In our first MediaVue TechTalk, we’ll be briefly covering the four most common video connectors and the reasons to pick one over the others for a specific installation.  We’re constantly getting this question in both sales and support, so without further ado…

The Rundown

     DVI:  The Digital Visual Interface is currently the most commonly used connector.  There are three types of DVI: DVI-I, DVI-D, and DVI-A.  DVI-I, or DVI-Integrated, supports both digital and analog video signals. In most cases, DVI-I signals can be separated to support two simultaneous displays. DVI-D is DVI-Digital, and passes only the digital video signal.  DVI-A is Analog, and passes only the analog video signal.  DVI-D and DVI-A connectors cannot be used with DVI to VGA adapters. DVI also comes in both the Single Link and Dual Link varieties. Single Link is capable of pushing 1920 x 1200px to a display at 60hz, 32 bit color. Dual Link can push 2560 x 1600px to a display at 60hz, 32bit color. DVI can be locked in place using the  screws on the connector.

     VGA:  The Video Graphics Array connector has been around for many years and continues to impress.  VGA passes an analog signal, but can push up to 2560 x 1600px to a display at 60hz, in 32bit color, depending on your systems hardware.  A common myth is that VGA is not capable of pushing HD content, but in reality VGA can push 1080p full HD content as well as any of the other connectors.  Since VGA signal is analog, it is the easiest to extend.  If you are planning on having a lot of space between your PC and your display, VGA might be the best option.  VGA can be locked in place using the two thumb screws on the connector.

    HDMI:  The High-Definition Multimedia Interface connector has become the standard for HDTV’s because of its ability to transfer both audio and video in one cable.  In reality, the digital video signal carried by HDMI is the same digital video signal carried by DVI-D.  There is no conversion or loss of quality when using a DVI to HDMI adapter.  I’ve heard of people doing beyond 1080p with HDMI cabling, but it will depend on the version of the HDMI connector.  In general, it is safe to assume that your HDMI connector will support up to 1920 x 1200px at 60hz, 32 bit color, almost identical to a DVI-D except that it can carry audio.

*Note: HDMI has no way of securing itself or locking the connection.

     DisplayPort:   DisplayPort is similar to HDMI in that in can carry both video and audio signals across one connector, but DisplayPort can also support data connections (i.e. for a webcam).  Converting DisplayPort video signal often requires an active adapter which creates legacy timings to support DVI, VGA, or HDMI connections.  The DisplayPort++ connector is designed to transmit Single Link DVI-D and HDMI signals with only a passive adapter.  The DisplayPort 1.1 connector can support well beyond 1080p resolutions and depending on your hardware can support two simultaneous 1080p displays.   Again depending on your hardware, the Displayport 1.2 connector can push full 1080p content to 4 independent displays, but more than 3 isn’t recommend.

DisplayPort is the most powerful of all of the connectors, but also the least prevalent and most expensive.  It automatically secures its connection using a clip similar to a cat5 cable.

*Note: Mini DisplayPort has no way of securing itself or locking the connection.

Which is right for my installation?

When you look at the connectors side by side you can see a few key differences.  The first difference to note is that HDMI and miniDisplayPort do not lock or secure themselves.  Over long periods of time, small vibrations can cause these connectors to dislodge.  Given that the DVI-D and DVI-I connectors can pass the exact same digital signal as HDMI and can be secured, I recommend using DVI over HDMI in almost all cases.

Analog video signals have their time and place.  If you are hoping to extend a signal over a long distance (greater than 10 meters), I recommend using VGA because it is so cost effective.  VGA is perfectly acceptable for HD installations and in some cases looks better than DVI or DisplayPort.  Many people prefer VGA because of its simplicity.

DisplayPort is the clear winner amongst the connectors – it can support higher resolutions, daisy chaining, audio, and data all simultaneously.  However, DisplayPort is still very expensive, around an extra $ 100.00 per display, and the sometimes complicated steps required to convert DisplayPort to DVI or VGA are ultimately its downfall.  If you are looking for headache-free installation, I would recommend sticking to DVI and VGA.

Take an in-depth look at a real-life MediaVue installation.  The Westfield Stratford Shopping Centre, just outside of Downtown London, has 22 SureVues powering more than 300 screens across 16 video walls.  This video provides an insider’s look at the project from planning to installation.

Get familiar with SureVue and the Westfield Stratford, the gateway to the 2012 Olympic Village!

The SureVue 3A powered this transforming billboard just outside of the main entry gate of the Amsterdam RAI during ISE 2012.  Our friends at Maritime Media in the UK put together an unforgettable installation for ISE.  Running off a single SureVue 3A (with a back-up unit in the cab), the billboard delivered reliable, eye-catching content throughout the whole show.

