TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Month’s SBI Trivia Question Stumper:
If you're making signs with real yellow gold leaf, what percentage of that gold leaf is real gold?
For the answer, scroll to the bottom of the newsletter.
|
|
Industry News
[[HOT TOPIC]] The OLED Boom
Christine Persaud at Marketnews.ca recently posted this report with the latest information on the booming OLED market and its bright future:
"According to DisplaySearch, Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) displays will grow 69 per cent this year to reach more than $826.5 million, and are expected to continue to grow to achieve $3.1 billion by 2012.
"The research company, which is a division of The NPD Group, predicts an 83 per cent growth in the category in 2009, following by 53 per cent in 2010 as Active Matrix OLEDs become mainstream products.
“'2008 will be a break-out year for AMOLED displays as Samsung SDI, LG Display, Sony and CMEL deliver almost 17 million displays, which is up over 380 per cent compared to 2007,' explained Barry Young, Senior Advisor and Consultant at DisplaySearch. “The displays will be used in products such as mobile phones, digital cameras, digital photo frames, handheld TVs and free-standing TVs.
“'By 2009,” Young added, 'OLED display manufacturers are expected to commence shipments of displays for notebooks and then move rapidly into TVs, building on the success of the Sony XEL-1, arguably the TV with the most vivid and realistic image.'
"Sony’s XEL-1, which debuted at the 2008 International CES this past January, is just 11 inches in size and 3mm in depth, but it currently costs $2,500. In addition to displaying vivid and gorgeous images, the TV is also environmentally-friendly, using up to 35 watts less power than comparable devices.
"Issues to widespread adoption of OLED technology have related to things like cost (as evidenced above with the high price tag of Sony’s first commercially available model), along with life cycle and efficiency.
"DisplaySearch reports that the material lifetime of an OLED has been rapidly improved over the past two years, to the point of setting records. The research firm reports efficiency of 28 cd/A and more than 100,000 hours to 0.5 luminance for red; 67 cd/A and 200,000 hours for green, and 10 cd/A and 50,000 hours for blue. A-Si backplanes that can compensate for deterioration of the TFT and OLED are currently being tested; while alternative options are also being evaluated. Price remains a factor, but will likely come down as research develops, and new technologies introduced."
DISH Network to Offer Digital Signage Service
DISH Network Corp. is forming Dish Digital Media Services, which will provide digital signage platforms for retail customers. The new service will combine Dish Network’s fleet of satellites with its national installation network, uplink centers and teleport fiber points-of-presence to provide commercial and private business with live and stored digital communications content.
According to a report on TMCnet, DISH Digital Media Services will include DISH DIGITAL SIGNS and DISH EzSIGNS. Retail clients can generate important advertising and branding messages to consumers with DISH Digital Media Services while they wait in line, at point-of-purchase locations, in large office settings and more.
“We are excited to announce the evolution of our business operations to include a variety of digital signage solutions,’’ Jerry Grasmick, vice president of sales for DISH Network’s business-to-business service said. "With the assistance of Stratacache’s Activia and Omnicast software, we are one of the few companies with the infrastructure in place to serve as a full-service provider to create new ways for our clients to communicate and advertise with their colleagues and customers."
The DISH services will enable users to update employees on key messages, such as "daily morning meetings, human resources training, and other important internal communications." DISH Network will utilize its current system of 24-hour operations and uplink distribution centers to support DISH Digital Media Services and its private and commercial clients.
DISH Network customers already enjoy access to a premier line of Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), hundreds of video and audio channels, the most International channels in the U.S., industry-leading Interactive TV applications, Latino programming, and variety of sports and movies in HD. It now will extend its capabilities for corporate customers, leveraging its already proven service delivery system.
Drytac Corporation Acquires Advanced Finishing Solutions
Drytac Corporation, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, recently announced the acquisition of Advanced Finishing Solutions (AFS), an OEM provider and distributor of aqueous/UV-curable coating machines and liquid coatings. This strategic move will position Drytac to leverage the growing demand for liquid laminating among users of flatbed inkjet printers, digital print-on-demand presses and photo printers, as well as operators of gicleé and fine art studios.
Advanced Finishing Solutions offers an extensive line of aqueous and UV coating equipment, with formats ranging from 3.2 M (10.5 ft) down to models the size of a copy machine. The company markets its products under such trade names as VERSA-Coater, PhotoMate, PressMate and DocuMate UV, Cyclone UV, AFC Liquid Coaters, ENDURACoat and INSTACure liquid coatings.
As a manufacturer of dry mounting tissues and Heatset® overlaminating films, Drytac is now positioned to further increase the visibility of the AFS brand in North America, Europe and Asia. “The liquid coater line enhances our position as a one stop post print finishing resource for the graphics and display markets,” said Marc Oosterhuis, president of the Drytac Group. “It will also allow us to expand into markets such as screen printing and on-demand printing.”
