Transpixel: A simple POS solution for your retail application

POS displays are becoming a big thing in the retail industry, and since the launch of Tesco's virtual store in Korea in 2011, retailers across the globe are catching on to the growing trend. Intel predicts that in 2015 digital signs will total to 22 million globally. The three top industries for digital signage have been reported as retail, corporate and transportation according to Avalos. Although corporate is currently the strongest market in EMEA, retail is following closely behind.

SignStix claims “Digital signage will become even more sought-after in 2015 as it will help retailers’ ability to engage and convert in-store customers and enhance the overall shopping experience” and with 85% of European businesses believing new technology provides them with a competitive advantage (Epson Europe 2014) it is becoming highly important that retailers introduce innovative digital signage technology to up-sell products and stay ahead of their competitors. 

Here at Display Solutions, we have a variety of digital signage products designed for the retail industry. One of the latest products to be added to our portfolio is the Transpixel range of transparent displays from our trusted partner Litemax. The transparent displays make eye catching POS features a hassle free in store application. With plug and play capabilities, the Transpixel products can be easily installed and content can be changed regularly to fit a specific promotion or theme. The transparent display sits on the front of an enclosed box frame which can be opened from the rear to place products inside. The Transpixel range is currently available in 17.2" and 29.3" versions which can be easily installed into stands, features and fascias. Take a look at the Transpixel range being demonstrated in our latest product video. 

For more information on the Transpixel range or any other products from our portfolio, please contact us directly on 01480 411600. Find out more about Display Solutions by visiting our website: www.displaysolutions.co.uk 

PCAP: The touch technology explained

PCAP touch technology is widely used in smart phones and tablets, but is fast becoming the favoured option for larger touch screen systems, taking over from the old favourite resistive touch. Although there are various different touch technologies in the market, PCAP is proving to be one of the most reliable, and here’s why...

How it works 

Projected capacitive sensors are made up of three major components; the sensor glass, the cover glass, and a flexible printed circuit (FPC) to the controller IC. The sensor glass is made up of a series of electrodes that are configured into rows and columns that are “read” one by one to get an exact reading or count. These electrodes are made of a transparent conductive coating called indium tin oxide (ITO) The DisplayTouch range uses an enhanced Single Indium Tin Oxide Structure. Each electrode is routed back with a metal trace to a connection point where the FPC can be bonded.

The cover glass is optically bonded with an optical clear adhesive on top of the sensor glass, burying the electrodes within the stack of the lamination. The cover glass serves as a dielectric between your touch and the electrodes of the sensor glass. It also acts as a barrier layer, protecting the sensitive electrodes from the environment and any potential damage.

The controller continually scans and monitors the capacitance of the electrodes. When your finger touches the surface of the cover glass it pulls a small charge from the electrodes and using complex algorithms the controller can determine the exact location of your touch, the results are extremely precise.

Projected capacitive touch technology has many benefits, in particular, a multi-touch capability, extreme durability with up to 250 million hours lifespan and superior optics with over 90% optical transmission. 

Benefits include

-          PCAP offers multi-touch capabilities

-          PCAP offers protective shielding and longer life usage

-          PCAP supports drag and drop/various gesture movements 

-          PCAP boasts strong touch accuracy 

How we can help you save money 

Although PCAP can sometimes be deemed as a less cost effective solution, we’ve developed our own range of PCAP monitors that offer a reliable, cost saving solution. The DisplayTouch range covers all types of touch technology, but specialises on PCAP technology. Some of the latest products to be added to the DisplayTouch range include new vandal-resistant monitors and 10 point touch displays. To find out more about the touch technologies available and our DisplayTouch range, visit www.displaytouch.co.uk or contact us directly on 01480 411600. 

The Shuttle DS87- A Triple Display Computer from Display Solutions

Display Solutions introduces the DS87 embedded PC, which accommodates 4K ultra HD content and allows operators to show different high quality content across three screens simultaneously. Successor to the DS61, this robust, powerful and slim embedded PC integrates new 4th generation Intel® processors, and is compatible with the latest Windows and Linux operating systems and supports display sizes varying from 6.4” up to 70” or even larger, if required.

