Volume 4, Issue 7 — July 17, 2012

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Microsoft Acquires Perceptive Pixel

By Matt Brennesholtz
Insight Media

At the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) in Toronto on July 9th, Microsoft Corporation’s CEO Steve Ballmer announced in his keynote speech the company would purchase privately held Perceptive Pixel Inc. (PPI). Perceptive Pixel makes multi-touch displays for collaborative applications, including its flagship product an 82-inch unit. The company also sells 27- and 55-inch multi-touch displays. The complete transcript of the Keynote Speech can be found here.

“We are incredibly excited to be working together on our mutual passion to build technologies that enable people to collaborate and communicate,” Perceptive Pixel founder Jeff Han said. “By joining Microsoft, we will be able to take advantage of the tremendous momentum of the Microsoft Office Division, tightly interoperate with its products, and deliver this technology to a very broad set of customers.”

The 82-inch unit, which currently sells for about $80,000, is said to be the largest projected capacitive display on the market and was introduced at SIGGRAPH 2011 (See Sept. 2011 issue of Large Display Report). An improved version using Corning Gorilla Glass for the sensor was demonstrated at CES 2012 (Feb. 2012 Large Display Report). The unit is true multi-touch with an unlimited number of touches and the ability to deal with mixed finger and stylus touches.

Why is Microsoft interested in a display company? The short answer is Windows 8 – the new Microsoft operating system which has multi-touch capabilities built into the software. Windows 8 will (i.e., is scheduled to) go to the computer manufacturers in August and is expected to be released to the public at the end of October.

Perceptive Pixel was founded in 2006 by Jeff Han and shipped its first multi-touch workstation and large wall solutions in early 2007. Large displays from Perceptive Pixel first came to the public’s attention in 2008 when CNN used an 85-inch unit in its election coverage.  According to the New York Times, “The screen looked a little like an iPad as reimagined by Lex Luthor, Superman’s archenemy.”  This is the sort of application Microsoft wants to encourage among its media, business and military customers. And, of course, if they want to do this easily, they will need to upgrade to Windows 8, where these multi-touch capabilities are built in to the operating system, rather than custom add-ons such as CNN used.

This is not a consumer-oriented acquisition, it is strictly B2B as emphasized by the fact that Perceptive Pixel will become part of Microsoft’s Office Division.

“The acquisition of PPI allows us to draw on our complementary strengths, and we’re excited to accelerate this market evolution,” said Kurt DelBene, president, Office Division for Microsoft. “PPI’s large touch displays, when combined with hardware from our OEMs, will become powerful Windows 8-based PCs and open new possibilities for productivity and collaboration.”

Perceptive Pixel’s partial customer list is a Who’s Who list of defense, national laboratories, broadcasters and oil companies, among others. At $80K per display, it isn’t surprising that the list is mostly well heeled, high-end users. Presumably, Microsoft is targeting an expansion of the market to many additional government agencies and businesses. Higher volumes will drive prices down, which will drive still higher volumes. Good for Microsoft, Windows 8 and Perceptive Pixel.

While terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, Jeff Han will remain in charge of Microsoft’s Perceptive Pixel operation. So this deal was probably pretty good for Han, as well.

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Getting Social with Employees: What Does that Mean?

By Frank Kenna
President and CEO, The Marlin Company

The following is reprinted with permission from the Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA). For more information, go to http://www.digitalscreenmedia.org.

Those of us in the digital signage (DS) world know the terms social-mobile-local. They represent a trilogy of supposedly critical factors to think about when considering implementation of DS systems. They are all terms that can mean different things to different people, so over my next few blogs I’ll take a look at what they mean within the workplace sector of the digital signage world, starting with social.

Those referring to social are mostly referring to a strategy using social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. With about 900 million and 125 million users respectively, the number of social interactions they generate, as well as the corresponding monetization potential, is incredible. But does any of this really apply to workplace communications? Not so much just yet.  

First of all, less than 50 percent of the U.S. population owns a smartphone according to the Yankee Group.  And even though 90 percent of companies permit use of personally owned devices now, or are moving in that direction, the majority won’t allow them on the company’s network.

