The origins of Samsung Smart Signage Platform lay in a project started last year to look at further applications of the company’s Smart TV range. From the first major public of the Smart TV range at IFA 2011 it was obvious that Samsung had more ambitious plans than simply allowing consumers to watch reruns of Corrie. Add to that the company’s access to mobile phone chipsets and what you have is the potential to deliver content to a screen and play it out in virtually any location – ideal for digital signage.

From these early stirrings, Samsung’s plans developed rapidly leading to the decision to build Smart Signage Platform technology into more than 30 models in the company’s display range. In order to do this, the company has scaled down the hardware to a very small chip set so as not to affect the overall appearance or dimensions of the display. This System-on-Chip technology is the logical next step in a process that has seen a progression from standard PCs driving digital signage, to small form industrial PCs and, most recently, solid state media players.

On the chip

The Samsung Smart Signage Platform features a 1 GHz dual-core CPU, 512KB cache and a 1GB, DDR3 dual 32-bit memory, high-performance video processing codec and a choice of 4GB or 8GB of storage. In effect, this is an embedded, high-performance media player, allowing users to play back content without the need for a separate PC or set-back box. By eliminating the need for external devices, the Samsung Smart Signature Platform offers a clean and simple installation.

A ‘Plug & Play’ feature allows content to be loaded and the device to be controlled via USB, in addition to supporting various video and audio formats, including WMV, MP4, H.264 and more. For software, users have a choice of Samsung’s MagicInfo Premium S (which allows users to manage content and devices remotely or via a remote control) or a number of third party applications.

To support development around the Smart Signage Platform, Samsung has released a Software Developers’ Kit (SDK) for signage software, which the company says is the first-ever SDK for the commercial display market. This allows software partners to develop customised signage applications suitable for an array of business and user environments.

Third parties

The first third party software developer to really embrace the Smart Signage Platform is signagelive (although Scala is also a partner). CEO Jason Cremins that he has scaled up his organisation in order to sully support Samsung’s global roll-out of Smart Signage Platform. While it’s very early days, Cremins told AV News that the market has already reacted positively to the announcement of Smart Signage Platform, with proposals under discussion for installations of several hundreds of screens.

BrightSign argues that screens with integrated players are a long way from delivering this level of installation.

One of the first application areas to attract interest is that of digital menu boards. Signagelive has demonstrated QSR solution that enables the restaurant owner to change prices, take items off sale and to change information about ingredients quickly and simply using a browser based dashboard. Products are managed in a cloud-based database including pricing, nutritional information and product grouping. From a simple update on a mobile or tablet or database, price changes will dynamically appear on screen using HTML5 playback technology.

In addition to publishing the content to Digital Menu Boards, the Signagelive QSR solution can output content to mobile devices, tablets and shelf edge displays. Cremins says the Samsung Smart Signage Platform offers considerable benefits over alternative PC based solutions, including; savings in purchase cost, reduction in energy costs and ease of installation and maintenance. Cremins concedes that there are limitations on the content and applications that can be handled by the Samsung Smart Signage Platform, but that the advantages of lower costs, ease of installation and simple operation will take digital signage into new markets.

Impact

With so much interest in Samsung’s new technology, what will the effect be on the channel? Will it add incremental business, or simply replace existing solutions with lower cost technology? At the entry-level, those involved in development of the Samsung Smart Signage Platform see some digital signage business migrating to mainstream IT and even end-user installs. The ‘Plug and Play’ design requires comparatively little expertise to install and there is, of course, no integration required beyond accessing the software.

As the complexity of projects increase, the suppliers of traditional digital signage solutions are comfortable that System-on-Chip solutions will have relatively little impact in the short term. Jeff Hastings, CEO of BrightSign explains:

“The launch of System-on-Chip digital signage players integrated into one manufacturer’s displays is an interesting development. It continues to endorse BrightSign’s long held view that the market is moving away from the PC as a playback platform. Building the Digital Signage player into the screen, however, can be quite inflexible as technology evolves. A standalone player like the BrightSign unit can be used to connect to any LCD screen on the market – any size, any format.”

