Digital Signage Expo (DSE) has revealed the total verified attendance at its 2019 event was 4,260. That represents a 6 percent gain vs. 2018 and is the second largest attendance in show history, according to show officials. 

International attendees, sourced from 63 countries accounted for 17.6 percent of the overall attendance. In addition, DSE delivered the highest number of qualified end users in its history: 1,848.

This high-impact audience included many new as well as familiar end-user attendees including Canada Post, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Crate & Barrel, PepsiCo, Boston Children’s Hospital, Choice Hotels, Harkins Theaters, Incheon Airport, NASCAR, Famous Footwear, Yale University, Seattle Art Museum, University of Southern California, Banner Bank, Smashburger, 24-Hour Fitness and Garmin and more.

Digital Signage Expo is scheduled for March 31-April 3, 2020, with access to the Exhibit Hall April 1-2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, visit www.dse2020.com.

DSE 2019 was held in Las Vegas March 27-28. 

Watch the video below to discover top moments and innovations at the show.

There’s no better way to experience the dazzling impact of digital signage than a tour in a stretch-limo down the Las Vegas Strip during Digital Signage Expo (DSE) week. 

“Coming up on the left is Harmon Corner—it has the largest LED wall on the Strip,” said Jeff Gray, executive account manager in Gaming & Hospitality for Samsung Electronics America, and guide for our tour. The 60-by-306-foot, Prismview curved application wraps around the third story of the building. “It lights up the entire intersection at night,” he said. 

In 2015, Samsung purchased Utah-based YESCO Electronics and rebranded it as Prismview, a Samsung Electronics Company. The acquisition positioned the company as a major player in outdoor LED digital signage responsible for a vibrant gallery of digital canvases throughout Las Vegas. 

“We’ve got thousands and thousands of guest rooms on the Las Vegas Strip with Samsung’s H.Browser, and system on chip (SoC) design,” said Shawn O’Connell, director of sales in the Enterprise Business Division for Samsung Electronics America. “It allows the integrator to code directly over IP to the back of the Samsung hospitality-grade television,” he added. Firmly in high-roller territory, O’Connell reports there are 75,000 Samsung hospitality-grade televisions in hotel rooms and casinos on the Strip. 

As the limo approached The Cosmopolitan, O’Connell noted, “we have signage in the elevators, a number of small videowalls and standalone digital signage, and—of course—all of the guestrooms.” Every guestroom in The Cosmopolitan has either a 65- or 55-inch Samsung TV. “They’ve got full IoT control using Crestron as the infrastructure,” he added.

On the DSE show floor, Samsung showcased several of its SMART signage innovations and displays which included the LED Display IF Series with fine pixel pitches, to the 82-inch QLED 8K Signage, to its OMN-D series, an out-of-the-box ready, double-sided screen optimized for storefront window environments. “In the past, digital signage in various industry verticals was often more focused on futurism and the ‘wow factor’ rather than fully developed deployment strategies,” said Mark Quiroz, vice president for the Digital Signage Product Group, Samsung Electronics America.  

Changing the Narrative

Just a few years ago, an attendee would walk the DSE exhibit halls and see a variety of disparate solutions. Display manufacturers would tout resolution, bezel-thinness, nit-brightness, and pixel pitch. Content management systems (CMS) solution providers might show grids and templates. Foundational companies demonstrated innovations in mounting and supporting the hardware. An overstatement, perhaps, but not too far from the truth. 

Increasingly, however, manufacturers are choosing to present the experience rather than leading with the hardware and software.

In Living Color 

Walking into Epson’s booth at DSE 2019, attendees were transported into a stunning and engaging home décor retail shop on one wall where colorful vines of 2D flowers appeared to grow out of physical vases onto the wall. Epson presented three activation spaces that were thoughtful, beautiful, and inspiring.   

“A lot of retailers talk about how they're struggling to engage people the in same way as the online experience,” said Remi Del Mar, senior product manager at Epson. “We wanted to bring some of that online experience—of being able to get a little bit more in-depth about products—to the shelf,” she said. 

The majority of the wall activations were driven by Epson’s LightScene EV-105 Accent Lighting 3LCD laser projector. The hourglass shape on the wall was created using the PowerLite L615U, a 6,000-lumen projector targeted to classrooms. “It’s about thinking of new ways to incorporate technology,” said Del Mar. 

Be Our Guest 

Optoma showcased an enchanting experience using 3D-projection-mapping content. Using Optoma’s ZK750 4K UHD, 7,000-lumen projector, animations were brought to life over each of the four table settings, while “Le Petit Chef” and his team assembled dinner and entertained guests. 

Sharp created three interactive experiences which included a travel agent, a shopping experience, and a hotel lobby destination content to showcase the capabilities of its smart signage technology. 

Sony made a statement at this year’s DSE by more than tripling its presence over last year. The team from the powerhouse brand was there, en masse, with its BRAVIA Signage brand and its three levels of offerings: standalone, networked, and cloud (through its partnership with iRevo). 

If You Can’t Measure It… 

One of the most significant barriers to entry for digital signage has been the inability to justify the hefty price tag not only for the upfront hardware, but to continued operation. Without a clear path for monetization showing a return on investment (ROI), the category has sometimes been viewed as a tough sell. But this is changing.

The biggest trend at DSE 2019 was the number of manufacturers and solution providers offering varying degrees of integrated data analytics through third-party relationships.

At DSE, NEC shared its next innovation: the NEC Analytics Learning Platform (ALP) Pro, an evolution of its business intelligence analytics platform for retailers. ALP Pro uses artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver real-time content and data measurement. “You can upload a piece of content and our AI will analyze that content and assign a series of metatags based on age, gender, location or other variables,” said Richard Ventura, vice president of strategy, NEC Display Solutions of America. “ALP Pro provides variance reporting and allows you to understand the effectiveness between different ads to see which one is driving revenue.” 

