East Japan Marketing & Communications Inc. and Shinoda Plasma Co. Ltd. initiated a pioneering field test of digital signage using Shinoda Plasma’s innovative “PTA (plasma tube array)” technology at Tokyo Station, marking the first public installation of this cutting-edge film-type display.
Unveiling the PTA Technology
The PTA technology, a proprietary development by Shinoda Plasma, features a remarkably thin and lightweight film-type display. According to Tsutae Shinoda, President and Chairman of Shinoda Plasma, this test represents a significant milestone for the PTA, showcasing its potential in a bustling public space.
Field Test Details
The test, running from September 2 to September 4, 2009, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. (until 5 p.m. on the last day), is located at the central ticket gate of Tokyo Station. The display features a large 145-inch curved-surface screen, displaying a mix of 21 content types, including still images, movies, and web-based content such as weather forecasts.
PTA Display Specifications
- Screen Size: 3 x 2 meters
- Resolution: 960 x 720
- Thickness: 1 millimeter
- Sub-Modules: Six 1 x 1 meter PTA units
- Power Consumption: Maximum 1,000W
- Weight: Approximately 180 kilograms
Manabu Ishimoto, a director at Shinoda Plasma, emphasized the PTA’s advantages over traditional displays. Its low power consumption, reduced weight, and ease of installation make it an attractive option for digital signage, especially in space-constrained environments.
Customizable and Versatile Display Solutions
The PTA’s modular design allows for versatile screen configurations. “Users can decide on various screen sizes by combining 1 x 1 meter PTA sub-modules,” Shinoda explained. This adaptability enables the creation of vertically or horizontally extended displays, enhancing the impact of digital signage.
Future Prospects and Market Viability
Following the field test, Shinoda Plasma is scheduled to deliver its first final product to the Akashi Municipal Planetarium in Hyogo Prefecture in October 2009. The 145-inch screen system will be priced at approximately ¥40 million (around USD 431,453).
Takashi Yamamoto of East Japan Marketing & Communications highlighted the PTA’s slim profile and lightweight as key factors for its selection in the test. “A large display can be installed in limited spaces due to its 1mm thickness, and its light weight reduces installation costs,” Yamamoto noted. However, he emphasized that widespread adoption would depend on verifying advertising effectiveness and reducing the price to a more feasible ¥10 to ¥15 million range.
Conclusion
The collaboration between East Japan Marketing & Communications and Shinoda Plasma in testing the PTA display at Tokyo Station could revolutionize digital signage. The PTA’s unique attributes promise enhanced advertising capabilities in public spaces, potentially setting a new standard for the industry. As the technology advances and becomes more cost-effective, it may see broader adoption across various venues, offering dynamic and impactful visual experiences.
