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Think of a digital signage deployment in the hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands. Now, think of how one might plan, deploy, and manage such a program. Answer? 

A collaboration between ChromeOS and Lenovo resulted in the Lenovo Chromebox Micro, a pocket-sized, cost-effective, and energy-efficient mini-computer and media player to power kiosks and digital signage—on a global scale.

"This solution is specifically designed for commercial customers focused on kiosk and digital signage in retail, enterprise, education, and conference room solutions," said Marc Godin, vice president and general manager of Commercial Smart Devices Solutions Group, Lenovo. “The device can help transform any business by offering unparalleled visual experiences in a small but powerful solution that's easy to deploy.”

The Chromebox Micro is transforming retail and hospitality sectors by offering unparalleled visuals for advertising, promotions, and infotainment. In the corporate world, including trading floors, banks, and manufacturing units, the Chromebox Micro drives dynamic communications. In schools and universities, the device enhances learning experiences and plays a crucial role in transportation hubs like airports, where it efficiently delivers real-time information and wayfinding. The Chromebox Micro ensures seamless data visualization and presentations in high-stakes environments such as control rooms and corporate meeting venues.

"It was designed at the core to be a pocket-sized, plug-and-play solution that is not only quick to deploy and easy to manage, but also flexible enough to power incredible experiences across a broad range of use cases," added Bryan Lee, vice president of ChromeOS and Education, Google.

Small in Size, Big in Benefits

The Chromebox Micro offers advantages that are not available in competitive products because most media players within the industry are Windows- or Android-based. "This makes the Lenovo solution global, scalable with lower TCO (total cost of ownership) because of the Google ChromeOS security," Godin said.

The Lenovo Chromebox Micro is smaller than some smartphones, making the applications practically limitless. "It is currently the smallest and lightest form factor in the media player space with additional longevity and security," Godin explained. "You can place the Chromebox Micro in out-of-the-way places such as under desks or shelves in retail environments."

An IT Dream

There is no limit to the number of Lenovo Chromebox Micro devices deployed on a network. "The device is easy to manage remotely with a Chrome Enterprise/Kiosk Management license," Godin explained. Access to the Google Admin console makes deploying, troubleshooting, and monitoring devices easy, while the Titan-C security chip provides top-notch security. Chrome Remote Desktop allows monitoring, troubleshooting, and control of devices from anywhere.

The Lenovo Chromebox Micro works with any kiosk or display with a USB-C, USB-A, or an HDMI port. The fanless, ventless, dust-proof ChromeOS compute solution supports dual displays at 4K resolutions.

Lenovo has collaborated with Instorescreen to offer 15.6- and 21.5-inch inFLEX displays specially designed for the Lenovo Chromebox Micro. The displays feature a rear cavity to accommodate the Lenovo Chromebox Micro, ensuring unhindered access to all ports while offering a streamlined and integrated appearance. The Lenovo Chromebox Micro pairs with the inFLEX displays through a single cable from a USB-C port to provide video, power, and data for a ready to deploy solution out of the box.

Creating Great Experiences

The Chromebox Micro can be the driving force behind advanced digital displays in various industries. The device enables interactive learning through whiteboards in education, streamlines check-ins with self-service kiosks in travel, and enhances operational oversight with monitor and control displays in manufacturing. It also improves employee management with check-in displays and delivers timely information in waiting areas. “The Chromebox Micro is essential for efficient communication and management across diverse sectors," concluded Godin.

To learn more about the Lenovo Chromebox Micro and Lenovo OEM Solutions click here.

About Lenovo: Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world's largest PC company by further expanding into growth areas that fuel the advancement of 'New IT' technologies (client, edge, cloud, network, and intelligence) including server, storage, mobile, software, solutions, and services. This transformation, together with Lenovo's world-changing innovation, is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere.

SCN: How long have you been with this company, and what are your responsibilities?

Nick Belcore: I joined the AV industry from life sciences and healthcare in 2006, a sector that was changing substantially at the time and greatly restricted the ability to disseminate information and add value. When the opportunity presented itself to come over to the AV world, this offered me the chance to lead a national sales team in a way I deemed best for the long-term benefit of the company, while simultaneously adding substantial value to our customers and partners. That role then grew into a global opportunity to advance not only our sales efforts but our marketing initiatives as well.

In my role, I have both a personal and business responsibility to take Peerless-AV in a direction that benefits the planet. For next year and beyond, my plans are to steer the business in ways we can utilize our capabilities towards endeavors that make us better global citizens. Renewable and alternative energy excites not only me but everyone on the global board at Peerless-AV.

[Executive Q&A: All About the Pixels]

In all our endeavors, we will continue to utilize AV to have a positive impact on the communities we serve. Our focus on dvLED is very much a priority as the technology provides a blank informational and entertainment-based canvas for private entities and municipal organizations to utilize to the benefit of all. We’re making waves in the industry with our SEAMLESS by Peerless-AV dvLED video wall integration program. The need for immersive experiences will always be there and has always been an intrinsic part of human learning, and we are focused on making that technology deployable cost effectively for all markets. 

SCN: Earlier this year, Peerless-AV updated its Smart City Kiosks. How healthy is the kiosk business?

NB: Our kiosk business is doing extremely well—and I’m speaking from a global perspective. We’ve shipped some significantly sized orders of indoor and outdoor displays from our facilities in the U.K. and Aurora. Seeing them all lined up in the warehouse is always a sight to behold.

As you rightly call out, our Smart City Kiosks were updated earlier in the year. Key upgrades facilitate a simplified installation for running power and data cabling while offering an environmentally protected dedicated storage space for media components. The dual-sided model is new to the range, offering increased screen space and opportunities for revenue-generating digital advertising and wayfinding. Both single and dual-sided models are proving very popular, especially for government, transportation, and visitor attractions. 

SCN: What is some advice you would give to companies considering outdoor locations for displays like kiosks or digital menu boards?

NB: The primary consideration is to correctly ascertain traffic, both foot and vehicular, to get the best return on your investment. Once determined, especially in an outdoor setting, it is imperative to understand the conditions that will be encountered by the technology you are deploying. Is the screen facing west and will it take a solar beating? If so, the most thermodynamically robust display needs to be used to give you the most reliable performance. Are you deploying in an area where moisture, insects, or circulating dust particles are likely to ingress into the display? The highest ingress protection rating will provide you with your best countermeasure to these potentially damaging variables. All of Peerless-AV’s outdoor solutions are all-weather certified and are among the highest operating temperature range and ingress protection solutions available on the market, making them a durable, high-quality viewing experience, no matter where the solution is placed. 

SCN: Peerless-AV offers indoor and outdoor mounts—what are some of the significant differences between them?

NB: While every Peerless-AV mounting system is built to last with high-quality materials, mounting solutions made for outdoor displays are designed specifically to withstand outdoor conditions. Our outdoor mounts are made of heavy gauge steel and finished with corrosion-resistant coating and stainless-steel hardware, making them weatherproof. Many of our outdoor solutions also have high wind ratings and anti-theft mounting hardware for added protection. 

SCN: You showed the SEAMLESS Kitted Series Universal dvLED Mounting System at InfoComm. What makes it different from other mounting solutions?

NB: Seeing is believing in this product because of its simplicity. Lack of standardization has been a barrier to easier dvLED deployments. What makes the DS-LEDUNV mount truly universal are the unique quick connect clamps, which remove the need for dedicated adaptors. These clamps are fundamental for quick and easy latching of the dvLED cabinets along the mount frame, and they also include Y-axis (height) adjustment to make the whole process uncomplicated. Z-axis (depth) adjustment is important when mounting to imperfect wall surfaces, and the DS-LEDUNV offers an industry-leading 3/4 inch or 20mm (+/- 10mm). The X-axis (width) determines the horizontal movement of the cabinets, so that when hanging to the frame, they can be adjusted to latch softly to each other to ensure no damage to pixels. 

SCN: What advice would you give to a potential customer if they can’t decide between a single-panel display or a dvLED solution?

NB: Both dvLED and LCD panels can provide great results, but each has key characteristics that can affect the overall results. The decision all comes down to your unique design, budget considerations, and overall goal for the displays—from distance to content, type of venue, and whether touch-based interactivity or rotating images and content are required. Both dvLED and LCD video walls are well suited for large-scale deployments, but dvLED allows for virtually infinite size options as well as more shape and configuration possibilities that extend beyond LCD’s form limitations. dvLED solutions also provide seamless image quality in larger form factors, removing the visual breaks so often associated with LCD video walls.

[Executive Q&A: Technology Meets Vibe]

However, installations of dvLED solutions still tend to be more expensive, despite price decreases and increased availability in the channel over the past few years, while LCD has made its large-format displays of 86 inches and above significantly more affordable. Historically, dvLED has been more challenging to specify and stock and has been more time-consuming to install, since all LED display brands have different size cabinets and latching mechanisms. However, all this is now being addressed with our Kitted Series Universal dvLED mount.

Today, for very close viewing distances, LCD still has the upper hand, but dvLED is gaining on LCD as a technology. LCD still leads the market from an up-close touch and interactivity standpoint, making it an ideal solution for many K-12 classroom and corporate boardroom settings. It all comes down to a matter of application and functionality—and which technology best aligns with those needs as well as budgetary constraints. 

SCN: What’s one of the more recent and unique dvLED installations that Peerless-AV has been part of?

NB: In collaboration with Ideum, Gensler, and the Jackie Robinson Museum, Peerless-AV designed and engineered a custom SEAMLESS Bespoke Mounting System to support the dvLED video wall backdrop that provides attendees with a look into the life and history of Jackie Robinson. The installation, a central media delivery tool for the museum, provides an immersive way for attendees to view snippets of Jackie’s career achievements, and offers a space for people to come together to appreciate each other’s humanity and diverse experiences. 

[Viewpoint: Here Comes Convergence]

SCN: Where do you see displays for the Pro AV industry heading in the next few years?

NB: The emergence of machine learning and artificial intelligence is going to accelerate at a geometric rate—and will become resident in products and in the data that drives technology and hardware development. Displays for Pro AV will evolve to make use of this new data and machine learning to create a seamless interface between the user and technology.

