Making Collaboration Easy is one Smooth Move

It’s a popular buzz word in the Pro AV Industry.  More and more manufacturers are introducing products that enable users to collaborate wirelessly via a single piece of hardware or software-based solution. Many of these solutions are focused on sharing from multiple screens to one master display or from one display to many devices in this BYOD world we live in.  The industry-leading Sharp AQUOS BOARD ® offers both.

ImageCollaboration.  Defined as to work, one with another towards shared goals.

It’s a popular buzz word in the Pro AV Industry.  More and more manufacturers are introducing products that enable users to collaborate wirelessly via a single piece of hardware or software-based solution.  Many of these solutions are focused on sharing from multiple screens to one master display or from one display to many devices in this BYOD world we live in.  The industry-leading Sharp AQUOS BOARD ® offers both.


If you’re looking for more interactive presentations, lively discussions and paperless meetings in both business and education settings, take a look at Sharp’s PN-C series Interactive Display Systems.  Available in 60” and 70” screen sizes, these entry-level models come equipped with Touch Sharp Display Connect software, which allows onscreen content, including handwritten notes and drawings, to be viewed on mobile devices such as PCs, tablets and smartphones. SHARP Display Connect also enables file transfers, interactive onscreen writing and drawing and remote control of the interactive display from mobile devices.  Flexible and cost-effective, the PN-C Series displays provide a platform to boost collaboration (there’s that word!) and enhance the impact of lessons, meetings and presentations.

According to Urban Dictionary, a smooth operator is someone who can handle multiple situations in a fashion that can only be described as awesme, or spectacular…  It goes on to say a smooth operator is someone who tends to be ‘on top of things’ and is usually in control of any given situation.

If you’re looking for the Smooth Operator of AQOUS BOARDS, do yourself a favor and check out the Sharp PN-LW Series, also available in 60 and 70” screens.  With built-in wireless connePN-L Seriesctivity, information can be presented on the AQUOS BOARD interactive display directly from users’ devices – without the need to pre-load files or data.  The 2×2 split screen feature creates a virtual video wall of presentation data, seriously driving (guess what?) collaboration.  As data is not stored during the wireless connection, confidential information cannot be leaked, so information is secure (one less thing to worry about).  And, with up to ten touch points, allowing four users to annotate on-screen at the same time, the power of teamwork has been amplified.

Consider Sharp AQUOS BOARDS and start collaborating.

When Dreams Become Reality

One of my favorite things to design has always been video walls. I love the flexibility they offer. I’ve “worked” on a variety of projects: A basic 2×2 with a single input source, a multi-sized display wall that was shaped to mimic the LA skyline, to a 90+ unit monstrosity with hundreds of input sources. (Notice that “worked” is in quotes) Working for an audio visual equipment supplier, I’ve had the opportunity to partner with various integrators, but have rarely had the opportunity to get my hands dirty. Coming from a background in construction, I always loved the feeling of building something and felt a bit jealous of the installers who got to see the end result first-hand. Sure, living vicariously through shared images is marginally enjoyable, but it’s tough to fully appreciate the work or satisfaction that comes from creating something on your own.

Recently that changed. During Almo’s booth setup at Infocomm, I was finally able to get a little more of the installation experience, and I was in for a rude awakening. The design was put together by Brian Rhatigan, another BDM with Almo, but it was up to me to bring it to life. I was actually excited. In the past, I’d helped on a few basic walls for trade shows, but they’ve always been relatively straight forward, with few or no surprises. Not this one. This one was in the shape of a pinwheel, and I really had no idea where to start. We had sketched out a basic design, with a few measurements based on the mount we were using (Peerless DS-VWM770). The measurements were based on a spec sheet, since the mount was recently released, and I had never even seen it before.   I was still excited….but now with a hint of trepidation. I didn’t think it would be too big of a problem with all the adjustment knobs, etc. that come on the mount.   I figured I’d knock it out in a couple of hours, tops. WRONG!  Even with all of the adjustability, the entire project took the better part of a day to complete…for 4 measly displays.