This type of intelligence helps retailers make informed decisions and can clearly demonstrate an ROI. “When we go deeper into content strategies, it [ALP Pro] can say play this, but not this because we have high levels of inventory coming in,” Ventura added.

Panasonic showed its turnkey quick service restaurant (QSR) Self-Service Kiosk that automatically promotes upselling opportunities to customers, increasing retail and food service profitability. 

“Businesses are using professional displays with very specific objectives in mind—placing screens strategically and using a wide range of tools to maximize relevance and transform experiences,” said Samsung’s Quiroz. One of these tools is Samsung’s Nexshop analytics platform-based solution which helps retailers to deliver contextually aware content by analyzing customer behavior collected in-store.  

Capture It and Push It

Peerless-AV demonstrated its fully integrated Smart City Kiosk by showcasing its partnership with VSBLTY Groupe Technologies. VSBLTY provides audience measurement using machine learning through computer vision. VisionCaptor combines interactive brand messaging with its FacialAnalytics. Measurement technology records engagement rates, interactions, sentiment, and real-time behavioral analytics.

CyberLink demonstrated its AI engine, the FaceMe facial recognition system. Powered by deep learning and a neural network algorithm, it yields up to a 98.5 percentage true acceptance rate (TAR). The results are used for edge-computing security systems, and person identification solutions as part of smart cities, retail, offices, and homes.

While this treads in Big Brother territory, Craig Campbell, technical specialist at CyberLink said, “As far as personal information, we’re capturing vector points. We capture from the video stream, and we don’t save the video.” It is up to retailers to understand and adhere to privacy laws. “Our software doesn’t make them non-compliant.”

Enhanced Personalization

Retailers have the option to target marketing to an identity or an individual. “In one instance, you are visitor 630; I can target my message to you every time you come in the store, but when you’re not in the store I have no way of accessing you,” said Campbell. “But if you are willing to sign in, and give me authorization with your email, next time you come as Susan, and we saw you smiling at that dress yesterday, we can send you an email and let you know it’s on sale tomorrow—come on by,” he explained. 

On the flip side, let’s say you want to reach customers with your message wherever they might be hanging out—maybe the mall, driving on the highway, or an event. “Every location has an exposure area that has mobile devices pass through,” said Jonathan Gudai, CEO of Adomni, a digital signage software company that specializes an online platform to manage and sell ads on digital screens, anywhere. Announced at DSE 2019, Adomni announced AudienceIQ.  The new feature gives advertisers the ability to spend campaign dollars more effectively and target their audience based on behaviors. Think of it as the Google AdWords of physical spaces.

“The location-based consumer insights provided by data industry leader PlaceIQ are driving an evolution in digital out-of-home (DOOH0 buying and selling,” said Gudai.

Like so many areas of the AV technology ecosystem, digital signage is converging with the powers of IT to provide data-rich content and analytics. The path to solid ROI has never been clearer.

Digital Signage Expo (DSE)  announced the winners of the 2019 APEX Awards. The announcement was made at the 15th Annual APEX Awards Ceremony on March 27 in Las Vegas. The APEX awards are judged and presented by The Digital Signage Federation.

The APEX Installation of the Year award went to Revel Media Group for their work on the Hale Centre Theatre; and the APEX Content of the Year award went to Magic Innovations for their work on the Saudi Airlines Multimedia Solutions. New for 2019, Dimensional Innovations was named Integrator of the Year for their work for the Minnesota Vikings – The Viking Museum. The three overall winners were selected from the 12 Gold award winners. 

Gold, Silver and Bronze APEX Awards were presented to winners in 12 categories from a field of 112 entrants:

Corporate Environments (10 entries)

• Gold - TechTAP TELUS Vancouver Innovation Centre for TELUS Magic Doors
• Silver - StandardVision for One Culver 
• Bronze - MAP Global – Musion Turkiye for Maya Holding Maya Kemer and Anatolium Marmara Retail Tower Showroom Space mpty list

Digital Out-of-Home Campaigns (3 entries)

• Gold - Vistar Media for Samsung Mobile and Starcom 
• Silver - Cineplex Digital Media for Toys R Us Endless Aisle Solutions 
• Bronze - Socionext for S8 8K Media Player 

Educational Environments (11 entries)

• Gold - TSItouch, Inc. for Morphogenesis- Stanford Biology Building – Anderson Krygier 
• Silver - Tierney Microgigantic for U of M McNamara Alumni Center Discovery Nexus Center 
• Bronze - University of Illinois Alumni Alliance for Richmond Family Welcome Gallery at Alice Campbell Alumni Center 

Entertainment & Recreation (13 entries)

• Gold - Dimensional Innovations for Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings Museum 
• Silver - C&G Partners for “Bible Now” Reactive Media Space 
• Bronze - Publicis Sapient/Second Story for The Parlors/Thomas Cole National Historic Site 

Experiential Design & Planning (11 entries)

• Gold – Ideum for Exploring Pueblo Pottery 
• Silver - BARTKRESA Studio for Shogyo Mujo @ Life is Beautiful 
• Bronze - YCD Multimedia and Belle & Wissell, Co. for The Spheres: Immersive Visitor Experience – Amazon, Downtown Seattle Headquarters 

Healthcare Environments (6 entries)

• Gold - Publicis Sapient/Second Story for Sanford Imagenetics/Sanford Health 
• Silver - Dimensional Innovations for Cleveland Clinic Children’s – Interactive Lobby Experience 
• Bronze - Envision Canada for Sunnybrook Foundation Digital Donor Wall

Hospitality (5 entries)

• Gold - Publicis Sapient/Second Story for Holland America Line/Explorations Central 
• Silver - Magic Innovations for ROYAL WEDDING 
• Bronze - Almo Professional A/V for Housing Trust GroupEmpty list

