Upgrades to Carousel Digital Signage Series 250 and 320

Upgraded components in the Carousel 320 series include HDMI, component, and composite TV inputs for live video, while the Carousel Solo 250 and Player 250 have the option to add a live TV input, either for HD or SD. Alternatively, Carousel users can send HD video streams directly to any Carousel player or Solo device.

Carousel remains the most intuitive and easy to use digital signage system in the market and features unlimited user/administration accounts and no per-user subscription or licensing fees.

New Creative Packages for Digital Signage
Tightrope Professional Services has added new packages to its lineup, making it easier for customers and integrators to order and specify Carousel Digital Signage solutions. New creative packages include Wayfinding, Branded Channel, and Custom Carousel Channel.

The Wayfinding package is a branded, interactive solution that comprises Web-based wayfinding, directory software, and a content management system. The Branded Channel package consists of a logo, custom colors, a collection of icons, 12 standard templates, and three dynamic templates all based upon a company’s current style guide. The Custom Carousel Channel package includes a channel design that is fully customized to the customer’s brand and built from the ground up to include icons, 12 standard templates, and three dynamic templates.

About Tightrope Media Systems

Founded in 1997 and trusted by thousands of users worldwide, Tightrope Media Systems™ offers turnkey solutions for the digital signage and broadcast markets. Tightrope’s award-winning digital signage solution, Carousel™, is a complete hardware and software solution, for installations ranging from one to thousands of displays.  Using an intuitive, web-based interface, Carousel simplifies the creation, management, and delivery of content. The ZEPLAY instant replay platform for sports delivers slow-motion replays that have seen action on hundreds of hours of live production in the field. Finally, the industry-leading Cablecast™ product delivers complete automation for TV stations. With the all-in-one Cablecast system, users can easily manage and automate their operations directly from a Web browser. Visit www.trms.com for more information.

Source: Tightrope Media Systems

ZIVELO and Visionstate Inc. to offer turnkey wayfinding and customer service kiosk and digital signage solutions

US-based kiosk and digital signage hardware manufacturing company, ZIVELO, announces a strategic partnership with Canadian software company Visionstate Inc. Together, ZIVELO and Visionstate will offer turnkey wayfinding and customer service solutions suitable for businesses across multiple industries.

Visionstate has selected ZIVELO’s C6, C10, and M series kiosks as the preferred hardware platforms for the company’s Virtual Customer Care Interface (ViCCi) directory software. The ViCCi system makes it easy to navigate large, unfamiliar buildings and complex public facilities by featuring 3D maps and the ability to select and highlight any tenant on a touch screen with ease. ViCCi includes an interactive directory that enables the customer to search businesses by keyword, alphabet or category. The directory kiosk can also be utilized for advertising purposes and to generate data about where people are going and what they are looking for to provide valuable market research to organizations.

“Visionstate’s top notch interactive software solution making our business partnership a natural alliance,” comments Ziver Birg, founder and CEO of ZIVELO. “ZIVELO’s sleek kiosk designs paired with Visionstate’s intuitive user experience makes for a great directory and customer service experience.”

ZIVELO’s patented kiosk and digital signage hardware is designed to be future proof and offers brand continuity throughout the company’s many desktop, wallmount, and floorstanding solutions. The recent introduction of the i Series, ZIVELO’s elegant line of iPad kiosks, allows for maximum kiosk placement flexibility.

“This strategic partnership is ideal in that it brings together two industry leaders to offer the best product on the market,” says John Putters, CEO of Visionstate. “We are very excited to begin deploying our new (ViCCi) units in partnership with ZIVELO.”

For more information about this partnership or other ZIVELO products and solutions, please visit http://www.zivelo.com or contact info [at] zivelo.com

About Visionstate Inc.

Visionstate Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of CSM Systems Corp. (TSXV: CKX), is a leading producer of touch screen technology. The company’s expansive product base includes mobile applications, facility management, and restroom management applications Visionstate’s interactive solutions can be found across Canada for clients such as Ivanhoe Cambridge, Oxford, Primeris and RioCan.

About ZIVELO

ZIVELO is the industry leading manufacturer of kiosk and digital signage technology hardware with over 250,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities and more than 200 employees. Being US-based ensures the highest quality of product as well as rapid turnaround of product delivery. ZIVELO kiosks can be found around the globe, with over 100 resellers and distributors throughout the US, Canada, Europe, South Africa and Australia. ZIVELO’s clients span numerous industries, and include organizations such as Coca-Cola, Nike, Siemens and the US government.

Source: ZIVELO

Award-Winning NEC Digital Screens, Projectors Provide Wayfinding, Emergency Notifications and Learning Tools for Students Across Campus

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, TSI Global Solutions and Saint Louis University have been awarded the 2013 Digital Signage Expo APEX Award’s Bronze Medal in the education category for a campus digital signage solution transforming the way staff and students communicate.   Winners were announced February 27 at this year’s DSE Awards banquet in Las Vegas.