GRUBBRR announced that it will be rolling out its Samsung Kiosk powered by GRUBBRR at BurgerFi corporate headquarter locations throughout Florida.

BurgerFi specializes in providing a better burger experience with all-natural burgers and sides. In 2020, BurgerFi won QSR’s 2020 Breakout Brand of the Year and was recently named “Best Fast Casual Restaurant” in USA Today’s 10 Best 2022 Readers Choice Awards for the second consecutive year.

“BurgerFi is a known innovator when it comes to implementing digital technologies,” said Sam Zietz, CEO of GRUBBRR. “By automating tedious or routine tasks, restaurants such as BurgerFi, are able to run their operations more efficiently with less labor, thereby saving on labor costs while maintaining a great customer experience."

[Opening Day: Samsung, New York Mets' Starting Lineup of Tech Transformations]

In December 2021, BurgerFi launched a pilot program with GRUBBRR to test the effectiveness of self-ordering technology to decrease operating costs, minimize dependency on labor, increase revenue, and provide customers with a better overall experience. Throughout the pilot, the Samsung Kiosk powered by GRUBBRR showed significant lift in sales, with average ticket sizes increasing by 18.5% and 52% of customers opting into upsells. The Kiosk also absorbed up to 133 orders per day on average, accounting for 75% of total orders placed in the store and 78% of net sales.

“Samsung’s Kiosk powered by GRUBBRR’s software solution with Samsung's MagicInfo Cloud, provided an all-in-one solution for BurgerFi that delivered stronger business results and signaled a best practice when it comes to the future of QSR dining trends,” said Harry Patz Jr., senior vice president and general manager, display division, Samsung Electronics America. “The pilot program was pivotal to BurgerFi’s decision to standardize Samsung’s kiosk solution so that they could deliver a seamless customer experience, eliminate ordering errors, and allow for easy integration of loyalty programs and discount codes.”

[SCN Top 50 Systems Integrators 2021] 

Following the successful pilot, BurgerFi selected GRUBBRR as its exclusive self-ordering technology provider. The kiosks are currently being deployed across all 17 of BurgerFi’s corporate locations, while franchises will have the opportunity to opt-in, as well.

“From upselling menu items to digital processing, and the newfound ability to offer our entire menu in real-time, the operational and technological benefits of GRUBBRR kiosks are tremendous,” said Karl Goodhew, chief technology officer at BurgerFi. “We look forward to our continued partnership and cannot wait to see what’s in store for us next.”

With its partnership with Desay Optoelectronic LED for North America, CrimsonAV is adding LED distribution to better serve the integrator community. They intend to provide a one-stop source beyond display mounts, weather-proof displays, kiosks, and custom design/build projects.  

Douglas Wang, CEO of Desay Optoelectronic LED adds, “We believe the combined strengths of Desay’s strong R&D and cutting-edge manufacturing capability and CrimsonAV’s North America based engineering and customer support will provide world class client engagement and deliver unparalleled visual experiences. We look forward to expanding our reach with innovative LED displays and creating lasting value for customers by partnering with CrimsonAV.”

William Bear the Crimson AV VP of Sales states, “We recognize the expanding market and demand for LED displays. We also understand that the missing link in purchasing LED has been trust in the quality of the finished product as well as an absence of personalized service and support for the integration community in the process of buying, installation, and service after the sale. By partnering with Desay Optoelectronic LED, we will provide a brand you can trust that dates back to the turn of the century with a broad product line and unsurpassed quality in the LED display industry.”

When asked about why CrimsonAV, Bear responds, “Couple Desay Optoelectronic LED quality with CrimsonAV attention to personalized service, and you have a combination of value that bridges their product and price with our service and support. That is hard to beat.”  

 Red Dot Digital Media, a specialty integrator in the digital signage space, completed a recent Metro corridor rebuild project for the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), a major public transportation provider in Louisville, KY. The project encompassed several transit components, including eight branded buses and a total of 36 stations with informatics, fiber connectivity between the corridor components, and traffic signal priority components along the corridor.   

The centerpiece of the project is a network of digital kiosks located at each of TARC’s 36 transit stations. With buses continually feeding their GPS coordinates to the network, the kiosks display bus locations in real time, with accurate stop times based on bus location, route, and speed. Red Dot’s involvement encompassed the station informatics, which included the design and development of a "next bus server" application feeding location-agnostic endpoints translated to visual and spoken information to passengers waiting at the transit stations. 

“Red Dot has been the stellar partner in the corridor informatics portion of the project. They’re wonderful to work with, proactive and on time,” said David Herde, TARC ITS engineer. “They provided a beautiful and functional solution that not only meets our vision and requirements, but soars above and beyond our expectations.” 

[How MDM Software Benefits Digital Signage Networks, Part 1]

Red Dot designed a system with endpoints utilizing GPS dongles interfacing with BrightSign media players to supply local LAT/LON coordinates used by the "next bus server" application as required to identify the StopID of the nearest bus stop. The unique implementation means locations and stops aren’t hard-coded into the device; instead, the bus stop times are determined by local GPS coordinates and the nearest stops. Arrival data is pulled from TARC’s Google GTFS schedule feed to supply arrival information to the endpoints in real time. An override mechanism was also developed to supersede the GPS dongle coordinates and assign a particular StopID to be utilized by the player.  

At each of the endpoints, a BrightSign-enabled display serves information to passengers at each transit stop. By simply pressing a button, the BrightSign player triggers audio prompts from a text-to-speech device informing passengers on when the next bus is expected to arrive. Additionally, the kiosks display next bus information for the next 10 arriving buses, with the top four displaying estimated arrival times. 

[Truck Dealerships Take Digital Signage Network to the Cloud]

The kiosks also display important information about TARC Service Alerts and other information about potential disruptions. Content is displayed via a pair of informational tickers that pull Service Alert data from TARC’s Google real-time feed. One ticker displays stop-specific service alerts, and the other displays general TARC news alerts. 

A large portion of each kiosk is dedicated to a rotating feed of informative content, including a complete route map, detailed map of the local stop area with the locations of incoming buses, and weather forecasts to help alert passengers to incoming weather systems.  

Special care was taken to implement ADA best practices to ensure the kiosks are accessible to all, with text-to-speech functionality to verbally broadcast service alerts on demand to visually impaired passengers. Plus, the text-to-speech service alerts are available in both English and Spanish.

In today’s digital world, information has never been more accessible online, whether on web sites or in social media feeds. Customers expect the same quantity of information to be available to them when they’re in physical public places, whether they’re attending an event or shopping for a new pair of jeans. Not only do customers want the same quantity of information, they want the same quality—that is, they expect that the information presented to them during in-person experiences will be just as interactive and engaging as when they’re online.

Digital signage, once a basic tool used by businesses to share static updates, has evolved to offer more complex content and real-time updates in any type of environment or in any form, from a video wall to a 4K touchscreen. Businesses can benefit from the integration of digital signage solutions to help them elevate the customer experience and build loyalty, while at the same time increasing operational efficiencies and generating additional revenue from advertising and upselling opportunities.

[ How Outdoor AV Can Help Move the Hospitality Industry Forward ]

Here’s how digital signage can advance different types of customer interactions and business scenarios.

For the quick-service restaurant: When entering a drive-thru, customers immediately look for information that’s easy to read and helps them decide what they’d like to eat. By integrating displays with crisp visuals that can be read even in direct sunlight, the restaurant can clearly present information about its dishes, including ingredients and nutritional facts, and assist the customer’s decision-making process. It’s also important to invest in software that helps to manage and update menu items in real time, accommodating seasonal specials or daily deals, which creates an opportunity to upsell and increase order sizes.

For the hotel or hospitality venue: During check-in, guests expect the lobby and public areas in the hotel to provide guidance about where to go for a smooth start to their stay, whether for work or vacation. Digital signage can be leveraged throughout the venue to assist with check-in (showing which counter is available, for example), while signage in hallways and meeting spaces can be used as wayfinding devices to help guests locate their room or meet up with colleagues. Digital signage can alert guests in real time in the event of an emergency, leading them to safety, or during construction, informing them that they need to find a different rendezvous location.

[ Integrating for the Hospitality Experience ]

For the museum: As guests wander through exhibits and galleries at a museum, they benefit from easily visible digital signage mounted on walls or ceilings that provides additional information about the artwork. Video tutorials or interviews about the creation of the art piece, for instance, or visual assets that show the historical context of the exhibit will enhance the experience and help to transport the guest into the stories behind each exhibit.

For the retail store: Retail can use digital signage to invite the customer into the design process and customize a product, whether it’s a new paint color for a living room or a custom shirt. Data collected about how the customer interacted with the content helps businesses understand their interests and needs, and ultimately improve store offerings to enhance future customer interactions.

There are many different applications of digital signage for public spaces in various markets, though all businesses can benefit from using this technology. By investing in these solutions, businesses can create a more informative and interactive experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

Click here to read more stories from the October 2021 issue of SCN.

Related Stories

Outdoor Digital Signage Makes Social Distancing Entertaining • Whether for company events or public gatherings, creative thinking has been key, and digital signage plays a key role.

Modernization Brings Changes to Drive-Thrus • Digital signage innovations—like digital menu boards—are helping quick-serve restaurants operate in a way that is more efficient and user-friendly.

Technology Trends in Kiosk Design • In an ever-evolving consumer landscape, kiosks are helping to ensure efficiency, security, and even safety during the ongoing pandemic.

How Display Solutions Can Help the Hospitality Market Recover and Thrive • New technologies and connected TV platforms make visual communication an essential part of health safety for hotels and restaurants.

Kollins Communications recently partnered with digital signage media player company BrightSign and Visual Communications to create an in-store digital customer experience at Sam’s Club stores throughout the United States. The fully digital project, which was commissioned by AT&T Services, encompassed a comprehensive digital retail kiosk to merchandise AT&T wireless, TV and broadband services without conventional printed signage or price tags.

Digital Point-of-Sale Experience

AT&T Services tasked Kollins Communications with creating a compelling kiosk display to give customers a fresh point-of-sale experience in this high-traffic, big box retail setting. It was important to present a consistent image to reinforce AT&T’s brand exclusivity and identity in every store, and to encourage an intimate environment for customers to shop and discover new products.