So attempting to reach all of your employees through social just won’t work at this point, at least using tools like Facebook and Twitter.  Sure, you can reach some of them, but that’s not what most companies need to do — they need to reach all or most of them. But there is a place for social in the workplace nonetheless.

At this point we see many of our customers using social as a second-level layer of communications. For example, an HR manager may post a notice about a new corporate initiative with the summary outline, and then include a QR code that employees can scan for more details. An employee can then email the data to fellow employees who may not have smartphones yet. Or the HR manager might post a weekly work schedule and allow employees to download it, also by scanning a QR code. Again, the employee can then share this data. While only some employees are able to do these scans, it stills helps get the detail information “out there,” while also creating more employee engagement at the DS location.

These are techniques that managers are using to get their information circulating among employees and going viral if possible. We’re still in the very early stages of managers using social for distributing workplace communications, but the early attempts are interesting, fun and engaging.

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Customer-Facing Technologies: Enabling a New Generation of Pinpoint Marketing

By Jochim Pinhammer
Senior Retail Technology Analyst, PlanetRetail

Consumers are more versatile than ever, better informed and often acting less than loyal to brands. They want to buy at the best price and expect excellent service from retailers. Traditional mass marketing is losing impact in a world in which customers are confronted with thousands of advertising messages daily. Newly empowered customers have nearly unlimited access to information on products and prices through the Internet and mobile devices. And they use this information, even if they continue to shop in brick-and-mortar stores.

Retailers will continue to invest in technologies that allow them to reach their customers more individually and efficiently across all channels. These customer-facing technologies comprise online and mobile applications, as well as in-store solutions, such as kiosk systems, electronic shelf labels or digital merchandising equipment.

Retailers Will Invest in Digital Merchandising

Use of digital media for advertising and information purposes has become extremely popular in public spaces and customer areas, such as malls, restaurants, banks, petrol stations and retail stores. In some cases, digital media were installed simply to create a specific ambience in a store or a mall. The use of this technology is showing significant growth rates inside as well as outside of the retail space. In the world of retail, digital merchandising solutions so far mostly support promotions or new product introductions, provide more detailed product information, or help to create an atmosphere that engages customers and enhances the shopping experience.

Many retailers are still experimenting, trialing different options of implementation and business cases. The most common business model is based on selling advertising space and time to suppliers of consumer goods brands or other third parties, which allows the system to practically pay for itself.

Tesco shut down its network of 5,000 screens across 100 stores five years after launching it.

A Look at Tesco’s Failed Digital In-Store System

Tesco, one of the pioneers of in-store TV, began using screens in its stores in 2004. Five years later, Tesco shut down the network of 5,000 screens across 100 stores because the equipment was “outdated and energy inefficient.” But instead of another green initiative, this decision was more likely a general problem of the in-store advertisement market in Europe and the U.K. In truth, Tesco TV wasn’t living up to its expectations and always had a lack of advertisers. Even Tesco’s famous in-house consultancy and data analyzer, Dunnhumby, which tried a turnaround with taking over responsibility for Tesco TV in August 2007, failed with a new concept.

The end of Tesco’s network changed the way the retail industry discussed digital in-store media. Other major European retailers were also complaining about not enough investments of brand manufacturers into digital in-store advertisement. For Tesco, advertising sales didn’t even cover the expenses of the network.

How Walmart Set Benchmarks With its Smart Network

In September 2008, U.S. retail behemoth Wal-Mart presented a revised in-store media concept to agencies and marketers. The Wal-Mart Smart Network was the result of two years and U.S. $10 million in research and development used to identify the optimal locations, applications and programming for reaching the millions of consumers who visit the retailer's stores each week. Wal-Mart completed the chain-wide deployment in early 2010.

Wal-Mart is the first retailer in the U.S. that has rolled out a next generation of in-store media that is supported by a flexible, open enterprise platform powered by Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) technology that allows the retailer to monitor and control more than 27,000 screens in more than 2,700 stores across the country.