“The customer can choose to pay top dollar for a superb premium price screen or economise by buying a lower cost product that still fully meets his or her needs. Screen and player technology is improving continuously, and with separate units, customers can upgrade either part of the combination as required.”

“In terms of the player itself, standalone solid state digital signage players have now evolved to the point where they match the capabilities of PC players in terms of features and performance. Full specifications of system on chip products are not yet available with technology roadmaps from both the hardware and software sides will be key to the long term viability of the solution.”

It is our belief that there is huge potential for digital signage in the SME sector which is not currently being addressed by current solutions, and that System-on-Chip will certainly address this latent demand. As to whether it will be adopted further up the value chain, we would point to the general trend in just what can be integrated onto a chip. It’s just a matter of timescale and economics.

Arguably, the UK has the most advanced AV technology distribution model in Europe. Shaun Marklew, sales and marketing director at Sahara says: “Working within Sahara has given me a real insight into other channels around Europe and their mix of distributor, reseller and direct. I feel that the channel in the UK works far better, allowing the manufacturer through to the reseller, with each able to concentrate on their individual roles within the market.”

Despite advances in the ways that business is transacted, the UK distribution model runs on fairly traditional lines: “We still find that most of our customers want to talk to a sales person or technical product manager,” says Marklew. “One of the key areas we are noticing is the level of support that the distributor is required to provide from training, technical support right through to demonstrations and project management. This increasingly puts pressure on margins across our product portfolio as the market is squeezed but the amount of support and resources required has increased”

Mark Nisbet, managing director of Audio Visual Material (AVM) shares the view that the people-focused approach to selling is still the preferred method for his customers: “Whilst AVM offers online purchasing, the majority of our customers still prefer speaking to our staff. AVM will always provide a consultative and supportive approach for our diverse customer base and provide as much online technical support as possible. Many customers, however, still prefer to call us and speak to someone and discuss their customers’ requirements and recommend a solution to suit – and we make a point of encouraging this. We would prefer to see ourselves as the British Airways of AV distribution rather than the Ryan Air.”

AVM specialises in specific areas and chooses distinct brands that have minimal overlap, many of which are exclusive. Nisbet says: “This enables us to promote and support the brand, which we do through free on-site demonstrations and support, repairs and servicing, consultation and exclusive warranties. AVM has a highly trained staff that is able to provide pre and post sales support and choose to go the extra mile for our partners.  We assist our dealers to provide the services they require, where necessary working with and offering advice to the end-user – whilst never seeking to take that relationship from the integrator.”

These are the values that resellers have come to expect from AV distributors, and which are not commonly found outside of the AV industry. But, changes to the product set, and particularly the sales of software and services, are presenting challenges to the current distribution business model: “Software and services is something that we have experienced more-and-more over the last twelve months, and it has certain challenges within distribution. How do you distribute something that is not in a box?” asks Marklew.

Evolution

The trends in AV technology – the rise of virtualisation, the move to software, the cloud, the growth in services – will undoubtedly drive change. Nigel Steljes, chairman of Steljes and someone with a reputation for making successful businesses at the cutting edge of a changing markets, has seen change coming:

“The development of unified communications is changing how we work and its impact is resulting in the convergence of AV into IT. This convergence, I believe, is the single biggest issue facing distribution. Why? Because the traditional AV channel isn’t ready for it.”

“I have always been a champion of AV but I can see that the market place is changing., and changing rapidly. Cloud-based services, new technologies such as Microsoft Lync etc. are all having an impact on customer requirements. The days of customers just wanting a new projector for their meeting room are giving way to demands for a more collaborative way of working that will help companies increase productivity and reduce costs.”

“We live in a connected world – one that is powered by very sophisticated technology. Traditional AV resellers need to adapt to this new world or face a dim future. They need to either up-skill their workforce, employ people with the necessary skills and experience or partner with an IT integrator in order to capitalise on the tremendous potential that this market place offers.”

