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NEC preps latest pro display, the X461HB "high-bright" LCD
For those with professional-grade demands on their LCDs, NEC is launching the latest addition to the MultiSync line, the 46-inch X461HB high-bright display. So named because of its 1500 cd/m² brightness and 3500:1 contrast ratio, it's 110% brighter than NEC's previous efforts, though not quite as eyeball searing as Samsung's 70-inch Super Bright champ. Still, if these specs and a 1360 x 768 res fit the bill for your brightly lit commercial application, it's just $3,899 and shipping in July.
NY storefront hosts the first no-glasses 3D LCD ad
Like 3D, don't like glasses? Check out 750 7th Avenue at 50th Street in New York for the Snickers display where Inwindow Outdoor and Alioscopy have teamed up for the first 3D LCD ad on a storefront. The 42-inch panel uses an 8x recorded autosteroscopic (read: no glasses) 3D process to make the catchphrase jump off the wall at passers-by. The installation debuted May 6, and for the small cost of being marketed to vs. the now-shelved €18,000 Philips screen we once lusted after, it's a cheap way for us to get a peek at the future.
Transparent "ViVid Screen" can be affixed to windows, cut into shapes
Screens that can be switched from a transparent to an opaque state aren't exactly anything new, but LinkEarth Corp looks to be a taking a somewhat novel approach with its new so-called ViVid Screen, which it says is particularly well suited for digital signage. As with similar screens, this one employs some electrodes that become transparent when a current is applied, but it also makes use of a new "sponge-like" polymer acrylic structure that prevents the liquid crystals from leaking out even if the screen is bent or cut. That, the company says, will let folks cut the screens to any shape they like, and affix them directly to windows, letting businesses project an image onto them at night and simply switch 'em to transparent during the day. At over $1,500 for a 40-inch model, however, the screens aren't exactly the cheapest option out there, though the company will do custom screens up to 80 inches if you really want to go all out.
ViewSonic intros 24-inch VTMS2431 multimedia HDTV
We're not quite sure what makes this a "multimedia-capable LCD HDTV" more so than any other TV tuner-equipped LCD HDTV, but we'll go with it for the sake of simplicity. ViewSonic has introduced a 24-inch LCD HDTV (native 1080p resolution) with a built-in ATSC / NTSC / QAM tuner, an internal "media player," a USB port for loading up clips and an RS-232 control port for home automation gurus. Alongside that $449 panel, which is set to ship in Q2 of this year, the company also introducing its 42-inch ultrathin bezel CD4230 LCD at the Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas, which features 500 nits of brightness, a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, RS-232 port, VGA / DVI sockets, support for VESA mounting and carry handles for easy transport. It'll also land in Q2, but for $1,999.
Mitsubishi unveils LDTV146 and LDTV152 1080p LCD monitors
Mitsubishi may be having some trouble with its LaserVue set, but those in the commercial realm probably aren't too concerned. What they may be interested in, however, are these two. Mitsu has introduced the 46-inch LDTV146 and 52-inch LDTV152 at the Digital Signage Show in Las Vegas, both of which boast 1080p 10-bit LCD panels. These were designed to last and last (and last), with a backlight estimated to survive 30,000 hours -- or around seven years when turned on for 12 hours per day. Other specifications include a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, 500 nits of brightness and $2,995 / $3,995 price tags, and if you're into either, you'll be glad to know they're available now.
Popcorn Hour caters to digital signage applications with S-210
Talk about broadening one's product portfolio. Popcorn Hour, the outfit that started small with a heralded media streamer last Fall, has delved head first into the wide, wacky world of digital signage. The minuscule S-210 media streamer was built to run around the clock with little power consumption, and it packs 2GB of internal USB flash storage along with no "complicated PC architecture." Everything that goes through the device is controlled by a bundled PC app, and the included HDMI 1.1a / VGA outputs link your advertisements (or other media) to a display. Check the read link for the lengthy list of file format compatibility, and if you're into it, add one to your cart at $219.[Thanks, elmopio]
NewSight 180-inch 3D Video Wall is first with LEDs
NewSight decided just removing the need for silly glasses wasn't good enough, showing off the first 3D LED-based display. Each LED is arranged at a pitch of 6mm, similar to current LCD 3D technology, so it can display the same content that's been popping up as of late. The 180-inch 3D LED Video Wall is capable of combining with three others to form a 360-inch screen, with a 20,000 hour warranty period on its LEDs and NewSight's digital signage background, we can imagine watching a game or being hounded by eerily-realistic Black Friday ads very soon.