One pillar of the Smart concept is the so-called Triple Play. In a first step, a welcome screen greets shoppers entering the store. Department screens, mounted only a few steps away from the products show content related to the category. Finally, smaller end-cap screens at each aisle provide customers with the final piece of information needed to make a buying decision.



All of the content on the Wal-Mart Smart Network is customized and designed to deliver product information to consumers at the point of decision, when and where they need it. The network deploys response measurement and message optimization technologies to enable delivery of the most relevant content to shoppers — by store, by screen, by day and by time-of-day.

Rewe Group commissioned T-Systems to deploy a digital merchandising network to 480 German supermarkets.

Europe Follows Suit

So far, European retailers have been less successful in deploying a similar business model. Some retailers may not be big enough to attract enough advertisements from the manufacturers. More importantly, FMCG manufacturers in Europe have been slow to recognize digital in-store media as a relevant marketing platform. This is changing, as powerful retailers began initiatives and started negotiating this topic with suppliers.

For obvious reasons, most retailers prefer a business model in which the digital signage platform is paid from advertising revenues. Nevertheless, some smaller independent retailers have been investing in this technology without securing income from third parties. They are looking to differentiate themselves from competitors using screens to enhance their own brand image and their customers’ shopping experience.

Digital merchandising screens enhance the shopping atmosphere at an Edeka store in Aachen, Germany.

In conclusion, a large number of trials and different types of implementations can be observed in the European market. In many cases, retailers are deploying a mixture of promotions, product information, image- or ambience-creating content, supplemented with news and weather forecasts or local information and advertising. Production and compilation of content is expensive and in most cases outsourced to specialized service providers. Some of these agencies have been developing specialized content related to local markets or specific segments. These offerings are also enabling small and independent retailers to participate in the trend.

Images via Planet Retail Ltd.

Copyright © Platt Retail Institute 2012 and reprinted with permission. All rights reserved. See the entire PRI Resource Library at www.plattretailinstitute.org/library.
 

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Philips MMD Launches New DS Display

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Sony Intros High-End DS Display

The new 55" FWD-S55H2 is Sony's new flagship digital signage display — a native 1080p that's spec'd with a brightness of 1000 cd/m2 (twice the light output of the company's B-Series) and uses a commercial-grade LED backlit LCD panel. Inputs include a network port, HDMI video ports, a DVI-D input port, a VGA port and an option slot for connecting HD SDI or a media player. In addition, the FWD-S55H2 includes an Eco-mode that reduces power consumption up to 55 percent (when used in low-light environments). Control is via RS232 or the network. And, of course, like with all Sony DS displays, it can be mounted portrait or landscape mode.

One unique feature of this monitor is that it includes a DICOM Gamma simulation mode that provides settings making the display useful as a reference display in non-diagnostic medical applications.

All the specs are here: http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/product-FWDS55H2/

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ViewSonic Adds New Touch-Enabled Digital Signage Displays

At InfoComm, ViewSonic Corp. introduced a new family of large format, touch-enabled commercial displays — the CDP4235T, CDP4635T and CDP6530T.

These three interactive commercial displays are available in 42”, 46” and 65” sizes and feature finger or stylist optical touch capabilities. ViewSonic’s new interactive displays feature four-point touch on the 42” and 46” models and dual touch on the 65” display. All models feature Intel’s Open Plugable Specification (OPS) slot for easy media player integration, in addition to the traditional HDMI, DVI, VGA, YPbPr, S video CVBS inputs. They also offer 1920x1080p panel resolution with up to 500 nits of brightness (450 nits on CDP4235T; 400 nits on CDP4635T), a 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio (4,000:1 static contrast on CDP4235T and CDP4635T) and 8ms response time.

Paired with features such as remote and front panel lockout, built-in PIP (picture in picture), AC power plug for added media player support, internal scheduling functionality, an RS232 loop through for automated control, and two integrated speakers, these commercial displays are ideal for 24/7 applications. These models also function in portrait or landscape orientations, with a tilt feature for ideal viewing in any environment.

These displays will be available in late July 2012 with MSRPs of $1,799, $1,999 and $6,599 for the 42” CDP4235T, 46” CDP4635T and 65” CDP6530T, respectively.