Broader pipe

Darren Lewitt, AV director and joint owner of Midwich, shares the view that flexibility, evolution and adapting to market changes are important, but attributes success in distribution to offering a continuously expanding range of products to offer to reseller partners. “You need to have several trump cards to keep ahead of the game,” says Lewitt. “In 1995, you could order a choice of two types of projector technology from Midwich. Today, Midwich can help you with an extended range of technologies including LED, Ultra Short throw, Interactive, UXGA, as well as the technical and accessory solutions, from brackets, mounts, switchgear, connectivity, and audio.”

He believes offering a comprehensive range of products within a specialist niche gives resellers an advantage as the market develops. “By bringing companies such as RW Salt and True Colours into the Midwich Group, we can offer an even more specialist solution-led model to our customers, covering the full AV spectrum. This, in turn, opens up further revenue streams for our resellers to the benefit of all concerned.”

Lewitt believes that the key to the successful evolution for distribution is simple – it’s identifying the needs of both your reseller partner and vendor and ensuring you have a business model that fulfils, and exceeds, their expectations. The rest, he argues, is down to market forces: “BECTA used to hold great sway on the specification of kit in schools, but now buying trends in the classroom are dictated by common market factors, such as the technology itself, price, Total Cost of Ownership and green credentials.

Pace of change

Jon Sidwick, director of TD Maverick for EMEA, believes that the transition to new distribution models is happening far more rapidly than we think, driven by the growth and breadth of the AV sector: “We are entering a period of unprecedented growth where visual communication, in particular, is at the centre of all aspects of life. This is driving volume bit also commoditisation and is dramatically widening the market touch.  The need for AV equipment is growing rapidly and touching all areas where the need for higher quality, quicker and more collaborative communication is a major driver – this is felt almost everywhere.”

Sidwick believes that the opportunity we have as a channel is unprecedented, with AV being expected rather than requested, but he cautions: “Trying to enjoy a share of the opportunity means a careful balance of specialist focus and customer reach overlaid with delivering services where required and valued. Also now that domestic products are blending into commercial environments we have to compete with a different channel dynamic.”

In this world of almost ubiquitous AV, an increasing proportion of the technology requirement is satisfied by consumer products. “This is seen most notably in the LFD market where the connectivity and pricing of domestic products often make them an easy choice for simple meeting room and communication solutions.

“This is also felt with simple cloud based communication systems where Skype, for example, has become the communication tool of choice for small businesses communicating by video, particularly with cross national situations. This challenges the channel into ensuring the additional benefits, and therefore additional costs, are understood, appreciated and valued.”

E-commerce

Those who want to play in the consumer-to-business (C2B) arena, Sidwick argues, will need to be able to transact business electronically. In addition to commodity products, e-commerce will be used to supply services, including concierge services, to resellers to sell through as white label applications. “Currently, the industry is scratching the surface on how this will be delivered in the future. The volume sectors – standard presentation meeting rooms and simple collaboration – we will see growing demand for web based selling and support,” he adds.

The challenge for distribution is to understand how to find the most effective routes to market and how to present coherent and easy-to-use solutions. With software and cloud-based solutions on standard industry hardware rapidly gaining ground on specialist, dedicated platforms in areas as diverse as video communication, control systems and digital signage, finding the right routes to market and the right channel partners is right at the top of the distributors’ agendas.

“Managing what was previously locally delivered functionality will increase dramatically as we now see it being an accepted way of accessing many services to the business environment. As a channel we have to be aware that, where once there was full control of a solution, many aspects are already being subcontracted to more efficient (and often better) cloud based solutions. It’s happening most noticeably in video conferencing and digital signage. “

Much the same is true of Software-as-a-Service, where the potential for renewable subscription revenues is huge, but the commercial model is far from fully resolved in the AV channel. Sidwick has seen SaaS grow appreciably in TechData’s IT activities: “This has to be a growth area. As a specialist AV business with a large software sister division, we are leveraging the already robust software delivery systems available in the market, such as simple activation code delivery, to white label, multi-vendor software solutions, enabling resellers to sell software using our engine.”

Read the whole story in the AV News June 2013 issue http://free.yudu.com/item/embedded_reader/957195/AV-News-June-2013

As Large Format Displays (LFDs) replace other technologies in environments that operate around the clock, the issue of 24/7 operation has risen to the top of the agenda. The nub of the question is: what do we really mean by 24/7 operation?

