Display and Projection

Sharp Foreshadows the Future of All Displays with SoC- and Cloud-Based 4K Monitors

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Sharp PN-HM SeriesAt DSE 2019, Sharp launches two new lines of 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) resolution commercial displays.

Sharp’s PN-HM Series includes the PN-HM651 65” Class (64 ½” diagonal), PN-HM751 75” Class (74 9/16" diagonal) and PN-HM851 85” Class (85 9/16” diagonal) displays. They each provide a brightness of 500 nits, are designed for 24/7 environments and are built to handle a range of signage needs, from simple set-ups to large networks with multiple displays.

The new PN-HB Series includes the PN-HB651 65” Class (64 ½” diagonal), PN-HB751 75” Class (74 ­9/16" diagonal) and PN-HB85185” Class (85 9/16” diagonal) displays. They each have a brightness of 350 nits, are designed for everyday 16/7 operation and are ideal for most well-lit environments, featuring versatility in commercial settings. 

Both new lines deliver digital signage straight out of the box with a built-in system-on-a-chip (SoC) controller.

Over at rAVe Publications,  co-founder Gary Kayye has been saying for years that the future of displays is built-in, thin-client computers (eliminating the need for a computer in the room and opening up the possibility of cloud-based content delivery) and both display lines come with Sharp’s integrated system-on-a-chip (SoC) controller driven by an ARM Cortex hexa-core processor. The displays support both H.264/AVC as well as H.265/HEVC. The latter is a next-generation, high-efficiency video codec that reduces the communication burden during video transmission and gives content a new level of depth and presence.

This platform also allows third-party soft­ware developers to create custom signage applications, allowing for rich possibilities for digital signage in retail, office and other settings. Sharp has alliances with various developers through its Sharp Open Architecture Program, including Appspace, Enplug, Capital Networks, Industry Weapon, Navori, Novisign, Omnivex, Onsign TV, PingHD, Revel Digital and Starmont.

Certification under the Google Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) assures compatibility with third-party Android apps. Moreover, the displays feature a pre-installed HTML5 browser and supports high-speed wireless LAN and features built-in Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to deliver content and connect equipment wirelessly.

When the displays are powered on, a built-in media player automatically starts playing content stored in internal storage or on a USB memory device or microSD card. A simple schedule function allows users to pre-register seven patterns for when to start/stop the content playback. Users can also make playlists that combine still images and videos, all without any extra software, special skills, or even a PC. This capability allows for cloud-based content providers to serve content to the displays in the future.

The displays also come bundled with Sharp’s e-Signage S software, which supports creating, scheduling, distributing and managing a wide range of signage programs on Sharp LCD displays, as well as creating editing signage programs through simple drag-and-drop operation.

All of the new displays can be installed in landscape or portrait orientation, or even face up. They can also be tilted – either backward up to 90 degrees or forward up to 20 degrees. Up to four displays can be set up in a daisy chain configuration, allowing users to display the same content simultaneously on all screens.

The PN-HM751 and PN-HB751 smart 4K Ultra-HD displays will begin shipping in USA in April, while the PN-HM651, PN-HM851, PN-HB651 and PN-HB851 will ship later this spring 2019. 

Go Sharp at DSE 2019

Philips Builds Chromecast Into New Displays

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Philips PDS HFL6014U

Philips Professional Display Solutions (Philips PDS) launched at ISE 2019 their MediaSuite range of monitors with built-in Chromecast as well as full access to the Google Play Store.

Each of the new models features the Philips Professional Display Solutions Android-based OS, with extended lifetime to ensure the latest security enhancements and remain up-to-date for much longer.

Philips PDS’ new MediaSuite range includes seven models in two series, one for FHD versions and — for the first time — a series with UHD performance. The HFL6014U UHD series is available as 43”, 50”, 55” and 65” models with slimline, silver bezels and a swivel stand.

The HFL5014 FHD series is available in black in 32”, 43” and 50”.

Built-in Chromecast functionality offers customers, installers and guests a connection between MediaSuite TVs and any compatible device, with no login or app download required.