It goes to show that no matter how good products are (this mount was awesome for this project), there is no replacement for experience. The good thing is, I came away with a better appreciation of what an installer can go through…and more than ready to get back behind my desk where I belong.

Five Technologies I Bet You Never Knew Were in Epson Projectors

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E-TORL Lamp Technology: EpsonMost Epson projectors utilize this lamp technology which is exclusive to Epson and offers two key benefits. E-TORL lamps by design minimize both light defraction and light leakage which provides up to 50% longer lamp life than its competitors.   To make this even more compelling, E-TORL replacement lamps typically cost up to $150 less than competing replacement lamps lowering the total cost of ownership during the life of the projector.

 

Monitor & Control: Organizations are always looking for ways to save money and to conserve on energy.   Additionally, facilities managers are looking for ways to streamline maintenance of assets.   Easy MP Monitor software included with Epson projectors allows you to connect to your projectors over your existing network to monitor and control them remotely removing the need to walk to each room to check their status or turn them off at the end of the day.   You can also remotely view the status of each projector like power status, temperature and lamp hours.

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Message Broadcasting: While this can be useful for many applications, this is probably most important in educational institutions where emergency broadcasting has become more necessary over time.   This feature allows you to send real-time messages and announcements to Epson projectors that are connected to the network.

 

Quick Connect Wireless: Screen Shot 2016-07-05 at 1.38.13 PMThis feature allows you to use the built-in wireless capability of your computer to present wirelessly to a compatible Epson projector.   The Epson Quick Connect Wireless USB key connects to your computer’s USB cable and can allow for multiple users in a room to be able to switch between presenters without having to switch cables.

USB Plug ‘n Play & PC-Free Presentations: Depending upon the model of Epson projector, many have the option of connecting your computer via a standard USB cable to have your presentation instantly projected without having to fuss with presentation settings on your PC.   Additionally, several models allow you to present directly from a USB stick simply by plugging it into the projector removing the need for the PC altogether.

The Great Outdoors (Part I): 5 Questions to Getting Outdoor Digital Signage Right the First Time

Gone are the days of just one flavor of outdoor displays… Samsung has totally revamped its outdoor lineup to include a wide variety of sizes ranging from 24” up to 75” and with an impressive range of brightness levels from 200 nits* to 3,000 nits to meet practically any outdoor application you may be up against.

The first thing you want to learn more about when a client comes to you with an outdoor application is anything and everything you can find out about the location where the unit(s) are planned and what the client is trying to accomplish by implementing outdoor digital signage.

Here are 5 questions that are a great starting point to getting outdoor digital signage right the first time:  06.16 pic02 

  • WHO is the audience?
    Patrons, employees, students, children (theme park), etc.?
  • WHAT is the application and purpose of the display/digital signage? What size did you have in mind and what kind of content will be displayed?
    Theme park/corporate or college campus, etc.?
    Will it be used to draw attention to an attraction, communicate helpful information to reduce wait times/perceived customer satisfaction, advertise promotions/events to drive sales, etc.?
    Will content be full motion video, still images, slide-show like content, GIF, TIF formats, etc.?
  • WHERE will the unit(s) specifically be located within the facility/property/campus/park, etc.?
    Will it be positioned under an overhang, or directly out in the elements (rain, snow, direct sunlight, high/low outdoor temperatures)? Will the display be within reach of audience/viewers at ground level or mounted higher and totally out of reach?
  • WHEN will the unit be used?
    What hours/schedule will the display need to run each day; Will 24/7 be required?
  • HOW does the client plan to update content?
    Will a network (Cat5) cable be available at the installation location? Would they like to update content via USB thumb drive, network or over Wi-Fi, etc.?

Believe it or not, if you take the time to ask the right questions early on, you’ll be leaps and bounds ahead of most of your competitors and at the end of the day, your client will appreciate you taking the time to understand their goals for implementing digital signage and their viewpoint will change from thinking you’re just a vendor who’s quoting some outdoor units to what the great firms strive to become, a valued partner fully engaged with their clients.

