Digital Signage and Chromebox — Still in Play!

Chromebox ASUS

Chromebox Digital Signage News

Writeup from Sixteen:Nine

August 30, 2021 by Dave Haynes

There was a time, a few years back, when hardware devices running Google’s Chrome operating system were thought in some circles to be a next big thing in digital signage – because the devices were relatively inexpensive, used an OS based on the latest web technologies, and were backed by a top three global tech company.

But it didn’t play out that way, and Chromeboxes aren’t often part of the conversation … while Android – worrisome back then – is now widely used, and now widely trusted for its security measures. Part of the story, of course, is that a lot of mainstream digital signage jobs just use smart displays with built-in media players.

But Chromeboxes are still around, and still being used by some CMS software companies, like Australia’s StratosMedia – an early adopter that has stuck with them.

CEO Brian Hammett sent me a note about a new fanless unit from ASUS, saying simply: “Yes, Chrome still exists … and this is a fantastic unit.”

Taiwan-based ASUS pushed out PR recently about its partnership with StratosMedia and the use of digital signage hardware and software for the car-staging company Conquest Staging.

Read full article from Sixteen:Nine

 

Digital Signage Solutions for Banks – Are They a Good Investment?

best digital signage company

Digital Signage Solutions for Banks

From Explore Keyser Sep 2021

We firmly believe that digital signage solutions can take just about any business or organization’s messaging to the next level. But when it comes to financial institutions like banks, does digital signage have anything special to offer? Our answer is a firm yes. In this article, we’re covering why digital signage solutions for banks benefit not just business owners, but workers and customers as well.

Cultivate An Informed Customer Base

In some cases, going to the bank can be a confusing experience, especially if the customer is a first time visitor. Accessible lobby signage that explains basic policies and processes in a simplified and comprehensive display can help customers have a better understanding of what they need and feel more comfortable by the time they talk to an employee. Here are a few of the display screens you can use to provide informative messaging to customers.

Enhanced Customer Experience

One of the many ways digital signage can increase customer experience is by leveraging a diverse collection of display screens for a variety of purposes. Digital displays are dynamic and provide several ways to improve customer engagement and enhance their experience. For example, entertainment in waiting areas, like news updates, sports games, or social media updates in real-time, cut down the frustration of wait times. Here are a few other signage options that add to your customer’s in-store experience:

Display Options

  • Interactive Kiosks – Banks have a long and successful history of implementing self-service kiosks into their business to supplement employee labor. ATM kiosks have simplified many bank interactions for years. Increasing service options at your bank’s branch with touch screen kiosks will help with efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Video Walls – These screens are an impressive display of signage technology that enhances the in-store experience and provides useful information for visitors.
  • In-window Units – Window signage provides eye-catching imagery and information to passersby before they even step into your bank.
  • Wayfinding Signage – In the case of larger financial institutions, digital wayfinding signage provides a comprehensive resource for customers attempting to navigate your building.

Showcase Your Brand

Digital displays messaging helps get your bank’s name out there. With a variety of outdoor signage options to encourage potential customers to walk through your door, digital signage is an effective tool for increasing brand awareness. In addition, brand consistency is made easier with a digital signage system, allowing employees to create consistent displays across all screens used at your location.

Increase Revenue

While different types of signage installations serve an array of purposes, at the end of the day it’s all about messaging that increases revenue. Digital signage systems in banks allow you to display new promotions, deals, and services in a visually appealing and digestible format. Digital signage has shown to increase rates of up-selling, as well as promote unplanned purchases.

Add Efficiencies to In-store Operations

Digital signage CMS makes content management easy and efficient. Employees can update signs quickly and with no struggle through an easy to use digital signage software. If your bank branch has traditionally relied on static signage for messaging, digital signage is a major shift in the process that saves a lot of time and labor.

Kiosks and informative signage also take a lot of the burden off of employees, allowing them to do their job better. Signage can also improve internal communication and help your employees be better informed about policy updates, new promotions, etc.

Embrace the Appeal of Advanced Tech

There are a host of benefits of digital signage for banks, but not all of those reasons have to do with messaging and efficiency. Digital signage adds something to the aesthetic and atmosphere of your location that traditional signage doesn’t have: a modern appeal. Simply put, well-crafted signage displays are an impressive visual experience, and having that technology in your bank facilitates a unique branch experience for your customers.

Contact us Today for a Free Consultation

If your bank is interested in leveraging digital signage as a messaging strategy, we’re here to help with the next steps. Let Keyser’s experience do the work for you and we’ll guide you through the digital signage implementation process. Contact us to discuss your next project.