ViewSonic also previewed a new 42" slim-line ePoster that will expand its lineup of HD digital signboard displays. At just 3.5” wide, this model features the same capabilities as ViewSonic’s larger ePoster offerings including a built-in media player and HDMI and VGA connections. It is expected to be available in late summer.

ViewSonic is also showed at InfoComm a new 32” transparent, touch-capable (dual point) display that will be available late this summer.

For more information on ViewSonic's digital signage products, click here: http://www.viewsonic.com/products/digital-signage/

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JVC Intros 24/7 Digital Signage Displays

JVC Professional Products Company announced at InfoComm its new ProVérité Series of LCD monitors for 24/7 digital signage applications.

The two monitors in the series, the 47-inch PS-470W and the 42-inch PS-420W both offer 1080p resolution and a 178-degree viewing angle. Designed for horizontal or vertical installation, the Energy Star-compliant ProVérité monitors have standard VESA FDMI mounts, as well as carrying handles for transport. An on-board power outlet can be used for a digital media player or powered speaker.

Video connectivity includes an HDMI port that supports CEC and HDCP, plus a DVI port and RGB analog input. Two built-in RS-232C ports allow a daisy chain connection of several displays for remote monitor management through a single PC. Other features include an auto input signal detect with selectable priority, screen saver to prevent image retention, automatic backlight control system, audio volume control (AVC) to adjust uneven sound volumes and an audio line output for external speakers or headphones.
 
The PS-420W has a suggested list price of $835, and the PS-470W has a suggested list price of $1,175. They will be available in July.

For more information on the PS-420W, click here: http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL102157

For more information on the PS-470W, click here: http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL102158

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Sony Launches New Entry-Level DS Displays

Dubbed the B-Series (for Basic Displays), the new line of Sony LCDs include three new models — a 55" in the FWD-55B2 , a 46"  in the FWD-46B2 and a 42" in the FWD-42B2. All three are LED-backlit and native 1920×1080, plus are specified at 400-500 cd/m2 brightness and with a 4000:1 contrast ratio. They are also less than 4" deep.

Features include an image screen-saver that moves the screen to prevent burn-in and an Eco-mode that lowers power consumption in low light applications. They use a VESA 400×400 mounting system and will ship in late July.

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Digital Screen Media Association Debut ADA and PCI Guidelines for DS Installs Booklet

Are your kiosks ADA and PCI compliant? You can get the information you need to keep track of the changing regulations and requirements for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Payment Card Industry (PCI) security standards from the Digital Screenmedia Association.

Guidelines for ADA Compliance for Self-Service Kiosks
 
Wondering if ADA applies to your project?

• Is the kiosk going to be used in a public environment? If Yes, ADA applies.
• Is the kiosk going to be used internally only for employee use? If Yes, ADA applies.
• Is the kiosk operated by a Federal, State, City or other governmental organization? If Yes, ADA applies.
• Does the kiosk or any portion of the project receive any Federal funds?  If, Yes, ADA applies.  In addition, Section 508 Guidelines are in force.

Self-Service Kiosks: PCI Security Best Practices
 
In many cases, kiosks and digital signs fall under the scrutiny of PCI because they interact directly with the credit card environment, or they share resources in use for the transmission of credit cards. So, if credit cards are being processed at kiosks or if your digital signage shares the same infrastructure in place for the point of sale (POS) system, then PCI directly affects you. All merchants who accept credit cards, regardless of how they are processed, must comply with PCI.

The Digital Screenmedia Association is offering the ADA (7-pages) and PCI (22-pages) publications at a bundle price.

• DSA member price: $149
• Non-member price: $199

You can order them here: http://www.digitalscreenmedia.org/inc/sdetail/25628/25630

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Peerless-AV Adds iPad Stand and Universal Tablet Mount

Peerless-AV announced today the availability of two universal desktop tablet mounts — the PTM400 and the PTM200 Universal Tablet Cradle, as well as the KP510-B Tablet Stand for iPads.