Working with leading AV solutions provider TSI Global, Saint Louis University completed an installation of NEC technologies throughout its campus, with products deployed inside and outside the classroom.

NEC products included V Series digital signage displays for wayfinding and campus news, PA500U high-resolution projectors in the university’s medical classrooms, allowing for detailed-definition images, and X Series ultra-narrow video walls.  The installation, however, serves more than just an educational purpose.  When a dangerous EF-4 tornado swept through the St. Louis area in 2011, university officials used the signage system to keep the campus community informed and safe.

“We are honored to be the visual display technologies provider for Saint Louis University,” said Ashley Flaska, Vice President of Marketing at NEC.  “They are widely recognized as a top university, and we’re proud they chose our products when it came to revolutionizing communications within the campus community.”

“The NEC products have brought so much to the Saint Louis University campus experience,” said Craig Williams, Manager of Multimedia Services at the school.  “Their durability and quality meet the high standards we have established as a higher education community.”

The APEX Awards are sponsored by the Digital Signage Expo, the world’s largest international trade show dedicated to digital signage, interactive technology, and out-of-home networks.   The APEX Awards honor innovation as demonstrated in the deployment of technology in the global digital out-of-home industry.

About NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc.

Headquartered in Itasca, Ill., NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc., is a leading designer and provider of innovative desktop LCD monitors, commercial- and professional-grade large-screen LCD displays, a diverse line of multimedia and digital cinema projectors, and integrated display solutions. NEC Display Solutions develops leading-edge visual technology and customer-focused solutions for a wide variety of markets, including enterprise, healthcare, education and digital signage. For additional information about NEC Display Solutions of America products, call (866) NEC-MORE, or visit the website at www.necdisplay.com. For digital images, please visit http://necdisplay.com/digital-media-library. Follow us on our social media channels: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About VUKUNET

VUKUNET, from NEC Display Solutions of America, is the engine that powers the digital out-of-home advertising business.  VUKUNET is the only universal ad serving platform that drives ads to any digital out-of-home network, regardless of content management system. VUKUNET makes the buying, flighting and reporting of digital out-of-home ad campaigns easy.  For additional information about VUKUNET, visit www.vukunet.com, or call (877) 805-VUKU.

About Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of nearly 14,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis, Missouri and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of nearly 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.

Source: NEC Display Solutions

Navigo Digital Signage features expanded capabilities to meet the

Section 508 is part of the Rehabilitation Action of 1973 which requires all federal agencies to offer their electronic and information technology accessible to everyone, including those with visual impairments specifically.

The Navigo System was installed in a free standing ADA compliant kiosk which houses all components including a Braille keyboard and proximity sensor. As an individual approaches the Navigo kiosk, the proximity sensor detects the user’s arrival and the voice prompting application guides any user with visual impairments on how to use the interactive touchscreen and Braille keyboard. The Navigo system can also guide the user on how bypass the screen interface and use the system by voice prompting alone. The zoom feature allows individuals to select an area of the screen to be magnified at a level where the individual may clearly read the information displayed.

“It’s important to us that our digital directory systems can be used by anyone needing the information,” said Natalie Bobila, vice president of sales and marketing. “The Goddard Space Flight Center’s Navigo system redesign allows the center to be in compliance with the regulations, but more importantly, ensures that every user can obtain the information they need with ease.”

The customized features of voice prompting, proximity sensors and Braille keyboards are not exclusively for government agencies. The Navigo Systems use the built-in proximity sensor to trigger the system’s voice command feature. Visitors simply speak a command to be connected to a tenant or security.

Any facility that serves a variety of individuals, including those with disabilities, may incorporate these features into their Navigo System and achieve the technical requirements for Section 508 Compliance.

Interactive Touchscreen Solutions, Inc. provides touchscreen directories and digital signage for Corporate Buildings, Hospitals, Government & Private Facilities, Universities, Museums and other Public Buildings.

Interactive Touchscreen Solutions, Inc. product line, Navigo includes solutions for Wayfinding, Digital Signage and Visitor Badging/Processing. For more information on recent installations and general product information, please contact Interactive Touchscreen Solutions, Inc at (800) 652-4830.

Source: Navigo System

Several Markets for HyperSound™ Audio Solutions Identified

Parametric Sound Corporation, a leading innovator of audio products and solutions, today announced that it has entered into a strategic relationship with Four Winds Interactive (FWi) for distribution of its HyperSound directed audio products. FWi, a leading provider of digital communications software, will now offer Parametric’s audio products as a complement to their existing solutions. FWi will provide a seamless transition from sales to post-sales support for their clients and prospects that are interested in Parametric’s audio products.

“Parametric Sound’s patented audio solutions are well-suited to companies looking for an upgrade from digital signs that contain video-only to installations that combine signage with superior audio capabilities,” said Dan Verbsky, Director of Field Services, Four Winds Interactive. “This arrangement will augment and complement our product portfolio and we look forward to working with Parametric.”