The all-digital POS solution allows AT&T Services to instantly update its product offerings and pricing, solving the paper price-tag, graphics and poster updating lag on nationwide deployments. Transitioning to a digital platform also made it possible to explain details about the various phones and other devices on display, using digital price tag video screens in lieu of traditional printed placards.

Functionally, AT&T Services wanted to be able to remotely monitor the kiosks for operability and functionality, and needed the kiosks to be easily serviceable in the field with plug-and-play components. Naturally, reliability was key. AT&T Services expected a high level of kiosk uptime and 24/7 support to resolve any issues as they occurred.

The Kiosks

AT&T’s digital kiosks offer customers an in-depth look at its 5G wireless, TV and broadband offerings. Rich, informative content is distributed to multiple digital screens by BrightSign’s media players. An attract loop playing on a pair of 50-inch monitors prompts visitors to view current exclusive AT&T/Sam’s Club offers, while three 4x38-inch LCD digital price tag screens display animated pricing, manufacturers’ features and benefits, terms and conditions, and promotions.

[ Technology Trends in Kiosk Design ]

Apple and Samsung devices are available for customer evaluation, secured on MTI product stands with charging cables centralized out of sight. The placement of devices varies by Sam’s Club location, and the digital displays are easily adjusted to reflect orientation variations via a seamless CMS interface.

Special care was taken to ensure the kiosks were durable enough to perform flawlessly in this high-traffic, heavy-use retail setting. Using network commands through BrightSign players, the kiosks go into a sleep mode approximately 30 minutes before and after store hours to conserve power and extend digital screen life. The Samsung commercial displays also receive a repeating reset command throughout the day to ensure they are using the correct settings, and to minimize the effects of display tampering. Lastly, every kiosk features its own “toolbox” with necessary tools, spare parts and cleaning supplies to keep the kiosk functional and looking like new.

National Deployment

Kollins Communications turned to BrightSign for this large-scale deployment . Between January and April 2021, a total of 569 kiosks were installed in Sam’s Club stores in every U.S. state, with the exception of Alaska. Kiosks arrived at each location pre-assembled, with each having been tested while in an 85 percent assembled state, allowing for installations including electrical, data, and assembly to be completed on site in less than four hours. Between one and 16 kiosks were installed every night, all of which were fully operational by the following morning.

[ The Story Behind 25,000+ Screens in Sam’s Club Big Box Stores, Sixteen-Nine ] 

The project achieved the intended objectives of featuring AT&T’s recently launched exclusive marketing arrangement at Sam’s Club, offering a brand-specific digital experience. Even with recent pandemic-related restrictions on store traffic, reports on customer interaction along with dramatically increased sales transactions lend credibility to the investment in the kiosk and accompanying ongoing support.

Kiosk Technology and Installations

Technology Trends in Kiosk Design • In an ever-evolving consumer landscape, kiosks are helping to ensure efficiency, security, and even safety during the ongoing pandemic.

Samsung Unveils Kiosk for Contactless Ordering and Payment • Samsung’s all-in-one Kiosk includes a 24-inch HD display, receipt printer, credit card terminal, scanner, and NFC tap pad, with self-ordering kiosk software from GRUBBRR.

Touchless Systems: Manufacturers Discuss AV's Latest Trend • In a flurry of innovation, industry leaders have been developing new products and solutions to help facilitate a healthy return to corporate and college campuses, hospitality, and more. We reached out to manufacturers to learn about the solutions they’re working on for this new, touch-free world.

Privacy and Digital Signage • With AI and data analytics at the heart of today’s digital signage platforms, maintaining consumer and visitor privacy is becoming an increasingly important issue.

Samsung, Partners Bring New Display Tech to D.C. Landmark • Samsung’s dynamic smart signage, coupled with content driven by New Tradition, provides commuters and visitors up-to-the-minute travel, weather and safety information at Washington, D.C.'s historic Union Station.

Why Digital Signage and Wayfinding Technology Are Critical in a Post-Pandemic World • 22Miles' Tomer Mann discusses the importance of digital signage technology in the era of COVID-19.

In an ever-evolving consumer landscape, kiosks are helping to ensure efficiency, security, and even safety during the ongoing pandemic. Kiosk offerings run the gamut to cover most use cases and settings, from all-in-one models to modular systems. Tech innovations include screens with antimicrobial coating and shatterproof film, contactless ordering, and improved payment capabilities.

“The pandemic has absolutely changed the use of digital signage, with the most significant change being the uptick in use of videoconferencing. With our inability to travel, network in person, and keep in contact with customers, peers, family, and friends, videoconferencing via FaceTime, Zoom, WebEx, and other platforms has become commonplace. Additionally, with organizations that are using digital signage, we have seen improved analytics that are allowing businesses to mine and evaluate historical customer data to deliver effective and targeted personalized content,” said Rob Meiner, CTS, technical sales engineer, Peerless-AV.

Changing Landscape

With pandemic considerations making users uncomfortable about using touch interactive displays, the industry is also becoming more reliant on autonomous AI to help with the execution of functions and tasks, noted Meiner.

“Retailers, QSRs [quick service restaurants], hospitality businesses, and others have integrated mobile connectivity into their signage solutions, allowing people to interact with the information and data displayed on a display” via their personal mobile device, Meiner explained.

Luke Westin, senior product manager at Chief, also has some thoughts on the pandemic’s impact and suggested it has only heightened the need for kiosks. “Digital signage is definitely expanding—both indoor and outdoor. The need to elegantly enclose display technology is only going to grow, whether it be advertising, menu boards, automation, virtual reception, or wayfinding. All these applications will grow to accommodate communities that are now more acutely aware of health, safety, and security in public spaces. Importantly, digital signage can help make these spaces comfortable and convenient for everyone to navigate again.”

Social distancing and changing levels of use are pushing some manufacturers to amplify the customer experience.

“Kiosks will continue to increase in popularity for a multitude of reasons, including ease of use, adaptability, and their role in perfecting the customer experience for various industries,” added Mark Quiroz, vice president of marketing, Display Division, Samsung Electronics America. “The challenges of a distanced world have certainly fueled our design efforts to introduce products that are safe, secure, and easy to use. The digitization of the retail world and other industries continues to inspire and motivate us to think outside the box and to explore not simply what kiosks should be but what they can do. Creativity in this sector will be the key to developing products that stand the test of time and pave the way for more inventive solutions.”

[ Touchless Systems: Manufacturers Discuss AV's Latest Trend ]

Growing Trends

Peerless-AV’s Meiner shared some recent observations and trends. One is the notable increase in self-service kiosks that allow customers to have one-on-one conversations with off-site customer care representatives.

“According to a recent study on checkout lines, 69 percent of shoppers said long lines were the most irritating part of shopping,” Meiner said. “That beat out high prices (66 percent) and inventory being out of stock (65 percent). Eighty-four percent of those customers said watching digital displays helped them pass the time while they waited. With self-service, businesses can offer lower perceived wait times. Long lines are enough reason to leave a business or establishment. Therefore, any businesses should be investing in points of sale or offering self-checkout—anything to keep long lines from chasing off customers. People have a much easier time waiting in line when there’s something to take their mind off the actual wait.”

Some airlines are already using this technology, giving travelers the option of videoconferencing with a representative rather than using chat, email, or a telephone call to solve a problem, Meiner noted.

“The best part of a solution like this is that it allows customers to help themselves. Studies of customer feedback show that customers prefer self-service over working with an employee. In addition, self-service is the fastest and most cost-effective way to customer support,” he said. “Digital signage engages customers without requiring employee interaction. As a result, customers get the information they need to make a purchasing decision,” and employees’ time is freed up to focus on helping in situations where a customer service agent can make the most impact.

AI continues to be another game-changer. “With the use of AI, display content can be changed at a moment’s notice, creating a completely new innovation for kiosk usage. With networked digital signage, content in numerous stores located throughout the country can all be changed at the same time from a single remote location,” he said. “If a business wants to advertise a new product or announce an upcoming sale, they can create an ad and deploy it across all locations at the same time. While one of the benefits of digital signage is the capability to quickly implement new sales, offers, and products, it’s also the best way to keep brand messaging consistent across locations. The concept works in reverse, too. Operators can quickly pull offers completely or retool their marketing efforts without going through the lengthy and costly process of removing printed material and creating new material to replace it.”

Meiner believes that analytics will continue to play a large role in kiosk innovation. For example, a display that allows shoppers to check inventory can increase engagement and deliver analytics about which products are searched for the most. If sales numbers aren’t consistent with this interest, it might be time to lower the price or otherwise improve a product’s perceived value. Without customer data gathered by kiosks or other interactive signage, interest in a product would not be apparent if customers left the store without buying it.

“Displays can now be outfitted with video cameras that report a whole host of metrics,” said Meiner. “These can include people count (or impressions), dwell time, interaction time, demographics such as gender and age, emotional sentiment, recurring visitors, content touches, football traffic, and heat maps.”

Meiner warns that even with increasing availability of self-service kiosks, there will always be a subset of customers who prefer to work directly, face-to-face, with a human. “This desire for human interaction will continue to exist, especially for small and medium-sized businesses,” he said.

Future Outlook

What does the future hold for kiosks? And how will they evolve over the next few years?

“Kiosks need to look great and seamlessly blend into a variety of environments. The ability to respond to customizations is key when it comes to aesthetics and other features,” said Chief’s Westin. “Beyond aesthetics, I see innovation from manufacturers that have thought through the installation and servicing process. Quick installation for large roll-outs, servicing or troubleshooting are important value-add features that continue to save time and money beyond the initial purchase. As far as outdoor goes, there will be major innovations taking place with displays and media players. We are also seeing outdoor displays migrating toward System on Chip [SoC] and Smart Signage Wi-Fi options, reducing the need for climate control of media players. As the need to support more signage outdoors increases, so too will the demand for outdoor-rated media player devices.”

As well as growing use in an increasing number of applications, especially in the outdoor space, Westin anticipates that display technology will become even less dependent on media players and expects to see further integration of accessories like cameras, card readers, speakers, and microphones.