InfoComm 2021 Health & Safety Protocols Update

Infocomm and AVIXA Tradeshow Update

infocomm tradeshow

infocomm tradeshow

New information released from AVIXA regarding expected protocols for COVID at the upcoming tradeshow in Florida. 70 days till as of today.

In Brief

  • Masks will be required for all
  • six-foot distancing to be enforced
  • Takeaways and analysis writeup by Dave Haynes on the status worth reading
  • The Kiosk Association is planning on being a media partner and this blog has association with KMA.  KMA has offered vaccine passport kiosks to demonstrate vaccine status check for any and all.

Press Release

Dear InfoComm and AVIXA community,

This year has been one filled with both highs and lows, and the anticipation of getting back together in person at InfoComm has absolutely been a highlight for the AVIXA® team. That said, as the Delta variant of COVID‑19 surges, I want you to know that we are actively addressing updated health and safety protocols to protect all those in attendance.

In light of recent recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), InfoComm 2021 will now require masks to be worn by all participants including attendees, exhibitors, vendors, and AVIXA staff regardless of COVID‑19 vaccination status. We have reinstituted a six‑foot social distancing guideline across the show including the exhibit hall, meeting rooms, and education sessions. We are also evaluating on‑site testing, vaccine validation, as well as other safety and precautionary measures that will allow us to get back together in person in the safest environment possible.

With the rapid pace in which we are receiving information, I want to assure you that the team will be developing safety policies and protocols at the same rapid pace. This means you will be receiving proactive communication about new protocols and safety measures as they are available. The most up‑to‑date information is available at www.infocommshow.org/health-safety.

We are nearly 70 days from the kickoff of the show. As you can remember, 70 days ago safety procedures were remarkably different than they are today and are likely to differ by October 23, 2021. Please know that we are doing everything in our power to bring the community together as safely as possible for those who can and want to be there in person.

I look forward to seeing you at InfoComm 2021.

David Labuskes CTS®, CAE, RCDD
CEO of AVIXA

Display Panel News – AUO June revenues hit 79-month high

display panel solution

From Digitimes

AU Optronics (AUO) has reported consolidated revenues of NT$33.937 billion (US$1.21 billion) for June, the highest monthly level since December 2014 with growth of 5.66% on month and 57.06% on year.

AU Optronics (OTCPK:AUOTY) (AUO) is a Taiwanese company that specializes in optoelectrical technology. In other words, they produce LCD displays for a wide variety of markets and uses and also produce solar modules and systems.

The company is a combination of two legacy companies, Acer, which folks might recognize from their computer monitors, and Unipac.

Related Information

Some panel makers have begun shifting more of their capacity to produce display products for IT applications instead of handset ones, as handset panel prices have been falling in the face of the dwindling demand for smartphone in the end-market, according to industry sources.

According to Sigmaintell Consulting, quotes for 6.52-inch a-Si cell panel prices will fall to US$4.40 in July from the previous US$4.60 due to a slowdown in order pull-ins from the handset makers.

Meanwhile, CINNO Research has also forecast that the prices of 6.2x-inch a-Si panels and 6.5x-inch a-Si and LTPS panels will all edge down US$0.10 in July.

The sources noted that Taiwan-based small- to medium-size panel makers Giantplus Technology and HannStar Display both suffered a setback in revenues in June due to falling panel demand and weakening panel prices.

Other major players, including AU Optronics (AUO), Innolux and Century Technology (Shenzhen), are also allocating more production capacity for IT, industrial control and automotive applications to cope with changing market demand, added the sources.

China-based panel maker Tianma Microelectronics reportedly will begin purchasing a-Si-based panel modules from the 8.5G lines of fellow company Chongqing HKC to enhance its competitiveness by enriching its product offerings in 2022, noted the sources.

Meanwhile, the sources expect quotes for rigid AMOLED handset panels to remain at higher levels in July-August due in part to the tight supply of display driver ICs (DDIs). They noted that Samsung Display hiked the prices of rigid AMOLED panel prices by US$1 in June.

According to the latest forecast of Digitimes Research, global smartphone shipments will reach 1.32 billion units in 2021, increasing 6.4% from a year earlier.

Digital Directory Wayfinding Installed at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

digital signage hartsfield

Digital Directory Kiosk News

digital directory kiosk

digital directory kiosk

From AJC – July 2021

Interactive signage and digital self-service solutions company, Acquire Digital has partnered with Flyin’ High Signs and Gable to deploy a Digital Directory and Wayfinder kiosk program for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, according to a press release.

With nearly 300,000 daily travelers, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest international airport within North America. In a facility with seven concourses and 195 gates, the airport’s goal was to provide a state-of-the-art digital experience to improve airport navigation, communication, and overall efficiencies.