“We expect this partnership with an industry leader like FWi to help accelerate the adoption of our HyperSound technology in the digital signage sector,” said Kenneth F. Potashner, executive chairman of Parametric Sound. “We have demonstrated forward momentum on our distribution and sales strategy and continue to see progress on our licensing discussions currently underway.”

Recognized as #16 on the Forbes 2011 list of America’s Most Promising Companies, FWi provides a software platform for developing, deploying and managing digital communications networks on digital signs, interactive kiosks, web and mobile devices. The FWi solution makes it possible to quickly and easily create dynamic messages to inform, educate and motivate audiences through a single solution that supports a wide variety of digital communications applications. Digital signage markets serviced by FWi include casinos, hotels, convention centers, restaurants, hospitals, stadiums and public spaces, educational institutions, and many more.

About Parametric Sound Corporation
Parametric Sound Corporation is a pioneering innovator of directed audio solutions. With a substantial body of intellectual property, Parametric Sound is the foremost authority in the application of acoustic technology to beam sound to target a specific listening area without the ambient noise of traditional speakers. The Company is targeting its technology for new uses in consumer markets including computers, video gaming, televisions, home audio, health care and mobile devices. For more information, visit www.parametricsound.com.

About Four Winds Interactive
The Four Winds Interactive digital communications solution is the ideal solution for any organization’s visual communication needs. Digital signage communicates with your audience through applications like wayfinding, event details, employee communications, metrics reporting, building directories, menu boards, emergency messaging, travel information and advertising. For more information, visit www.fourwindsinteractive.com.

Source: Four Winds Interactive

X-Factor’s “C4” solution makes it easy for corporate communicators to reach internal and external audiences on their digital signs, desktops, internet portals and mobile devices. X-Factor’s “MACC” solution enables exciting and immersive consumer marketing as part of the explosive growth of Digital Out Of Home advertising.

X-Factor Communications, LLC (“X-Factor”), the wholly owned subsidiary of X-Factor Communications Holdings, Inc. (“XFCH”), a premium provider of interactive digital media network software and services over its dmcp:// Digital Media Control Platform, announced today it has launched two new end-to-end solutions which bring together products and services from the company’s expanded offering.

X-Factor’s exclusive C4 “Corporate Communications Control Center” is an easy to use software-based solution for multi-media, multi-channel and multi-dimensional internal and external corporate communications. C4 is an advanced and intuitive content creation and management system that supports emergency messaging, conventional publishing as well as interactive applications. Features and applications include:

•     Content creation
•     Content publishing
•     Real-Time announcements
•     Emergency alerts
•     Webcasts
•     Training
•     Compliance
•     And more…

The C4 solution is complementary to other in-place systems, including intranet sites and Microsoft SharePoint, adding greater functionality and ease of use including the automated transformation of PowerPoint documents into desktop signs and alerts, for example. Content distributed over C4 is optimized for all end-points, whether large lobby displays, interactive kiosks including wayfinding capabilities, or mobile tablets and smart phones.

X-Factor’s new MACC “Marketing and Advertising Control Center” builds upon over five years of experience developing, implementing and managing multimedia “immersive” digital media networks.

MACC makes it easier than ever to participate in the rapidly growing Digital-Out-Of-Home marketing trend and enables marketers and their agency partners to:

•     Deliver targeted advertising
•     Provide product information and spur cross-selling and up-selling
•     Promote features and benefits
•     Help ensure consistency of messaging in multiple languages and geographies
•     Control costs via a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) delivery model

MACC is a high-impact delivery platform integrated into the way people shop, learn and play, presented at the most appropriate moments in the most interesting venues (retail shops, stadiums, public transportation hubs, on trains and buses, at medical centers, in malls, and much more). Displays can deliver messaging that is customized by geography, time of day, specific location and more in real-time, and data collected informs the real-time grooming of campaigns to ensure the highest conversion rates and ROI.

“This is an exciting time for X-Factor and our clients,” said Charles Saracino, CEO “We have been investing in R&D for years, and have been closely working with enterprise and agency partners to build something of great value for them as the world of communications becomes increasingly vibrant and ubiquitous. Jeff Singman, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer added“Our clients have asked us to pull together solutions that make is easy for them to participate in the benefits of reaching employees and consumers with dynamic, creative and impactful images and messages through a single web-based portal, and we are grateful to them for the valuable input they have provided along the way.”

X-Factor also launched their new website today, and a number of new products.

About X-Factor Communications

X-Factoris a premium provider of interactive digital media network software and services. Unlike other digital signage companies, X-Factor’s technology is a software platform, not just products, enabling us to implement reliable and robust solutions that can be extended in the future as our partners and clients themselves innovate.