“Technology will continue to advance in outdoor rating of kiosks,” he concluded. “Direct view LED is another technology that can be applied in kiosk and enclosure applications.”

Click here to read more stories from the August 2021 issue of SCN.

Kiosk Technology and Installations

Samsung Unveils Kiosk for Contactless Ordering and Payment • Samsung’s all-in-one Kiosk includes a 24-inch HD display, receipt printer, credit card terminal, scanner, and NFC tap pad, with self-ordering kiosk software from GRUBBRR.

Touchless Systems: Manufacturers Discuss AV's Latest Trend • In a flurry of innovation, industry leaders have been developing new products and solutions to help facilitate a healthy return to corporate and college campuses, hospitality, and more. We reached out to manufacturers to learn about the solutions they’re working on for this new, touch-free world.

Privacy and Digital Signage • With AI and data analytics at the heart of today’s digital signage platforms, maintaining consumer and visitor privacy is becoming an increasingly important issue.

Samsung, Partners Bring New Display Tech to D.C. Landmark • Samsung’s dynamic smart signage, coupled with content driven by New Tradition, provides commuters and visitors up-to-the-minute travel, weather and safety information at Washington, D.C.'s historic Union Station.

Why Digital Signage and Wayfinding Technology Are Critical in a Post-Pandemic World • 22Miles' Tomer Mann discusses the importance of digital signage technology in the era of COVID-19.

Samsung has partnered with New Tradition and the Consumer Experience Group to update the digital signage display technology in Union Station in Washington, D.C. Under the project management of the Consumer Experience Group, Samsung’s dynamic smart signage, coupled with content driven by New Tradition, provides commuters and visitors up-to-the-minute travel, weather and safety information.

[ Why Digital Signage and Wayfinding Technology Are Critical in a Post-Pandemic World ]

The collaboration keeps the landmark’s architecture alive by outfitting existing structures with upgraded displays that seamlessly fit into the 114-year-old building’s iconic design. Twenty-six kiosks outfitted with 65-inch UHD Smart Signage displays are distributed across Union Station’s three levels to serve as interactive directories designed and provided by TSI Touch.

In the train station’s historic main hall, six 75- by 63-inch 1.5mm LED displays offer advertising buyers a bright canvas to share their products with the thousands of people who visit Union Station each day. Top tier out-of-home advertising placements are constantly monitored, using SmartLink Vantage remote device management technology to ensure 100 percent uptime.

[ The State of Digital Signage in 2021 ] 

“Union Station is one of our nation’s iconic landmarks and we are thrilled to be a part of its rich history,” said Mark Quiroz, vice president, marketing – Display Division, Samsung Electronics America.

The partnership, which began in 2020 with a goal to bring modern technology to an iconic landmark, delivers more than stunning displays. Together with the Consumer Experience Group, Samsung helped usher in a complete refresh of Union Station’s technical infrastructure from installation to the official handoff to New Tradition.

“We’re very excited to bring top-of-the-line technology to history Union Station and to be able to offer our agency partners and clientele nothing but the best when looking to advertise in the Washington, D.C., market,” said Bret Richheimer, COO of New Tradition. He added, “Samsung’s crisp displays will help us stand out to consumers that much more during their commute through the station each day.”

[ Boost Your Business with Digital Signage Analytics ] 

The Display Technology

IF Series: Samsung’s 1.5mm LED IF Series displays are a comprehensive solution with an improved LED experience for customers. By streamlining installation, presentation and management, businesses and advertisers alike can create and share content with minimal hassle. The hook-based design fosters a seamless installation, eliminating gaps while keeping all front and rear components visible and accessible for quick-turn maintenance.

UHD Smart Signage: Samsung’s 65-inch QHR Series display features UHD resolution with 700-nit brightness. The QHR series features Dynamic Crystal Display, using 10-bit processing for flawless color expression, and its HDR+ compatibility converts SD content to HDR quality for sharper contrast and more vivid colors, giving advertisers at Union Station more flexibility with their content.

“We are grateful for our innovative partnerships with New Tradition and the Consumer Experience Group, which allow us to bring cutting-edge digital signage to the masses,” said Brett Unzicker, vice president B2B sales – LEES, Display Division, Samsung Electronics America. “Through our collaboration, we are ensuring Union Station commuters receive real-time transportation updates in an impressively dynamic fashion.”

[ Assembling the Digital Signage Puzzle ] 

“CEG has had a great relationship with both Samsung and New Tradition for quite some time and we were eager to put efforts together to deliver premium signage at the historic landmark location that is Union Station. The technology installed will truly set the signage apart from competitors in the industry,” said Jeremy Kolieb, principal of Consumer Experience Group.

Related Stories

Samsung Unveils Kiosk for Contactless Ordering and Payment • Samsung’s all-in-one Kiosk includes a 24-inch HD display, receipt printer, credit card terminal, scanner, and NFC tap pad, with self-ordering kiosk software from GRUBBRR.

Re-Harnessing the Signage Wave • According to AVIXA's research, factors including an increasing need for directional signage are helping to bolster the digital signage market during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Samsung Electronics today announced the expanded availability of their Kiosk display, an all-in-one secure solution that offers simultaneous contactless ordering and payment capabilities. Providing customers with easy install options and a protective coating, the Kiosk is now available in 12 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Australia, and Singapore.

“Samsung is disrupting the kiosk market with its innovative and secure self-service capabilities that are ready to use out-of-the-box and within reach for any business,” said Mark Quiroz, vice president, Display Division, Samsung Electronics America. “The touch display with a speaker, printer, scanner, and payment solution was designed with the customer in mind.”

Available in a stylish grey-white color, the 24-inch touchscreen display is powered by Samsung SoC (System on Chip) technology, removing the need for an external PC. The Kiosk adopts a modular design to provide a variety of payment options for customers, including credit card, barcode, and QR code, and includes a built-in printer and Wi-Fi. This all-in-one functionality makes maintenance fast and easy, ensuring minimal business downtime, a decrease in operating costs and increased customer satisfaction.

The Kiosk supports a variety of installation options. The countertop design can be installed on any counter or table within a store, without additional construction. It may also be mounted on a stand or wall-mounted to maximize space savings. (Wall mount sold separately.)

During a time when contactless interactions have increased, Samsung treated the Kiosk screen with an antimicrobial coating that also protects the panel from oxidation. The display is also protected by a shatterproof film.

[ Touchless Systems; Manufacturers Discuss AV's Latest Trend ] 

Samsung's Kiosk uses three-layer security protection powered by Samsung Knox technology, designed to protect its hardware, payment platform and application, as well as customer information, against external threats such as hacking. It also supports application development through a Linux-based open-source operating system, powered by Tizen, providing high compatibility and supporting web standard technologies (HTML5, JavaScript, CSS), so developers can create software applications that can be used on the Kiosk.

With the MagicINFO Remote Management feature, store management can improve efficiency by identifying any issues in real time and taking necessary measures when a problem occurs. Remote control capabilities enable the diagnosis of issues and remote control of essential functions such as switching the screen on and off.

GRUBBRR Self-Ordering Kiosk Technology

Samsung’s Kiosk is powered by self-ordering kiosk technology from GRUBBRR. With the integrated GRUBBRR software, the Samsung Kiosk comes ready to handle every aspect of the self-ordering transaction. GRUBBRR solutions impact businesses by reducing labor costs, increasing efficiency, and increasing the customer’s average ticket spend.

[ Why Digital Signage and Wayfinding Technology are Critical in a Post-Pandemic World ]

Samsung’s large HD screen provides impactful images, which are crucial to the buying experience, and GRUBBRR’s user interface offers customized upsells with every transaction. The consumer experience is enhanced by eliminating the need to wait in line and providing personalization and order accuracy.

“When we began our search for a software partner to help us enter into the self-ordering kiosk market, we knew that we needed a best-in-class team in terms of both support and software,” said Quiroz. “GRUBBRR immediately caught our attention as the best turnkey self-ordering solutions provider, and our work with them has only exceeded these expectations. This kiosk will revolutionize the industry for all businesses.”

In addition to the self-ordering Kiosk, Samsung consumers can also integrate their existing ecosystem with smart digital menu boards, kitchen display systems, and food lockers from GRUBBRR.

Related News

Smoothie King Empowers Franchisees with Samsung Displays • QSR chain Smoothie King chose Samsung displays to serve as an indoor/outdoor digital signage solution that would enable franchisee operators to make menu changes in real time, allowing them to localize their promotions and upsell high-margin add-ons.

This year, the AV/IT industry has witnessed agility and innovation like never before. Existing technologies are being leveraged and manufacturers have developed new products and solutions to help facilitate a healthy return to corporate and college campuses, hospitality, and more.

Over the coming months, as the workforce returns to the office and more students return to the classroom, AV/IT managers are deploying no-touch, or touchless technologies to automate everything from opening a door to launching everything needed for a meeting. We reached out to manufacturers to learn about the solutions they’re working on for this new, touch-free world.

1 Beyond

As a manufacturer of automated camera solutions, we have been hearing from customers for a while that they want a room that “just works.” Teachers and CEOs who walk into a room for a meeting do not want to worry about the technology. IT managers expect low-maintenance and low-support requirements with more rooms outfitted for videoconferencing.

With social distancing and hygiene concerns, the need for automated, “touch-free” rooms has only increased, and this includes larger multi-use and divisible conference room spaces. Thankfully, recent technology advances are making this possible for audio, video, content sharing, and control. These “hands-free” automated rooms will benefit users for years to come—even after the COVID crisis is behind us. Remote work and hybrid meetings are here to stay.

22Miles

In the COVID-19 era, there are many new challenges in the return to normal. Today’s kiosks offer a plethora of features: automatic voice control prompts to reduce physical touch on the device, access to communications via QR codes, on a smartphones, and facial recognition and multi-user tracking for employee and guest check ins.

Other capabilities include temperature checks via built-in thermal scanning technology, emergency alerts and updated news on facility policies, and instructions for safely navigating a facility to adhere to social distancing. Additional interactive wayfinding throughout a facility can guide navigation around a building, regulating available spaces and pre-approved routes to reduce wandering and support effective social distancing.

