Vol. 5, No. 2 | February 16, 2010 ®
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Industry News [[HOT TOPIC]] Digital Signage Expo 2010 Preview The digital signage community is gearing up for the worlds largest International Tradeshow and Conference dedicated to digital signage, interactive technology, and out-of-home networks. The Digital Signage Expo (DSE) will be held February 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Expo will be co-located with the Interactive Technology Expo, Out-of-Home Network Show, and Digital Content show. In addition to the many exhibitors that will be showcasing the latest in digital signage on the expo floor February 24 and 25, there will be a variety of events and educational opportunities. On February 23 from 9 am-1 pm, DSE will offer a coach tour featuring live case study installations at Las Vegas new $11 billion City Center and Hard Rock Café. The tour will feature some of the latest advancements in digital signage control, as well as a look at interactive reader boards, restaurant interactive Touch Screen Menus, interactive wayfinding, video walls, and much more. Developers, implementers and brand spokespeople will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the challenges they faced in concept, design, and implementation. The tour will give attendees a unique behind the scenes view not only of some of the newest technology at work, but they will be able to see first-hand their powerful impact in the business environment, said Chris Gibbs, president of ExpoNation, which produces DSE. Tickets for the tour cost $195, and admission is limited so be sure to get your tickets early when you register online for the show. This years DSE will also include an advanced Technology Track Seminar Program. The Tech Track Program has been revamped and is one of eight tracks available at DSEs Conference Program, which offers in-depth and hands-on information. The Tech Track Program will offer five seminars addressing topical issues and designed for those with more than two years of digital signage industry-related experience. Last year, attendees told us that they wanted far more substantive and hands-on information that they could take back and apply to their existing installations, said. This years Tech Track seminars have been designed and programmed to deliver just that much meatier, real-world information on these cutting edge technologies. The seminars include: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 9-10 AM: Inviting Telecom: Mobile, Satellite and Cable Providers Are Entering the DS Marketplace. How Big Can it Get? Wednesday, Feb. 24, 3-4 PM: Advanced Installation Overview: Overcoming Connectivity & Delivery Challenges Thursday, Feb. 25, 8-9 AM: The Future of Wireless Networking for Digital Signage Thursday, Feb. 25, 9-10 AM: Advanced Indoor/Outdoor Digital Display Technology & its Applications Thursday, Feb. 25, 3-4 PM: Content Management Software Demystified: A Real-World Roundtable on Functionalities, Needs, Options & Approaches Tech Track isnt the only educational opportunity at DSE there will also be a variety of free educational workshops. Over a dozen workshops and theater presentations will be held on the show floor during exhibit hours. Attendees dont need to pre-register to attend these workshops. We are always looking for ways to add educational value to the experience at Digital Signage Expo, said Gibbs. DSEs FREE Workshop Program gives attendees the opportunity to pick up pointers on everything from getting started to DOOH network management from industry professionals who represent a depth of marketplace experience. Some of the workshops include: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 10:45-11:15 AM: Network-Based Digital Signage: Unlimited Possibilities Thusday, Feb. 25, 1-1:30 PM: Network Growth: Managing the Insanity Thursday, Feb. 25, 2:30-3 PM: Understanding the Real Costs of Digital Signage To register for the expo or for a complete listing and schedule of events, please visit www.digitalsignageexpo.net. Enjoy the show! 3D: A New Dimension of Signage In his January UpFront column, Editor Jeff Wooten posed the question: Will 3-D be a more common term in the sign industry? It seems that less than a month later his question has already been answered yes. Many companies have begun to roll out 3D static and video ads in train stations, stadiums, and other high-traffic areas. It is becoming increasingly harder to capture the attention of passersby, and 3D seems to be the new trick advertisers are trying out to make you look. Here are a few examples of the latest efforts in the medium of 3D signage: Grand Central Terminal Olympic Games sponsor Visa, Inc. has launched a month-long ad campaign inside New York Citys Grand Central Terminal promoting the 2010 Winter Olympic Games with its Go World theme. The advertisements feature eighteen Team Visa Vancouver athletes and Olympic legends, and are expected to reach 3 million consumers. The campaign was created by CBS Outdoor (www.cbsoutdoor.com) and N4D (www.n4d.us). 