Source: X-Factor Communications

Digital Communications Solution Provider Will Implement GSA System-to-System (S2S) Protocol to Standardize Messaging Between Gaming, Non-Gaming and Digital Display Systems

Four Winds Interactive (FWi) announced today that it has become the first Digital Communications company to join the Gaming Standards Association (GSA). As the leader in Digital Communications solutions for the gaming industry, FWi will implement the GSA System-to-System (S2S) protocol to standardize messaging between Gaming, Non-Gaming and Digital Display systems for its casino-operating clients.

“A lack of interoperability between multiple, diverse systems in gaming resorts has restricted innovation,” said David Levin, President and CEO of FWi. “We are committed to taking a leadership position in bringing Digital Communications solutions to the gaming industry and have joined GSA as a testament to that commitment. We believe in the purpose of the GSA and have invested in that belief.”

GSA is an international trade association that creates benefits for gaming manufacturers, suppliers, operators and regulators. The GSA facilitates the identification, definition, development, promotion, and implementation of open standards to enable innovation, education, and communication for the benefit of the entire industry.

GSA protocols, standards and certifications are available only to GSA members. S2S protocol is a system-to-system protocol adopted as GSA’s standard for messaging between gaming host and non-gaming host systems.

For example, Levin explained, the S2S protocol can be used to promote progressive jackpots throughout the casino/hotel. Another example Levin offered is integration between self-service digital concierge kiosks, Player’s Clubs and Lodging Management systems. Players can review their loyalty points for possible comps, examine their lodging folio and see special offers from restaurants and spas on property – all from the casino floor or any other location in the resort.

“These system integrations are possible today,” Levin said. “But casino operators face long, expensive implementations to make them happen. With GSA protocols, we will help our gaming customers integrate their technology faster and more cost effectively than ever before.”

About Four Winds Interactive

The Four Winds Interactive digital communications solution is the ideal solution for any organization’s visual communication needs. Digital signage communicates with your audience through applications such as wayfinding, event details, employee communications, metrics reporting, building directories, menu boards, emergency messaging, travel information and advertising. For more information, visit www.FourWindsInteractive.com.

Contacts

Source: Four Winds Interactive

DVSignage further simplifies digital signage network applications by adding DropBox support to its free DV-Studio software package.

True to its ‘Simplify Your Signage’ vision statement, DVSignage has extended the content distribution options on its free DV-Studio digital signage software package to include support for DropBox.

In simple terms, digital signage is all about using the internet to distribute multi-media and video files from a host computer to networks of media players. In other words, sharing files between different computers – exactly what DropBox is designed for.

You simply create and schedule your playlists using DV-Signage’s free-to-download DV-Studio software. You then have the option to distribute them across your signage network by dropping them directly into a standard DropBox folder. DropBox works to ‘share’ the files with any DVSignage media players associated with it.

“DropBox is the web’s favorite file sharing technology and we realised that with just a few tweaks we could adapt it as a powerful distribution option for our DV-Studio and ViewStream Media Player platform,” states Richard Cobbold of DVSignage, “DVSignage is all about offering simple, reliable and cost effective signage solutions – adding DropBox support takes us another big leap in that direction.”

DVSignage have a range of compatible low cost solid state media players (the ViewStream 500 & 505), which are easily configurable to DropBox and which combine to deliver a simple, cost-effective and highly reliable end-to-end digital signage solution for retail, advertising and educational applications.

For more information please see: http://dvsignage.com/using-dv-studio

About DV Signage

Established in 2011 out of Digital View Group (http://www.digitalview.com), DV Signage is a specialist provider of retail merchandizing and digital signage solutions.

Alongside its small format and PopStyle shelf-edge products, DV Signage also manufactures a range of outdoor large format digital signage and wayfinding solutions. With over 150,000 digital signage installs, it is a market leader and renowned global innovator.

The company operates local sales and support worldwide from Morgan Hill in California, London & Hong Kong. Product is available through DV Signage’s specialist sales channels and traditional AV resellers.  For further information please visit http://www.dvsignage.com or contact:

US:      Dusty Perryman: +1 (408) 782 7773 – dusty.perryman [at] dvsignage.com
EU:    Richard Cobbold: +44 (0)2076312150 – rcobbold [at] dvsignage.com
HK:    Michelle Fung:    +852 2861 3615 – michelle.fung [at] dvsignage.com

Source: DV Signage

Wayfinding, Travel Information, other Interactive Features at the Fingertips of 41 Million Vegas Travelers

In a city known for its eye-catching signs, capturing the attention of busy tourists and travelers to convey important information is always challenging. To rise to that challenge among all the glitz and glamour, McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas has partnered with Four Winds Interactive (FWi) to create its own exceptional digital signage program.

In June, McCarran opened its new Terminal 3, which features hundreds of digital signs to help passengers better manage their travel-related activities, including interactive digital airport directories and double-sided video walls serving as Gate Information Displays outside of each arrival and departure gate.

“One of our goals was to ensure that modern helpful amenities were in place for travelers,” said Randall H. Walker, who oversees McCarran in his role as Director of Aviation for Clark County, Nevada. “Four Winds Interactive’s software allows us to do just that by offering a wide variety of useful information via any single interactive sign. This helps patrons better navigate the airport and become aware of factors affecting their travel.”