AtlasIED

Reducing manual contact with people and technology is priority number one in the return to normal life during COVID-19. AtlasIED’s new Atmopshere lineup was designed to reduce physical contact with technology that controls a business’s or school’s public address, life safety and security, and audio systems. For instance, a QR code accessible through Atmosphere’s digital signal processor grants authorized users access to certain audio settings directly from a personal mobile device.

Leveraging this hands-off approach is Atmosphere’s ambient noise compensation technology. Built into the DSP are multi-patented algorithms, which enable it to continually learn and adapt to changes in the environment, such as noisy hallways when students transition between classrooms and lively lunch hours in the break room at businesses.

Atlona

Ease of use has become the guiding principle in AV and control systems, but the concept of “safe” has grown increasingly essential, leading to an approach that favors automation. Imagine entering a meeting space, presenting material, and leaving the room without touching anything but a personal laptop or mobile device. Atlona switchers—including the AT-OME-MS52W and AT-UHD-SW-510W—incorporate automatic display control, wireless presentation, automatic input selection, and occupancy sensor triggering to make this is a reality.

On the control side, Atlona’s Velocity System offers QR Code BYOD Control for environments that require manual interaction. Velocity generates a QR code that can be displayed on the touchpanel GUI or printed and placed inside the room. Users scan the code with their BYOD device to take full control of the AV system.

Avocor

At Avocor, we’ve been closely monitoring CDC guidance as the world continues to learn about COVID-19, and the data that we’re seeing is that the virus isn’t often spread by touch like people initially thought. Gesture or voice control can be awkward and difficult to get used to; it can just feel unnatural.

It’s more important to find solutions that allow you to have a more seamless meeting experience that feels familiar—especially as we navigate significant changes to the workplace. Teams working in-person don’t have to physically touch a display with their finger to have a successful meeting experience. Because of their low cost, companies can invest in stylus pens in bulk so that teams can have their own dedicated tool, for example. And if you do choose to use touch control, our displays work seamlessly with latex gloves, and we’re also collaborating with companies that have anti-bacterial cleaning solutions, such as Austere Clean & Protect. 

BenQ

For years, BenQ has recognized the value and flexibility that touchless technology provides, and we have developed solutions that let the users and participants choose how they interact with them. 

Our touchless capabilities encompass voice-activated control and proximity sensors that automatically adjust the screen for blue light and glare in our interactive flat panels (IFPs). Also integrated into our IFPs is our InstaShare software, which allows anyone to join in, share, and interact with content on screen safely from anywhere using their Chromebook, laptop, or personal device. But organizations shouldn’t have to upgrade their displays or projectors to benefit from in-room wireless screen mirroring. Our InstaShow is a completely app-free, secure wireless presentation system that creates a contact-less collaboration experience without network access or expensive infrastructure or hardware investments.

beyerdynamic

At beyerdynamic, we’re seeing more interest in products like our ceiling array and table-top microphones. Our MPR 210 and RM 30 microphones with Revoluto technology ensure great voice quality throughout the room and a perfect touchless environment tool when group meetings are necessary. 

We’re also seeing more innovative uses of products like the Phonum Bluetooth wireless speakerphone. Miami University came up with a remote learning solution: using Phonum on a mic stand with an iPad to broadcast classes to students. The Unite intercom bundles were released a few months ago to help live broadcasters, like houses of worship, better manage their productions while keeping distancing protocols in place. The bundles are feature rich and easy to navigate, with user-friendly manuals.

Biamp

As some employees cautiously migrate back into traditional offices, the desire for touchless technology in shared spaces has grown tremendously. In response, Biamp is pushing innovation to help reduce points of contact between users and devices.

Our recently launched Modena family of Wireless Presentation Systems enables users to access a space’s AV equipment and share content with colleagues, in the room or remotely, directly from their device or via their preferred UC system. With Modena Hub or Modena Hub+, every laptop, tablet, or mobile device can both share screens with a display and receive content, enabling attendees to collaborate without the need to touch or pass devices. Modena Server, a multi-room wireless presentation device, further extends this capability into common areas or other non-traditional meeting spaces.

Bose

We’re all looking at how we can best utilize and develop technology for increased collaboration and better experiences. AI’s ability to improve noise cancelation—and even learn which surrounding noise to suppress—means you won’t need to ride the mute button or constantly increase or decrease the volume because of the surrounding noise. We’re also going to see AI used with video products as a way to provide more comprehensive telemetry on how the room or space is being used, to ensure safe distancing, for example. 

Apps that control AV devices will become more commonplace, as they safeguard users from needing to touch multiple devices. This gives users the ease and freedom to control AV equipment; the NCH 700 UC is a perfect example, as it uses the Bose Music app for adjusting controls (in addition to touch commands on the earcup) and providing software updates automatically. 

Chief

The onset of COVID-19 has led the digital signage industry to recognize major shifts, such as the move to touchless interaction through QR code implementation, haptic technologies, and mobile app integration. Legrand|AV supports a myriad of these new or accelerated trends.

Chief’s Impact Kiosk and Fusion Cart products fit the needs of experiential design, while meeting the new operational demands stemming from COVID-19. As a continued response to our partners in this changing market, Chief is excited to add our Tablet Series mounts, which expand our robust product offerings for safe spaces. This new category features tabletop and floor-standing mounts, as well as accessories to support column and VESA tablets with integrated temperature sensors, printers, and Q&A screens.

Christie

Creating a touchless space is especially important now, and for many public spaces, it will be a necessity. Christie offers Pandoras Box AirScan, which combines with Pandoras Box Widget Designer to transform digital content—whether it’s presented on a LED or LCD video wall or projected onto a wall or screen—into a touch-free, interactive experience.

Pandoras Box AirScan is an IR laser-based solution that creates a motion-controlled user interface with up to 24 interaction points for displays up to 30 feet in size. It features a built-in motion stabilizer for high-speed processing and damping of the sensor motion data. AirScan is installed in front of a display and then connected to a PC with Widget Designer, where settings can be adjusted and customized to the application. AirScan is well suited for public spaces like museums, entertainment venues, and theatres looking to transform displays from touch to touchless.

Crestron

Touchless controls weren’t a new innovation as a result of the pandemic. Wireless collaboration and remote control of conferencing have increasingly been deployed in meeting spaces, lecture halls, and boardrooms for ease of presentation and collaboration. Now, touchless solutions have become more important for the return to work to support distancing and to reduce common control touchpoints. 

Crestron developed new control experiences for touchless controls that will support the return to work, including the Crestron ONE app and the new 70 Series Touch Screens. Employees and guests can safely and reliably control the AV, communications, lighting, automation, and other experiences in the Crestron system with the Crestron ONE app on their personal device. When users approach a 70 Series Touch Screen mounted on the wall or situated on a table, the proximity sensor wakes the screen to show the QR code to connect to the system wirelessly.

Extron

Now more than ever, the subject of AV automation is becoming a major talking point within organizations of all sizes. Touchless room control can be accomplished by scanning a QR code on an Extron TouchLink Pro touchpanel with your personal device. Simply point your camera at the QR code displayed on the touchpanel and you’ll automatically be taken to the Extron Control for Web interface, which provides the same flexibility of control. Extron also offers several mobile apps to help automate AV system functions, and provides easy room AV control from the palm of your hand. All our apps are free on Google Play or the App Store. 

In spaces with an Extron HD CTL 100 Workspace Controller and an OCS 100C Occupancy Sensor, organizations can benefit from automated display control based on motion detection, minimizing button presses while helping individuals remain productive.

HuddleCamHD

To protect personnel from unnecessary exposure, studios are being built with multiple IP-connected PTZ cameras that can be remotely controlled by a single operator. No longer are multiple skilled camera operators forced to share a small, "high-touch" space; instead, all unnecessary interaction is removed. 

One camera operator is too many for most meeting and lecture capture applications, though. PTZOptics’ sister company HuddleCamHD uses AI tools to automate camera operation—allowing teachers and meeting participants to interact naturally. The HuddleCamHD HuddleView uses face and motion detection to automatically frame shots so that virtual meetings feel personal and inclusive. The SimplTrack2 uses autotracking to allow educators to teach as they do best: at the front of their classrooms.

Intel

Although a pandemic was not the driver behind development of the Intel Unite solution, the collaboration platform was born with a host of features that make it well suited to a contactless world. Its wireless connectivity means there are no shared dongles or cables. Wireless connectivity also facilitates social distancing, since meeting participants no longer need to be within reach of a cable. With the platform’s remote capabilities, either through Protected Guest Access or a UC such as Webex, they don’t even need to be in the same room. The Intel Unite software is also open platform, which allows participants to use their own device to share content.

Kramer

At Kramer, we recognize the challenge that so many organizations are facing to ensure business continuity during COVID-19. That is why we have developed an innovative new contact monitoring technology: Corona Tags, small, battery-powered trackers for recording interactions that don’t adhere to the CDC or NIH social distancing guidelines. They track anonymously and securely—protecting individual privacy while recording valuable information to help enterprises and institutions continue to operate safely during the pandemic with minimal down time. Kramer’s Corona Tags are designed for easy rapid deployment and meet the most stringent privacy requirements of GDPR.

Kramer’s VIA family of wireless and/or wired presentation and collaboration solutions also feature touchless connectivity, BYOD, BYOM, and remote management. Kramer Control features touchless automation, remote access, and remote troubleshooting.

LG

As businesses around the country reopen amid the ongoing pandemic, we here at LG Business Solutions USA have expanded our suite of Health Protocol Solutions. In partnership with other technology leaders, we’re offering an array of new options—including touchless interactive digital signage displays, wellness kiosks, occupancy management systems, and more. These solutions combine LG’s displays with the industry’s top sensors and software to help businesses and public venues address the specific needs of the current touchless environment. 

I think we’ll continue to see this rapid rise in gesture and voice control in the post-COVID era. Gesture and voice technology were already emerging as viable alternatives to touchscreens even before COVID struck. Now, having gone through a global pandemic, it may be awhile before consumers are comfortable interacting with frequently touched displays.

