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signage posts

Transparent "ViVid Screen" can be affixed to windows, cut into shapes

by Donald Melanson posted Mar 5th 2009 at 4:46PM


Screens that can be switched from a transparent to an opaque state aren't exactly anything new, but LinkEarth Corp looks to be a taking a somewhat novel approach with its new so-called ViVid Screen, which it says is particularly well suited for digital signage. As with similar screens, this one employs some electrodes that become transparent when a current is applied, but it also makes use of a new "sponge-like" polymer acrylic structure that prevents the liquid crystals from leaking out even if the screen is bent or cut. That, the company says, will let folks cut the screens to any shape they like, and affix them directly to windows, letting businesses project an image onto them at night and simply switch 'em to transparent during the day. At over $1,500 for a 40-inch model, however, the screens aren't exactly the cheapest option out there, though the company will do custom screens up to 80 inches if you really want to go all out.

Avocent's MPX1550 wireless HD video extender supports higher bit rates

by Darren Murph posted Nov 11th 2008 at 3:26PM


First came the Emerge MPX1000, and this March, we were treated to the altogether upgraded MPX1500. Now, Avocent has introduced the (sort of) predictably titled successor, the MPX1550. This unit looks almost identical to the iteration that came out in March, though it does posses a new antenna on the front and now supports 802.11n for even snappier wireless HD transfers. Aimed at professionals needing to distribute high-def material onto digital signage displays, the box also supports bit rates as high as 110Mbps (compared to 20Mbps in the past), which pretty much guarantees that your up-to-1080i content looks as sharp as ever to prospective customers. 'Course, such a commercial device touts a commercial price tag too -- unless you consider $1,145 within most consumers' reach, that is.

[Thanks, Mufasa]

Avocent offers up Emerge MPX1500 wireless HDMI extender

by Darren Murph posted Mar 11th 2008 at 1:41PM


It's been a tick since we've heard a noticeable peep from Avocent, but the firm has recently unveiled the true successor to its Emerge MPX1000. The aptly-named MPX1500 is still a high-definition multipoint extender at its core, but rather than relying on swappable output modules, this unit packs a single DVI-D output and uses adapters to output HDMI, component, S-Video, VGA and composite. Additionally, this newer iteration comes in a much smaller enclosure and offers VGA resolutions up to 1,360 x 768 (while HDMI / DVI still goes to 1080i). Reportedly, users can still expect to see signals transmitted sans wires up to 150 feet through walls, and if interested, can pick one up as we speak for $995.

Samsung's 82-inch SyncMaster 820DXn sports a built-in computer

by Darren Murph posted Feb 27th 2008 at 12:51PM


There's displays made for digital signage, and then there's Samsung's SyncMaster 820DXn. Put simply, there's no commercial screen we'd rather have sitting in our living room, and while we doubt many would go for it, the specs here are pretty impressive. Outside of the expansive 82-inch 1,920 x 1,080 resolution S-PVA panel, you'll find 178-degree viewing angles, a 5,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, "ultra-high" brightness levels, eight-millisecond response time and the firm's own DNIe PRO image enhancement technology. It also includes built-in fans for extended usage along with an integrated PC consisting of an 1.8GHz Athlon64 X2 3400+ CPU, 4GB of flash storage, 512MB of DDR2 RAM, an ATI graphics set and Windows XP to boot. Granted, this thing was designed with luring customers in mind, and given the lofty $76,999 price tag, we don't expect it to do much else.

NEC reveals commercial grade 65-inch LCD6520 LCD

by Darren Murph posted Dec 9th 2007 at 4:49AM


As if the 40- and 46-inch 20 series LCDs weren't impressive enough, NEC is expanding its lineup of commercial grade sets by unveiling a 65-inch behemoth. The MultiSync LCD6520 unsurprisingly checks in as the outfit's largest LCD to date, and it's also embedded with NEC's own Digital Signage Technology Suite (DSTS), which "includes more than 20 features and functions developed specifically for digital signage." Specs wise, you'll find a 1,920 x 1,080 (Full HD) resolution panel, a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, six-millisecond response time and a built-in "expansion slot" that can accept third-party gear such as a CAT5 receiver, single board computer, HD-SDI, or DVI loop-thru for a daisy chain setup. There's also inputs for HDMI, S-Video and composite, optional 15-watt speakers (available in 2008) and an optional digital tuner for the landscape model. Of course, we doubt you'll be buying one of these bad boys without writing it off as a business expense, as the $18,499.99 (LCD6520L-AV) and $19,999.99 (LCD6520P-AV) price tags will essentially shoo off the casual fans.

Crestron intros DVPHD-PRO HD digital video processor

by Darren Murph posted Jul 13th 2007 at 3:33PM


Just in case you were waiting for something a bit more sophisticated to drive that LCD4620, Crestron's DVPHD-PRO should make complex ads a whole lot more attractive. The self-proclaimed "advanced multi-window digital video processor and touchpanel interface" enables up to eight simultaneous video windows to be outputted onto a single HD display, as users can utilize four DVI inputs and four BNC arrangements (shown after the jump) to create an on-screen graphical montage. Moreover, the unit can handle both NTSC and PAL signals, is HDCP compliant, and boasts Crestron's 24-bit Isys graphics engine, which enables the creation of high-resolution images / backgrounds, dynamic text, and full-motion animations. Notably, the RS-232 and USB ports allow the box to be controlled via an external touchscreen monitor or whiteboard, and while pricing details aren't listed, we can't envision this bad boy coming without a serious premium.

Continue reading Crestron intros DVPHD-PRO HD digital video processor

ChyTV's HD 100 enables 1080p digital signage

by Darren Murph posted Jul 5th 2007 at 11:01AM


If you've been holding back on procuring that LCD4620, ChyTV's HD 100 just might be the accessory that pushes you over the edge. The latest in the firm's lineup of video graphics information display systems, this particular iteration steps it way up by enabling real-time 3D text and graphics to be outputted in stunning 1080p for all your potential customers to see. Sporting DVI and VGA outs, this system touts dynamic graphics, an integrated MPEG player, page scheduling, and all the other tools you'd expect to flash your wares to passerbyers. Unfortunately, it looks like you'll be forced to personally inquire about pricing options, but tempting citizens with beautiful high-definition footage could very well prove invaluable.

NEC's 20 series LCDs: perfect for digital signage

by Darren Murph posted Jun 15th 2007 at 9:34PM


NEC's latest LCD displays have more business on a video-wall demonstration than in your living room, but who said having a tile matrix of displays in your game lounge was a bad idea? The 20 series commercial LCD lineup consists of a 40-inch MultiSync LCD4020 and 46-inch LCD4620, both of which feature NEC's newfangled CV12 pixel technology. Hailed as the first displays to pack chevron-shaped pixels into a large-format LCD, it also delivers twice the contrast of traditional PVA panels, increases brightness and viewing angles, and minimizes off-angle color shift. Each touts a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,200:1 contrast ratio, ten-millisecond response time, and uber-thin bezels that come in "five times thinner" than current competitors. Don't count on these niche LCDs to come cheap, though, as you'll be laying down around $4,400 for the little guy and upwards of $6,300 for the 46-incher.




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