Watch the video to see SureVue 3A in action!

AVSystemsMag recently selected SureVue D4 as one of its featured products of DSE 2012!   The SureVue D4 had a strong showing at DSE, stationed in the heart of the Scala booth powering beautiful multi-screen content across Step4Media’s menu boards, and seamless playback on Philips’ touch-screen wall and table.  CLICK HERE to see the full article.

Lotto is entering a new digital era with the roll-out of LCD promotional screens to almost 600 stores around the country – the biggest roll-out of its kind in New Zealand, says NZ Lotteries’ Chief Executive Todd McLeay.

“Digital signage is a new medium that offers us huge potential as a new marketing channel. It is not online, it’s not TV, and it’s not print, rather it’s a combination of all these mediums – a mix of animation, video and catchy messages,” says Mr McLeay.

“Approximately one million customers visit our Lotto stores each week, and digital signage can offer them a more emotionally engaging in-store experience than present. “It will grab attention and better engage our customers – as well as reduce our carbon footprint with less of a requirement for printed collateral over time.” The digital screens play a range of promotional displays for NZ Lotteries brands, as well as showing current jackpot levels and information on lottery grants for the community.

Whilst digital signage is relatively new in the New Zealand retail market, internationally the medium has achieved significant growth. The United Kingdom’s OAA (Outdoor Advertising Association) predicts the digital screen market will be worth £107 million ($211 million NZD) by the end of 2012, or 14.9% of all outdoor advertising revenue.

International research studies carried out by Microsoft and Intel have shown that more than five times as many people look at digital signage when compared to a flat poster, even a back lit version. On average, the time customers spend viewing digital signage is 40 percent higher than viewing a static display. The medium is rapidly being embraced by some of the largest retailers in the world, including Tesco, Target and the Bank of America.

After a competitive tender process, NZ Lotteries partnered with New Zealand vendor SignActive to implement digital signage in 600 of its retail stores. Most of the installations are 47 inch landscape screens, whilst 42 inch portrait screens have been used in sites where there is limited space.

“SignActive were deemed the best vendor for the software and the hardware installation as they provided the best solutions for the needs of our complex network situation, at a competitive price,” says Mr McLeay.

The solution is based on content creation, management and distribution software from Scala, which is headquartered in Exton, Pa. USA and drives the majority of digital signage screens worldwide. Scala runs on a PC hardware platform, in our case using purpose-built digital signage player PCs from Massachusetts manufacturer MediaVue Systems.

We decided on these players because they are designed to be small, rugged and highly reliable under continuous load, and had sufficient performance to cope with the rich content we required. SignActive built the players using a customised Windows Embedded operating system.

Other support for the project has included LG as the monitor supplier, Laser Electrical as the installers, and Datacom as the service and support company.

“NZ Lotteries is designing the content internally, and feedback from retailers and customers alike has been positive, but the key to the digital signage success will be reflected in our future sales – so watch this space!”

About SignActive

SignActive is a specialist provider of digital signage and integrated technology solutions based in Auckland, New Zealand.  Delivering dynamic content using a range of engaging media technologies, SignActive provides businesses with innovative ways to connect with their customers, captivate their attention, and ultimately drive purchase behavior.  SignActive develops innovative product and service solutions that combine the most advanced display technologies available with industry standard hardware and world leading software.  There are no standard templates at SignActive — the solutions are far reaching and applicable to a large variety of sectors.

About MediaVue

Driving thousands of screens worldwide, every one of our SureVue models is designed to meet the unique combination of design and operational requirements facing digital signage player PCs. Strong video performance, high reliability while operating continuously under heavy loads in harsh environments and a small, convenient form factor. SureVues are designed and built as complete systems for digital signage applications. Our high-performance fanless designs, ultra-reliable drives and our custom-engineered system images deliver the highest possible level of operating stability, performance and functionality. At MediaVue, digital signage is our business.

MediaVue is headquartered in Massachusetts, USA, and has systems deployed in Canada, Mexico, USA, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Columbia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Vietnam, New Zealand, UK, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Portugal, UAE, Kuwait, Oman and India. Key clients include Telefonica, New Zealand Lottery, Bank Muscat, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, UniqLo, Invensys, Corbett’s Bookmakers, Taco Bell, Burger King, US Navy, Dow Chemicals, American Electric Power and Irving Convention Center.

KENT, United Kingdom, January, 2011 —Maritime Media has selected MediaVue’s SureVue range of media Players to drive their LED advertising screens throughout the United Kingdom. Maritime Media offers a full package in LED big screens encompassing advertising sales, entertainment, procurement, rentals and full support.

Selecting the hardware platform to drive Maritime Media’s significant investment was a decision not made lightly. Based on SureVue’s record of incredible reliability across the world and their approved accreditation to create a custom image for the Scala software platform, Maritime Media selected the SureVue785 after testing multiple solutions.

