Volume 9, Issue 6 — June 26, 2017

If you weren’t one of the lucky 44,077 people that were in Orlando for InfoComm 2017, then we have a solution for you.

How? Well, we went to every single booth on the show floor and shot videos (1,650+ of them) of all the new products launched at InfoComm this year. And, we recorded podcasts (45+), we video live-streamed daily each day using Facebook LIVE, we wrote blogs 20+), we published 300+ news stories and we shot in excess of 3,500 photos from the show floor!

InfoComm 2018 is in Las Vegas so you should put it on your calendar now — June 6-8, 2018!

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In-field power supply failure is a major cause of downtime in LED Displays. This is especially a critical problem in the Digital Outdoor and Live Broadcast applications. This white paper explores the technologies available to achieve 100 percent power supply up time that are now available in the market.

In the world of LED displays, “resiliency and redundancy” are buzzwords for critical applications such as broadcast TV and digital out-of-home — where every minute of up-time is sponsored. The power system, and in particularly the power supply unit (PSU) is an area susceptible to failures and continues to be an area of innovation for designers.

According to Meanwell, an industry leading power supply provider, the MTBF¹ (Mean Time Between Failures) on the widely used SP320-5 is 207,000 hours. (MIL-HDBK-217F (25°) There still remains a probability of outage due to normal wear and tear, operating in non-laboratory environments, outlier events or unpredictable external factors such as a power surge or unpredictable weather related events.

Most displays on the market today (2013) are not equipped with any resilient power system. Thus, if and when a PSU goes out, the LED tiles which it drives will inevitably go dark. Most designs use one PSU to drive 3 to 6 tiles, based on screen pitch, tile size and power consumption of each tile. This means up to six tiles would go out in a chain of dark line across the screen when a failure occurs.

According to industry leader Daktronic’s product page:²

“Fully Sealed, 2-to-1 Power Supplies
… Your message remains readable even if a power supply fails because the failed power supply only affects two modules. Other LED digital billboard distributors may have a single power supply delivering power to large groups of modules. When a power supply fails, it affects a vast section of a digital billboard and the advertisement becomes unreadable.”

What this tells us is that if a PSU goes out on a Daktronics system, two LED tiles will be affected. This is an advantage over others that drive more than two tiles per PSU.

With resiliency implemented, any dark tile on a screen due to power can be eliminated. As soon as one PSU goes down, the back-up source is immediately activated. This switch over is instantaneous and without any visible interruption to the audience. The probability of a black tile, approaches to zero as it’s correlated to the probability of two or three PSUs going out at the same time. Even in the extreme unlikely event that multiple PSUs go out simultaneously, the feedback and intelligence function will reduce the power draw requirement and dim the affected screen area so the area is dimmed, but never goes completely dark.

Key Concepts:

2-1 Backup:
Every single PSU is paired with a backup unit. This is the most straightforward approach but the weight of panel and increased cost is the tradeoff. Assume there are 4 PSUs per a 3×4′ (1×1.2m) panel and 4 pounds per PSU on average would result in a total increase of 16 pounds per panel. Cost of additional PSU needs to be factored in but the benefits should outweigh the cost incurred from down time on the screen.

n+1 Backup:
This setup is where a group of say four or five power supply is used in tandem with a backup unit (in which case would be four or five, plus one). An intelligent feedback system is activated to monitor the number of active PSUs. If one PSU goes out, the redundant grid isn’t affected as there’s ample overhead. In the extremely unlikely case that more than two to three units goes out at the same time, the intelligence on the Smart system can reduce the screen brightness of the affected area to say, 50 percent, thus reducing the overall load. The cost adders and weight increase of the the n+1 solution is marginal and thus by far it’s the most advanced in the market.

Feedback:
A component that goes hand in hand with “resiliency” is the “feedback” mechanism. As a PSU goes out, feedback is activated, and the service provider is made aware of the outage. The location and exact number of the PSU is also proactively identified so that a scheduled, targeted and swift maintenance event can be made. Feedback is commonly delivered by email or text message.

Intelligence:
The mechanism by which the control system of the display works in conjunction with the PSUs to reduce the brightness of the affected area or to activate PSUs on reserve.