Sharp’s 24/7 rated PN-E models: “There are no specified operational constraints for the Sharp models rated for 24/7. These Sharp displays are guaranteed for 24/7 use for three years from switch on,” says Darren Gaffey, pan EU product planning manager for Sharp Electronics Europe.

Sharp has slightly put the cat among the pigeons with a statement to the effect that displays in the PN-E, PN-R, PN-U, PN-K321H and all its PN-V models are all capable of 24/7 operation – without constraints. Darren Gaffey, pan EU product planning manager for Sharp Electronics Europe says: “There are no specified operational constraints for the Sharp models rated for 24/7. These Sharp displays are guaranteed for 24/7 use for three years from switch on.”

This represents a clear differentiation from the position held by other major vendors, who point to the problem of ‘image retention’ which can occur in applications demand long duty cycles – particularly where a portion of the content shown on the display is static. Nico Kamffer, client services director at PSCo Technical Distribution, explains:

“The most important issue that 24/7 screens address is that of image retention or screen burn and robustness – depending on the technology being analysed, of course. This is the key consideration in the makeup of the panels where different liquid crystal (the LC in LCD!) material is required and the emphasis on controlling temperatures is much higher than with products that are not 24/7 rated. Warranty on professional displays is also a major consideration and needs more allowance due to the different, more expensive components or materials being used – hence the difference in cost between professional versus commercial displays.”

Real 24/7?

The requirement for actual ‘24/7’ operation is a relatively small niche, largely concentrated in  transportation, control and monitoring, fuel stations and fast food restaurants. Thorsten Prsybyl, product manager at NEC Display Solutions Europe GmbH, has found that just 10% of the 24/7 capable displays are actually deployed in genuine 24/7 applications.

Prsybyl says that: “We have a lot of customers buying 24/7 capable products for other reasons than their 24/7 capability. Sometimes it is the higher brightness these screens provide or the more advanced features set those displays usually come with”.

Gaffey concurs: “Within the B2B market 40% of our sales are made up of professional models, the majority of which have 24/7 technology. Though we do have a high demand for consumer screens in business applications, 24/7 technology provides a clear differentiator between professional and consumer type displays providing additional reliability and robustness to the users, even if the application is not 24/7 critical.”

ROI

As in all applications for display technologies, choice of solution is dependent on Return on Investment (ROI) and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in addition to the specifications and operating environment. Kamffer says that these calculations must also take into account other factors including: whether or not the displays are used in a videowall; whether displays are in portrait or landscape orientation; and how they are mounted or enclosed.

Kamffer puts forward a hypothetical example to illustrate the point: “in some retail environments displays are expected to run for 20 -24 hours a day, often in videowall formation. The expected ROI in these circumstances is high and, more importantly, downtime has a big negative impact. If the displays are part of a project that is being financially written down over 2-3 years, the solution must be expected to last for at least the duration of the depreciation cycle.”

“By lasting,” says Kamffer, “I mean working to optimal specification according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and fully covered under warranty. If the display fails or degrades due to over usage then the complete system being used is not ‘earning its keep’ for the duration of the downtime, and this should be taken into account in assessing the financial return. This applies equally to most, if not all, vertical markets.”

In these demanding applications, where LFDs are operating the extremes, 24/7 screens will only perform to their full potential and achieve their specified service life if correctly installed and mounted in line with manufacturers’ specifications. It is essential to follow manufacturers’ guidelines for mounting specification. The correct brackets allow enough heat dissipation from the displays in both portrait and landscape deployments.

Selection

If you have followed the manufacturers’ specifications to the letter, used the correct mounts and carried out the installation with skilled and experienced staff, what can you reasonably expect to get out of a 24/7 display? Prsybyl says it is possible to get 24/7 continuous performance, but this will impact on the life of the product:

Nico Kamffer, client services director at PSCo Technical Distribution: “The most important issue that 24/7 screens address is that of image retention or screen burn.”

