t h o u g h t
le a d e r s h i p
s e r i e s
Digital Signage
The Market
S t r at e g i e s
The New Era Of Intelligent Digital Signage
Getting Started With Digital Signage
Opportunities ✚ Maximizing Digital Signage ROI ✚ DSEK-11 Puts It All Together
I s s u e
F o c u s
a pe r f e c t s to r m o f
Opportunity Technology and business trends combine to boost demand for digital signage solutions.
F
ast-growing customer demand ... falling hardware prices ... a rich ecosystem of vendors and technology partners ... a need for solutions expertise and support services ... these factors have created a perfect storm of opportunity around digital signage solutions. Solution providers that enter this promising business will find excellent potential for revenue and profits in a variety of markets, from retail and health care to financial services, hospitality, transportation and beyond. Digital signage delivers dynamic advertising and other messages to targeted audiences almost anywhere people congregate. Messages can be delivered in realtime, and content can include live or on-demand video, RSS feeds and graphics that are communicated on displays and handheld devices. Information is delivered digitally through a centrally managed and controlled network, with specialized services required in systems and network integration, content development and management, and deployment and remote support. Solution providers that offer such services will find a wealth of customers willing to buy. According to Northern Sky Research*, in 2009 there were more than 1.5 million digital signage players, a number that should grow to almost 4.0 million by 2012. At a compound annual growth rate of 26 percent, nearly 8 million players should be deployed by 2015. The retail market is particularly promising. ISupply* predicts that in-store digital media will account for global sales of $14.6 billion this year. Such high demand is fueled by advertisers’ need for targeted messag-
2
thought leadership series
ing, consumers’ appetite for interactivity and increasing pressure to generate higher returns from advertising expenditures. On the technology front, anonymous video analytics, wired and wireless broadband connectivity, emerging standards, remote manageability, rich media blending, energy-efficient systems and mainstream availability of components combine to make sophisticated solutions a reality. Such features are helping signage customers create solutions that lower their ownership costs and increase return on investments. If you’d like to explore this promising business opportunity, you’ve come to the right place. Digital signage represents an active, growing ecosystem of industry players, from hardware and software to content management, systems integration, network services and everything in between. You can play at whatever level of complexity best matches your core expertise and your business model, as you will see from the following pages. This e-zine begins with an overview of intelligent digital signage today, followed by a tutorial on how to get started. We also analyze key technology advances in audience measurement, remote management and development platform evaluation—all critical to helping you develop signage solutions that will delight your customers and energize your bottom line. n
LGE 031153 AD_SuperSign_Layout 1 4/1/11 10:46 AM Page 1
LG makes it simple... with SuperSign - now you have choices
Certified Content Providers
LCD Display with NC2000 Integrated Media Player
On-Site HW Swap Out
Purchasing Options Available
Tom prefers
Turn-key
Tech Support
Wall Mount
News Feeds
Scheduling and Playback Software with Starter Templates.
LCD Displays from 32" - 65" class
Steve prefers
Traditional NC1000 or NC2000 Media Player with Intel®
Scheduling and Playback Software with Templates.
Whether you’re looking for a simple all in one digital signage solution, or prefer to put the pieces and parts together yourself, LG gives you options with SuperSign™. From our turnkey SuperSign Premier starting at just $149 per month*, to the traditional SuperSign Elite with your option of screen sizes from 32" to 65" class, LG has the right solution. Call Today - 1.800.897.8788. By understanding your business needs - LG makes it simple. Simple to buy. Simple to sell. Simple to use. For complete details of the SuperSign solution please visit www.LGMakesItSimple.com. Send the right message to every customer using digital signage with Intel Inside® * Monthly packages starting at $149.00 with 36 month contract. Portrait mode capabilities planned for Q4 2010. © 2011 LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ. All rights reserved. “LG Life’s Good” is a registered trademark of LG Corp. SuperSign is a trademark of LG Electronics Inc. The CNN logo is a trademark of Cable News Network, Inc. A Time Warner Company. Intel, Intel Inside and the Intel logo are trademarks of the Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Screen images are simulated.
www.LGMakesItSimple.com
t h e
M a r k e t
T h e N e w E r a o f I nt e l l i g e nt
Digital Signage Solution providers have an enormous opportunity to deliver smart, measurable and manageable digital signage solutions.
4
thought leadership series
• At the restaurant, you can watch the big game, check the daily special and enter your order • In a grocery store, you can see a famous chef handle a tricky recipe and download the ingredients to your smartphone • In a cab from the airport, you can catch up on the news and reserve a table at a hot new restaurant • In a clothing store, you can compare styles, get a “virtual fit” and let your friends see your selections on Facebook*
Intelligence that redefines the in-store experience.
ViewSonic’s new EP5502 free standing ePoster displays are sure to attract attention with their slim profile, standing over 7 feet tall with a 55" full HD display. Perfect for point of sale, point of transportation or point of information messaging. Bring more intelligence to your customers’ in-store experience with Intel® Inside. ViewSonic NMP-640 Network media players powered by Intel® processors deliver flexible performance and connectivity that make them ideal for managing customer loyalty programs and suggestive-selling applications, providing real solutions that can help maximize retail opportunities. It’s a smarter way to close the sale. For a limited time, get an NMP-640 at a great dealer cost of $479. That’s 40% off MSRP. Order Yours Today!