The PTM400 Universal Desktop Tablet Mount features adjustability functions that can fit most tablet devices on the market today. Both the width and height are adjustable, allowing installers to ensure expensive devices can be manipulated by desktop or standing users without the risk of breakage. The PTM400 version features standard Philips-head screwdriver tightening, while the PTM400(S) also offers theft-resistant hardware. With thirty degrees of tilt and swivel and three hundred sixty degrees of roll, the tablet can be positioned for maximum visibility and usefulness. Available in white or black, the Universal Desktop Tablet Mount also features integrated cables, which ensure wiring can be routed through the back of the mount.

The Universal Tablet Cradle PTM200 is adjustable to fit most tablet devices up to 0.75” in thickness. It also features a 75x75mm VESA pattern, which enables it to attach seamlessly to any other wall mount with a matching VESA pattern. Available in black or silver, the cradle mount comes with hardware covers that lend the product a professional appearance. There is also a PTM200(S) available with theft-resistant hardware.

Designed specifically for Apple iPad 1 and iPad 2 devices, the KP510-B-I Tablet Stand provides customers with a stable and easily accessible platform to showcase content. It stands at 45 inches tall, which Peerless says is the ideal height for users to operate the device comfortably, and fits the product within ADA reach distance guidelines. Weighing only 19 pounds, the stand can be moved easily and comes with security hardware to deter theft of the tablet PC. The clamshell style encasement securely surrounds the tablet PC while providing quick and easy access to power, cable and other inputs. The cover design hassle-free opening and closing for maintenance or swapping out the tablets.

The PTM400 is here: http://www.peerless-av.com/en-us/professional/products/PTM400

The PTM200 is here: http://www.peerless-av.com/en-us/professional/products/PTM200

The KP510-B-I isn't on Peerless's website yet.

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It's Official: Panasonic and Sony Collaborate on OLED Production

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Technology Grows in Importance for Retailers, New CompTIA Research Study Reveals

Innovations in information technology (IT) continue to transform the retail sector, with digital signage, payment processing, customer engagement and other solutions playing increasingly important functions, according to new research released this week by CompTIA, a non-profit association for the IT industry.
 
Seventy-two percent of retailers surveyed rate technology as important to their business, CompTIA’s Retail Sector Technology Adoption Trends Study says. That figure is projected to increase to 83 percent by 2014.
 
But the study also indicates that large numbers of retailers have not yet succeeded in using technology as well as they could or should. Just seven percent of retailers report being exactly where they want to be in using technology, while 29 percent rate themselves as being very close.
 
“Reaching an optimal state of technology utilization is a high bar for almost any business to reach,” said Tim Herbert, vice president, research, CompTIA. “But the vast majority of retailers clearly want to improve their technology utilization. For some this will involve adoption of new technologies; for others, improving the use of what they have in place.”
 
A net 63 percent of retailers expect to increase IT spending in 2012 with the remaining 37 percent planning to cut back or hold the line. Large retailers expect to boost IT spending the most — 4.8 percent, on average. For all firms, the planned average increase is 4.2 percent.
 
Innovations Transforming Landscape

New developments in the areas of digital signage, social engagement, mobility, payment processing and other areas haven given retailers new tools and capabilities and, in some cases, challenges.
 
One in three retailers currently use digital signage, with an additional 20 percent intending to do so soon, according to the CompTIA survey. Sales and promotional announcements and other direct engagement with customers are the most popular uses, cited by 71 percent of respondents.
 
Among all emerging technologies, adoption intent ranks highest for geo-location services. About one in five retailers now use geo-location technologies and other location-based solutions to reach customers. One reason for the strong interest may be as a defensive threat against 'showrooming,' the practice where consumers visit a physical retail shop to assess a product but make the purchase from an online retailer to get the lowest possible price.
 
“Location-based technologies can give retailers the tools to incentivize in-store purchases, such as special discounts for in-store customers who check-in via an app,” Herbert explained.
 
Retailers also are experimenting with technologies that improve upon point of sale systems or leapfrog those systems entirely and leverage new platforms for payment processing. In the CompTIA study, 13 percent of retailers say they are currently using a mobile payment system. Another 19 percent plan to deploy the technology over the next 12 months.
 