Allows full access to the content on one's own devices, casts onto hotel room TV, plus access to Google Play Store — with thousands of compatible apps, including major services such as YouTube, Deezer and Spotify, plus local news, weather and traffic information.

Go Philips Professional Display Solutions MediaSuite with Built-in Chromecast


JOAN Adds Team Board & Custom Buttons

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JOAN Team Board

JOAN room scheduling solutions announces two useful additions to their ePaper displays, software and cloud.

Soon you will be able to overlay Joan’s default interface with an overview of up to nine of your co-workers’ personal calendars. This Team Board lets you can check if the person in the organization you’re trying to find is available or engaged in a meeting.

“Check my Joan..” may soon replace the distractions and unnecessary interruption of “Give me a few minutes to check my calendar.”

Designate a Do Not Disturb time slot in your calendar and display it right at your post.

Team Board is still in beta, but JOAN can already enable this feature for you.

The next innovation is straight from Joan Labs. Since the beginning of their vote-for-a-new-feature system, the top request has always been custom buttons-- a feature that would let you do… well, pretty much anything.

JOAN custom buttons

To set your very own custom buttons dive into the Joan Portal, sign up for Joan Labs, and follow our Knowledge Base guide. From there you’ll be able to pick which of our three standard buttons (“Meet now”, “Meet later”, “Timetable”) you might want to replace.

As of right now, you can configure your custom buttons in three different ways. You can make them open a webhook, display a QR code, or you can integrate them with Zapier (direct integration will be available shortly).

Webhooks. If you work in IT you’ve seen these before. Webhooks are a very common way to combine various services together. You can find some tips and ideas here, but if you’re not a tech person you’ll need help from your in-house geniuses for this one.

Zapier and IFTTT. Tap your custom button to trigger an event and take advantage of the rich ecosystem and complex actions already set up for you. Here’s an example: set up a “HELP” button that will request assistance from your IT support. As of right now, this can only be done through webhooks, but JOAN are already working on implementing a more direct method.

QR Code. Pressing the button will display a QR code. You can use this functionality to build interesting QR-code related integrations. Like a feedback sheet for example. After exiting the room the participants could scan the code to open a Google Form document and rate the meeting or give feedback to the speaker.

Go JOAN Custom Buttons

Seloy’s SENSE Touch Window Fights Bacteria

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Seloy Live SENSE

Who isn’t afraid of microbes these days? Certainly the legion of folks who came down with ISE flu wish they hadn't met those microbes...

Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of the ISE 2019, you could find the Seloy Live’s SENSE interactive touch window-- it’s protected against bacteria and other germs thanks to a Fineko Total Protect™ film coating.

With multi-touch displays in the news recently for coliform bacteria contamination, Seloy Live’s announcement is a timely for the rest of the world as well as flu-stricken ISE attendees.

Fineko Total Protect™ products have a bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal effect, destroying gram positive and gram-negative bacteria, viruses and fungi. The protection can only be removed mechanically (so less need for constant surface disinfection). The active ingredients’ duration of action is lengthened by low evaporation, and eventually an antimicrobial film forms on the surface. This improves hygiene safety for people working in and visiting public spaces.

With interactivity secure within the glass (and customisable to work across some or all of the total available area), SENSE is protected from vandalism and weather while it can still be washed just like a regular window. Seloy Live has also developed a bespoke Total Protect solution that also includes alcohol-based cleaning solution, renewing the antibacterial effect each time the SENSE display is cleaned.

Thermal insulation, sound reduction, fire protection and theft resistance functionality are also all supported by Seloy Live, and can all be built in to the design phase if required.

SENSE has been installed as the world’s first ever see-through, touch-screen storefront in the Kalevala Jewelry flagship store in Helsinki.

Four interactive solutions – two SENSE and two SHINE glass displays and accompanying projectors – were showcased at ISE 2019.

SENSE is a state-of-the-art combination of a transparent insulating glass unit and interactive touch foil surface – enabling it to also function as a regular window when switched off. It’s available in any size up to 3m x 6m for indoor and outdoor use, with ‘true zero’ bezels (in other words, there are none) and boasts a touch response rate of 5-9ms.