Sources:
1. Meanwell SP320 Specsheet
2. Daktronic Product Webpage

This blog was reprinted with permission from John Hu / QST and originally appeared here.

Remember when Dave, our other AV guy, attended the Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas just a few months ago? Well, he brought back some amazing resources and publications. And we’ve had a lot of fun reading through them to generate some new blog content. One article that caught our attention is, “Building a Better Video Wall – Creating a Video Wall Architecture for Your Needs” by Jeff Greenberg in the February 2017 hard copy edition of Digital Signage Magazine.

The first paragraph introduces the use of digital signage and video walls, which we have shared extensively about in our blogs. But then, the author shifts to the importance of the control systems behind the scenes. He states, “There are a variety of available methods to provide this control, ranging in price from free to well into six figures” (p. 26).

He says that the following will affect which method you choose:

• How much content you need to present
• How many displays you want to support
• What options you want to fine tune the way the content is presented

First, a Reminder — What is a Video Wall?

A video wall can consist of flat panel displays (aka TVs) or projection systems with the intent to achieve the “Hollywood squares effect.” This is where every rectangle can display its own content or converge all the rectangles to display one image.

Do you need digital signage and maybe even a video wall?

There are two primary ways we discern whether to bring up a digital signage or Video Wall solution.

1. Will your content consist of more than a “cablebox” source? Do you desire the interactivity with the content? Is the area where you want the “TV” going to be selling something (e.g., food, beverage, merchandise)? Then we will suggest to that you need to consider digital signage.
2. Is the customer looking for a simple solution or something of an impressive magnitude? Words like subversive and IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES come to mind, where you might feel a part of the presentation. How do we know which one fits any particular customer? If they communicate a strong vision of wanting to impress their customers and they have prepared a budget. Otherwise, we will keep it simple and just mention the possibilities briefly to educate.

What types of control systems are needed to operate video walls?

Extron Full Audio Video Control System will allow the user to use a wall control or tablet to control virtually any device in his/her meeting room or home, sound system, video and TV systems, lighting, HVAC, security system and more.

Symetrix Audio Control is exclusively for audio systems.

We also have a variety of motion sensors, GUI and analytic control systems through various vendors for use of consumer experience applications like museums and retail spaces.

Final Thoughts on Selling Video Walls

There is not a lot of selling that goes into video walls and digital signage these days. It is understood that if you provide this solution, people will seek you out. So, it usually leads to fun exploratory conversations about content. It’s sort of like the first time you logged onto the internet and you realized you could look up anything, which was mind-blowing.

The possibilities are endless!

• Nick Dunham, Media Director, Dunkin’ Brands
• Kathleen Hall, SVP of Brand, Advertising & Research, Microsoft
• Mark Ingall, Managing Director, Global Marketing, Citi
• Mike Linton, CMO, Farmers Insurance
• Ann Rubin, VP Branded Content, Global Creative, IBM
• Patrizio Spagnoletto, Head of Media/Subscriber Growth, Hulu

Agency thought leaders include:

• Brian Nienhaus, CEO, We Are Limited
• Rob Norman, Global Chief Digital Officer, GroupM
• Chad Stoller, EVP Global Innovations, IPG Media Brands
• Andrew Swinand, CEO, Leo Burnett
• Paul Woolmington, CEO, Canvas Worldwide

Other prominent speakers include:

• Cat Greenleaf, host, “Talk Stoop,” NBC Universal
• Bobby Jones, co-author, Good is the New Cool: Market Like You Give a Damn
• Jim Rutenberg, media columnist, The New York Times
• Brian Stelter, host, “Reliable Sources,” CNN

Frey said, “There is an incredible amount of activity and energy in the digital out of home space and we plan to touch on many of these exciting areas at this year’s Summit. These include the infusion of data and programmatic into the DOOH ecosystem, and insights from advertisers and agencies on how they are making digital out-of-home an integral part of their video mix.”
 
Frey continued, “New York Digital Signage Week is going to be bigger and better than ever, and we are proud to be a major part of it.”  
 
This year’s Video Everywhere Summit will once again feature an experiential exhibit hall, The Intel Hall of Innovation, where DOOH networks and technology companies will display the latest in digital out-of-home content and tools to reach on-the-go consumers.
 