Stay tuned for The Great Outdoors (Part II) where we’ll dive into some of the new unique features Samsung has engineered as part of their expanded outdoor digital signage lineup and how Samsung can help solve digital signage problems common to outdoor applications.  Give us a call with your application questions today!

3 Important Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right LED Sign

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There are many factors that go into choosing the correct LED sign, but a few important attributes are commonly ignored. Below are three commonly overlooked factors that should be considered when deciding on a sign manufacturer.

1) Operating Cost

Capital expenditure, or initial investment cost, is typically the first and the most influential factor that most decision makers consider. What many overlook or only give a passing consideration is the ongoing expense of the sign. The larger the sign, the more important this factor becomes over the life of the sign. Knowing that you’re installing an energy efficient sign can save you tens of thousands in operating expenses down the road.

2) Ease of Use / Management

Signs that require proprietary software, or require the purchase of third-party software can add frustration for the end user, a large learning curve, as well as push up the total cost of the project. ADTI offers the flexibility of using their included content management system, SkyShow, or any signage solution that can utilize their standard HDMI input on the SkyPanel system.

3) Ease of Installation

This is a factor that is commonly skipped over, and almost never is considered by the end user. Since it ultimately affects the bottom line, as well as the timeline of the project, I think it’s an attribute that deserves consideration. If the installation requires special structural changes because of the weight, fabrication to enclose the sign for weatherproofing, or modification to allow for extra depth, the money you saved on the lower cost hardware shrinks considerably, or is completely wiped out.

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The difficulty of measuring the increase in quality in comparison to the increase in cost, can cause endless hours of agonizing research, and can freeze the final decision. Many are drawn in by the low cost LED panels they’ve seen coming out of China, and end user’s tend to lean towards the frugal choice for the initial capital expenditure and ignore the ongoing operating expense of running an LED sign; which can be an expensive mistake. With ADTI, you don’t have to make that compromise. The combination of affordable initial cost, American made quality, IP67 weatherproofing, and incredibly low power consumption, makes for a visually stunning, “no compromise” solution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large Format Displays as Window Signage – Is There a Difference?

NEC LCD High Brightness Displays

A couple of months ago, I spoke with one of our Arizona integrators about a window digital signage project for a large retail jewelry store. As we discussed the project, I asked for specifics as to display size dimensions and quickly moved to content, media player, and signal distribution scheme.  The spec seemed relatively straightforward and a bill of materials would be easy to create.

But as I reviewed drawings and artist renderings, I quickly asked myself:

  • What direction do the windows face? Southwest exposure?
  • Coverings shading the windows?
  • Portrait or landscape orientation?
  • City ordinances on night time brightness?

The answers to the above questions quickly convinced me that I was actually dealing with a high ambient light specification than that of a typical within-the-building digital signage project. Additionally, this window project calls for commercial grade, 24/7 displays (for use well into the night after closing hours) that must have the following design attributes:

  • Higher brightness rating than that of a typical indoor display to ensure crystal clear visibility during the daytime
  • Resistant to the effects of high temperatures and direct sunlight that cause an isotropic blackening effect on liquid crystal
  • Advanced heat management to provide proper cooling given high temperatures and extensive operational hours
  • Polarizing film on the displays so as to be seen by polarized sunglasses in either portrait or landscape orientation
  • Ambient light sensors to dim displays in low sunlight or nighttime

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So, as you can easily surmise, we’re now talking about specially designed displays for this project. NEC, for example, manufactures 47”, 55”, and 75” high brightness displays designed for front-facing window display applications.  The XHB Series of displays addresses the above needs with:

  • High brightness (2000-2700 nits) for high ambient light conditions
  • High resistance to isotropic effects from direct sunlight
  • Quarter Lambda Polarizing film so content can be easily seen regardless of orientation or polarized sunglasses
  • Internal heat management and self-diagnostics to insure reliable 24/7 operation
  • Ambient light sensors to dim the panel for lower light and nighttime conditions

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Bottom line—front-facing window signage demands are different from indoor or outdoor models. Be sure to know the application when an end user mentions windows in a digital signage application.  Yes, these panels are an investment, but if you can’t see the displays, why have the signage?

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