Public Spaces (10 entries)

• Gold - Kolo Digital Signage for Paseo Interlomas 
• Silver - Westbury National for The Idea Exchange – The Digital Library, City of Cambridge 
• Bronze - NEC Display Solutions of America for Rooted In Greatness 

Restaurants, Bars & Foodservice (7 entries)

• Gold - Nova Media for Hotel Indigo Hsinchu Science Park 
• Silver – ProntoTV for Pink Fish 
• Bronze - Userful for Tiger Nightclub 

Retail Environments (22 entries)

• Gold - Publicis Sapient for T-Mobile Signature Stores/T-Mobile 
• Silver - Nanonation for Ellynne Bridal 
• Bronze - Shikatani Lacroix Design, Metathink Nu Skin for Nu Xtore Shenzhen 

Transportation (9 entries)

• Gold - Magic Innovations for Saudi Airlines Multimedia Solutions 
• Silver - MTA Arts & Design for “Skyys” in Fulton Center 
• Bronze - NanoLumens for Charlotte Douglas International Airport 

Venues (5 Entries)

• Gold - Revel Media Group for Hale Centre Theatre 
• Silver - Sensory Interactive for Bank of America Stadium 
• Bronze - Dreambox Visual Communications, Inc. for Integrated 360 Video Mapping Show for Opening Ceremony of the Gyyanly Polymer Plant 

Almo Professional A/V (DSE Booth #DC4) is showing its newest Digital Signage Services during the Digital Signage Expo (DSE) in Las Vegas, March 27-28. These services are now available as products on Almo’s line card, enabling AV integrators to incorporate them at the outset of every installation. 

According to Jim Nista, senior director of content creation services for Almo Professional A/V, “The primary issue that a lot of AV integrators face today is that they don’t want to touch the digital signage part of the business for their customer, which is dangerous because then that business easily goes elsewhere. It’s critical for integrators to take this more seriously and to own the digital signage part of the integration project from start to finish.” 

The following Almo Digital Signage Services are now available as products: 

• Software Training & Support Services. Almo offers a standard two-hour curriculum of BrightAuthor or BrightSign network software training, as well as customized BrightSign training options that go beyond the basics and cover a range of topics based on integrator needs. Additional services such as client onboarding, media player setup, consulting, enhanced support agreements and ongoing content maintenance are also available through Almo.
• Content Widgets: Easy-to-deploy informational widgets for digital signs including news, weather, custom calendars, waiting lists and tickers. 
• Content Templates: Pre-designed templates for lobby directories, digital menus, directional signage, waiting lists, wayfinding, interactive lobby directories, photo directories, interactive donor walls, virtual concierge and more.
• Content Customization: The development of unique content for an installation. Includes advanced design, programming, content loading and setup. 

Nista added that Almo Digital Signage Services revenue has grown more than 250 percent since the acquisition of Insteo, Inc. in 2018. “Almo was the first to offer profit-enhancing digital signage content services and now we have greatly expanded what we can provide beyond just content, such as BrightSign software training, advanced design, programming, content loading and complete setup. We are able to offer Digital Signage Services as line items on our product list so integrators can easily incorporate them into their AV installation at the outset of a project.” He added, “Since both AV integrators and end users attend DSE, we end up becoming matchmakers by connecting them on the many project opportunities we learn about during the course of the show.” 

In late 2018, Areas, the leading brand in world travel catering, was awarded the concession to operate 15 restaurants at Minneapolis-Saint Paul international airport. Areas is also present through its franchises at other North American airports, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Newark, Washington, Indianapolis, Orlando and Detroit, where it has also initiated implementation of Smart Digital Signage solutions from Netipbox Technologies. 

Some time ago, Areas established an action plan — rolled out initially in Spain and Portugal — that aims to provide dynamic interactive client information systems at its restaurant spaces in airports, highways and railway stations as a central element of its traveller communication policy and to reinforce its branding. Areas has relied on Smart Digital Signage solutions from Netipbox Technologies for this purpose. Areas has already been using Netipbox Technologies solutions in restaurants and retail outlets in Europe, solutions it is now moving to the North American territory, with Minneapolis - Saint Paul airport being one of its most recent exponents. 

Areas began its digital strategy in 2008, implementing the Netipbox solution because of its adaptability to any type of Menu Board or screen, an essential aspect in light of the diversity of Areas' catering spaces. In addition, Netipbox is easily integrated into Areas' PST platform, enabling management of the second PST screens in Areas' restaurants. Of particular value in this case was the ease of use offered by Netipbox to the people managing the system in Areas and its connectivity with additional functionalities such as audience analytics, an aspect that will bring great value to Areas in the coming years.

The engineering and supply of hardware and software equipment was carried out by Netipbox Technologies, while the creation of contents was carried out by Impactiva Global DS Agency, a division of Netipbox Technologies. The integration and installation of the system was carried out by North American integrator Safco Systems, Inc., using Menu Board screens from various manufacturers.

Paula Antich, Director of Marketing and Communication for Areas USA, explained that "the Netipbox technology we are installing in our restaurants represents a step forward in the group's digital strategy to provide us with modern, flexible and scalable tools that enable us not only to dynamically inform customers about our food offers but also to be able to manage all the digital assets of all the brands we manage under a single platform. In addition, content management is highly intuitive and its ability to generate WOW effects over several screens is something completely new and which gives us an edge in Digital Signage. This is something that we are going to take advantage of further as we implement Netipbox Technologies in different locations.”

The Smart Digital Signage cloud solutions from Netipbox Technologies provide operators with a wide range of own and third-party functionalities that enable important additional values such as: Scan, which provides valuable information to the consumer, giving screens greater value; Audience: identification of audience typology and metrics using camera systems (in collaboration with French company Quividi); and Synchro WOW: the creation of mega banner effects synchronized over different screens.