A first look at the Summit sponsor list includes Adspace, Ayuda, BroadSign, Captivate, Clear Channel Outdoor, Intersection, Michelman & Robinson LLP, PlaceIQ, Reflect Systems, Sito Mobile, Verifone Media, Vistar Media, xAd and Zoom. A limited number of sponsorships are still available.
 
The historic Roosevelt Hotel, known as “The Grand Dame of Madison Avenue,” is the official hotel of New York Digital Signage Week. Attendees to the Video Everywhere Summit or any other of the week’s events are eligible for preferred hotel rates. These rates and all Summit information can be accessed here.

On both days the twin conference tracks will cover DooH and Smart Cities in one track and Digital Signage and Retail Experiences in the other. Via a mix of, presentations and panel discussions, over 40 leading experts will identify the strategies capable through the use of Digital Signage and DooH technologies.

The Summit will kick off with an opening keynote from Florian Rotberg on ‘Blending the Experiential with the Transactional.’ He will reveal how in-store retail concepts can keep one step ahead of the online alternatives. This theme will be further explored by Sabine Krieg, global head of segment retail, Vitra International, whose presentation on ‘Global Market Drivers’ will identify how ‘bricks and mortar’ stores must provide added value and a multi-sensory environment that includes the magic ingredient of human interaction.

Other key, retail-focused presentations include a joint case study from Mark Grady, Google’s head of Android and Chrome enterprise channel and Fourcast’s business development manager, Valon Rexhapi on ‘How Toyota Scaled from 1-10,000 Screens with Google Chrome for Signage.’ In addition, Ansorg’s Lighting Designer Niklas Reiners, will present, ‘Fitting Room 4.0 – Elevating the Shopping Experience. How Light and Digital Impacts the Purchasing Process.’

Highlights of the DooH and Smart Cities track includes ‘The Connected Stadium: What We Have Learned from Deploying IPTV and Digital Signage at 50 Sports Stadia and Arenas,’ from Tripleplay CEO, Steve Rickless. This will be complimented by ‘The Future of Smart Cities Looks Bright, Connected and Very Smart,’ a presentation to be given by Marcel Blume, lead IoT site manager, Bulgaria for Frenus. He will discuss current developments and investments, lighthouse projects, innovation and their potential impact on the retail industry.

For the first time DSS Europe will explore the world of immersive technology in the form of a session from Holovis, Enterprise Business Development Director Dave Elliot. He will present, ‘Immerse Yourself into the Future of Digital Signage’ and show how healthcare and construction businesses are using the latest augmented, virtual and mixed reality products and solutions to get ever closer to their customers and what this might mean for the digital signage market.

Other confirmed speakers include senior representatives from Vectorform, Connectiv, Visualize, Matrox, APG/SGA, Tripleplay, MultiQ, Zeta Display, MOOD, Link Institut, Trison Worldwide, ResultMC, InfoComm International, Gundlach SEEN Media, Snakeware, Intersport Denmark, DOOH.IT, CHG-Meridian, Meko, Digital Communication and Add Reality.

Visitors to DSS Europe will have the option to attend just the exhibition show floor, or the conference and exhibition. The exhibition area will feature leading manufacturers and service companies for the Digital Signage and DooH market. Some of the confirmed exhibitors include: – ASUS, ATEN, BenQ, Scala, Sharp Business Solutions Deutschland, Philips Professional Display Solutions, Samsung, NEC Display Solutions, LG Electronics Deutschland, Infinitus and InfoComm International.

DSS Europe 2017 is a joint venture between Integrated Systems Events, the producers of the Integrated Systems Europe tradeshow and invidis consulting, a digital signage consultancy.

For more details on the conference programme and exhibitors, go here.

• HD and 4K solutions whether free standing, wall-mounted or hung
• Flicker-free broadcast with 3840Hz refresh rate & high contrast
• Full front service, cable-free design for easy installation and maintenance
• High brightness up to 1,000 nits

Chief has opened new creative possibilities with the freestyle rotation accessory that works with Fusion and ConnexSys mounts. The FRA enables infinite orientation possibilities with 90 degrees of rotation that can be set in multiple positions. The accessory is compatible with Fusion wall, ceiling and freestanding mounts. When combined with the new Fusion Depth Accessory, FCADA, certain Fusion mounts can be set at different depth levels for overlapping possibilities.