But adoption of these emerging solutions — and others — must be accompanied by a broad-based technology strategy that addresses foundational needs as well.
 
“Reliable wireless connectivity, robust security, quality end-points, data back-up and other IT basics cannot be overlooked by retailers anxious to add new capabilities,” Herbert said.
 
Data for CompTIA’s Retail Sector Technology Adoption Trends Study is based on an online survey of 500 U.S. retailers in primary retail categories, including apparel, home goods, health and beauty, sporting goods and related store types. The survey was conducted between March 27 and April 2, 2012. The complete report is available at no cost to CompTIA members who can access the file at CompTIA.org or by contacting research@comptia.org.

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Digital Signage Hardware Market Over $5 Billion Now; 8 Percent Growth to 2016

IMS Research estimates that hardware supporting digital signage such as media players, PCs, displays and LED Video arrays generated nearly $5.5 billion in revenue during 2011. That's huge as it means the hardware-only portion (not even counting the software portion of the DS market) is already larger than the entire education AV market!

The new IMS Research study, "The World Market for Digital Signage — 2012 Edition," also forecasts continued growth for this equipment at a combined compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5 percent through 2016.

Displays continue to drive the majority of shipments and revenues for the industry when cinema projectors are excluded. IMS Research estimates that during 2011, LCD and plasma displays shipping worldwide for digital signage generated revenues of nearly $2.7 billion, representing 22.5 percent growth over 2010. Contributing to this strong growth was an increase in shipments for screens smaller than 30 inches, replacement of CCFL with LED backlit and thin bezel displays, as well as an increased demand for touchscreens. LED Video display (or module) revenue grew due to increased investment in sporting venues and outdoor digital advertising. Media players and PCs contributed nearly $1 billion.

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NEC Debuts Two OPS-Compliant Computers for DS Applications

NEC Display Solutions introduced two additional Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) compliant computers for integration with NEC LCDs and projectors with OPS slots. The OPS platform is an industry-wide standard for the design and development of digital signage to simplify installation and maintenance. These internal PCs can run multiple video formats and high-definition content at 1080p and are targeted for use with digital signage in airports, quick-service restaurants, education, rental and staging, corporate lobbies, healthcare facilities and retail stores.
 
The new OPS-PCIC family utilizes Intel Sandy Bridge microarchitecture with a 2.5GHz Dual Core i5 CPU and 2GB of RAM. With an integrated Ethernet connection, a DisplayPort output and four USB ports, connectivity is easy to manage and simple to use. The OPS-PCIC family includes the following models:

• OPS-PCIC-5WH, Windows 7 Embedded and 250GB disk drive
• OPS-PCIC-5WS, Windows 7 Embedded and 32GB solid state drive

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Chief Ships Interactive Mount Accessories

Chief is already shipping new interactive flat panel solutions designed to convert standard TVs into interactive surfaces. The FCI accessory installs with FUSION Series mounts, while the PACI adds interactivity to Click Connect Series swing arm mounts and mobile displays, installing with a design similar to Chief side speaker adapters. Basically, it transforms a flat screen display into an interactive platform powered by eBeam technology from Luidia Inc.

Each interactive solution includes a lightweight stylus featuring real-time rendering capabilities and works with 40-55" LED-backlit LCD displays with a rigid front panel. You add the accessory to the mount, install the interactive software and connect a PC or Mac to the receiver via USB. Another nail in the Smart Technologies coffin.

Here are all the details: http://www.chiefmfg.com/interactive

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DPAA Elects Two Industry Suppliers to Board of Directors

The Digital Place-based Advertising Association (DPAA) announced today that it has elected two industry suppliers to its board of directors — Brian Dusho, president and CEO of BroadSign International, and Pierre Richer, president and CEO of NEC Display Solutions. The association's bylaws previous did not allow suppliers to be represented on the board alongside network operators, but a recent amendment to those bylaws has now made it possible.