Most notably, double-sided video walls featuring six portrait screens per side reaching 15 feet tall are strategically placed near departure and arrival gates. Content on the gate signage includes real-time flight information, as well as destination-specific items such as weather forecasts and iconic photo backgrounds of the travel destinations. To remind travelers of the excitement of Las Vegas, synchronized videos are set to play at the top and bottom of the hour on the video walls at every gate in the terminal. Videos displayed are of falling dice or slot machines in action and create a sensational visual effect.

The digital wayfinding aspect of the signs was a crucial element throughout the development and planning stages of the new terminal project. Emphasis was placed on the use of 3D custom floor maps, with more than 1,500 path-finding directions plotted to help guide visitors to various destinations inside McCarran. Through the digital wayfinders, travelers are able to easily find information about shopping, dining, airport clubs, and other airport amenities. The “map it” feature enables travelers to see an animated visual route from their current location to their destination, as well as turn-by-turn directions. These directions easily can be sent from the wayfinder to the travelers’ smartphones via a QR code.

“Interactive digital signage was essential to this project,” said Walker. “Four Winds’ works were already widely displayed in Las Vegas, and its new contributions will further improve visitors’ and locals’ travel experiences when flying in and out of McCarran.” FWi’s software is widely used by the major resort casinos in Las Vegas to power thousands of screens on the famous Las Vegas Strip.

The new terminal is a part of a $2.4 billion project by the Clark County Department of Aviation to better accommodate the 41 million travelers who come through the airport each year. Measuring more than 1.9 million square feet and featuring 14 gates to serve roughly two dozen airlines, the Terminal 3 project is the largest of its type in Nevada’s history.

About Four Winds Interactive

The Four Winds Interactive digital communications solution is the ideal solution for any organization’s visual communication needs. Digital signage communicates with your audience through applications such as wayfinding, event details, employee communications, metrics reporting, building directories, menu boards, emergency messaging, travel information and advertising. For more information, visit www.FourWindsInteractive.com.

Contacts

Source: Four Winds Interactive

Utilizing Concept to Completion ™ design process results in ADA compliant, multi-language solution offerings

According to the American Disabilities Act (ADA), US Airports fall under a special zone for ADA compliance. ADA compliance must address physical reach and height regulations and, at the discretion of the airport, accessibility to the hearing impaired and also the visually impaired for Information Transaction Machines (ITM). Working with Clear Channel Airports (CCA), Meridian built a turnkey system for interactive digital signage and an advertising platform for installation at airports across the US and Canada. The self-service solution allows CCA to sell advertising for local amenities such as hotels, transportation, entertainment and restaurants. The CCA solution offers wayfinding and phone service for greater accessibility to their advertisers.

The interactive signage solution was designed and manufactured by Meridian and powered by Meridian’s proprietary software, Meridian Application Platform (MAP). Clear Channel Airport’s ADA compliant solution utilizes VoIP for telephone handset, phone pad and on-screen prompts; SMS messaging and QR codes are incorporated as well. Scott Appnel, Sales Manager with Clear Channel Aiports stated “the Meridian solution helps us connect advertisers to all travelers especially those with accessibility challenges.”

In order to accommodate the ADA physical requirements, Meridian lowered the screen content of the 42” screen within ADA guidelines. Content out of reach of the user can be pulled down into the compliance area using buttons near the bottom of the screen. Meridian streamlined the design of the self-service solution for greater accessibility, whether using a wheelchair or standing.

The Meridian Application Platform (MAP) provides accessibility and interactivity for the visually impaired. MAP provides an all-software solution without the need for special equipment. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology allows the user to interact with the kiosk through the use of voice prompts and DTMF tones. Users are able to utilize the solution’s handset to navigate the entire solution.

With the rise of Voice over IP (VoIP) technology, TDD communication becomes increasingly difficult to implement due to the need to roll out QoS (Quality of Service) which requires an expensive network infrastructure. Meridian’s use of the MAP TDD platform in combination with VoIP technology ultimately reduced CCA’s infrastructure cost for deployment. Chris Gilder, Founder and CEO states, “As ADA regulations are constantly changing, Meridian created a unique solution for Clear Channel Airports that addresses the needs of all users. Meridian’s MAP platform provides the foundation to stay ahead of changing requirements.”

In Addition to accessibility features, Meridian’s MAP platform also provides Clear Channel Airports (CCA) a dynamic and extensible multi-language support for displaying content in ten languages including English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Arabic. MAP provides a foundation for CCA to create rich interactive experiences with digital signage that is measurable, manageable and accessible. Meridian uses the same MAP platform to develop turnkey solutions for clients globally.

Employing Meridian’s Concept to Completion™ process, Meridian created a turnkey solution for CCA that addressed complex ADA requirements, streamlined efficiency for updates, expanded reach with multi language capabilities while maximizing their return on investment.