Chief’s new line is designed to allow you to rotate the mounted display to any angle. For video wall applications, use FRA with the ConnexSys Video Wall Mounting System, which provides fine adjustment features and allows for a range of sizes and brands to stay flush with each other. The Freestyle adapter can also be used as a fast and flexible landscape-to-portrait solution.

Customers will be able to buy the pieces of Fusion needed to create multi-display installations to order. The tool will provide the user with the correct length of extrusion as well as the number and type of interface brackets and wall plates. The tool provides a solution for ceiling-mounted menu boards and video walls as well as wall mounted menu boards.

Features of the updated configurator include:

• Supports menu board and video wall configurations
• Allows for non-standard single row installs, such as multiple display sizes, mixed portrait/landscape and gaps between displays
• Mobile-friendly configurator built directly in to milestone.com and integrated with Chief’s industry-leading MountFinder database
• See MSRP pricing and order directly from milestone.com if you have an account
• Configuration URL can be saved for future reference
• Mounting system maintains installation benefits of standard Fusion mounts

The online configurator is here.

Integrators connect the SSW to a Crestron TSW x60 Series touch screen (via the included 15′ USB cable) for a programming-free solution with what Crestron is calling instant out of the box functionality. Alternatively, multiple hallway signs can be connected to a Crestron control system up to 3,000 feet away via Cresnet cable.

Housed in an enclosure that can be custom engraved with the room name (or left blank), the SSW can accommodate a choice of font sizes and the option of one or two lines of text. The acrylic lights up, outlining the edges of the sign and the engraved room name or number. By connecting to a Crestron control system and using Crestron Studio or SIMPL, programmers can customize the RGB capabilities of the SSW such as displaying company or team colors, adjusting brightness, fading in and out in 1% increments, and flashing.

The LED module installs flush with the wall via a single gang box or p-ring that allows connection to a Cresnet or USB cable. The acrylic face of the sign attaches with two screws. The designer molding slides over the sconce-style acrylic sign and attaches with two built-in magnets.

All the product specs are here.

Being introduced at InfoComm 2017 (June 14-16, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla.), Tightrope will demonstrate how its now-shipping Carousel 7.0 Digital Signage Software simplifies content delivery and device control via a new integration partnership with JAMF, a managed device provider that specializes in helping IT departments bring the Apple experience to business, education and government organizations.

The integration will help tech managers and network administrators centrally manage Apple TV devices as IT appliances and reduce the costs and labor associated with scaling digital signage networks down to more rooms on campus. The workflow provides immediate interoperability between Carousel 7.0 and Apple TV, as new Apple TVs registered with the JAMF management service are added to the Carousel digital signage network, the devices automatically download a Carousel player application to deliver localized content.

The configuration ensures that Carousel digital signage content can easily be disabled at each location, allowing a teacher or speaker to share a lesson or presentation via AirPlay, for example. However, the integration enables an immediate override of local content for emergency notifications and other critical content — an important feature for public safety and security needs.

Here are the details.

The LG Transparent LED Film display (model LAT300MT1) offers digital content and information while interacting seamlessly with its surrounding environment. The versatile LED Film offers over 1,000 nits brightness, with each 480x480mm panel containing 256 LED pixels that support gray-scale tones, a great way to display content and information. The product also supports standard and irregular aspect ratios to provide even more display options with a dynamic look and feel.

At just 0.8 millimeters thick, the 30-millimeter Pixel Pitch display can be installed on any existing glass surface using its self-adhesive transparent film, making it easy to install with minimal construction required. As a result, the LG Transparent LED Film display is ideal for indoor and window-facing areas with large glass surfaces such as retail storefront windows, where it draws the attention of passing customers without obstructing the view of the products behind the glass or blocking light from coming into the store.

Other applications include mass transit rail platforms and safety barriers, where it can display digital content and information while interacting seamlessly with the environment, and lobbies and large public areas where the film can convert ordinary glass into stunning, eye-catching digital signage displays. Even tall glass elevator shafts can be transformed into stunning pillars of graphics and light.