“NEC recommends turning the displays off every night for a few hours, if possible, especially when the content is of a static nature.  If that is not possible, the customer needs to regard the display as consumable which needs to be replaced regularly, e.g. every 3 years. Such extreme situations are quite rare, though. Most customers can follow our guideline which can lead to other extremes where e.g. we have airports still using our LCD3000 – after 10 years.”

NEC has a set of operational guidelines that help customers prolong the life of their screens, and the company says that it has always been careful and open when it comes to 24/7 operation –“unlike some other brands in the market,” adds Prsybyl. “There are competitors promoting displays with TV electronics or TV back lights with as little as 350cd for 24/7 applications. This low brightness, which is insufficient for most public installations, will reduce to an unacceptable 250cd after 3 years of 24/7 operation,” he says.

Customer protection

Prsybyl believes that the best policy for a vendor is to employ an open communication policy and to refrain from promoting displays for 24/7 use which are not fit for purpose. Kamffer argues that the customer’s best protection is to seek expert advice and to rely only on experienced and qualified 24/7 installers. Samsung has gone as far as a City & Guilds course for partners installing its LFDs.

Jamie Blakemore, business development manager at Samsung Electronics UK explains: “The majority of partners successfully manage their own installation process; however Samsung has introduced a professional City & Guilds accreditation at the BMET College to educate clients and integrators on the correct and suggested setup and installation of large format displays. This is available to all our partners and clients. [For further information, please visit the website http://samsung.bmetc.ac.uk/content/samsung-digital-service-academy-12-months].

Prsybyl says, on behalf of NEC, that: “There is no guideline in terms of qualification of the installer. NEC has defined guidelines for the way the displays should be used with content design guidelines”. (See the box below.)

Applications

As discussed earlier, customers buy 24/7 LFDs for a variety of reasons, Samsung says that around 35% of its display sales in the UK have 24/7 capabilities (the DE, UD, LE and PE ranges) but these are not bought for their 24/7 applications alone. The market is growing quickly as more customers like to have the comfort and flexibility of using displays for a range of purposes.

The common factor in these customers’ requirements is the need to provide a constant flow of information to the screen over a long duty cycle, although not always 24/7. Samsung says its displays provide enhanced functionality aligned to specific business needs. Reliability and performance are important, as many displays are a source of revenue from advertising for the customer.  There is often an ROI expectation in this style of application, so displays have to be reliable and fit for purpose.

But if your customer’s application calls for displays operating the extremes of the specification you would be well advised to take the advice in the box below – or you could explore the Sharp offer.

YCD’s content management solution (YCD|CMS) and YCD’s audio and video player (YCD|Player) create a new bowling experience at US Bowlmor venues.

American provider of digital signage solutions YCD Multimedia has started to install an innovative platform in US Bowlmor bowling centres that provides on-screen music and video entertainment. The project aims to create a more show-like and fun dance club atmosphere where the game is combined with visual effects and music, according to the audience’s taste.

The innovative system, ScreenCast, developed by ScreenPlay Entertainment, is based on YCD’s content management solution (YCD|CMS) and YCD’s automated and fully synchronized audio and video player (YCD|Player). The first system was installed at Bowlmor’s bowling centre in Union Square, New York, a second in Bethesda, Maryland followed by Strike in Miami. Each location is equipped with numerous screens, creating a unique, unprecedented audio-visual experience.

The ScreenCast system gives the bowling center’s managers complete control through an intuitive touchscreen interface, enabling them to become “instant experts” on building custom programs, scheduling dayparts, and system administration. Bowling center managers can create their own playlists from ScreenPlay’s massive music video library, or use ScreenPlay’s programmers to deliver tailor-made playlists for general audiences, specific crowds or events.

“This project is a great example of how digital multimedia works to create an experience that fits a brand and provides a sensory-rich experience for the customer. Bowlmor’s managers can be in complete control of what’s happening and can manage the style of the environment to enhance a particular event or circumstance,” said Noam Levavi, YCD’s CEO.