Jim Tatum, founder and former owner of AFS and graphics industry veteran, will continue to head up the liquid products division for Drytac. “Drytac and AFS share a similar long term vision,” says Tatum. “This move allows us to maintain our current level of customer service as Drytac’s global infrastructure extends our geographic reach.” According to Tatum, existing AFS customers can expect continued seamless service, plus an expanded product offering.
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Opens Advanced Optical Factory
OSRAM CEO Martin Goetzeler and Dr. Rüdiger Müller, CEO of OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, together with Regensburg Mayor Hans Schaidinger, will today officially open the last section of the company’s new semiconductor plant in Regensburg, Germany.
“Since the start of construction seven years ago we have invested hundreds of millions of Euros. In this period the number of employees has increased by approximately 500 to 1500,” said Rüdiger Müller. This growth has boosted capacity by almost 50%, necessitating the expansion of OSRAM Opto Semiconductors facility in Regensburg to its current-day size of nearly 600,000 square feet.
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors is a technology and world market leader in opto semiconductors – a sector of the lighting industry for which rapid market growth is expected in the next few years. Currently, products based on this technology account for 12 percent of OSRAM’s total sales. Martin Goetzeler added, “LEDs are the light sources of the future so we have every intention of expanding in this field, which is why we have invested heavily in expanding the sites in Regensburg and Penang (Malaysia).” OSRAM has also focused its resources on expanding research and development, for which investment last year alone amounted to 13 percent of the sales of opto semiconductors.
In December 2007, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors won the German Future Prize for technology and innovation, presented by the German President to the researchers Dr. Klaus Streubel, Dr. Stefan Illek (both of OSRAM), and Dr. Andreas Bräuer (Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering) for the development of thin-film technology and its application in the OSTAR family of LEDs.
BumpAds USA Goes Exclusive With SIGNARAMA
BumpAds USA, LLC, the exclusive national marketing firm for the patented BumpAds Advertising System, reached an exclusive dealership agreement with SIGNARAMA. Part of United Franchise Group, SIGNARAMA is one of the largest sign franchises in the world.
“With more than 600 retail store locations throughout the country, SIGNARAMA is an ideal retail partner for our organization," said CEO Scott Fenimore of BumpAds USA. "This relationship will allow us to make our products available locally to a wide range of banks, fast food restaurants, convenience stores, auto dealerships, local retailers and others who will find the new patented system ideal for marketing their own goods and services. Each SIGNARAMA store location employs experienced sign professionals who understand customers’ needs in printing and installation which is exactly what is required for this exciting new advertising medium.”
BumpAds USA and SIGNARAMA officially introduced the latest patented BumpAds Advertising System in Orlando, Florida on March 5th, 2008 at United Franchise Group’s World Expo. The World Expo is a gathering of all of their franchise brands, including SIGNARAMA, EmbroidMe, Billboard Connection, and others.
BumpAds, Inc.’s latest patent was just allowed by the U.S. Patent office in December of 2007. This is the third Utility Patent granted to BumpAds, Inc., which is the company in charge of developing new products for all worldwide BumpAds organizations. All of the BumpAds organizations will focus on the untapped global market of advertising on wheel stops in parking lots. This represents one of the most compelling and focused point of sale advertising products to arrive in years.
This new exclusive retail store relationship will create a source for local businesses to acquire the new BumpAds product with the capability of printing their custom artwork designs and coordinating all of their local installations. This will fully facilitate their individual advertising needs and requirements for this innovative new medium.
New Appointments
Arlon,
named Rob Moore Regional Sales Manager for the Northwest Region. Rob will develop and coordinate sales activities, technical support and market assistance to Arlon distributors and sign shops for Arlon cut graphics, flexible substrates, and digital print media.
W.A.C. Lighting,
appointed Michael T. Hadank to National Sales Manager. W.A.C. Lighting is a designer and manufacturer of track, recessed, undercabinet, decorative and monorail lighting.
Meetings and Events
MAY
May 28 - 30: LIGHTFAIR 19th Annual Tradeshow & Conference, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit www.lightfair.com/lightfair/V40 for more information.
May 28 - 31: 2008 SEGD Conference & Expo, Austin, Texas. Visit www.segd.org for more information.
JUNE
June 16: Midwest Sign and Screen Fourth Annual Bill Anderson Charity Classic, Southview Country Club, St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, call 800/328-6592 or visit events.midwestsign.com.