Samsung kicks out new touchscreen LCDs for your public smudging
See that. No, not that, that, the new touchscreen from Samsung. It's part of its new TS series of Magicinfo LCDs targeting businesses and digital advertising markets. The LCD panels measure 32-, 40-, 46-, 70-, and 82-inches and can be linked together to form a massive touch experience. Just don't forget your hand sanitizer and bus glove, Mr. Pantywaist.
GrandTec's USB-to-HDMI adapter does exactly what it says
Those wary of having just one option when it comes to choosing a USB-to-HDMI adapter can breathe a huge sigh of relief, as merely hours after Atlona's AT-HDPiX hit the scene, in flies a top-notch rival from Sewell Direct. The GrandTec SW-20189 USB-to-HDMI converter channels high-def video (up to 720p) through a user's USB port and into a HDMI-accepting display. The primarily difference between this device and the aforementioned Atlona is how it handles audio; you see, this box features a Display Link chip that removes the burden of bandwidth from the USB cable, enabling both audio and video to run through the same copper. 'Course, the lower price tag ($129.95) doesn't hurt things either. Expect this one to start shipping on November 17th.
Atlona's AT-HDPiX USB-to-HDMI adapter answers an age-old prayer
Okay, so maybe Atlona Technologies' latest whiz-bang adapter isn't that awesome, but then again, it's pretty awesome. The AT-HDPiX USB-to-HDMI adapter does precisely what it says by enabling any PC / digital signage display to accept an HDMI cable so long as a USB 2.0 socket is currently unoccupied. The device supports resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200 (or 720p), and because it takes audio from a 3.5-millimeter stereo jack rather than through the USB port, the full bandwidth of the USB connection is reserved for high-def video. Expect this miracle worker to start shipping next month for $179.
Samsung's brightest 70-inch outdoor LCD meets the suddenly-blinded masses
Say hello to the brightest LCD panel entering mass production - Samsung's 70-inch super bright digital information display will be burning out retinas near you next year. Taking local dimming LED backlighting to a new application, it features 200,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000nit (cd/m2) brightness -- as much as four times brighter than the HDTV on your wall and topping the previous 1,500nit champ -- more than capable of displaying information or advertisements in bright sunlight or dim environments. The 1080p panel already nabbed a CES Innovation Award earlier today and will be sampled (in Las Vegas, surely) before the year is out, but you may want to grab some shades now just in case.
Avocent's MPX1550 wireless HD video extender supports higher bit rates
First came the Emerge MPX1000, and this March, we were treated to the altogether upgraded MPX1500. Now, Avocent has introduced the (sort of) predictably titled successor, the MPX1550. This unit looks almost identical to the iteration that came out in March, though it does posses a new antenna on the front and now supports 802.11n for even snappier wireless HD transfers. Aimed at professionals needing to distribute high-def material onto digital signage displays, the box also supports bit rates as high as 110Mbps (compared to 20Mbps in the past), which pretty much guarantees that your up-to-1080i content looks as sharp as ever to prospective customers. 'Course, such a commercial device touts a commercial price tag too -- unless you consider $1,145 within most consumers' reach, that is.[Thanks, Mufasa]
Sharp intros 52-inch PN-S525 / 65-inch PN-S655 pro LCDs
For times when traditional LCD HDTVs just can't cut it (digital signage applications come to mind), Sharp is dishing out a new pair of professional displays to handle the task(s). Up first is the 52-inch PN-S525, which boasts a Full HD panel, 1,800:1 contrast ratio, 6-millisecond response time, 176-degree viewing angles and a bevy of inputs including DVI-D, component, RS-232C, HDMI and Ethernet. The PN-S655 sports an expansive 65-inch screen and features DFE (Dual-Fine Engine) technology, a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, 420 cd/m2 brightness and all of the inputs mentioned on its smaller brother. Lastly, the slightly tweaked PN-S525P ($10,795) and PN-S655P ($14,225) will be shipping this month with an integrated protective acrylic overlay for high traffic areas, while the S525P / S655 will sell for $4,550 / $6,459.