3D is gaining momentum in the advertising and marketing space, and we are thrilled to bring this out-of-home media application from Visa to New York City commuters, said David Lane, Vice President Digital Media CBS Outdoor, in a press release. The campaign includes over 100 pieces of station domination media, such as column wraps, wallscapes, and stair risers, however, it is the 3D elements that make this advertising venture especially unique. With sixteen 3D static screens, as well as an 8-by-14-foot projection screen playing 3D video with audio, consumers will be immersed in an entirely new advertising experience. The 60-second, 3D commercials will air at specific times throughout the day, and brand ambassadors will be on hand at these times to hand out special 3D glasses. Traditional 2D commercials will air in the times in between the 3D spots. CBS Outdoor teamed up with N4D, a global provider of 3D visualization technology, services and content, to complete the 3D portions of the campaign. N4D created a custom 3D solution with the help of digital projection experts Christie® and Lightspeed Design Inc's DepthQ. Christie provided a true, high-definition 3D active stereo projector for the campaign the Christie Mirage HD6. This 3D technology provides CBS Outdoor with a definite edge in the signage industry. It also ensures that their customers and viewers of the 3D advertisements will enjoy the world's most comfortable 3D experience, said Clif Parker, CEO of N4D, in a press release. N4D is pleased to be able to offer this unique opportunity to CBS Outdoor, said Lance Hilton, president of N4D. We see this type of advertising approach becoming very popular with companies looking to reach viewers that have become desensitized to traditional media. "CBS Outdoor is very proud to debut this revolutionary new step in outdoor advertising in one of the nation's highest-profile locations: Grand Central Station," said David Lane, vice president Digital Media CBS Outdoor. "And we're thrilled to be doing so with Visa, whose 'Go World' high-definition 3D commercials will create a one-of-a-kind brand experience as well as a show-stopping moment for millions of commuters. The interest and fascination in 3D technology has grown tremendously, and we're pleased to have partnered with N4D in bringing this theatrical quality experience to such an iconic destination." Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum The New York Islanders Hockey Club, along with 3D Eye Solutions, Inc. (www.3deyesolutions.com), have teamed up to provide 3D digital signage in the Nassau Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, which is home to the New York Islanders. 3D Eye Solutions turnkey systems will be located at either end of the main entrance to the Nassau Coliseum, while future installations are anticipated in other high-traffic areas in the Coliseum. The system will display 3D auto-stereoscopic content, which doesnt require viewers to wear glasses to see the 3D material. The New York Islanders and 3D Eye Solutions will sell ad space on the systems in the hopes of generating additional revenue. We are always looking for state-of-the-art solutions to help market the Islanders and Nassau Coliseum, said Justin Johnson, senior vice president of Corporate Partnerships for the New York Islanders, in a press release. 3D Eye Solutions allows us to broaden our signage opportunities for marketers looking to align themselves with an exciting brand and facility. The Nassau Coliseum hosts 550,000 Islanders fans per season, as well as 650,000 event attendees every year, which ensures that a lot of eyes will see the Coliseums new digital systems. 3D signage is poised to be the next trend in signage, as already consumers arent interested in viewing static ads and video in 2D formthey want the dynamic view that 3D provides. Looks like signage is about to enter a new dimension. Neon Boneyard Park Brings Historic Neon Signs to Life The Neon Boneyard at the Neon Museum has been where vintage Vegas signs go to die since 1996, but by this summer the signs will get a second chance at life in the newly constructed Neon Boneyard Park. Work on the Neon Boneyard Park started in early February. It will be located on the corner of McWilliams Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard, right by the current location of the Neon Boneyard. The project is costing $1.9 million, and is being funded by the Bureau of Land Management as authorized by the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act. The project will include the development of a half-acre park with landscaping, benches, picnic tables, informational kiosks, and areas to display the historic neon signs. A sign made from replicas of old neon letters will spell out neon and welcome visitors to the park. Federal Heath Sign Company in Las Vegas, Nevada is putting together the sign, and the letters are replicas from the some of Vegas most famous neon signs, including the Golden Nugget, Caesars Palace, and the Desert Inn. Visits to the Neon Boneyard were only by appointment in the past, but the new park will be open to the public. So many great things are happening down here in the cultural corridor and downtown, Neon Museum Director of Operations Danielle Kelly told the Las Vegas Sun. We hope that the park is part of that. SGIAs 2010 ASPT Student Printing & Imaging Awards SGIAs Academy of Screen Printing Technologys 2010 Student Printing and Digital Imaging Awards Competition is now accepting submissions. The awards have been dedicated this year to Tom Frecska, the late editor of Screen Printing magazine. Tom recognized the importance of the education of students in the screen printing process, said Marci Kinter, SGIAs vice president of Government and Business Information. He was a supporter of screen printing technology and also understood, accepted, and embraced the newer technologies used by our industry sector. Students can submit multiple entries