“Music and the content that’s on your screens are two of the most defining elements of a venue’s atmosphere,” said Keri Maxwell, General Manager, ScreenPlay Entertainment. “With YCD’s software, combined with our solution, service and experience, we are able to provide Bowlmor with compelling on-screen content and pitch-perfect music, as well as content management capabilities, allowing a totally customizable experience depending on event, crowd or theme.”

The new digital signage system from EventIgnite is specifically designed for event organisers and will be output to a 55” LED screen in portrait mode at European Sign Expo.

Event technology specialist EventIgnite launches its digital signage solution to the signage industry in the Screenmedia Theatre at European Sign Expo, June 25-27 2013, ExCeL London.

EventIgnite allows event organisers to make changes to visitor programme information up until the last minute, and even during programmes if timings or speakers change. Screens can be updated from any computer with a web browser, either using the organiser’s own equipment or hired hardware. Event teams on the move can also update content in the EventIgnite dashboard from any web-enabled mobile device, or updates can be handled by the EventIgnite support team. Any Internet connection can be used – hardwired, dedicated, shared or WiFi – and if EventIgnite has connected once, it works just as well offline if a connection is lost, a common and frustrating scenario in many event venues.

EventIgnite CEO John Robson explains: “With decades of event AV experience, we understand first-hand the challenges faced by event organisers who need to keep visitors accurately informed despite the reality that details can change at a moment’s notice. In this dynamic environment, printed signage is far from ideal, while prevailing digital signage solutions can be costly and inflexible to update in real time. We’ve developed EventIgnite specifically to meet the needs of event people.

EventIgnite is based on HTML5, which enables the content entered into the system to be output to mobile devices for users to access using a URL specific to the feature in question. For example, an iPad user could tap the feature-specific URL into their browser, giving them access to more information about the session and speaker, and even enabling them to post questions to the speaker in real time. This service can be offered for use with visitors’ own tablet devices, or delivered in conjunction with hired tablets handed out to conference delegates.

EventIgnite will be demonstrated in the Live Zone of Marketing Week Live (Stand B212), London Olympia, 26-27th June.

Christie Jumpstart, Christie FHD551-XG with Corning Gorilla Glass and Christie Multi-touch Video Wall Solution begin shipping in July 2013.

There are a variety of new product introductions featured at InfoComm 2013 in Orlando, Florida. One of them is Christie’s JumpStart, the Christie FHD551-XG with Corning Gorilla Glass, and the company’s first turnkey multi-touch video wall solution. The Christie Multi-touch Video Wall Solution comprises a 4-unit wide by 1-unit high row of portrait-mounted 55-inch LCD panels with bonded Corning Gorilla Glass, Christie Interactivity Kit, Christie JumpStart, and the mounting hardware for a wall-mounted or freestanding display.

Christie JumpStart now provides additional flexibility with six outputs (compared with four previously) and a 50 percent increase in resolution capability – now 15 megapixels. The content management system allows you to display multiple, high-bandwidth video files, graphics, Microsoft Windows applications, Blu-ray and DVD movies, and text effortlessly on a large-format video wall. It is compatible with any digital display, including Christie MicroTiles and rear-projection or flat-panel display solutions.

“Christie JumpStart targets architectural markets including museums, universities, stadia,  corporate offices and retail stores needing high resolution, reliable content playback across large video walls,” said Richard Heslett, senior product manager, Christie. “Rental stagers will also benefit from the speed and ease of setup of JumpStart, and its support for unique display configurations.”

The first 55-inch super-narrow bezel LCD display for tiled video walls with bonded Corning Gorilla Glass, the Christie FHD551-XG is ideal for touch screens including broadcast sets and high-traffic public spaces including hotels, restaurants, museums, airports and railway stations.

The new contract between Niavac and the Western Education and Library Board will see the roll out of seven new Video Conference suites in centres.

Belfast firm Niavac, has secured a £250k VC contract with the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) earlier  this month  following a detailed tender process and have also been selected to provide tech support to the project on an on-going basis over the next three years.

WELB is the largest of province’s five Education Boards, responsible for education, library and youth services across Fermanagh, Omagh, Strabane, Derry city and Limavady.