This is another great example of a network where system uptime is critical, and SureVues again deliver that business critical media player reliability,” said David DeGiorgi, Managing Director, MediaVue Systems.

About Maritime Media

Maritime Media is the sole UK & Ireland agent for one of the foremost LED manufacturers in the world. Maritime Media offers a full package in LED big screens encompassing advertising sales, entertainment, procurement, rentals and full support.

www.maritimemedia.co.uk

About MediaVue

Driving thousands of screens worldwide, every one of our SureVue models is designed to meet the unique combination of design and operational requirements facing digital signage player PCs. Strong video performance, high reliability while operating continuously under heavy loads in harsh environments and a small, convenient form factor. SureVues are designed and built as complete systems for digital signage applications. Our high-performance fanless designs, ultra-reliable drives and our custom-engineered system images deliver the highest possible level of operating stability, performance and functionality. At MediaVue, digital signage is our business.

MediaVue is headquartered in Massachusetts, USA, and has systems deployed in Canada, Mexico, USA, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Columbia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Vietnam, New Zealand, UK, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Portugal, UAE, Kuwait, Oman and India. Key clients include Telefonica, New Zealand Lottery, Bank Muscat, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, UniqLo, Invensys, Corbett’s Bookmakers, Taco Bell, Burger King, US Navy, Dow Chemicals, American Electric Power and Irving Convention Center.

More information is available at www.mediavuesystems.com

MediaVue Partner Concept Digital has successfully installed a fully integrated LED billboard at Cuckoo Wharf in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The pioneering 96-sheet LED display has been well received within the billboard sector and is one of Europe’s largest, measuring 12 meters wide and 3 meters high. The billboard features color advertisements from a wide range of companies such as Mercedes, Stella Artois, Estee Lauder, Orange Mobile and other well-known brands.

The Concept team provided a comprehensive turnkey integration service, which included initial design, the installation of the display and its steel support structure, content management and ongoing training and remote monitoring. Installation teams worked over several days, despite snow and ice, to ensure that the digital 96-sheet screen and surround sound component was successfully installed to the distinctive steel structure. This landmark digital installation went live December 21, 2010.

Through its expertise and ability to use LED technology to its fullest capability, Concept developed a billboard with perfect visibility for all advertisers that use the digital display, no matter what time of day or weather conditions. Requiring real reliability and performance from a media Player to support such a high profile solution, Concept selected the SureVue785 Digital Signage Player PC from MediaVue Systems.

“We have been a traditional sign business for 13 years and have been involved in numerous digital sign projects over the past six years. As it has become a greater focus for our business, we realized we needed to partner with a deeply reliable hardware platform that was proven and reliable,” says Sean Morrough, Managing Director at Concept Digital. “We selected MediaVue after a review of the numerous hardware options in the market and feel it was a great decision. With a solution such as this, where our client demands the smoothest playback performance with the highest level of reliability, MediaVue delivers the best solution in the market. “

“Concept Digital is an integrator with the highest quality and standards, and this fits the ethos of the SureVue line of digital signage products. Concept Digital truly understands the environment into which these digital signs are being placed.” said David DeGiorgi, Managing Director, MediaVue Systems.
About Concept Digital

Established in 1998, Concept Digital is the digital division of Concept Sign and Display who are one of Europe’s leading visual communication experts, providing distinctive sign solutions through the use of bespoke, modular and digital signage. By offering a turnkey approach, we fully encompass the design, project management, manufacturing, installation and after sales service of each project whether a one off sign requirement or a complex multi-site re-brand. We develop and maintain long-term partnerships with our clients, delivering strong design-led products and services to exceed your expectations. More information: www.conceptsigns.co.uk

About MediaVue Systems

Every one of our SureVue models is designed to meet the unique combination of design and operational requirements facing digital signage player PCs. Strong video performance, high reliability while operating continuously under heavy loads in harsh environments and a small, convenient form factor. SureVues are designed and built as complete systems for digital signage applications. Our high-performance fanless designs, ultra-reliable drives and our custom-engineered system images deliver the highest possible level of operating stability, performance and functionality. At MediaVue, digital signage is our business. MediaVue is headquartered in Massachusetts, USA, and has systems deployed in Canada, Mexico, USA, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Columbia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Vietnam, New Zealand, UK, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Portugal, UAE, Kuwait, Oman and India. Key clients include Telefonica, New Zealand Lottery, Bank Muscat, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, UniqLo, Invensys, Corbett’s Bookmakers, Taco Bell, Burger King, US Navy, Dow Chemicals, American Electric Power and Irving Convention Center.

More information is available at www.mediavuesystems.com