The Gable team incorporated a design that would stand up to the heavy traffic at the airport and catch visitors attention from a distance. According to Flyin’ High Signs, the custom large format 75-inch touch-screen kiosks are in the final stage of installation throughout the terminals.

wayfinding kiosk

wayfinding kiosk – Click for full size

The touch screen kiosks feature real-time flight data, retail and concession information, two-way video guest services, advertisements, and other engaging content feeds. Two-way video calling software provides the ability for guests to speak to a live customer service representative who can also take control of the display to assist ADA passengers. According to the Acquire team, passengers can quickly scan their boarding passes to see real-time flight details with FIDs and Delta flight data integrations. Highlighted wayfinding incorporates multimodal transportation to include travel times to a passenger’s gate.

Here is Press Release by AcquireDigital

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Acquire Digital – Troy Engelland

Phone: (844) 291-3501

Email: tengelland@acquiredigital.com

 

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Deploy Smart Wayfinding and Digital Directory Kiosks

Atlanta, GA, July 2021 – Industry leaders in interactive signage and digital self-service solutions, Acquire Digital has partnered with Flyin’ High Signs and Gable to deploy an innovative Digital Directory and Wayfinder kiosk program for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The teams have worked diligently to provide a custom digital directory and wayfinding solution to improve airport navigation and inform the nearly 300-thousand passengers who visit ATL each day. The airport’s signage vendor, Flyin’ High Signs, is heading up the installation and support of 43 custom kiosks designed and developed by Gable.

With nearly 300,000 daily travelers, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest international airport within North America. In a facility with seven concourses and 195 gates, the airport’s goal was to provide a state-of-the-art digital experience to improve airport navigation, communication, and overall efficiencies.

A Better Solution

wayfinding kiosk

wayfinding kiosk – Click for full size

With post-pandemic traveling increasing, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport wanted a ‘smart directory solution’ that provided tailored information based upon flight data or points of interest and dining options. Flyin’ High Signs, the airport’s signage vendor, incorporated Acquire’s Smarthub Wayfinder technology and Gable’s kiosks to achieve the high demands of a busy airport.

The Gable team incorporated a design that would stand up to the heavy traffic at the airport and catch visitors’ attention from a distance. According to Flyin’ High Signs, the custom large format 75” touch-screen kiosks are in the final stage of installation throughout the terminals.

Smart Features that Drive the Experience

The touch screen kiosks feature real-time flight data, retail and concession information, two-way video guest services, advertisements, and other engaging content feeds. Two-way video calling software provides the ability for guests to speak to a live customer service representative who can also take control of the display to assist ADA passengers. According to the Acquire team, passengers can quickly scan their boarding passes to see real-time flight details with FIDs and Delta flight data integrations. Highlighted wayfinding incorporates multimodal transportation to include travel times to a passenger’s gate.

To provide directions on the go, passengers can access an interactive HTML directory on a mobile device by scanning a QR code or via text message transfer from the kiosk. In the future, the airport plans on implementing the Wayfinder API within the airport’s website to make the solution more accessible to visitors.

Acquire Digital, Flyin’ High Signs, and Gable foresee huge success in this partnership and the project itself. The deployment is expected to improve the overall visitor experience, facility efficiencies, and important messaging. The teams hope to use the Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport kiosk deployment as a way to constantly improve the solution to bring cutting-edge technology to other airports around the world.

Global Leader

Acquire Digital is a global leader in innovative digital signage software and interactive experiences. With over 22 years of experience in the visual solutions and digital signage markets, the company is known for its industry firsts. Its passion for reaching beyond the boundaries of digital signage has played a key role in shaping Acquire into the globally recognized company it is today. The company produces world-class UX and UI solutions that create an interactive and immersive experience.

Troy Engelland
Strategic Sales Manager (North America)
(+1) 248-214-8431

E: TEngelland@acquiredigital.com | www.acquiredigital.com


USA: +1 844 291 3501 | Acquire Digital Inc. One Boston Place, Suite 2600, Boston MA, 02108, U.S.A
UK: +44 (0) 116 231 8921 | Acquire Digital, Piper House, 190 Scudamore Road, Leicester. LE3 1UQ, UK
Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

Digital Signage Solution Provider Interviews – Tomer Mann in Systems Contractor News & Panasonic

22Miles Tomer SCN

See latest issue of Systems Contractor News pages 20 and 21

Nice interviews with Tomer Mann of 22Miles and also Rob Goldberg of Panasonic on what the future holds.

Highlights:

  • Tomer new stuff
    • immersive experience centers, video walls, mobile controlled and multi-device wayfinding
    • Content management systems will move to next generation promoting interaction and two-way communication
  • Rob
    • Not only the solution but now providing the support tier
    • Project Moonshot in Education
    • KAIROS for high quality live content