The core hardware of Smart Digital Signage solutions from Netipbox Technologies is the Nbox Android-based Plug & Play player that transforms any digital support (screen, totem, kiosk, etc.) in a window that interacts with the consumer while at once capturing audience data for business holders, among other kinds of possible interactions. Netipbox Technologies has developed a native APK that allows the screen to be controlled 100 percent in a robust, totally scalable solution easy to use for all kinds of customers.

Netipbox Technologies which will be showcasing the full potential of its integral solutions for the whole American market at Booth 1141 at the Vegas Convention Center. 

The What: Userful Corporation is launching an unlimited resolution feature to its Userful Cloud solution. Unlimited resolution enables organizations to create and display ultra-high-resolution visual content directly from the cloud to smart displays—at the display’s native resolution—with no additional hardware needed.

The What Else: “We are seeing more and more companies looking to create bigger, better, and more immersive video content,” said John Marshall, CEO, Userful. “The problem is lack of easy and cost-effective options to scale up so that every display is at its full native resolution. Combining our cloud management, content streaming, and support for an unlimited number of screens—with no additional hardware and on any angle rotation—makes for a powerful tool to create new immersive experiences.”

The Bottom Line: Userful Cloud is one solution within Userful’s Visual Networking Platform, announced in January. The unlimited resolution feature will be available to customers in Spring 2019 and can be seen at DSE 2019 in Booth 1734.

The What: Shuttle Computer Group will feature its new large-screen, frameless all-in-one (AIO) computer (P90U) at DSE 2019 in Booth 1111. The screen is designed for customizable applications in digital signage, retail, wayfinding, kiosks, food service, medical, queueing, entertainment, and other interactive computing applications.

The What Else: The P90U is IP54 rated and is designed for challenging environments—including indoor applications where the touch screen may be exposed to humidity and occasional splashing of water. Its frameless design with no bezel means dirt can’t get into the frame so it’s easier to clean, especially in kitchen or medical environments. 

It features a large, 19.5-inch, 16:9, 1600 x 900 resolution, multi-touch screen particularly suitable for interactive kiosks and POS. The P90U can stand alone or be VESA-mounted.

“The P90U adds a new 19-inch option into our all-in-one line. More importantly, its motherboard is interchangeable with the smaller P20U,” said Tosh Akhgar, solutions manager, Shuttle Computer Group. “You can replicate a master image across either, which gives integrators and end users more installation flexibility.”

The Bottom Line: Offering 7th generation Intel Kabylake platform with an Intel Celeron 3865U 1.6 GHz dual-core processor with max TDP of 15W (i3/i5/i7), the P90U has memory frequency support up to DDR4-2133 MHz, with built-in Intel HD Graphics 610 to play full Ultra HD/4K content on external displays. 

The P90U is currently available through computer resellers; they come with a three-year limited warranty.

The What: Chief—part of Legrand AV—has expanded its Impact Series of kiosks to include the new Impact Bolt Down Portrait Floor Standing Kiosks. The kiosks are designed to provide an aesthetic solution for enclosing displays in open areas.

The What Else: Impact Bolt Down Portrait Floor Standing Kiosks are designed with no exposed fasteners while maintaining full access and serviceability, and Chief's exclusive design keeps the display mounted to the frame when opened. There are keyed locking security to keeps displays safe, and a universal AV Storage plate holds supporting equipment. 

[What to Look for at DSE 2019]

The Bottom Line: The kiosks will be available for 49-, 50-, and 55-inch displays in black or white finish to complement a variety of environments and will be shown at DSE 2019 in Booth 1312.

The What: Just in time for DSE 2019, Peerless-AV has introduced the second generation of its All-in-One Kiosk powered by BrightSign (KIPICT2555). Featuring a sleek and stylish design with lean frames and a smaller footprint, the new and improved All-in-One Kiosk seamlessly creates a complete digital signage solution for any indoor application setting, according to the company.

[What to Look for at DSE 2019]

The What Else: The All-in-One Kiosk, powered by a BrightSign XT1144 Expanded I/O Player, is designed for a variety of settings, including hospitality, retail, corporate, transportation, entertainment, and education. The updated kiosk delivers Full HD 1080p60 single video decoding, HTML support, networked content playback, as well as an abundant set of features, including interactivity via the GPIO port, remote snapshot, live text, media feeds, and multi-zone.

“With a continued focus on providing customers with fully integrated solutions, we are excited to introduce the latest iteration of our popular All-in-One Kiosk powered by BrightSign,” said Brian McClimans, vice president of sales for North America and APAC, Peerless-AV. “The new All-in-One Kiosk now includes a slimmer design and a new media player that delivers faster and more powerful HTML and graphics engine as well as an HDMI input to play content from other devices. From wayfinding to entertainment to advertising to digital merchandising, the new All-in-One Kiosk can be easily implemented to create an interactive customer experience.”

The Bottom Line: With an integrated 55-inch commercial LCD display offering 10 points of IR touch, the new All-in-One Kiosk fully engages users through a Wi-Fi enabled device, such as a tablet, computer, or phone. It can be see at DSE 2019 in Booth 2407.

Digital Signage Expo is one of the highlights of the digital signage calendar year. Taking place at the Las Vegas Center from March 26-29 this year, show organizers have been keen to highlight the more than 250 vendors that are scheduled to unveil new products and programs as well as the impressive lineup of education events geared toward digital signage experts and customers. We spoke with DSE’s Show Director Andrea Varrone about how the show has developed over its 16-year history and what we can expect to see and experience on the show floor. 

How has the show expanded over the past few years? 
DSE has experienced consistent exhibit floor growth throughout its entire history. We have won seven Fastest 50 awards, which are given to the 50 fastest growing trade shows in the U.S. each year; most recently in 2017; 2018 winners are not yet announced. Also, the DSE show floor itself has expanded to more than 90,000 net square feet of exhibit hall space dedicated to the latest digital signage and interactive technologies.