Logitech

As companies begin to think about how to bring their employees back into the office, Logitech is helping to keep employees safe and secure by partnering with Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to create contactless experiences in meeting rooms leveraging their voice assistant technologies. 

For our customers that use Amazon, our Logitech Solutions for Zoom Rooms with Alexa for Business allows employees to begin, end, and schedule meetings simply with their voice. Google customers can say “Hey Google” on Logitech Solutions for Google Meet to help them with all their conference needs and minimize contact, while Microsoft users are able to ask Cortana with Logitech Room Solutions for Microsoft Teams.

Mersive

Mersive Solstice has always offered touchless collaboration, content sharing, control, and markup for meeting and learning spaces. However, in 2020, Mersive launched three major new product initiatives that further enhance Mersive’s ability to support the hybrid workplace: Solstice Conference enhances collaboration among onsite and remote participants through touchless videoconferencing; Solstice Active Learning enables video routing for confidence monitors in large spaces where participants need to spread out; and Solstice Cloud allows organizations to monitor and manage the return to work through remote deployment analytics, alerts, and management capabilities. 

As we move into 2021, Mersive is focusing on the next iteration of capabilities that will support safe and healthy workplace collaboration—including smart new features built around room occupancy, monitoring of scheduled versus ad-hoc meetings, and more. 

OnQ

There’s no doubt the pandemic catalyzed massive adoption of low-touch and touchless solutions. To use retail as an example, people are looking for ways to shop safely, while stores are eager to find new ways to increase customer engagement without physical interaction. 

OnQ’s Converge Control lets shoppers scan a QR code on their phones to take control of an in-store digital display. What retailers especially love about this solution is that it doesn't require an app, and customers don’t need to connect to the store’s Wi-Fi network. What’s more, customers can purchase on the spot using their phones and have products shipped to their homes.

Peerless-AV

With an increased importance set on best ways to stay safe in the pandemic, Peerless-AV introduced new solutions for public health preparedness and viral transmission prevention with an Occupancy Control Kiosk, three variations of Temperature Sensing Digital Signage Kiosks, as well as Temperature Sensor Tabletop and Floor Stand Mounts. These solutions allow companies and businesses to follow guidelines in real time. 

The Temperature Sensing items offer self-service, non-contact temperature screening via a tablet; Occupancy Control regulates foot traffic at each point of entry and detects if a visitor is wearing a mask, while also displaying dynamic digital messaging, such as rules, instructions, wait times, promotions, and other information. 

Samsung

Businesses have had to shift quickly to outfit their spaces to ensure safety. One product designed to facilitate this is the Automatic Digital Hand Sanitizing station, equipped with MagicInfo and built-in IR motion-sensor. The kiosk dispenses sanitizing gel or foam and delivers safety information via the display screen that consumers need to follow while inside the building. Additionally, we have seen the Samsung Pro TV integrated into education and hospitality spaces to assist with messaging, wayfinding, and social-distancing protocols. 

Sennheiser

Remote meetings are no longer optional, but have quickly become a given. Travel limitations and social distancing recommendations have resulted in reduced room capacities at companies, so there will always be someone participating remotely, and that requires the right collaboration equipment. Moreover, there is a substantial demand for equipping more rooms with remote conferencing technology. 

Besides the obvious need for more supportive collaboration products, the increased sensitivity and awareness toward hygiene matters will continue. Users have become sensitive to interacting with shared devices, and so touchless workflows are on the rise. 

For reasons of simplicity and convenience, touchless audio was a focus for Sennheiser pre-COVID and will continue to be something that we explore long after COVID is behind us. We are happy to be able to offer a suite of products that meet touchless demands now and in future. 

Sharp

Sharp has been offering touchless solutions for years—making this year’s adjustment easier. Sharp worked with Amazon Alexa to create MFP Voice, a feature that has become essential to office safety. This voice activation feature offers a touchless solution by allowing users to print, copy, scan, and fax, simply by speaking the desired commands. 

Sharp has also developed Synappx Go, an app that can be installed on your smartphone and used to control your MFP’s scanning, copying, and printing needs. This means users touch their personal device and not a shared device.

Shure

The pandemic has altered audio capturing plans for a number of industries, and Shure’s array microphones—which are traditionally thought of for conference rooms or classrooms—have found success in providing quality audio in other professional applications. 

Where tabletop, lavalier, and handheld microphones are no longer feasible, Shure offers options of overhead-mounted array microphones with steerable coverage technology to provide broadcast-quality audio. The MXA910 array microphone, the MXA310 tabletop microphone, and the new MXA710 linear array microphones are the leading products in this category. MXA products have been used for several broadcast applications, including being mounted inconspicuously for reality TV shows and to capture interview audio in radio and TV studios.

ViewSonic

As it became clear that the pandemic was going to be a long-term issue, ViewSonic shifted product offerings to provide partners with ways to keep their businesses moving. With the continued need for wayfinding, communication, and safety, ViewSonic introduced health kiosks that hold a hand sanitizer dispenser (optional), a media player, and a 24- or 27-inch monitor that can be used to welcome customers or provide information as people enter a business. These displays come with integrated software that allows users to communicate wirelessly.

ViewSonic has been working with its factories and partners to ensure they have the resources to keep their business moving forward.

WolfVision

We’re seeing tremendous interest in our range of Cynap all-in-one AV appliances. This is especially true in education, corporate, and judicial environments, where people are looking to minimize the amount of interaction they are forced to have with shared surfaces. Overall, our Cynap solutions have proven to be an ideal way to swiftly implement safe working and learning environments because they provide all the functionality needed in the modern meeting space in a single appliance. This includes wireless presentation, HDMI connectivity, source selection, web conferencing (i.e. Zoom, MS Teams, BlueJeans, et cetera), and room control.

Yamaha

Earlier this year, Yamaha introduced ADECIA, a family of communication products for enterprise or meeting spaces. ADECIA provides all the components and automatic technologies to reduce set up time, costs, and complexities.

It introduces the RM-CG multi-beamforming ceiling microphone and RM-CR audio processor, and includes Yamaha's long-trusted PoE switches and VXL Series line array speakers. By utilizing four dynamic beams that continuously track voices and adaptive Acoustic Echo Cancellation and Human Voice Activity Detection technology, the ceiling microphone creates an audio experience that sounds as good as personal tabletop microphones. The solution auto-detects installed components, auto-configures the devices, and auto-optimizes audio performance so that components never have to be adjusted after the initial setup, even in reconfigurable rooms. 

The What: Chief's new Impact Landscape On-Wall Kiosk brings flexibility to the digital signage enclosure market while maintaining a sleek aesthetic to complement a variety of environments. A depth-adjustable exterior frame allows for a wide selection of displays to be used while meeting minimum protrusion depth requirements. 

The What Else: The solution joins existing, portrait Impact On-Wall Kiosks available in black or white finishes for 46–75-inch screen sizes. Both the landscape and portrait on-wall kiosks have a 3-5-inch depth-adjustable exterior frame. An integrated wall reveal compensates for uneven walls to keep the frame plumb and provide passive cooling. A universal storage plate, featuring Middle Atlantic’s Lever Lock technology, holds supporting equipment. Additional storage can be added with Chief PAC In-Wall Storage Boxes. 

[Free Download: The Integration Guide to Video Walls]

The Bottom Line: The new scissor arm design enables 8-inches of extension providing unparalleled service and maintenance access, according to Chief. Landscape kiosks are available for 49-, 50-, and 55-inch displays in black or white finishes.

In honor of Independence Day, we asked pro AV manufacturers to tell us about their Made in the U.S.A. products.

Scroll through the gallery below to see pro AV products proudly made in America.

*Editor's Note: These products were all made in America, according to the companies, at the time of publication. 

The What: Prestop, a manufacturer of information kiosks, self-service kiosks, touch video walls, touch tables, and touchscreens, has developed a contactless dispenser for touch pens.

The What Else: Before COVID-19, self-ordering and check-in kiosks were used to lower costs and speed up the process at QSRs, airports, etc. The pandemic has turned these frequently-touched surfaces into health risks that require frequent disinfection. But with a contactless touch pen dispenser, users are able to limit direct contact with high-touch surfaces and reduce the risk of germ transmission.

Watch the video below to see the dispenser in action.

The touch pen is partly made of recycled paper and can be used as a normal pen, but is specifically made for using a touchscreen.

The Bottom Line: The contactless touch pen dispenser is already in use at the Heineken Experience Centre, based in Amsterdam. Visitors are using it for the interactive experiences and the payment options.

At the end of July, these dispensers will be available again through resellers from Prestop.

Rising a majestic 1,250 feet from the epicenter of Manhattan Island, the Empire State Building is one of the most powerful symbols of New York City and perhaps the most recognizable building in the world. As such, an almost overwhelming mass of tourists pass through its doors each year—some 3.5 million—to make their way up to its famous observatories. 

To make the experience for these visitors as impressive as the structure itself, The Empire State Building Observatory (ESBO) is debuting the results of a four-year, $165 million renovation that includes the addition of tech-driven features that enrich the vertical adventure and guide the rest of one’s stay in New York. These technology appointments were carried out through a collaboration between AV integrator Diversified and creative digital studio Squint/Opera. 

“Managing the technology integration of the Empire State Building’s reimagination project was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Travis Heitchew, enterprise program manager at Diversified. “To bring modern and experiential exhibit technology to such a historic and iconic symbol for not only New York City, but the entire world, was a tremendous undertaking. I am so proud of the results and the Diversified team who stepped up to deliver a truly inspiring experience for all future ESBO visitors.”

“Most visitors, when they come to New York, the Empire State Building is the first place they go,” added Holly Houghton, head of production at Squint/Opera. “With this experience, visitors can orient themselves to the city and find unexpected places that they can go visit for the rest of their time.”

When guests arrive on the 80th floor, they come upon a series of touchscreen kiosks. Powered by data from NYC & Company, they serve up activity suggestions for tourists based on their length of stay in the city and their interests. “At the end they can either email it to themselves, scan a QR code, or just take a photo of it, and walk away with recommendations for 10 places to go that you never would have thought of,” Houghton said. 