Must be a current Finch Club member to take advantage of this promotion. Sign up today at FinchClub.com Learn more at ViewSonic.com/crnintel Limit (1) one unit per customer. Offer ends April 30, 2011 or while supplies last. Must be a current Finch Club member for this offer. Program, pricing, specification and availability are subject to change without notice. Selection, offers and programs may vary by country; see your ViewSonic representative for complete details. Prices in U.S. Dollars. Offer good in U.S. only. Void where prohibited. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Copyright © 2011 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved. Intel, Intel Inside and the Intel logo are trademarks of the Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Corporate names and trademarks stated herein are the property of their respective companies. Copyright © 2011 ViewSonic Corporation. All rights reserved. [15556-00C-03/11]
CRN_ad.indd 1
3/30/11 1:29 PM
T h e
M a r k e t The common denominator in these scenarios? Digital signage—the now ubiquitous installations of flat-panel displays and media players delivering targeted advertising and other messages to shoppers, restaurant patrons, passengers and more. Initially conceived as an electronic replacement to old-fashioned posters and billboards, digital signage is rapidly evolving thanks to touch screens, compelling graphics and sophisticated media players. It is also benefiting from tools that make it easy to manage networks, measure audiences, and increase interaction with mobile devices and social media. The growing sophistication of digital signage is creating a wide range of opportunities for solution providers that can leverage existing IT skills to put together their own solutions, or take advantage of powerful digital signage options from OEMs. Depending on its role and importance in the enterprise, digital signage may come under the purview of the IT department, marketing or corporate communications—all excellent prospects for signage solution sales.
A Rapidly Expanding Market Digital signage has become so pervasive that more people now watch video on digital signs than on Internet sites or Facebook. These numbers will only grow.1 The approximately 2 million digital signage
media players now installed worldwide are expected to increase to about 8 million by 2015. They will support some 14 million screens in a wide range of locations, from big-box stores with a global footprint to specialty retailers with just a handful of outlets. Convenience stores, shopping malls, schools, medical practices and theaters are investing in digital signage, and a slew of niche markets are following in their wake.2
The Power of Intel® Architecture An active ecosystem of digital signage manufacturers, software developers, systems integrators and resellers has emerged, with solutions ranging from installations with just one or two signs showing simple graphics, to networks that encompass hundreds of locations and mix HD video, ads, Web feeds and more. Intel® processors power many of these solutions, which range from cost-effective implementations based on Intel® Atom™ processors, to more sophisticated systems utilizing second-generation Intel® Core™ processors. Some examples: • Turkish retailer Arcelik* deployed a 9,000-screen digital signage solution across 800 retail locations using the Pixage* digital signage application from KocSistem*. Pixage supports multiple windows containing a wide variety of content, including multiple full HD video streams, photos, 3-D
Growth of Players by Vertical Market 2009-2015
More People now watch Video on Digital signs Than on internet sites or facebook
Growth of Players by Vertical Market 2009-2015 8000 7000
Corporate
6000
Outdoor Healthcare
5000
Education Transportation
4000
Banking
3000
Entertainment Hospitality
2000
Retail
1000 2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Source: Northern Sky Research Analysis 5/09/2010 with CAGR extended out to 2015
Growing demand and the need for value-added services make digital signage a natural for solution providers.
5
thought leadership series
The New Era of Intelligent Digital Signage
graphics, subtitles and news tickers. Content can also be customized on a screen-by-screen basis. The system is based on the Intel® Core™ i5 processor with integrated graphics. All 9,000 screens can be centrally managed, thanks to the remote management capabilities of Pixage with Intel® Active Management Technology (Intel® AMT). • Telecom giant Vodophone* deployed a centrally managed digital signage network across 1,600 stores, some with as many as 18 screens and each able to display content based on customer preferences. To manage the sprawling, dynamic network, Vodophone chose a solution using Intel® Core™2 Duo processors and Intel® AMT.
Information, Ambiance and Advertising Depending on where and how it is used, digital signage can play a wide range of roles. Many signs are used strictly for information purposes, such as displaying menu specials in a restaurant, or informing parents, students and staff at a school of upcoming events. In retail environments, digital signs can be used to create a contemporary ambiance, as well as to promote brands carried in the store. Unquestionably, however, the major role for digital signage is as an advertising medium. Ad revenues on digital signs have passed the billion-dollar mark, and more significantly, ad buys on digital signs grew even during the worst of the recent economic downturn. Just as TV advertisers seek out specific shows and time slots, Web-based solutions are now emerging, including NEC’s* Vukunet and Rvue, that enable advertisers large or small to place ads on specific networks of signs and, in some cases, individual signs in specific locations. Consider these possibilities: • A financial services company marketing to investors between the ages of 25 and 55 can choose signs in broad-reach locations such as transit hubs and coffee shops, knowing that potential customers could stop in at a local branch on their way to work. • A manufacturer of a new line of organic baby food can quickly reach its target audience of new parents by advertising on signs in pediatrician offices; mom or dad might even pick some up on the way home.
adiVERSE by adidas and Intel is a virtual footwear wall, powered by the new 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processors, which allows users to interact with images and information about the footwear.