Seloy Live SHINE is a customised mirror solution product that augments existing professional displays of any size. When the display device is switched off, SHINE functions and looks just like a regular mirror, but when the device is switched on, its content is clearly visible through SHINE. The product’s semi-transparent mirrored glass can support up to 100 touch points with a response rate of 5-9ms, and is also available without touch functionality.

Seloy Live SHADE boasts electronically adjustable transparency via a separate circuit breaker, allowing the user to toggle between transparent glass and non-transparent opaque – whilst a transparency dimmer function can also support up to six different opaque colour options. Ideal for meeting rooms, SHADE can also be integrated with touch and interactivity, when in opaque mode, functioning as both glass and interactive projection surface.

Go Seloy Live—SENSE, SHINE, and SHADE

LG LAPE LED Display Series

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LG LAPE LED Display

The LAPE series is the latest in LG Electronics’ LED signage.

The LAPE LED Display offers a wide range of design possibilities via curve, depth, weight and power supply. The modules can create a concave or convex curve with up to a 1000mm radius, allowing screens to wrap around architecture or be styled into interesting shapes.

With an install depth at 40mm, the slim depth allows for both flexibility of placement and a sleek look. The reduced weight (19.8kg per square meter) allows for more a varied installation, as does the off-board power system.

The installation can be up to 60m away from the power supply units, decreasing the heat produced by the display. This increases reliability and reduces ventilation requirements.

The entire system is designed for easy installation and maintenance. The frames create a simple but durable support structure. The off-board controls use redundancies in data and power to improve reliability. They also make the displays much easier to service.

The displays can be managed by LG Signage 365 Care which uses remote performance monitoring. The dashboard shows the real-time condition of the display and the status of each system component and is visible to the Signage 365 Care centre.

LAPE displays come in 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mm pixel pitch and can be built to FHD or UHD, which means that content from a variety of sources can be played without distortion. With 16-bit colour processing and the same Dynamic Contrast Algorithm that LG pioneered in its TVs to make blacks deeper and colours brighter.

Go LG LAPE LED Series


Samsung Reveals New MicroLED Sizes, Shapes and Configurations

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Samsung MicroLEDs

Samsung Electronics showed its latest innovations in modular MicroLED display technology during its annual First Look CES event in Las Vegas.

The new MicroLED technology designs featured at the event included a new 75” display, a 219” The Wall as well as other various groundbreaking sizes, shapes and configurations for a next-generation modular MicroLED display--a 2019 CES Best of Innovation Award winner.

Featuring self-emissive technology and modular capabilities, Samsung’s MicroLED displays are made up of individual modules of self-emissive MicroLEDs, featuring millions of inorganic red, green and blue microscopic LED chips that emit their own light to produce brilliant colors on screen..

At last year’s CES, Samsung introduced MicroLED by unveiling The Wall, the critically acclaimed, award-winning 146” MicroLED display. Due to the technical advancements in the ultra-fine pitch semiconductor packaging process that narrow the gap between the microscopic LED chips, Samsung has been able to create a stunning 4K MicroLED display in a smaller, more home-friendly 75” form factor.

Thanks to the modular nature of MicroLED, this technology offers flexibility in screen size that allows users to customize it to fit any room or space. By adding MicroLED modules, users can expand their display to any size they desire. The modular functionality of MicroLED will allow users in the future to create the ultimate display even at irregular 9x3, 1x7 or 5x1 screen sizes that suits their spatial, aesthetic and functional needs.

Samsung’s MicroLED technology also optimizes the content no matter the size and shape of the screen. Even when adding more modules, Samsung MicroLED displays can scale to increase the resolution — all while keeping the pixel density constant. Additionally, MicroLED can support everything from the standard 16:9 content, to 21:9 widescreen films, to unconventional aspect ratios like 32:9, or even 1:1 – without having to make any compromises in its picture quality.

MicroLED displays are bezel-free, there are no borders between modules – even when you add more. The possibilities for seamless designs are enhanced by new Ambient Mode features.