From there, visitors pass by some displays showing content such as a video on the design of the lighting systems that dramatically bring the building’s crown to life at night, as well as a massive 12-foot-long, 8-foot-high Leyard TWA Series LED video wall in a 5x4 configuration with a 1.2mm pixel pitch showcasing a selection of some of the best photographs of the Empire State Building in recent years. In these areas, directional pendant speakers provide audio while keeping noise bleed low.

Guests then progress to a circle of viewfinders, much like the ones located on the outdoor observatory deck on the 86th floor. Inside of each is a 360-degree video shot in a different location throughout the city, including Grand Central Terminal, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Using accelerometers and spatial audio, visitors can pan through immersive representations of city landmarks that are visible from the building. 

"Creating the audio for each of the different viewfinders meant capturing the real moments that happen at these iconic New York City locations every day and layering these recordings to recreate an immersive soundscape that really draws you into the heart of the city," said Rory White, composer and sound designer at Antfood, a creative audio studio that collaborated with Squint/Opera on the exhibits. 

“The idea is as a visitor, you come here, go all through downstairs through the museum and galleries that tell you all about the building, then you come up here to the 80th floor, this is your first view,” Houghton said. “This is your first opportunity to take a breath, and look around. You’re technically still in line for the elevators to get to the 86th floor, but no one knows it.”

The experience doesn’t stop after coming down from the 86th or 102nd floor observatories, either. Their descent leads them back to the 80th floor, where they can use self-service kiosks to find and purchase their photos from their visit. According to Squint/Opera, these use facial recognition technology to locate each guest’s picture quickly.

Lastly, a series of interactive touchscreen kiosks with Intel RealSense cameras provide a parting treat for visitors. Displaying a dense mosaic of social media-tagged photos from the top of the building, users’ silhouettes are rendered live onscreen in the form of pointillism—with nighttime images making up the dark parts of their body’s outline. When touched, the displays magnify areas of images, so guests can look for their own posts. 

“What began with the new observatory entrance opening in August 2018 is now as we intended: a fully educational and immersive journey which connects visitors from around the world to their emotional connections to the World’s Most Famous Building and helps them design their entire visit to New York City from the center of it all,” said Anthony E. Malkin, chairman and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust. “The completed Empire State Building Observatory elevates our guests’ experience, from our new entrance to the dramatic and exciting new 102nd floor. At 88 years young, the Empire State Building remains the icon of innovation, aspirations, and dreams, and is the vibrant ancestor of all tall buildings around the world.” 

The What: Pyramid Computer, manufacturer of self-service kiosks,  has announced the new polytouch 32 PE4000, which combines four self-service kiosks on a single pedestal.

The What Else: Ideal for quick service restaurants (QSRs), cinemas and airports, the 4-in-1 solution features four 32-inch touchscreens, quadrupling the number of potential user interactions and sales opportunities from a single installation. The patent-protected design is very stable and has an attractive, space-saving central pedestal which accommodates the four Intel based PCs. The pedestal is constructed from high-performance continuously cast aluminum.

"Quick service restaurants (QSRs), cinemas and airports are calling for kiosk systems which allow multiple customers to place their orders or check-in with greater convenience and speed,” said Patrick Hagemeister, US Sales Manager, Pyramid Computer. “The polytouch 32 PE4000 meets the growing demand for more powerful solutions, capable of addressing high and highest usage frequency applications, busting queues even during extreme peak times.”

Pyramid has produced more than 30,000 polytouch kiosk terminals for deployment in the retail, hospitality and leisure industries over the last six years. In the US the company’s polytouch kiosk brand is used by a growing number of customers including the major cinema chains AMC and Cinemark. This is for a range of applications such as self-ordering and self-checkout, ticket printing, QR- and barcode scanning.

Pyramid designed the new polytouch 32 PE4000 with one PC per touchscreen display to maximize the reliability of the complete system. At the same time, the performance of the individual applications per display increases. A removable cover in the pedestal allows quick access to all PC-units for maintenance purposes. The 4-in-1 solution also significantly reduces investment costs compared to several individual systems.

The Bottom Line: The polytouch 32 PE4000 can be branded and customized to a very high degree to create a highly individual look. Depending on the application it can be fitted with a broad range of peripherals such as 2D or 3D scanners, thermal printers, or payment modules of many makes and models. For special applications that may involve AI technology, Pyramid can even integrate peripherals such as cameras into the display frame to achieve the best results. In all cases, Pyramid will work very closely with all parties involved to determine the best hardware configuration, no matter the complexity of the application.

The What: Chief has launched the Impact On-Wall Kiosk, which maintains a sleek aesthetic to complement a variety of environments.

The What Else: A 3-5” (76-127 mm) depth-adjustable exterior frame allows for a variety of display sizes. Reversible hinges help to avoid installation and service obstructions, and our design keeps the display mounted to the frame when opened, providing service and maintenance access.

An integrated wall reveal compensates for uneven walls to keep the frame plumb and provide passive cooling.

Integrated engagement latches can be secured with tamper-proof hardware to protect equipment. Middle Atlantic’s Lever Lock technology is integrated for on-wall component storage. Additional storage can be added either on-wall with Lever Lock, or in-wall with Chief In-Wall Storage Boxes.

The Bottom Line: The on-wall kiosk will be available in black or white finishes for 46-75” screen sizes; 49”, 50” and 55” models are available now and the remaining sizes in the series will be released throughout the remainder of the year.

The What: Peerless-AV has launched the Smart City Kiosk (KOP2549-XHB, KOP2555-XHB).

The What Else: The Smart City Kiosk includes an Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Display with 1080p resolution for a bright picture, even in direct sunlight. In addition, an optional 10-point IR touch overlay makes the kiosk interactive for all users.

Featuring a curved, modular design that blends into any city or town setup, the Smart City Kiosk offers quick access to the display for maintenance without disturbing any adjacent units. Plus, installation is easy, without the need for cranes or forklifts.

The Bottom Line: Available in 49, 55, and soon 65 inches, the Smart City Kiosk can withstand winds up to 140 mph, making it useable in any city or town for a range of applications, such as retail, government, corporate, hospitality, stadium, and university settings.

Zivelo has acquired Oak Labs, Inc., the Silicon Valley-based software company best known for its interactive retail technology, powered by OakOS.

The companies say this acquisition positions Zivelo as the first interactive experience provider to now offer a comprehensive suite of powerful software development tools on top of its proven hardware product line and services offering. Healey Cypher, co-founder and CEO of Oak Labs, will be the new CEO of ZIVELO, and Ziver Birg, founder of ZIVELO, will serve as executive chairman of the board.

Zivelo will continue to produce its self-service kiosk and digital signage solutions, while allowing its customers and third-party developers to rapidly build and deploy applications using the developer kit designed for kiosks—OakOS. The company claims clients can now develop fully-functional applications within days, by using Oak’s comprehensive web-based frameworks and SDK. The comprehensive offering will be backed by ZIVELO’s network of support technicians.

“People don’t realize how frequently they use kiosks,” said Cypher. “Public computing is becoming ubiquitous as customers demand easy, self-service experiences that don’t require downloading an app. However, historically building and deploying kiosk programs has been way too hard. The new ZIVELO introduces the first kiosk software developer kit on top of our beautiful product line. Building a kiosk experience has never been easier.”

“With this acquisition, ZIVELO now offers advanced software solutions which, combined with our wide range of products, has the potential to transform how this industry operates. We can now solve our customers’ largest kiosk program challenges and better deliver the business results they seek,” concluded Birg. “As a veteran of this industry, I have never been so excited about where we are headed.”

The term “media player” tends to inspire confusion in digital signage projects. The industry saying, “one size does not fit all,” only adds to the confusion by putting more options on the table. What should be prioritized as you sort through media player options? What should you know before you select a media player for your next job? The answers lie in the engineering services of your media services supplier. Here are the top 5 things to watch for:

1. A top-tier media services supplier starts with engineering design to the most demanding specs of new modular compute technology. The goal is to allow for easy maintenance, upgrade options, and the potential for custom I/O designed for demanding digital signage applications such as QSR, retail, and wayfinding.

2. A top-tier supplier gets products installation-ready before shipping them out.

3. Software should come loaded on media players, ready for the customer’s field installation and testing of the players to the highest levels of performance.

4. The media players are tested in a thermal chamber before shipping to make sure they perform in heat-intensive environments—so they’re sure to perform reliably, 24/7 in any field conditions.

5. The supplier itself should offer engineering services and support for multiple levels of integrator and end user.

Engineering Design to the Most Demanding Specs of Modular Computer Technology—and Fortune 500 Standards

• From an engineering perspective there is probably no more important Fortune 500 company than Intel. Seneca—the visual media/digital signage media player solutions arm of Arrow Electronics, Inc.—was recently selected was recently selected by Intel to design an enclosure for the new Intel Compute Card technology. Seneca was selected specifically to design a purpose-built solution for use in visual retail, including digital signage and kiosk. The Seneca XK-Dock was engineered as an ultra-small form factor enclosure for the Intel Compute Card, bringing tremendous value to designers, OEMs, channel partners, and AV end users. This design provides a new-generation media player based on a hardened form factor with industrial features, fanless design for rough environments, a simple installation protocol, the capacity to upgrade a system without removing the player enclosure, the ability to lock down a compute card for IT security, and a modular card and dock to allow multiple platforms on the same hardware. Bottom line: the modular compute technology allows for easy maintenance and upgrade path, and the design resists dirt, dust, grease, and grime (because there is no fan). This solution provides custom I/O designed for digital signage applications like QSR, retail, and wayfinding.

Engineering Services: Getting Products Installation-Ready Before Shipping Them Out

Media players are media players, and content and deployment issues are separate—or so some may think. They should think again. The best media player supplier does indeed get products installation-ready before shipping them out. How? The best media player supplier actually can load the software for media players before shipping, in preparation for the customer’s field installation, to test the real-world functionality of the players to their highest levels of performance and simulate real-world installation conditions.

“A major QSR chain came to us,” explains Jami McGraw, Global Product Manager, at Arrow Electronics and its Seneca media player line, “to replace media players from another provider that were failing in the field. As we would do for any customer, we actually ran the digital content in a test, in field conditions, and used custom firmware to control wattage to components, avoiding any problem that would arise in the field. So when installed, the Seneca media players performed flawlessly, over time.”