About Meridian:
Meridian is an award winning, established leader, providing full service solutions for the self-service kiosk industry. Recognized for expertise, quality, design, flexibility, style and partnerships; Meridian provides solutions to some the largest companies in the world. The Self-Service Technology Center (SSTC), in Bentonville, AR, in partnership with Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Microsoft, Storm and Key Innovations and Zebra Technologies attests to Meridian as the leader for self-service solutions. The corporate headquarters and kiosk manufacturing facilities are located in Aberdeen, NC and the Mzero software development is located on Ontario, Canada. For more information: http://www.mzero.com

Source: Meridian

Over 300 attendees visited the two day conference that was centred on DOOH; bringing together industry experts, AV integrators and end users.

On 31 May and 1 June the second Digital Signage Conference opened its doors in Korston Hotel, Moscow. The event organizers Adissy and DigiSky gathered the top digital signage experts in the industry to talk about the possibilities, business issues and technical aspects. By attracting international guest speakers the organizers were able to present a high level agenda.

Digital Signage is rapidly developing; with retail stores showing their advertisements on displays, wayfinding kiosks in transportation, digital menu boards in restaurants and many more applications that can be found around us. Russia is no exception; in fact at AOpen we see it as a growing region. Alexander Pivovarov, CEO of Adissy and one of the organizers of the event, believes that it is important to have a venue to meet at and discuss current issues, share experience and get to know what colleagues do in the industry in order to support them in making the right decisions. Therefore he is proud to be the co-founder of the Digital Signage Conference in Russia which has become the biggest signage event in Eastern Europe. For two days the conference was visited by over 300 participants from Moscow, Russian regions and CIS countries.

The conference was mainly aimed at marketing and development directors, representatives of large retail networks, banks, fitness clubs, shopping centers, restaurants, airports, hotels, as well as system integrators and AV-installers engaged in DOOH/Digital Signage industry. The conference program included presentations by the leading vendors in the industry such as Microsoft, LG, Scala, Harris, Intel and AOpen.

Guests and participants highlighted the demo-zone of the conference as a great addition to the show. Organizers and partners strived to show innovative products such as interactive touch technology, wayfinding, full body 3D motion capture and the interaction with modern technology such as social media and near field communication marks.

Natalia Vorontsova, Business Development Manager of AOpen for Russia and CIS, mentioned that the conference was conducted at a high level. She commented: “The Russian market already knows and understands what Digital Signage is. It is time to make the most of its potential and get more efficiency from already made investments. The conference provided an atmosphere for customers to gain knowledge and ideas for how to achieve the best solution based on their specific needs.”

According to Alain Bodenstedt, Regional Executive Director of Scala: “This conference was a great opportunity to meet lots of people who are active in DOOH in Eastern Europe to strengthen our network and position in the market. Despite the fact that many of our competitors become less active in the Russian market, we see business is still developing. Thanks to our pilot product Scala5, we are able to meet the customers’ requirements to succeed in a successful project.”

The Imperative Group Managing Director Chris Heap mentioned an excellent organization of the conference in all its aspects – preliminary interaction with the reporters, an interested and competent audience, a wide range of participants and a nice balance between the main program, business communication and informal part.

Maxim Sverdlov, Head of the Key Account Management Department of Harris was glad to share his impressions: “It was nice to listen to a lot of interesting presentations on both conference days; I would highlight an excellent demo-zone and a perfect organization of the event. In the future I would like to listen more to the end user and perhaps include round table sessions for joint discussions. We will definitely take part in the event next year!”

Vladimir Kozlov, Director of DigiSky, commented on the accomplished event: “In just two years the conference has turned into a significant event for the DOOH branch. We will continue to develop our brainchild, so join the leaders!”

The results of the event were traditionally summarized by Alexander Pivovarov. He thanked all parties involved from his own personnel to the partners that were involved and all the attendees who took the time to join the event. He concluded: “I hope that everybody enjoyed the conference. Next year we will make it even more interesting, bigger and better.”

Source:  AOpen

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, today announced that Las Vegas-McCarran International Airport selected and will be deploying more than 900 NEC large-screen displays and 800 single-board computers (SBCs) for the city’s new $2.4-billion Terminal No. 3, slated to open June 27.

The dynamic digital signage will be used to provide flight, baggage and gate information, wayfinding, directories and airline branding to many of the 41 million travelers who pass through the airport each year. The 1.9-million sq.-ft., 14-gate facility is the largest modern public works project in Nevada history and will be home to nearly two dozen international and domestic airline carriers that fly to Las Vegas.

“Employing 1,800 people at its peak, the McCarran Terminal 3 project positions Las Vegas for the demanding growth in international and domestic travel, and our region as the premier tourism destination,” said David Bourgon, Manager, Airport IT Services at McCarran Airport.  “NEC’s digital signage will be instrumental in guiding our visitors through the new facility and creating lasting, positive experiences and memories.”