With the ability to connect up to two film panels to the display’s bezel kit and support up to 24 film panels through daisy-chain from the unit controller, the LG Transparent LED Film can be scaled easily to fit a variety of installation environments. Even more, the flexible display works on curved surfaces and in parallel to the bezel, can be cut to size, truly converting any area of ordinary glass into state-of-the-art digital signage.

Here are the details.

Here are the details.

The latest version of the X2O visual communications platform will integrate with Active Directory, enabling owners to manage all authentication and authorization elements. Internal communications managers will also see improved viewing analytics like insight into how often messages are viewed by both X2O Desktop and Mobile Apps.

The X2O mobile app, available for iOS and Android tablets and cellphones, was designed to reach out to remote and on-the-go employees with real-time information, providing instant access to corporate content wherever they are located.

The X2O visual communications platform engages employees by using real-time information — from company announcements and critical alerts, to targeted notifications, dashboards and videos — and broadcasts them across all public displays and employee devices on the network.

You can learn more here.

The Christie Access Series includes 55- and 65-inch models designed for 16/7 operation. For customers looking for a larger display, both portrait and landscape mode, and 24/7 run times, Christie Access Series offers 75 and 86-inch models, which are perfect for high-use settings like hotel lobbies, airport terminals and mission-critical environments such as control rooms.

The Christie Access Series panels are here.

B-Tech Audio Video Mounts

The BT8380-FSB is a premium base which supports BT8380 columns and can also be used with B-Tech’s 60-millimter poles. Features include adjustable feet for uneven floor surfaces and integrated cable management for neat and tidy installations. Its heavy duty steel construction provides stability, eliminating the need to drill and fix to the floor.

The new base is utilized across a range of new stands for a variety of applications:

• BTF840 – Universal Flat Screen Floor Stand for either landscape or portrait displays – 1.8 meters
• BTF841 – Universal Dual Stack Flat Screen Floor Stand for either landscape or portrait mounting of two displays – 1.8 meters
• BTF842 – Universal Dual Stack Flat Screen Floor Stand for portrait mounting two large displays – 2.4 meters
• BTF843 – Universal Portrait Flat Screen Floor Stand designed to mount extra-large screens in a portrait orientation – 1.8 meters
• BTF844 – Universal Twin Screen VC Stand for side-to-side display configurations – 1.8 meters
• BTF845 – Universal Twin Screen VC Stand for side-to-side display configurations of large screens – 1.8 meters

Here are the details.

According to NanoLumens CEO Rick Cope, the decision to file suit in federal court was not undertaken lightly and follows repeated good faith efforts and multiple communications by NanoLumens to resolve its concerns with the four companies to create meaningful business relationships. “NanoLumens has invested millions of dollars and man hours in the development of pioneering innovations that have been justly recognized by the United States Patent Office,” Cope said today.  “Patent protected innovation is what makes the United States the leading innovator that it is.  Failure to protect against patent infringement opens the door to the death of innovation and that is not something that this company will ever stand for.”

The lawsuits allege that PixelFLEX, InFiLED USA, DetaiLED and Gable Company have, in one form or another, infringed upon US Patents 8,963,895 (Ubiquitously Mountable Image Display System), 9,159,707 (Flexible Display), and 9,640,516 (Flexible Display Apparatus and Methods), all of which are owned by NanoLumens.  NanoLumens currently holds over a dozen United States Patents covering virtually every aspect of its flexible LED display design and engineering, with more patents pending.

At NanoLumens the vision of a universal modular display that can be built in any size, shape, curvature, or pixel density has been the singular focus of the company for many years.  That focus has led to numerous innovations, patents and patents pending covering key aspects of the technology portfolio that, collectively, deliver superb performance in the NanoLumens flexible Nixel display module.  Patented features enable the NanoLumens Nixel display module to seamlessly tile and re-tile display surfaces, accept a wide continuum of changing curvatures and placements and maintain pixel-to-pixel uniformity.

NanoLumens is here.

The KD-VW4x4Pro supports seamless 4×4 matrix switching, and analog to digital conversion of incoming VGA with analog audio signals. Four HDMI/VGA inputs accept digital/analog video and audio from computers, media players, and other sources. With the eight onboard video wall processing modes, the four outputs can be configured to display video from a single input over a four-output video wall. Fitting into a wide variety of professional video installation and live event needs, this device is also ideal for retail, digital signage, conferencing applications, classrooms, home-theater and bar/restaurant needs.

