Philips showed at InfoComm a new IP-addressable LED displays for digital signage, called the QL series. The idea behind these displays is basically to remove the signage player from the equation, taking the model of consumer content distribution technology (such as Apple TV, Google TV, etc.) and applying it to “IP signage.”

These displays were shown as a prototype at DSE earlier this year, where Philips got feedback from integrators, but now they are heading to production and expected to be available in Q3.

Integrators can still use any kind of digital signage software they want, which lives on and is controlled by a computer, and is then pushed to individual displays that have their own IP addresses. It works via the Internet, or closed Intranet (Philips demo’d the displays at InfoComm using its own Intranet.

Other specs on the displays include 350 nits brightness, edge-lit LEDs, an internal HTML 5 browser and a LAN port. They are also ENERGY STAR rated for low power consumption, and will be available in 32″, 42″, 46″ and 55″ sizes. Philips hasn’t set pricing officially, but said at InfoComm that they would be priced on the “lower end” of its display pricing structure.

The slogan Philips is using at the show here is “Future of Display Technology Arrives at InfoComm,” and it’s clear they think that in the digital signage market, the future means fewer media players. What do you think?

In the meantime, check out Philips Signage Solutions’ infographic about its IP addressable displays.