in any of the 24 categories, which include back-lighted signs/displays, banners, and wooden signs/products. Entries must be produced during the 2009-2010 school year. An Award of Excellence will be granted for each category and division. Additionally, one first place winner from each division has the opportunity to be named Best of Show and will receive a Student Achievement Award plaque and a monetary prize to use toward their graphic arts education. Their sponsor school also will receive a monetary prize to use toward its graphic arts educational program. The competition is open to all secondary and post-secondary schools that are members of SGIA, the Federation of European Screen Printers Associations, or the Asia-Pacific Screen Printing & Graphic Imaging Association. All entries must be submitted by July 16, 2010. For the full rules and an entry form, visit www.sgia.org Mutoh Hands-On School of Wrap Classes for 2010 Mutoh America has once again teamed up with Justin Pate, one of the top graphic installers in the world, to offer Mutohs Hands-On School of Wrap class. All classes are sponsored by Avery Dennison. Using Pates Universal Graphics Installation System, students learn a wrapping system that works on any vehicle, with any vinyl. With this process, students also learn to wrap quickly. All class participants receive support and vehicle wrapping tools to help them get started. The workshops are a reflection of the work ethic that I have relied on over my fourteen-year career: installing graphics with the highest quality, durability, and efficiency, says Pate. My Universal Graphics Installation System (UGIS) is a fluid, easy-to-learn platform. It reduces mistakes and ensures quality, which results in significantly lower install times. This combination provides the installer with a decisive edge in todays graphic installation field. The Hands-On School of Wrap schedule for 2010 includes Basic & Intermediate classes, which enroll up to 12 students and give instruction on everything from tool use to cleaning to post-install tips. The schedule also includes Advanced workshops for those participants with prior experience in vehicle graphics installations. Advanced classes enroll up to eight students and focus on bumpers, deep recessed areas, lowering install times, and much more. Participants of both the Basic & Intermediate and Advanced classes receive an NT cutter A-551P knife, an Avery squeegee, a one-year discounted membership of $199 to Carwraps® Video training platform. In addition, Basic & Intermediate class participants receive a free copy of the Speedwrap Xtra DVD, and Advanced students receive a one-year listing on Carwraps Find an Installer section. All classes cost $599 ($499 for Mutoh owners). I learned more in three days [with Mutohs Hand-On School of Wrap] than I have in the last year and half, trying to figure things out on my own, says Matt McDonald, owner of PREMIERWRAPS.net. We wrapped a bass boat in seven hours after taking the class. My way would have taken at least fifteen hours. Unreal. Thank you. The 2010 Hands-On School of Wrap Schedule: March 11th/12th Basic & Intermediate March 13th Advanced Class Avery Dennison | 8080 Norton Parkway| Mentor, OH 44060| http://www.averydennison.com June 7th/8th Basic & Intermediate June 9th - Advanced Class NESCHEN Americas | 7091 Troy Hill Drive | Elkridge MD 21075 | www.neschenamericas.com August 16th/17th- Basic & Intermediate August 18th - Advanced Class Graphics One, LLC | 3300 North San Fernando Blvd | Burbank, California 91504 | http://www.graphicsone.com October 18th/19th - Basic & Intermediate October 20th - Advanced Class Avery Dennison | 8080 Norton Parkway| Mentor, OH 44060 | "http://www.averydennison.com December 9th /10th - Basic & Intermediate December 11th - Advanced Class MUTOH America Inc | 2602 S. 47th St. | Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 480.968.7772 | http://www.mutoh.com For more information and to register, visit www.mutohcarwraps.com/mutohschoolofwrap.html.
New Appointments
Halco Lighting Technologies has hired Steve Syers as senior sales managercustomer support. Syers will report to the Vice President of Sales, and will assume responsibility for the activities of Account Representatives and the Customer Service Department. Syers brings nineteen years of experience in B2B sales and the service industry to his position, and previously served as president of Franchise Gator. Mutoh America Inc. has hired Ralph Terramagra as eastern regional sales manager. Terramagra will work out of Mutohs new east coast branch in Woburn, MA. Terramagra has 20 years of experience in the printing industry and 10 years of experience in the wide format industry. He previously served as Product Manager for UV printers at Mimaki USA. Mutoh has also hired Fumiya Aramaki as west coast regional sales manager and he will work out of Mutohs new West Coast branch in Torrance, CA. Aramaki transferred from Mutoh Japan Headquarters, where he served as deputy general manager. Before joining Mutoh, Aramaki worked as general manager at Panasonic.
Meetings and Events
FEBRUARY Feb 23-25: The Digital Signage Expo will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. To learn more, call 770/649-0300 or log on to www.digitalsignageexpo.net. Feb 25-27: Graphics of the Americas 2010 will take place in Miami Beach, Florida. For further information, visit www.graphicsoftheamericas.com or follow GOA2010 on Twitter.
MARCH
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