Which area of the show’s growth do you think has the most impact on the industry?
This industry’s technology keeps advancing at a fast pace with larger, thinner and more flexible screens, not to mention the additions of things like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the  increasingly interactive approaches to content aimed at improving the customer experience across the industry. All of these areas have had a big impact on the thousands of digital signage and interactive technology networks that are deployed all across the U.S. and around the world.

What are you looking forward to most about this year’s DSE? 

My favorite part of DSE is the networking opportunities; a chance to catch-up with industry friends and to meet new ones. This is a fantastic industry filled with wonderful colleagues who share a great comradery as we all strive to help this market grow. It’s also great fun to have the opportunity to work as matchmakers, helping new colleagues meet important new contacts face-to-face.

What new show floor features and/or services will DSE 2019 visitors experience that they have not had at past shows? 
Our theme this year is “Transform the Customer Experience” which focuses on the real need that this technology fulfills. And to help illustrate how we can go about this, we’ve introduced an Experiential Theater in the front of the show floor called “The X.” In this large space, presenters will show how the new world of immersion and interactivity is fusing with traditional digital displays and screens. The X will feature VR artist performances, technology demos and designed project from real life that show how physical spaces can be transformed into amazing environments. Attendees will be able to feast on a multimedia and multisensory experience!

We have also added Manufacturer Training to the Friday conference program. Here, select manufacturers will host educational events to benefit those that use their technology, software or content solutions.

What new show floor features and/or services will DSE 2019 visitors experience that they have not had at past shows? 
Our theme this year is “Transform the Customer Experience” which focuses on the real need that this technology fulfills. And to help illustrate how we can go about this, we’ve introduced an Experiential Theater in the front of the show floor called “The X.” In this large space, presenters will show how the new world of immersion and interactivity is fusing with traditional digital displays and screens. The X will feature VR artist performances, technology demos and designed project from real life that show how physical spaces can be transformed into amazing environments. Attendees will be able to feast on a multimedia and multisensory experience!

We have also added Manufacturer Training to the Friday conference program. Here, select manufacturers will host educational events to benefit those that use their technology, software or content solutions.

What innovations or new technology do you anticipate will cause the biggest stir on the show floor this year?
As this technology continues its advance, companies are making leaps forward in everything from screen resolution and facial recognition to projection mapping and more. Most exhibitors keep their innovation plans somewhat secret, hoping to provide some buzz and attention on the show floor. It’s something that we all wait for with great anticipation. There hasn’t been a past DSE that didn’t have several totally surprising new innovations that provided a great wow factor during the show.

Sony’s popular BRAVIA 4K HDR line of professional displays boast even more powerful features, ranging from cloud-based digital signage to complementary Touch Overlay Panels (TOP) with IR touch technology. Thesix current BRAVIA 4K displays, ranging in screen size from 43 to 85 inches, will be shown with their latest enhancements at Digital Signage Expo (DSE) in Sony’s booth (#1607), from March 26-29 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.  Also new to the show is Sony’s 98-inch 8K BRAVIA, FWD-98Z9G.

The BZ35F BRAVIA series adds professional features such as network and serial communication control, flexible installation options and high brightness, while taking advantage of the display technology in Sony’s consumer televisions. All BRAVIA displays feature an all-in-one “system on a chip,” resulting in easy installation, excellent system reliability, and lower cost of ownership.Sony’s BRAVIA displays support enhanced 4K resolution, HDR imagery, integrated support for HTML5, and open API support optimized for businesses. The six BZ35F models are ideal for professional digital signage, information and monitoring applications, as well as use in meeting rooms, classrooms, retail, showrooms, sports venues and more.

A new 98-inch 8K BRAVIA professional display, FWD-98Z9G, will also be introduced at DSE. This new BRAVIA features Sony’s next-generation image processor, the X1 Ultimate, equipped with an 8K ultra-resolution algorithm that enables 8K up-conversion of any content. Sony's Backlight Master Drive technology includes a newly developed LED module and control algorithm that’s optimized for 8K. It incorporates the design and feature set of Sony’s 8K LCD Z9G TV, with a worry-free limited warranty for three years of coverage. The FWD-98Z9G is planned to be available in summer 2019, with suggested pricing to be disclosed later.

Also at DSE, Sony will introduce next-generation Touch Overlay Panels (TOP) for the BRAVIA 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch BZ35F series of displays that operate with IR touch technology. Customers, staff, or visitors can interact with the touch-enabled display by finger or stylus. Up to 10 multi-touch points ensure accurate, responsive performance across the entire display area. The overlay's tough anti-glare surface ensures optimum visibility, even in sunny environments. Anti-fingerprint coating helps keep the screen virtually smudge-free.

These slim, easy-fit overlays create interactive multi-touch screens, ideal for meeting rooms, interactive signage, and informational kiosks. Powered by direct USB connection to a PC or server, the energy-efficient touch overlay keeps running costs down (display is powered separately).

Announced last October, the BRAVIA line added an optional iRevo Digital Signage (iDS) software license, enabling a cloud-based signage solution that provides BRAVIA users with intuitive templates, interactive touch support without writing a program, richer customization for signage projects and the ability to publish from anywhere. The iRevo Author and Manage cloud apps interact with the iRevo Android application which installs directly onto BRAVIA displays. These cloud apps run on Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud and support a comprehensive list of input sources and content types for enhanced functionality. The iDS offering supports photos with animations, videos, music, documents, websites, widgets, RSS feeds and social media content, as well as content from sources that include network cameras, LAN services and live TV.  