Dusho has been president & CEO of BroadSign International since 2009. He joined the company in 2003 and served as chief strategy officer and executive vice president. Before joining BroadSign, Dusho’s most recent positions were co-founder of AV Nation, president and founder of Synapse Digital and president of Hoffman Video Systems. He also served in a variety of management and sales positions at MCSI, Intellisys Group, Technical Innovation, Baker Audio and YKK Corporation.

Before becoming president and CEO of NEC Display Solutions, Richer ran the NEC Visual Systems Division as senior vice president and general manager and also served as the division’s vice president of sales and new business development. Richer founded the VUKUNET initiative, a universal ad serving web platform that connects advertising agencies with digital place-based network inventory.  Before joining NEC, Richer spent almost a decade at InFocus Corporation in a variety of roles.

To learn more about the DPAA, click here: http://www.dp-aa.org/

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Build-A-Bear Workshop's Interactive Digital Sound Station Gives Customers Ultimate Personalization

Build-A-Bear Workshop, a retail store where children can customize and build teddy bears and other stuffed animals, is about friendship, fun and adventure. Creating a personalized furry friend includes a step where the person making the Build-A-Bear can give his or her friend a sound or voice. Traditionally, this involved choosing a pre-loaded sound from 16 drawer bins. Build-A-Bear Workshop set out to create a cool new interactive platform for delivering personalized sound allowing unlimited personalization. The company was looking for an experience that would resonate with its core demographic of digital natives. INSTALLATION/VENUE: Build-A-Bear Workshop PROVIDERS: Nanonation, Lincoln, Neb.; Voice Express, Westport, Conn.; Pierce Engineering Build-A-Bear reports seeing an increase in sound sales especially in the song clip catagory that it has greatly enhanced on the digital platform. CHALLENGES Challenges included: Limited retail floor space: The kiosk needed to operate in a small retail footprint. Operational flow: The kiosk should not become a bottle-neck. Inventory managment: Planning and allocation of sound is challenging, especially when sounds would run out or Build-A-Bear would have too many left over. Time to market for audio: There were only two to three months to select a sound, load and ship it to the stores. Wireless data transfer method: No low-cost method existed to wirelessly transfer sound data. SOLUTIONS To overcome the challenges, Build-A-Bear: Designed a two-sided, free-standing fixture measuring two feet by three feet without sacrificing on experience (kiosk included a 32-inch HD Touchscreen, full stereo audio, interactive lighting, etc.) Constructed the two-sided fixture to be on wheels so it is re-locatable and guest flow is addressed Stocked one blank module so that it would never run out of sounds as a blank can be made into any desired sound/song clip/saying Made the kiosk network connected so sound may be added or removed very quickly virtualy eliminating any time delay to market Invented a new low-cost wireless transfer method eliminating the need for wires RESULTS As of Oct. 19, 2011, Build-A-Bear has 10 pilot store locations using the new digital sound station kiosk. Guests have responded very well to both the "cool" new technology as well as the improved sound selections available. The 32-inch HD touch screens are highly visible from outside of the stores and create interest, encouraging customers to enter the store. Build-A-Bear reports seeing an increase in sound sales especially in the song clip category that it has greatly enhanced on the digital platform. This column was preprinted with permission from Digital Signage Connection and originally appeared here.

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So, that's rAVe DS [Digital Signage] for this month!  Remember, we are here to HELP the AV market penetrate the DS market.  Only 12 percent of the DS market is integrated by AV companies.  The other 88 percent is IT-based.  Now, there are AV publications and even an association that would like to draw those IT people in to AV (it would increase readers, right? – and more readers means they can charge more for ads).  That is NOT what we are doing.  rAVe DS is specifically designed to pull AV into the DS market and teach AV companies how to take business away from the currently dominated by IT market.

For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read a 100% opinionated ePublication that's designed to help AV integrators. We not only report the news and new product stories of the digital signage industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that's why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).

Don't like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.

To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter — instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas: Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com

rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter rAVe ProAV Edition. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA, launched in February, 2004. rAVe Rental [and Staging] launched in November 2007. rAVe ED [Education] launched in May 2008. rAVe DS [Digital Signage] was launched in January 2009.

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