Their ICT Management Services are responsible for the management and delivery of all ICT services for administration for all these services – representing a network of 18 outcentres stretching from Gortatole to Magilligan Field Centre.

The new contract with NIAVAC will see the roll out of seven new Video Conference suites in centres and upgrading communication systems and infrastructure across all outcentres so that their existing VC hardware can communicate with each other.

Noel Burke, Niavac says: “WELB are very actively embracing new technologies to increase efficiencies and their decision to upgrade their existing videoconferencing network has allowed more users participate in the videoconferencing experience.

“The system we are installing will allow the user to integrate multipoint calls from a desktop without any additional hardware requirements and they can also participate in videoconference through a tablet or android device wherever they may be.

“The outcome for WELB is a huge saving on travel time and increased communication efficiencies between departments will be achieved. We look forward to working with such a progressive Education Board to support them in achieving their goals,” adds Noel.

Starting in July, all of the brands in the Core Brands portfolio will be represented in certain territories by a single rep firm, and in the remaining territories the brands will be managed by two rep firms. According to the company, this move will make it easier for dealers to meet minimum order requirements, be considered for new lines, and provide their clients with strong branded product choices.

Paul Starkey, vice president of marketing for Core Brands explains: “These changes are based on a thorough review of our territories and rep capabilities. The model today for product acquisition has to be more conducive for our accounts to do business with Core Brands. Creating a more focused set of contacts for dealers is a major step in making it easier for them to do business with us.”

Starkey continued: “With the recent implementation of our new ERP/CRM system, we are getting closer to when our accounts will be able to enjoy 24/7 ordering, shipment tracking, program status, and payment balances, as well as a reference center for product information, training, and other key information assets.”

BrightSign announces a new partnership with MMD, Philips Signage Solutions and Philips Monitors, at InfoComm 2013 in Orlando.

Digital signage company BrightSign partners with MMD, the name behind Philips Signage Solutions and Philips Monitors worldwide. The companies have chosen InfoComm as the venue to formally announce their partnership, and to educate show attendees about the very latest techniques to deploy eye-catching, multi-screen digital signage applications in virtually any setting.

Both BrightSign and Philips Signage Solutions will host educational workshops in their booths (#1743 and #4645) about multi-screen applications made possible with the combination of the company’s new Philips VL Series commercial-grade LED displays and BrightSign’s new XD digital signage players. BrigthSign will conclude each of these workshops by giving away a BrightSign XD230 digital signage player to a randomly chosen workshop attendee. Additionally, for those InfoComm attendees who want to dive into exactly “how” it’s done, BrightSign will explain the simple steps for creating multi-screen presentations using BrightSign’s digital signage players and its BrightAuthor software in their daily workshops.

“BrightSign’s players are the perfect engine to drive our new Philips VL displays,” said Craig Rathbun, managing director at MMD, the name behind Philips Signage Solutions worldwide. “The BrightSign XD players are highly capable and can pass-through whatever Full HD content we send their way. In addition, the company’s BrightAuthor software supports portrait, landscape and even 45-degree orientation, allowing us to mount our displays in striking configurations for added visual impact.”

The three collaborate models from Barco feature ultra-high resolutions of 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA), 2560 x 1080 (Panorama) and 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA).

Barco adds three new single-chip DLP projectors to its projection portfolio for the Corporate AV market. Specifically designed to facilitate collaboration in meeting rooms, the brand-new Collaborate projectors allow for multi-window sharing and Barco says they enable better collaboration and decision-making.

“We are proud to add a whole new range of projectors to our projection portfolio, which enables us to strengthen our position in the Corporate AV market,” says Bram Dieryckx, Product Manager at Barco. “To meet the challenges of today’s changing work culture, we have launched these three new single-chip DLP projectors targeted to the Corporate AV market and, more specifically, to businesses and educational and governmental institutions that wish to improve decision-making processes and meeting efficiency without compromising on ergonomics.”

With the Collaborate projectors filling the entire screen from a single source, or sharing large data sets in multi-window configurations during conference calls extremely easy. As multiple participants can be on screen simultaneously and can present their content in excellent image quality, the projectors promote improved meeting efficiency and productivity.