Additionally, a new knowledge portal for customers, systems integrators and anyone looking for in-depth, one-stop information on BRAVIA professional models is available at pro-bravia.sony.net 

Digital Signage Expo (DSE) is the one place to go see the newest cutting-edge technologies available today. Among the more than 250 vendors that will be exhibiting on the show floor, many of them will be introducing new products at DSE 2019, including:

ABCOM’s 58in. Swedx 4K Lamina Kiosk is one of the world’s thinnest 4K commercial touch display kiosks — warm, inviting materials attract people from a distance and with <3” depth, it allows for interactive experience while occupying minimal space. Built-in media player or use a mini PC that fits inside a lockable cabinet.  We also completely customize. Booth 1834 

AOPEN eTile-X15 is a commercial-grade, ultra-thin, and robust multi-touchscreen optimized for interactive smart kiosk applications. It features a secure tamper-proof design, built-in cable management, hidden ports, FHD display (1080p), 160/160in. viewing angle, IP65 rated for dust/water resistance, hidden keypad, and front-facing 1MP webcam option. Stand and mount options available. Booth 2138 

Bluefin Ultrawide Screen with BrightSign Built-in is an all-in-one LCD digital signage solution pairing an industrial quality, fully enclosed LCD screen with a board-integrated BrightSign HD player now available in several ultra-wide sizes designed with endcaps, lite kiosks and digital price-tags in mind. Booth 1120

Enplug’s Slack App is a smarter way for users to manage Slack content on digital signage. Now employees can share individual public messages from Slack, even if they aren’t CMS users. Real-time content updates, customized message appearance, automatic channel streaming and negative sentiment filtering deliver full content control. Booth 3211

Inhance's Interactive CMS Mural is a blend of beautifully animated art and sophisticated software. The mural consists of an ultra-high definition animated background image. Up to 30 people can interact with the content simultaneously. The content management system lets you add and change text, images, video, PDF and other files. Booth DC7

Registration for any of the DSE 2019 educational conference sessions, which are sponsored by Ayuda, makes one eligible for Digital Signage Expert Group (DSEG) certification renewal credits, available online at www.dse2019.com. More information on Ayuda, the DOOH industry’s most widely used all-in-one business operations software, is available at www.ayudasystems.com.

Digital Signage Expo has unveiled additional new products that will be on display during the organization's DSE 2019, which will feature more than 250 vendors on the show floor. Many of them will be introducing new products at DSE 2019, including:

Want to verify content updates on hundreds of screens at once and ensure 100 percent uptime – without ever leaving your desk? With Goverlan Reach you can monitor, automatically remediate or maintain your digital displays and self-service kiosks from your desktop. Perform all this without disrupting the guest experience. https://www.goverlan.com/solution/remote-access-digital-signage Booth 1445

Protective Enclosures’ The TV Shield PRO Portrait with IR Touch Frame is a weatherproof, secure, touch capable and robust USA made protective outdoor display enclosure built with triple-coated steel for ultimate strength. Perfect for any standard TV or digital display, it’s ideal for commercial and professional vertical signage needs.https://www.thedisplayshield.com/the-tv-shield-pro-portrait/ Booth 1538

ScreenCloud’s all new platform has a fresh design and all the features organizations need to make managing multiple digital signage screens a breeze – such as smart scheduling, screen takeovers, enhanced role-based security, and an amazing new design tool that lets you combine text, images and videos. https://get.screen.cloud/dse-2019 Booth 2831

Signagelive’s new Workplace Communications solution is a great way to engage, inform and positively impact employee productivity in offices, factories, sales departments, reception, staff canteens and across time zones and languages to share company data, messages and KPIs. https://signagelive.com/blog/2018/11/20/why-use-signagelive-digital-signage-for-your-workplace-communications/ Booth 2418

Videotel’s VP90 is a 4K/1080 industrial grade network and interactive digital signage media player. Access and update content remotely via a web browser, FTP or LAN. Play content locally on USB, SD, or design from templates. Unlimited zones. Trigger content with touch screen, push buttons and sensors.  No software fees! https://www.videoteldigital.com/vp90-4k-industrial-networked-digital-signage-media-player-built-in-    scheduler-and-interactive-functions Booth 2244

Registration for any of the DSE 2019 educational conference sessions, which are sponsored by Ayuda, makes one eligible for Digital Signage Expert Group (DSEG) certification renewal credits, available online at www.dse2019.com. More information on Ayuda, the DOOH industry’s most widely used all-in-one business operations software, is available at www.ayudasystems.com.

Mark your calendar now: DSE 2019 is scheduled for March 26-29, 2019, with access to the Exhibit Hall March 27-28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. To reserve exhibit space, contact Andrea Varrone at (770) 817-5905. For more information, visit www.dse2019.com.

You can follow DSE on Twitter (@DSExpo) or Facebook (facebook.com/DSExpo). For all DSE 2019 updates, use #dse2019. For year-round news and information on digital signage, visit DSE’s Digital Signage Connection web portal at www.digitalsignageconnection.com.

Digital Signage Expo (DSE) has announced more than 250 vendors that will be exhibiting on the show floor, many of them will be introducing new products at DSE 2019, including:

Advantech’s CRV-430WP, designed with a 43” UHD industrial grade curved LCD and an industrial display card, supports standard video outputs such as HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA. The introduction of deep curved profiles in a large area display creates exciting opportunities for digital signage, slot machines, entertainment kiosks, and more. https://www.advantech.com/products/714b2398-e1c8-4d50-a1b4-f00fb1c63b2f/crv-430wp/mod_80bd47ea-d9ea-4ea5-94e0-51fbd4c577c1     Booth 2031

Daktronics’ all new Optica Series is a revolutionary new video product – the industry's first sub-1mm display with true outdoor brightness. Visit Daktronics booth #2422 to learn more and experience firsthand the vibrant HDR color, radiant brightness and superior contrast from the most power efficient technology in the industry. www.daktronics.com/optica      Booth 2422