Additionally the KD-VW4x4Pro has adjustments that can be made, such as bezel compensation, to fine-tune the video wall to fit different screen types. Device control is achieved through a couple of options including the front panel buttons, included wireless IR remote control or via software through RS232 and Ethernet.

Here are all the detailed specs.

According to Dan Rossborough, NanoLumens Director of Strategic Projects, the idea for this iconic digital centerpiece came from Atlanta Braves President of Business Derek Schiller, and was the result of thoughtful design, months of planning and a cutting-edge display solution that only NanoLumens could provide. The Braves wanted something that would stand out from every direction, for every visitor, and would make a bold statement in the first work/play/live development in all of professional sports.

“At NanoLumens we like to say that we make our clients’ dreams into reality,” Rossborough said, “and in this case, we’re confident no other display manufacturer could have delivered this design. The 7’ by 69’ display weighs just under 5,000 pounds, and that’s only possible because of NanoLumens’ patented technologies that are thinner and lighter than others, and have fewer moving parts. Because it uses less power and produces very little heat, cooling fans aren’t required. Competitors would have also required a catwalk or infrastructure to access and maintain the display, but because the largest serviceable component of a NanoLumens Nixel Series™ display weighs just 4.5 pounds, it can be serviced from the front by one worker on a ladder or cherry picker. That means a leaner overall design and lower impact on infrastructure, both at the point of installation and throughout the serviceable life of the display.”

Hovering 40 feet over the water fountain, the baseball display makes a stunning statement and provides opportunities for advertising, broadcasting live baseball games and creates a central meeting point within The Battery Atlanta neighborhood. Designed with a 9.5mm pixel pitch and the ability to reach an eye-popping 7,000 nits of brightness, the 360-degree display is visible from more than 100 yards away in every direction.

The display is comprised of hundreds of NanoLumens Nixels, small, flexible panels of LEDs that the manufacturer can combine to create a completely seamless HD display in any size, shape or curvature. This breakthrough design allows for quick repairs, front access, and allows the company to offer the industry’s best warranty by far – six years down to the individual pixel. That means if a single pixel dies, NanoLumens will replace the Nixel on which it resides. No other company offers that level of warranty and service. It is constantly exposed to the elements and runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so the IP65 weather rating and thorough warranty were key selling points.

“This area is a hotspot within The Battery Atlanta,” Rossborough said. “It’s the main plaza visitors pass through before entering SunTrust Park, and is surrounded by top restaurants, shops, apartments, and the new Comcast regional headquarters building. That means it could see more than 50,000 people parade through on a game day. Right at the base of the ball, Fox has broadcast rights to host pregame and postgame shows, and the spray fountain is a popular spot for families and friends to meet.”

“The NanoLumens display broadcasts advertisements, pregame festivities, live Braves games, and the content team even created a baseball graphic that completes the sphere, combining the metal and LED elements to form a 22-foot-tall baseball,” Rossborough continued. “It’s a prime location for announcements and displaying images and videos to get fans excited about the game and The Battery Atlanta experience.”

To broadcast live video, the content software splits the 360-degree display into four sections that each display a standard 16:9 ratio video feed. Because the amount of ambient light varies from direct sunlight to the darkness of night, the display includes light sensors and automatically adjusts its brightness output every few seconds to ensure it is always at the optimal viewing level. As one of the stadium entrances, visitors to this section of The Battery Atlanta must pass through security, but do not require a ticket. The plaza features several major restaurant and bar locations, an Omni Hotel, and is just across the street from the Coca Cola Roxy, a brand new music venue that accommodates nearly 4,000 guests.

Other crucial features include a notification system that sends alerts if temperatures go too high in the display or other issues arise, and a half-mile-long fiber optic cable that connects the display to the control room at SunTrust Park.

“NanoLumens actually made the impossible, possible,” Rossborough concluded. “What’s happening is people are saying, ‘let’s meet under the ball, grab food then go to the game.’ The leadership wanted an iconic structure that people would be attracted to and would be memorable, and that’s exactly what it has become.”