NEC's biggest pro LCD yet: 82-inch LCD8205
Adding to its line of professional displays, NEC is bringing the LCD8205 to 2008 Digital Signage Expo East. We've seen bigger in the consumer space, but when you've just got to have 4x4 tile support for a max 328-inch (diagonal) display, refreshingly realistic 5,000:1 claimed contrast ratio and 1920x1080 resolution, there's not much better. At $54,999 each, it's unlikely we'll find one under the tree when it releases in December but catching a peek (and fogging up a display window or two) is slightly more attainable goal.[Via CE Pro]
IOGEAR's DVI Net ShareStation networks one display for multiple users
While we imagine that some folks are sick and tired of fighting over the sole display in the house, some people out there are looking for a reason to quarrel over the biggest one. IOGEAR's DVI Net ShareStation is here to help, providing one display with an Ethernet connection so that any and all computers on the same network can battle for it share. Debuting at CEDIA, the tiny box includes a DVI / VGA adapter and an Ethernet jack, and it supports streamed resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200. Furthermore, users who just want to add an external display to their system can do so by simply connecting the device to a USB port. It's available now for $199.95, and the release can be seen in full by clicking through below.
MIT conjuring up 6D "super-realistic" image system
2008 has been somewhat of a banner year for 3D, but the brilliant minds at MIT are already working up a system that'll put U23D to shame. Hailed as a "super-realistic image system," the invention produces "6D" images that not only have a full three-dimensional appearance, but also "respond to their environment, producing natural shadows and highlights depending on the direction and intensity of the illumination around them." Without relying on electronics or active control, the process could be used to produce images with an "unprecedented degree of realism" -- resulting in something associate professor Ramesh Raskar calls the "ultimate synthetic display." As expected, initial applications for the ultra-pricey ($30 per pixel, currently) system revolve around digital signage / advertising, but it's really just a matter of time before Six Dimensions of The Jonas Brothers hits a cinema near you. Save us.
Scent-emitting advertising trial sniffs out suckers in Japan
Apparently July is a hot month for ad trials in Japan, as just weeks after a number of 65-inch digital posters were installed in a Tokyo train station, in flies word that yet another consumer-luring installation is being tested. Recruit and NTT Communications are delivering Scent-emitting LCD Display Systems to an underground mall in the heart of Japan, each of which rely on a 42-inch LCD and a scent-sprayer that emits delightful odors to correspond with the on-screen imagery. The goal is to attract onlookers and get them to grab a nearby coupon book, but considering that the experiment shuts down on August 1st, you should probably get your nose down there in a hurry if you're looking to score some savings.
NEC's ad system pumps out spots based on gender, age
For better or worse, targeted advertising isn't going anywhere. Seemingly, it's not getting any more discrete, either. NEC's Digital Signage Solution combines a camera, a large display and a FeliCa contactless IC card reader / writer in order to dole out advertisements that cater to certain demographics. The system includes the innate ability to determine "gender, generation and other attributes" of a person in order to serve up advertisements that will cause him / her to spend some dough. From there, the individual can scan their phone in order to access related content on their mobile internet browser. That's all and fine and dandy we suppose, but how on Earth do you convince busy citizens to stop by and have a look at an otherwise uninteresting flat-panel?[Image courtesy of NEC]
65-inch "digital posters" catch eyes in Tokyo train station
Utilizing big honkin' displays for advertising purposes is nothing new, but East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and East Japan Marketing & Communications have decided to try "digital posters" out for reference. In short, ten 65-inch Sharp PN655R LCDs have been installed within "the internal concourse on the first floor of Tokyo Station's Yaesu South Entrance," and folks who stroll by can get a glimpse of whatever (the image changes each minute) in stunning 1080p. The goal here, as you might imagine, is to "evaluate the advertising effects of still image ad posters using large LCD panels displayed in a relatively busy gateway." If you're anxious to lay your eyes on the installation, you'd better hurry, as there's no guarantee that they'll remain after September. At least the video posted after the jump is forever.
Sony launches FWD-S42H1 / FWD-S47H1 LCD displays
Not content with just rolling a few truckload of new projectors out at InfoComm, Sony has also decided to introduce a pair of LCDs aimed at the commercial market. The 42-inch FWD-S42H1 and 47-inch FWD-S47H1 both sport 1,920 x 1,080 resolutions and come ready to accept the outfit's VSP-NS7 HD player on the rear. As expected with digital signage displays, these too can be managed remotely, used horizontally or vertically and feature a trio of screen saver modes. As for inputs, you'll find DVI, VGA, S-Video and composite, with optional adapters for HDMI / HD-SDI / etc. Both sets should hit dealers in October for a currently undisclosed amount.