With its lightweight and slim design, LED Sign Supply’s EnviroSlim Electronic Message Display provides a cost effective outdoor LED advertising solution that is versatile and easy to install for any type of application or environment. https://www.ledsignsupply.com/enviroslim-led/     Booth 2840

NEC’s C651Q 4K UHD large-format display is packed with commercial-grade features. It features anti-reflective high haze coating, full external controls and is landscape compatible, making it ideal for any application. NEC’s advanced color management and stabilization system provide complete control and uniformity, and real-time temperature sensors control integrated cooling fans. https://www.necdisplay.com/p/c651q      Booth 2300

The Convergent series from Premier Mounts offers built-in adjustment for the x-y-z planes to create totally seamless  direct-view LED video walls from the biggest display manufacturers in the industry. This new solution is designed to the exact millimeter for mounting points and can be shipped to your jobsite in 48 hours! https://www.premiermounts.com/product/convergent-if/   Booth 1918

Registration for any of the DSE 2019 educational conference sessions, which are sponsored by Ayuda, makes one eligible for Digital Signage Expert Group (DSEG) certification renewal credits, available online at www.dse2019.com. More information on Ayuda, the DOOH industry’s most widely used all-in-one business operations software, is available at www.ayudasystems.com.

Mark your calendar now: DSE 2019 is scheduled for March 26-29, 2019, with access to the Exhibit Hall March 27-28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. To reserve exhibit space, contact Andrea Varrone at (770) 817-5905. For more information, visit www.dse2019.com.

Digital Signage Expo has announced more than 250 vendors will be exhibiting on the show floor with many of them introducing new products at DSE 2019, including:

- The Adomni Ad Marketplace for BrightSign enables media player operators to drive new ad revenue by listing and selling their digital signage on Adomni.com.  Media player owners can choose to switch to using the Adomni online CMS or continue using BrightAuthor CMS capabilities with the embedded Ad Marketplace widget.

www.adomni.com/brightsign  (booth 2634)

- iBase Technology’s SW-101-N waterproof digital signage player is fanless and designed for both indoor and outdoor environments, built to withstand dust, water and extreme temperatures, ensuring the system’s stable operation and reliability in harsh outdoor environments. It meets IP68 standards, allowing it to handle submersion in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters.

https://www.ibase.com.tw/english/ProductDetail/DigitalSignagePlayer/SW-101-N  (booth 3203)

- NEXCOM’s NDiS M539 is an OPS PLUS-compliant media engine powered by 8th generation Intel Core processor. It leverages the latest processors to deliver outstanding graphics support via multiple independent 4K2K video output. The superb, but power-efficient NDiS M539 can therefore maximize visual impacts for applications such as digital signage, interactive whiteboard, and video walls. 

https://mailchi.mp/nexcom.com/ndism539  (booth 3248)

- AxisTV Signage Suite is the latest release of Visix’s digital signage CMS, with drag-n-drop widgets for building interactive content and data-triggered message elements. Using configurable widgets, clients can automate text, artwork and design changes on screens, all triggered by external data sources.

https://www.visix.com/products/digital-signage-software/  (booth 2631)

- Zytronic will demonstrate a new Hybrid Touch technology that enables full integration of physical controls within an active touchscreen. Zytronic’s Hybrid Touch allows mechanical buttons and dials to be incorporated in the active area of projected capacitive touchscreens, which can be used in video walls, touch tables and kiosks.

https://zytronic.co.uk/technology/multi-touch/ (booth 2034)

Registration for any of the DSE 2019 educational conference sessions, which are sponsored by Ayuda, are eligible for Digital Signage Expert Group (DSEG) certification renewal credits, available online at www.dse2019.com. More information on Ayuda, the DOOH industry’s most widely used all-in-one business operations software, is available at www.ayudasystems.com

Digital Signage Expo (DSE) will feature more than 250 vendors that will be exhibiting on the DSE 2019 show floor and many of them will be introducing new products at show, including:

• Advantech will introduce their ultra-compact digital signage player, the DS-100. This “palm-size” signage player is a high-performance, entry-level signage player powered by Dual ARM Cortrex-A72 + Quad ARM Cortex-A53 processor. It can power two dual independent displays, up to 4K by 1x HDMI 2.0 & 1x HDMI 1.4. (booth 2031)
• bisco industries will present Southco’s AC-EM 05 Micro Electronic Actuator, which can be used to actuate a mechanical latch to remotely open or unlock a door or panel. This actuator is ideal for concealed applications where physical space constraints are a challenge, such as digital signage enclosures, kiosks and ATMs.  (booth 1543)
• BrightSign’s new Series 4 HD and LS media players feature upgraded player hardware and run the latest version of BrightSign’s dedicated operating system (v8.0), making them exceptionally powerful while maintaining the same price points as their predecessors. Both players feature major updates to the HTML rendering engine, with the HD4 now offering 4K native decode supporting HDMI 2.1 and HDR10. (booth 2222)
• Panasonic’s EQ1 Series 4K Professional Displays include six new models of 4K ultra HD professional displays in 43, 50, 55, 65,75, and 85-inch display sizes. These 4K ultra HD displays offer 350 cd/m2brightness, making them an ideal visual communication solution for public spaces, retail venues, corporate meeting rooms and classrooms. (booth 1241)
• Peerless-AV Smart City Kiosks (KOP2549-XHB, KOP2555-XHB) are all weather-rated solutions, ideal for sharing community information, travel, and weather details, as well as wayfinding, advertising, entertainment, and more. The included Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Display with full HD 1080p resolution provides a bright crisp picture, even in direct sunlight. In addition, an optional 10-point IR touch overlay makes the kiosk interactive for all users. (booth 2407)

 DSE 2019 is scheduled for March 26-29, 2019, with access to the Exhibit Hall March 27-28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.dse2019.com.