Trial by Heat—Testing at a Higher Level, in Preparation for the Toughest Conditions in the Field

“We have the most rigorous test labs in the industry,” says Seneca’s McGraw. “Whether for QSR environments, or kiosks, you need to know that the media players will perform at 100%. And it’s not just for heat-generating QSRs, restaurants, or outdoor environments. Yes, it’s crucial for those, but a lot of indoor environments are challenging, because heating in winter and AC in summer can play havoc with enclosed kiosks, for example. And in today’s smart city environments, there is more and more display activity everywhere. If you don’t test—as we do in thermal chambers—and spec for the toughest environment, you won’t get ROI in any environment.”

Beyond “Custom”: Engineering Confidence for Every AV Integrator, Not Just Fortune 500 Companies

So Arrow/Seneca’s advanced engineering services are not just about shipping out media players and AV integrators hoping for the best in the field. But is that kind of rigorous design and engineering affordable for all AV integrators?

“At Arrow/Seneca,” says McGraw, “there is no price added for this kind of custom testing and rigorous engineering. Because of our design and engineering processes, we have less than 1% failure rate on media players. How does that affect you? Because with those kinds of engineering/manufacturing efficiencies, we save on the front end, the manufacturing end, and that translates to savings to the AV integrator and end user. Our highest selling media player actually has just a .8% failure rate. The stats that are important to you? As a provider of media player solutions for the world’s top manufacturers, we bring the same level of rigorous testing and market preparation to each order that we offer Fortune 500 companies—and it is, in fact, the low-failure-rate savings, to us, that results from all our testing, that makes that kind of engineering service affordable to all AV integrators.”

Additional Resources

Seneca XK-Dock for Digital Signage and Kiosk

Seneca was selected by Intel to design an enclosure for the new Intel Compute Card technology, for use in Visual Retail including digital signage and kiosk.

Case Study: Big Sports and Big Streaming at Montreal’s Bell Centre Arena

Programmed content for a Major League Hockey team, including hockey player profiles and advertising, via a Seneca HD2.5 media player housing a quad-output graphics card on a multicast Avaya network.

Seneca XK-1.3 for Full-Motion Video Complex Database Feeds and HDCP Protected Content Playback

Seneca has redesigned and re-launched the Seneca XK-1.3–the purpose built media appliance that uses desktop class processors rather than mobile technology usually found in other small form factor computers– for dynamic full-motion video, complex database feeds and HDCP protected content playback.

In our series of #InfoCommInspo blogs, we're talking with exhibitors about the hottest technologies and trends they're looking to see at InfoComm 2018.

Q&A with Stephanie Frey, Director of Marketing Communications, Peerless-AV

Q: Why InfoComm?

Stephanie Frey: It’s huge—literally and figuratively. As the largest AV-focused event in North America, it’s one not to be missed! The unique blend of B2B partners as well as end users provides a perfect balance of value. As Peerless-AV drives technology through innovation, it is rewarding to meet with customers, partners, and other industry experts to demonstrate and discuss how our unique solutions solve their varied AV needs. InfoComm provides a great opportunity for us to unite with the industry in our shared passion, imparting ideas and solutions that help propel it forward.

Q: What is the most exciting trend you expect to see at the show?

SF: We are in a pivotal time for technology—numerous avenues are advancing at accelerated rates. A trend we can expect to see is improvements and innovations in interactivity with technology. Take kiosks as an example—they are no longer just sources for information. Through new technology they can identify our age, gender, and more, and cater content to us. Even more, interactivity is also amplified in regards to different devices and technologies working together. It is truly an exciting time to be in this industry. This year, AVIXA has expanded InfoComm to include more technologies for smart buildings, homes, and spaces where audio, video, control systems, and content intersect.

Q: How will your solutions inspire integrators?

SF: Across our various offerings in the AV space, integrators will most certainly reap benefits. For example, we offer kiosks that are easy to use, cost effective, require little to no maintenance, and can be installed quickly right out of the box, without any trouble.

Further, our mounting solutions ease installation and maintenance, while aiding integrators in developing eye-catching video walls. With features such as tool-less micro-adjustments, reusable spacers, and easy hang wall plates, our mounts allow for expedited, one-person installations and ease serviceability, reducing time and costs. In sum, throughout our line of AV solutions, integrators will be inspired by Peerless-AV’s ability to continually push technical innovation while maintaining our mission to create products that save time, money, and labor, and provide true, lasting value.

Q: How will your solutions inspire tech managers?

SF: Peerless-AV’s product options and universal nature keep costs low. Also, Peerless-AV offers solutions that can be customized to best meet the needs of a project. These advantages for technology managers may include ADA compliance, easy installation, clean and thoughtfully designed solutions, and more—each saving time and money, now and into the future.

For example, Peerless-AV kiosks are highly customizable, eliminating costs associated with static signage and allowing information to be current and readily updatable. By utilizing these networked digital solutions, up-to-the-minute content additions or changes can be remotely controlled by a computer. Overall, tech managers look to us for solutions that increase efficiency, provide value, and are easy to use and maintain.

To learn more, check out Peerless-AV in Booth # C2947 at InfoComm 2018.

Peerless-AV will showcase its latest AV solutions at the 2018 Digital Signage Expo (DSE) in Las Vegas, NV. Exhibiting in Booth 1917, Peerless-AV plans to display a variety of digital signage solutions, including new kiosks, video wall mounts, outdoor displays, wireless AV solutions, and more. Earl Naegele, Peerless-AV’s managing director of commercial sales, will also conduct an On-Floor Workshop on “The 5 R’s for Optimizing Digital Signage.”

Kiosks

Being shown for the first time at DSE, Peerless-AV’s All-in-One Portrait Kiosk Powered by BrightSign (KIPICT555) features an elegant, sleek design with lean frames and a small footprint. Powered by a BrightSign Built-in Digital Signage Module, the KIPICT555 offers a digital signage solution for any indoor application, featuring Full HD 1080p60 video decoding, HTML support, networked content playback, and an abundance of other features, including interactivity. With an integrated 55-inch commercial LCD display offering six points of IR touch, the All-in-One Kiosk fully engages users, for a variety of uses, such as wayfinding, advertising, sharing news and entertainment, and more.

Offering a range in kiosk solutions, Peerless-AV will also showcase its Portrait Kiosks (KIPC2555 & KIPC3555), as well as custom kiosks offering various enhancements, such as interactivity, printers, cameras, scanners, and electric vehicle charging.

Mounts

Designed with the needs of integrators and end-users in mind, the SmartMount Supreme Full Service Video Wall Mount with Quick Release (DS-VW775-QR) offers innovative, time-saving installation and maintenance features, including tool-less micro adjustment, easy hang wall plate, quick release mechanism, and reusable spacers for both portrait and landscape applications.

Also on display, the Flat Video Wall Mount for Samsung Smart LED Signage (DS-LEDIF) is a lightweight, ADA-compliant solution that offers height and depth adjustments and a modular design for unlimited configurations.

Peerless-AV’s new LED Video Wall Configurator will be demonstrated at DSE, alongside these mounts. With the new LED Video Wall Configurator application, integrators are able to design a custom LED video wall and request a quote within minutes. This will streamline the process for customers, and speed development and delivery time.

Wireless Solutions

Peerless-AV’s DSE showcase will feature the next generation of its PeerAir Wireless HD Multimedia System (HDS-WHDI100). Upgraded with numerous features to enhance the user experience, the PeerAir also removes the need to run multimedia wires, allowing for an easy installation.

The enhanced PeerAir features a new metal case design in addition to 802.11n technology and external directional antennas, providing a reliable and robust signal that can penetrate multiple walls, floors, and ceilings to offer complete wireless coverage. The PeerAir also allows for plug-and-play installation as well as an IR extender for the receiver, ensuring a clean aesthetic where the receiver can be stored out of sight.

The PeerAir Pro Wireless AV Multi-Display System (HDS300) will also be present in Peerless-AV’s showcase. The PeerAir Pro offers 210 feet of full HD 1080p wireless streaming and can multicast to up to six HD displays.

Outdoor Solutions

Peerless-AV’s Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Displays offer full HD 1080p resolution for a bright, crisp picture. Featuring a fully sealed IP68-rated design and an operating temperature range of -31°F to 140°F, there is no need to change filters or service the display, creating a maintenance-free solution for year-round use

Other outdoor solutions on display include Outdoor Digital Signage Boards and Outdoor Digital Kiosks for both Xtreme and Samsung displays. The Xtreme™ Outdoor Digital Kiosk (KOPV2555-XTR) offers a touch-enabled Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Display with a 10-point IR touch overlay for interactive content.

In addition to showcasing new and award-winning solutions, Earl Naegele, Peerless-AV’s managing director of commercial sales, will lead an On-Floor Workshop on "The 5 R’s for Optimizing Digital Signage" on Wednesday, March 28 from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm at the Best Practices Theater - Central Park (Booth 1741).

Crimson AV will demonstrate its new series of VW4600G3 Video Wall Mounts, an adjustable menu board mount, and an all-in-one kiosk solution at Digital Signage Expo (DSE) 2018.

Crimson AV's adjustable VW4600G3 Video Wall Mount will accommodate 37-inch to 75-inch displays weighing up to 200 lbs., and offer six points of fine adjustment for ease of alignment. A proprietary one-touch lock and key system makes secure installations quick and easy.

Crimson AV will also introduce its latest wall mounted menu board the WML2, which offers even more versatility for its menu boards. With post-installation leveling, tilt adjustments, and in-out fine alignment adjustments, these mounts allow for ease of installation.

Finally, Crimson AV will showcase its new KFP Commercial All-In-One Kiosk Displays, specifically designed and targeted for commercial markets. These ultra-slim, sleek-design kiosks offer everything needed in a kiosk, with a variety of options in media players, touch screens, and Windows/Android operating systems.

“Easy installation and maintenance make these kiosks an excellent solution for any application,” said Vlad Gleyzer, president, Crimson AV. “I encourage you to see these solutions, and more, for yourself in Booth 2429 at DSE 2018.”