“Equipped with two Display Port interfaces and an HDMI port, the DS87 allows for three independent displays to be driven simultaneously, meeting unique requirements of users within the digital signage sector,” says Brendan O’Reilly, product manager at Display Solutions. “The DS87’s slim metal chassis, and versatile connectivity offers reliable 24/7 operation in harsh environments. With an operating temperature of up to 50°C, this embedded PC ideal for use across a wide range of professional applications, including POS, POI, casino, education and healthcare.”

Offering reduced power consumption and greater connectivity to its predecessor, the DS87 features 8 USB ports, Dual Gigabit LAN, Audio and two serial ports. The unit is equipped with support for the Intel® Haswell fourth-generation Core™ i3/i5/i7 processor and supports DDR 1600 memory with a maximum capacity of 16GB.

For more information about Shuttle’s barebone PCs, please call Display Solutions directly on +44 (0) 1480 411600 or visit the website: www.displaysolutions.co.uk.  

Introducing the DTSF-15MOFP - A Vandal-Resistant solution for your Digital Signage application.

Display Solutions introduces the DTSF-15MOFP, a vandal-resistant, open frame touch display. This innovative touchscreen product is the latest to be added to Display Solutions’ own DisplayTouch range. Featuring superior impact resistance, the DTSF-15MOFP is suitable for a wide range of applications, including kiosk, ATM, gaming and ticketing. When sealed in an appropriate customer enclosure, it is equally well-suited for use in outdoor environments.

The DTSF-15MOFP offers projected capacitive touchscreen features, with an optically bonded protective layer of glass secured over the PCAP touch sensor to enhance the performance of the display in outdoor environments. With a total 7.3mm glass stack-up thickness, this ensures high resistance and protection from impacts whilst meeting the UL-60950 requirement. In addition, the edge-to-edge flush design enables easy cleaning, for a bacteria/dust free screen.

“This new DisplayTouch product is an ideal touchscreen solution for harsh outdoor environments where heavy use is likely,” begins Brendan O’Reilly, product manager at Display Solutions. “The DTSF-15MOFP’s PCT features combined with a highly resistant protective glass guarantees users a reliable, accurate and high-speed touchscreen experience.”

Offering both multi-touch and gesture input, these screens are well-suited for a variety of high-performance touch applications. Available as a compact and integrated solution, the touch screen is fitted directly to the unit and no additional assembly is required. The display is HID compliant and therefore easily integrated with a thin client solution or computer.

The DTSF-15MOFP is currently available in 15”, with 17” and 19” versions to follow later in 2015, all of which are Windows 7 compatible. RoHS compliant, the screen also carries CE, UL, CUL, and FCC-B safety approvals.

For more information about the DTSF-15MOFP and other products in the DisplayTouch range, please call Display Solutions directly on +44 (0) 1480 411600 or visit the website: www.displaytouch.co.uk.

4K - Will it take over in 2015?

Entering into a New Year, a major topic of discussion dominating January is unsurprisingly the trends predicted to take over in 2015. One major trend getting a lot of media attention in the digital signage industry at present is the takeover of 4K. According to Grandview research, the digital signage industry is set to top $20 billion by 2020. With strong growth predicted over the next 5 years, it’s only a matter of time before 4K takes over the B2B digital signage industry. In recent trade shows across the globe, large players in the industry such as LG, Samsung, AUO and Sharp have already been showing off their latest 4K and ultra HD technologies, ready for the market growth in 2015.

4K has made a prominent mark in the consumer market over the past 12 months; however the shift to the business environment was a little slower. This is mainly down to the speculation over the high price tags associated with 4K equipment, and the full system overhaul required to get 4K quality. But it doesn't have to be an expensive digital signage solution. With Taiwanese manufacturers developing their technology to meet the growing 4K demands, cost effective 4K components will be coming to market this year. 

Here at Display Solutions, we're working with our partners in Asia to bring you the latest 4K technologies at a competitive price. Some of our 4K products to look out for in 2015 are:

-          Shuttles DS87, XH97V and SH97R6 PC Systems

-          AUO, LG, Samsung and Sharp 4K Displays 

4K Digital Signage is suitable for a number of applications, but our areas of expertise lie in:

-          Retail

-          Gaming

-          Transport

To find out more about the 4K solutions Display Solutions can provide, please visit our website at www.displaysolutions.co.uk or contact the office on 01480 411600.