Digital Signage Expo (DSE) will present new educational opportunities designed specifically for PRO AV installers and IT & Systems Integration professionals March 26-29, 2019, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The seminars and workshops are part of DSE’s educational conference designed to help attendees learn about the newest technologies available, how successful digital signage strategies are being implemented in this sector, and how best to maximize an organization’s investment in these technologies to build customer relationships through proactive engagement.

Topic to be presented include:

• New Attendee Bootcamp
• Digital Signage Guided Installation Tour
• Retail Revolution: Technology for the Next-level of Retail Design
• Obtaining Broad Stakeholder Buy-in
• What’s Next in Displays
• Scaling a Digital Signage Deployment to a Multi-Campus University System
• Round 2: Lessons from a Campus-Wide Digital Signage Overhaul
• Bible x Technology: Digital Signage for the Most Technologically Advanced Museum in the World
• Emerging Trends Shifting the Digital Signage World
• Fundamentals in Digital Signage
• Integrators Luncheon Discussion Grouppty list

Registration for any of the DSE 2019 educational conference sessions that are eligible for Digital Signage Expert Group (DSEG) certification renewal credits is available online at www.dse2019.com.

Digital Signage Expo (DSE) has announced its Advisory Board for 2019. 

The Advisory Board is comprised of more than 60 professionals representing advertising agencies, Digital Out-of-Home networks, industry consultants, Professional AV integrators and a variety of end user verticals, including corporate communications, higher education, and hotels, as well as many others. A sampling of organizations represented includes:

American Eagle Outfitters                                  Marriott International    

Arby’s Restaurant Group                                    McCarran International Airport

Best Buy                                                                MGM Resorts International

Bojangles’ Restaurants, Inc.                               Microsoft

Calgary TELUS Convention Centre                    Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Columbus Blue Jackets                                       New York City Transit Authority

Disney Parks & Resorts                                       Parker Aerospace

Eastman Chemical Company                             PepsiCo

Eileen Fisher                                                         Subway

Fairplex                                                                 Taco Bell         

First Republic Bank                                             Target Stores

Georgia Aquarium                                              The Kroger Company

Georgia World Congress Center                      Universal Parks & Resorts

Grupo Vidanta                                                     University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

John Glenn Columbus Int’l Airport                   University of Notre Dame

Los Angeles Metro Transit                                 Wells Fargo

Lockheed Martin                                                 West Virginia University

Long John Silver’s                                            

All DSE Board members and their organizations are actively involved in the areas of digital signage and interactive technologies and represent a variety of professional expertise. In addition to aiding with the development and direction of DSE, they share their knowledge in the “Ask the DSE Advisory Board” feature that appears as a blog post on DigitalSignageConnection.com every week, a resource important to those seeking specific industry perspectives on technical or business challenges related to the digital signage sector. Both a listing of the full 2019 Advisory Board and answers to the monthly questions can be found on DigitalSignageConnection.com.

Registration for any of the DSE 2019 educational conference sessions that are eligible for Digital Signage Expert Group (DSEG) certification renewal credits, is available online at www.dse2019.com.

Digital Signage Expo (DSE), an international trade show and educational conference dedicated to digital displays, interactive technology and digital communications networks, announced that registration for its 2019 event is now open. DSE will be held March 26-29, 2019 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

DSE 2019 will offer more than 95 educational opportunities, including 10 pre- and post-show events, 15 industry-specific peer networking luncheon discussion groups, 42 general conference sessions, 32 free on-floor workshops, and a program of study to ensure certification renewal in cooperation with the Digital Signage Experts Group.

New for 2019:

• High-profile singular keynote on innovation (TBA)
• No tracks – sessions are designed to be action-oriented
• Peer networking luncheon discussion groups
• Sessions now timed to allow more time in the exhibit hall
• Friday All-Day Content Workshop 
• Manufacturers’ training/user groups
• More focused on-floor workshop program featuring four pavilions
• More end user peer-presented case study conference sessions
• Streamlined pricing structure

Halloween Registration Special: For one week only from Oct. 29 to 11:59 p.m. PT on Nov. 2, you can register using the promo code DSEBOO for 20 percent off the purchase of any conference package. 

Registration for any of the DSE 2019 educational conference sessions are eligible for Digital Signage Expert Group (DSEG) certification renewal credits, is available online at www.dse2019.com. 

Mark your calendar now: DSE 2019 is scheduled for March 26-29, 2018, with access to the Exhibit Hall March 27-28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. To reserve exhibit space, contact Andrea Varrone at (770) 817-5905. For more information, visit www.dse2019.com.

Digital Signage Expo (DSE) is now accepting nominations for its 15th Annual APEX Awards.

The DSE APEX Awards, presented by the Digital Signage Federation, recognize and honor achievement in the creation and installation of compelling viewer content and interactive technology. Since its inception, the program has honored hundreds of companies for innovative projects that have met and/or exceeded project goals while providing meaningful ROI and ROO for clients, thereby advancing the digital signage industry.

“The most exciting part about DSE is seeing the advancements in Digital Signage technology,” said DSE show director Andrea Varrone. “The APEX Awards showcase the very best installations that continue to come to life around the globe.”

The APEX Awards will be presented to three outstanding entries—Gold, Silver and Bronze—in a total of 12 categories. Additionally, one entry will win the APEX Installation of the Year and one entry will win the APEX Content of the Year. New in 2019 will be a third overall award, Integrator of the Year, which will honor the company that had the most successful overall year with multiple project installations that achieved goals based on the criteria of challenge, creativity, ROI, and ROO.

The 2019 awards program will be held in the Pavilion Ballroom on Wednesday, March 27, from 5-7 p.m. at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

Online entries are being accepted until December 21: https://www.digitalsignageexpo.net/apex-awards-submissions