from a block away in four directions. Once at the corner, they can interact with a store directory, be guided to downtown destinations and check the daily weather forecast before they walk to Buffalo Lake nearby.
The kiosk screens will be operated from City Hall. Information such as store names and locations, public events and civic promotions will be updated immediately using AlivePromo's patent-pending AlivePulse™ content management software. Shoppers and visitors will be informed visually about downtown business and parking locations, city events, and daily weather forecasts. Store locations will be keyed to a large map on the changeable screens.
Two sides of the 4-sided kiosk will have static, back-lit, colored panels showing natural, historical, retail and other subjects. These panels can be easily replaced and updated.
As the contractor for the project, AlivePromo spearheaded the production of the kiosk, including fixture design and fabrication, creative design and programming, and installation. AlivePromo created a colorful rendering of a Buffalo map, and visitors will notice the water of Buffalo Lake moving with animated effects. Weather and other information are also included to provide quick at-a-glance information as citizens go about their day.
"The City of Buffalo has done a great job of implementing a vision of renewed vitality within the downtown area. The digital kiosk helps anchor the effort with functionality and a bit of excitement", explains Sam Rogers, CEO of AlivePromo, Inc. "After a while, and as more information is added, the kiosk will become a tool for those that work and play downtown."
About Consultant Peter Bruce of Pedestrian Studies
Consultant Peter Bruce of Pedestrian Studies worked with the city to determine the kiosk location, design and information features that would strengthen the walking connections through the downtown retail area. Pedestrian Studies has served public planners, downtown managers and business owners around the country for 18 years conducting pedestrian counts, pedestrian activity audits and implementing pedestrian amenities such as the Buffalo Directory Kiosk. More information is available at www.pedestrianstudies.com.
"Downtown Buffalo is already a very friendly place for pedestrian-oriented shopping, dining and entertainment", according to consultant Peter Bruce of Pedestrian Studies. "The new Directory Kiosk will help attract and inform people about retail services and products within a short walk of the center of downtown as well as the citywide events."
About AlivePromo
AlivePromo, Inc., located in Minneapolis, is a provider of digital signage solutions, including LCD building directory and menu board signage, interactive kiosks, retail and government digital signage, and more. Committed to end-to-end service, AlivePromo provides equipment, web-based and desktop content management applications, creative and programming, fixture design, installation, maintenance, marketing analysis, consulting and more. More information about AlivePromo can be found at www.alivepromo.com.
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May 13, 2009
Advertising kiosks fail to deliver projected revenue for city's coffers
Cleveland case study on 165 kiosks intended to fund themselves (and the city) via ad dollars. Several negative factors have combined to prevent the kiosks from hitting those numbers but also when advertising like this will prove a viable business model. [picture included]
A unique outdoor advertising program that Cleveland leaders hoped would pour millions of dollars into downtown and neighborhood development is on pace to fall far short of expectations set a decade ago.
The arrangement with Omni Media, a private company that in 1999 won rights to install 9-foot-high display kiosks on street corners in exchange for sharing ad revenues, did not deliver one dime to the city until 2006.
Since then, royalties have averaged $63,000 a year, or about half of what Omni executives said the city could receive after the kiosks' first year.
If Cleveland ever is to collect the more than $3 million in riches originally projected, the city's annual share of ad sales for the 165 kiosks must hover around $180,000 between now and 2023, when the deal ends. One of the program's early cheerleaders is not optimistic.
"I think a lot of people overestimated the revenues," said City Councilman Joe Cimperman, whose ward includes downtown, where roughly half the kiosks are located.
A major reason for the slimmer-than-projected returns is that Omni's contract has allowed the company to deduct certain expenses, including the up-front design and production costs, from the royalties owed. Omni also erected 30 fewer kiosks than originally pledged. Making matters gloomier is the recession, which executives blame for a 13 percent dip in royalties this year.
Even so, Cimperman and others do not consider the partnership with Omni a disappointment. The city has not spent any money on the deal. And in addition to displaying the paid ads, the lighted, three-sided kiosks feature maps of surrounding neighborhoods and tourist attractions.
"In terms of the product . . . it's exactly what we hoped for," said Robert Brown, a longtime city administrator who today serves as Mayor Frank Jackson's planning director.
"We are accomplishing something the city was once considering paying for," Brown added.
Cleveland signed a pact with Omni Media in 1999 that called for the company to pay the city a 10 percent royalty on all gross revenue generated by curbside kiosks. But the agreement also allowed Omni to deduct certain expenses, such as start-up costs and debt. The city expected to make millions of dollars over 25 years but did not receive anything until 2006. Here is a breakdown of payments, with amounts based on ad revenue from previous years.
2006 $37,136
2007 $72,841
2008 $76,158
2009 $66,560
Michael R. White was mayor in the 1990s, as new sports venues and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum sprouted downtown. City officials desired wayfinding tools to help tourists and suburban visitors. But most plans would have required taxpayers to foot the bill.
The Omni deal, modeled after one in Montreal, allowed Cleveland to be the first U.S. city to use curbside kiosks. White championed the program and, as Cimperman recalled, led a "full-court press" to get the legislation approved by the council.
White did not respond to a request to comment for this story.
The mayor and the council set up the deal so that the royalties would benefit the city's Storefront Renovation Program, which assists retail property owners throughout the city.
Under terms of the contract, Omni was to pay the city a 10 percent royalty on all gross revenues generated by the kiosks. Another clause guaranteed the city an additional 35 percent of any gross exceeding $1 million, beginning in the fourth year after installation of the 70th kiosk.
It took Omni two years to build and install the first kiosks. The company's first full year of sales was not until 2002, said Sandra Gallucci, Omni's sales manager and head of development.
For the next three years, Gallucci said, Cleveland's cut of the proceeds was canceled out for three reasons: Uncollected debt; money deducted to design and produce maps; and revenues lost because of kiosks being displaced by construction.
In addition, Omni and the city amended the contract to allow for fewer kiosks.
Brown said the up-front costs of maps and signs alone accounted for about $175,000 -- more than the city was entitled to under terms of the royalty agreement.
Omni determines royalties based on the previous year's numbers. The city caught up in 2006, when the storefront program received $37,136. The amount jumped to $72,841 in 2007.
But the six-figure paydays once considered a starting point have yet to be achieved.
"The idea of ad revenue on the sidewalk, I don't know that it was ever fully vetted in a town like Cleveland," said Cimperman, who remains a strong supporter of the partnership.
Recession threatens to keep royalties down, at least in the short term.
"It's an industrywide challenge, but we've tightened our belts like most small businesses in town and will rebound," Gallucci wrote in an e-mailed response to questions.
"Regarding royalty projections, we're proud to have paid the city more than a quarter million dollars in just our first four years of payments," she added.
Brown stressed that the Omni deal has been good for the city, which with a new convention center and medical merchandise mart on the horizon hopes for more downtown tourists.
But were the company's royalty projections unreachably high?
"I really can't comment," Brown said, "other than to say the facts speak for themselves."
September 07, 2008
Digital signage software resource
Discovered this cool digital media signage application that is done in Flex.
http://mediasignage.com
Digital Signage delivers a new medium for direct communication with your captive audience.
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Use external tools to customize your content before submitting
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June 18, 2008
Real Life - digital signage in China
 One of our roving reporters was recently in China on vacation and took photos of these units. Each unit has three 42" plasma screens and the units extend down the street for over 2 miles (yep!). Shenzhen. More pictures |