Sponsored Links
DPSBanners.com --
DPSBanners.com offers large format digital printing on vinyl banners, mesh banners, magnetic car sign and flatbed printing on foam board, Gator Board, Coroplast and more! Wholesale to the trade, best prices! Order Online! 1-888-790-2665. www.dpsbanners.com
This Month's Trivia Answer:
Real yellow gold leaf is about 92% pure gold. (24 Karats is pure gold, and 23-karat gold is the most commonly used for gold leaf.)
|
|
For in-depth coverage of these topics and other
sign industry topics, check out
www.signshop.com
ATTENTION ADVERTISERS and SUBSCRIBERS:
Coming up in the May Lightfair 2008 / SEGD 2008 issue of
Sign Builder Illustrated,
feature articles on:
Architectural Wayfinding/Identity
Dimensional ADA
Electric Codes
LED Architectural Lighting
Neon Transformers
Paints
PVC Sign Blanks
Vinyl Banners
ATTENTION ADVERTISERS and SUBSCRIBERS:
Coming up in the June 2008 issue of
Sign Builder Illustrated,
feature articles on:
Architectural Plastics Fabrication
Awning Fabrication
Dimensional Sandblasting
LED Message Centers
Estimating Software
Vinyl Lamination
Contact your ad sales representative to reserve your space today.
As the premier e-newsletter for the sign industry, SBI Update encourages readers to send feedback on what you like, what you'd like to see, and any other comments you might have. To do so, send an e-mail to Managing Editor Chris Ytuarte at cytuarte@sbpub.com.
|
|
© 2008 Simmons-Boardman Publishing
345 Hudson St., 12th Floor • New York, NY 10014
212-620-7200
|
|
Tetra MAX
LED Lighting System GE Lumination introduces the new Tetra MAX LED System for channel letters. Working closely with sign OEMs and installers, we've simplified the design and installation of the standard LED system. One, low-voltage power supply operates any color LED to deliver up to 81% energy savings over neon and 52% energy savings over other LED systems. For more information, click on: GE Lumination
|
|
PlasmaCAM Cutting Systems Easily cut your custom signs! Use the included software to design and cut elegant signs using plasma cutting technology. Visit us to get a FREE demonstration video at www.PlasmaCam.com
|
|
Outsourcing to Bloomingdale Signs by Tomorrow can allow your company to expand product mix without the expense of additional machinery. We offer GRAND FORMAT roll-to-roll printing up to 16' wide and FLATBED printing up to 6.5' x 10.5' at WHOLESALE PRICES. To visit our Website, click on: www.bloomingdalesigns.com
|
|
Nova Polymers introduces WorkFlow Manager, a new software package that streamlines photopolymer sign production to save you time and money. In the time it takes to read this advertisement, you can create 200 unique ADA compliant room signs with WorkFlow Manager. For more information on WorkFlow Manager, visit www.novapolymers.com or call 888.484.6682.
|
|
The new Mimaki JV5-320 Grand format is fast and functional. Advanced print heads make it capable of producing high quality, close-view graphics for many outdoor and indoor applications. The media range includes specialty substrates, textiles and vinyls to name a few. The UISS function supports constant printing without running out of ink. For information, click here: Mimaki USA
|
|
Dedicated to Providing You with the Top Performing, Best Value in EPS Monument Signs, Howard Industries proudly announces the creation of its new DeSign Stone Signs division! This division will focus entirely on DeSign Stone EPS Foam-core Monument signs, helping retail sign shops provide these unique signs to customers. (877) 463-7000. For more information, click here: www.designstonesigns.com
|
|
An Affordable Cold Laminator Laminate or mount your prints quickly and easily with the Quikmount 4 cold laminator. It has all the features found on more expensive laminators, but costs thousands of dollars less. Ruggedly built from steel and aluminum, features include a heavy-duty motor, automatic take up shaft, and silicone rollers. For more information, click here:For more information, click here: Daige, Inc.
|
|
Freedom Saw See how clean your saw cuts can be. Best dust collection in the industry! Watch our online videos: www.sawtrax.com
|
|
Sign Builder Illustrated
Goes Digital With live hyperlinks to video clips, advertiser information, and other features, SBI Digital offers the newest online technology with the familiar layout of a hardcopy issue. To view an example, click on:
SBI Digital Magazine
|
|
Sign Builder Illustrated:
The How-To Book Vol. 1 Learn secrets to fabricating neon, illuminating with LED, sandblasting signs, applying paints, cutting and printing vinyl, and more in this 288-page, full-color reprinting of Sign Builder Illustrated's trademark How-To articles. To visit the How-to Book Web site, click on: SBI How-To Book
|
|
Sign Builder Illustrated
Buyer's Guide 2007
Published twice per year in March and September, the Buyer's Guide lists manufacturers, distributors, and sign companies that comprise the industry in the U.S. and Canada. SBI Buyer's Guide
|
|
Sign Builder Illustrated presents:
Vehicle Graphics 101 Check out this special SBI supplement for all the information you need to get started, get good, and get profitable in the world of vehicle graphics. From wrap schools and required tools, to marketing your skills and paying the bills, this How-to supplement has it all. Check out the digital version here:
Vehicle Graphics 101
|
|
|
Digital Signage From DISH