NEC’s innovative technology, comprised of 182 46-inch P461s and 723 40-inch P401s, will be used for flight, baggage and gate information, security checkpoints, gate-holding areas and check-in counters. Selected for their quality and reliability, these NEC models are designed to operate 24/7 in the most demanding environments.  NEC’s SBCs also will be deployed with the digital screens and reside in the slot options of the P Series displays.  Having the computers residing in the monitors addresses the challenge of where to house the source computers for flight information displays mounted high on walls or in the air on pedestals.

“NEC has built a reputation for innovation and leadership in digital signage, and we’re grateful for the confidence that McCarran Airport officials continue to place in us,” said Keith Yanke, Director of Large-Screen Displays and Projectors at NEC Display Solutions.  “Las Vegas and its hospitality industry are home to many NEC technologies, and we welcome our role in helping make Las Vegas a top tourist destination in the world.”

“The decision to use NEC displays in our new terminal turned out to be an easy one,” Bourgon said.  “Since we began using NEC products in 2006, we have been extremely satisfied with their performance and durability.”

McCarran Airport flies an average of 114,000 passengers a day and handles more than 500 tons of cargo.  More than 1,000 NEC displays already are used in Terminals 1 and 2.

To see NEC digital signage and other display technologies firsthand, visit NEC at InfoComm12 Booth No. C6819 from June 13-15 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

About NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc.

Headquartered in Itasca, Ill., NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc., is a leading designer and provider of innovative desktop LCD monitors, commercial- and professional-grade large-screen LCD displays, a diverse line of multimedia and digital cinema projectors, and integrated display solutions. NEC Display Solutions develops leading-edge visual technology and customer-focused solutions for a wide variety of markets, including enterprise, healthcare, education and digital signage. For additional information about NEC Display Solutions of America monitors, consumers can call (866) NEC-MORE, or visit the website at www.necdisplay.com. For digital images, please visit http://necdisplay.com/digital-media-library.

About VUKUNET

VUKUNET, from NEC Display Solutions of America, is the engine that powers the digital out-of-home advertising business.  VUKUNET is the only universal ad serving platform that drives ads to any digital out-of-home network, regardless of content management system. VUKUNET makes the buying, flighting and reporting of digital out-of-home ad campaigns easy.  For additional information about VUKUNET, visit www.vukunet.com, or call (877) 805-VUKU.

Press Contact

Katie Allodi
Marketing Specialist
Phone: 630-467-3221
Fax: 630-467-4370
Email: kallodi [at] necdisplay.com

Source: NEC Display Solutions

Three clients nominated by digital signage solutions provider honored in 2-month span; industry magazine, associations recognize excellence in deployment in hospitality and transportation industries

Three clients of digital signage solutions provider Four Winds Interactive (FWi) have won awards for excellence in deployment in two different industries during a recent 2-month span.

In early March, the Digital Signage Expo (DSE), the world’s largest and longest running international conference and tradeshow dedicated exclusively to digital signage, interactive technology and digital out-of-home networks (DOOH), awarded FWi client The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas with a 2012 Bronze Apex Award in the Hospitality category. The Cosmopolitan’s work with FWi was recognized for “innovation and creativity” among a field of 88 entrants representing 18 countries.

In mid-April, the Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA) presented a 2012 Industry Excellence Award for “Best Travel Deployment – Digital Signage” to FWi client Washington State Ferries. Each year, DSA honors the best digital signage, mobile and self-service kiosk technology deployments across all vertical market segments.

Also in mid-April, Hospitality Technology (HT) magazine named the Flamingo Las Vegas one of three winners of the 2012 Visionary Awards. Each year, HT presents a select group of lodging companies with accolades for outstanding achievement in delivering technological excellence. HT recognized Flamingo Las Vegas as a “Customer-Facing/In-Room Technology Innovator” for its work with FWi.

“We’re proud to serve award-winning organizations like The Cosmopolitan, Washington State Ferries and the Flamingo Las Vegas,” said David Levin, President and CEO, Four Winds Interactive. “Like all of our clients, their dedication to creating the best experience for their customers inspires us to strive for continued innovation and excellence.”

FWi worked with The Cosmopolitan to implement and develop a comprehensive digital network of more than 200 displays throughout the property to serve multiple purposes, including: property wayfinding, meeting-space signage, progressives, restaurant menus and more.

Also in 2011, FWi launched a pilot with Washington State Ferries to create a digital display network on two vessels and in two terminals. Screens carry important information for passengers regarding safety messages, vessel arrival and departure notices, lost-item locator, and emergency alerts.

FWi worked with the Flamingo Las Vegas to implement an interactive signage network that serves as a wayfinding source for guests and visitors, as well as a loyalty kiosk for players. The system can be used for players to login to their accounts, manage preferences, see available offers and send offers to mobile devices through SMS integration.

In January, FWi’s work with Washington State Ferries also won the Judges Choice Award in the 2012 DIGI Awards. Another recent point of distinction for FWi was being named late last year to the Top 20 list of Forbes magazine’s “America’s Most Promising Companies.”