Go Samsung Unveils Future of Displays with Groundbreaking Modular MicroLED Technology at CES


Panasonic Announces “World’s Most Seamless Video Wall”

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Panasonic LFV9 series

Panasonic announce two high end professional LCD video wall displays with “the world's thinnest bezel to bezel, of just 0.88mm,” and advanced colour management.

The new models (TH-55VF2H/TH-55VF2) will make it possible to configure virtually seamless, multi-screen, displays for large-screen images. When used in a 2x2 configuration with daisy chain connection via DisplayPort, a 4K signal from a single 4K input can be displayed dot-to-dot.

In addition, a professional LCD display (TH-55LFV9) will expand the LFV series and comes with an ultra-thin bezel-to-bezel width of 3.5mm. The use of highly durable components across both ranges enables Panasonic to guarantee continuous, 24-hour operation for mission critical applications.

All three are 55 inch panels with either 700cd/m2 (TH-55VF2H) or 500 cd/m2 (TH-55VF2/TH-55LFV9) brightness, allowing users to choose the optimal model dependent on the installation location. In addition, each display features In Plane Switching to provide a high visibility across any viewing angle, with the surface of each new panel processed to reduce glare and suppress external reflections.

Uniformity is also enhanced across both new series with each multi-screen display being pre-calibrated to keep colour differences to a minimum.

A further feature is a two-system input switch that can be used to back up the signal with fail-over and fail-back functionality, should this be required.

The LFV9 series will be available for purchase in October 2019, and the VF2 series in early 2020..

Go Panasonic LFV9 Series and VF2 Series


Fanless Mura IPX 4K IP Decode and Display Card

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Matrox Mura IPX card

Matrox announces the immediate availability of a fanless cooling version of the industry’s highest-density 4K IP decode and display card.

The new fanless, single-slot Matrox Mura IPX card for IP-based multiviewers and personal video walls features best-in-class decoding of multiple 4K and Full HD streams for display across up to four 4K outputs, well-suited for environments requiring high-performance, high-reliability operation.

Let’s call it “video wall system on a card.” Mura IPX decode and display boards could provide OEMs with system design flexibility to build low-footprint, maintenance-free multiviewer platforms for control room, process monitoring, security, and other networked AV applications.

Matrox Mura IPX multiviewer cards boast a dedicated onboard network interface controller (NIC) enabling unrivaled decoding density of up to two 4Kp60, four 4Kp30, eight 1080p60, sixteen 1080p30, or exponentially more SD streams.

Built into the same board are four DisplayPort™ connectors to conveniently attach up to four 4Kp30 displays.

Matrox Mura IPX multiviewer and capture cards include a complete range of video wall software, APIs, and libraries. These software toolkits allow OEMs and developers to deploy intuitive, ready-to-use software and build custom interfaces and applications.

Go New Fanless, Single-Slot Matrox Mura IPX Card for IP-Based Multiviewers and Personal Video Walls


NEC's Latest "E Series" at ISE 2019

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NEC E Series

NEC Display Solutions Europe presented the latest generation of E Series entry-level professional displays at ISE 2019, with models ranging from 32-inch FHD to 43-,50-, 55- and 65-inch in UHD resolution.

The displays are for use in a wide range of applications, including meeting rooms, retail, leisure and hospitality environments. They are also aimed as digital signage solutions in smaller retail outlets, hospitals, small museums and other public places--as well as for meeting and conferencing in small and medium-size businesses.

The series features an integrated MediaPlayer for native UHD content playback, a 10W USB interface to power external devices (such as a Raspberry Pi) and a playback scheduler enabling users to program auto-play content. Customers can monitor and control each device using NEC NaViSet Administrator 2 software, ensuring users can identify and correct issues before they are noticeable to the audience.

“Digital is rapidly becoming the default format for sharing information, including advertising, way-finding and visitor information, but professional-grade displays have traditionally been outside the budget of smaller organisations,” the company says. “Our E Series large format displays have been specifically engineered to combat this ‘digital divide’, by bringing high-performance displays-- including integrated media playback functionality-- within every organisation’s reach.”

The E Series large format displays ship from March 2019.

Go NEC Unveils New Suite of Professional Signage Solutions