About Four Winds Interactive

The Four Winds Interactive digital communications solution is the ideal solution for any organization’s visual communication needs. Digital signage communicates with your audience through applications such as wayfinding, event details, employee communications, metrics reporting, building directories, menu boards, emergency messaging, travel information and advertising. For more information, visit  .

Source: Four Winds Interactive

The Cyprus Cooperative Bank project called for screens to be deployed at each branch location. Eyelevel began by developing an in-store communication channel which they branded “COOP tv”.

The COOP tv network dispenses a mix of general information and entertainment to bank customers while they are waiting in line.

Eyelevel re-purposes the bank’s existing promotional material (mainly static signs and posters) by animating and distributing the content to each of the bank’s screens. The COOP tv screens are also used for wayfinding and other useful information.

The company selected the Navori software platform for this project based on the product’s reliability, scalability, performance and ease of use.

The Navori QL software is also highly optimized and extremely efficient which means Eyelevel can use entry level PCs and maximize their ROI.

Eyelevel knows that digital signage content must be attractive, relevant, interesting, fresh and always up to date. This is where Navori QL really shines.

Navori supports all popular multimedia formats natively and features powerful content creation tools. The applications web based interface requires no installation or maintenance and the product is easy to use and learn.

The Navori software platform ensures each screen is running optimally and alerts an operator if any problem arises.

Customer feedback on this project has been extremely positive and the results have exceeded the client’s expectations.

Let our team show you how you can benefit from a versatile software solution that is designed for ease of use and reliable, 24/7 operation from the ground up.

For more information about our products or to schedule a live demonstration, please contact your local Navori representative.

About Navori

Navori SA is a top-tier digital signage software publisher based in Lausanne, Switzerland with subsidiaries in North America, South America and Australia.

The Navori digital signage software platform is used for all types of screen based communications: Advertising networks, retail applications, corporate communications, public space signage, wayfinding, fast food menu boards and more…

Source: Navori

Mounted on the landing of the second floor, the 2X3 video wall is used to display Diesel’s newest collections and campaigns.  Visible from the first floor, the large video wall, comprised of 55” NEC displays, helps engage customers and improve in-store traffic flow.

YCD|Platform, YCD’s content management system, is used to manage a single-screen wayfinding display at the first floor entrance to help customers navigate the store and locate specific merchandise.

The content displayed on the screens is created by Diesel and configured with the help of YCD’s creative services team. All updates are managed directly by Diesel and are updated through YCD|Platform in coordination with new seasonal campaigns or product promotions.

This new installation in NYC joins another YCD/ Diesel collaboration, on Market Street, San Francisco’s main retail thoroughfare.  In order to test content and promote a new seasonal clothing line, YCD’s MuVi Wall was also installed in Diesel’s NYC headquarters.

“The video wall at Diesel’s flagship store creates an ambient shopping experience that keeps the customer engaged, while also strengthening the brand message,” said Daniele Minestrini, Diesel’s Head of Interior Design Department in New York City.. “It’s obvious that dynamic video content with high graphical quality resonates more with a customer than traditional print signage, and therefore digital signage is the best means of high-impact communications with shoppers. Diesel plans to incorporate YCD’s digital marketing platform into future retail locations throughout the US.”

“The installation at Diesel’s flagship store in NYC is a good example how digital signage helps engage shoppers and enhances the flow of store traffic. Merchandise spread throughout the store, specifically in harder to find areas, now becomes more accessible,” said Noam Levavi, YCD Multimedia’s CEO. “The new project further strengthens our position as a global leading provider of state-of-the-art digital media solutions to the world’s most well-known retail brands.”

YCD MuVi Wall is a high impact video wall solution that uses digital messaging to create WOW effect, while also building brand-customer relationships and showcasing promotions. MuVi Wall integrates fully synchronized audio and video for unparalleled impact. It can support 3, 6, 9 or 12 separate channels of digital content to be displayed in a completely customizable configuration, on separate screens or across a single canvas, at a single location or many.

About YCD Multimedia
YCD Multimedia is an industry leader providing corporations and organizations worldwide with advanced digital media solutions and applications within the retail environment, as well as other industries. YCD’s flexible platforms help businesses attract clients, reinforce branding and ensure a measurable impact on their business. YCD’s end-to-end offering combines strategy, professional services and technology to increase profits, optimize product mix and enhance the customer experience. To date, the company has partnered with over 2,000 customers, including Fortune 500 corporations and some of the world’s most recognized brands, such as Coca-Cola, Toyota, Estee Lauder, Ferrari, Hilton Hotels, Cartier, and Hugo Boss. Founded in 1999, YCD Multimedia is headquartered in the United States with offices in the United Kingdom and Israel, and has an international network of resellers serving clients around the globe. In October 2011 YCD acquired C-nario, a global provider of digital signage software solutions. For more information, visit www.ycdmultimedia.com

Source: YCD Multimedia