The growth of an active signage advertising market creates profitable opportunities for solution providers, both in developing media and in managing third-party advertising on a network.
Intel Concepts for Retail Stores A major role for digital signs in the retail sector is to function as fully integrated, interactive stations, where customers can use touch screens to gather information, compare products and make transactions. This helps retailers set their stores apart by delivering unique customer experiences. It also provides the reseller with an opportunity to implement a sophisticated solution using the latest components.
1. 2010 Arbitron Digital Place-Based Video Study* 2. NSR Analysis 5/09 & 2012-2015 Intel estimates*
thought leadership series
6
T h e
M a r k e t
Intel ® Active Management Technology (Intel ® AMT) and AVA:
Two Keys to Digital Signage Success Intel has developed a number of prototypes to showcase the potential of digital signage technology. These include the adiVerse Virtual Footwear Wall and the Intel® Digital Signage Endcap Concept. adiVerse, a virtual footwear wall by adidas and Intel, puts the ultimate aisle of shoes at the fingertips of consumers while they are in-store and ready to buy. The solution is a virtual extension of real product displays, where products (shoes) would be shown on a shelf. It taps into the rich communication possibilities of the digital world and combines it with real product interactions only possible in the physical world. Powered by second-generation Intel® Core™ i7 processors, adiVerse delivers visually smart performance, allowing users to interact with footwear at an unprecedented level of detail. Built-in anonymous video analytics produces metrics on shopper trends, demographics and shipping patterns, enabling adidas to provide personalized experiences and relevant value-added services to shoppers. The Intel® Digital Signage Endcap Concept transforms the high-profile, end-of-aisle location with a solution that uses Anonymous Video Analytics (AVA) to sense when a customer is approaching, determine the gender and approximate age, and provide an appropriate and targeted product tour to help guide product selection. As products are selected, the Intel® Digital Signage Endcap Concept solution magnifies the product on screen and shows additional product information. Customers have the option of saving information and videos to their mobile phones, or they can add the product’s bar code to their shopping cart.
Stable, Secure Platforms Creating digital signage solutions that can handle rich media, as well as content management, audience metrics and mobile interaction, requires extensible, scalable processing platforms. Solution providers can count on Intel to deliver processors that have the power, performance, security and energy efficiency needed to support innovative, interactive and measurable digital signage solutions. n Learn more…. Get the latest on what Intel is doing in digital signage at www.intel.com/go/digitalsignage
7
thought leadership series
O
ver the long term, two capabilities are critical to the success of digital signage networks: remote management and audience measurement. Intel offers advanced solutions that deliver both capabilities. Remote Manageability: Management and maintenance are major ongoing expenses for operators of digital signage networks. With widely dispersed displays and media players, they need an easy way to address operational issues, update software, turn the systems on and off, etc. Intel® Active Management Technology (Intel® AMT) built into chips such as the Intel® Core™ i5 processors and Intel® Core™ i7 processors, makes it possible to remotely discover and repair many network problems without costly on-site service visits. Operators of digital signage networks can set up new installations, download software updates, perform asset inventories, and turn the signs on and off for energy efficiency—all remotely. Measuring Audiences: To become fully accepted as an advertising medium, digital signs need the ability to measure who’s watching and for how long. That’s why Intel has developed Intel® AIM Suite (Audience Impression Metrics) technology, built specifically for anonymous audience impression measurement. Intel® AIM Suite enables digital signs to be equipped with Anonymous Video Analytics (AVA). Typically requiring a higher-end processor, AVA makes it possible to tailor experiences to specific audiences, while also providing breakdowns of viewership by gender and time of day. Advertisers can use such information to evaluate their digital signage purchases against other media. AVA also provides digital signage operators with information they can use to optimize the design and management of their networks.
Put the power of the ® Intel brand to work for you. Join the Intel® Brand Advantage Program and discover the benefits of co-branding with the world’s 7th most valued brand to promote your eligible devices. Using the Intel® logo can help increase positive perceptions about your product’s performance, reliability, capabilities and ease of use. Learn more today at intelbrandadvantageprogram.intel.com 1
©
2
Copyright 2011, Intel Corporation. Intel and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. 1 Source: Interbrand* “100 Best Global Brands” listing, Sept. 2010. To be eligible for the program, devices must include Intel® processors purchased after May 1, 2010. 2 Eligible devices: Set top boxes; blu-ray disc* players; internet-connected media players; smartphones; internet-connected media phones; in-vehicle infotainment systems; home energy management devices; communications infrastructure equipment; digital signage; proactive health products (such as fitness equipment); print imaging products; retail kiosks; ATM machines; point of sale terminals; medical devices (clinician use only). *Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others. Third party products and/or services featured for informational purposes only, and are subject to change without notice. Intel does not sponsor, represent or warrant third party products or services featured.
S t r at e g i e s
Getting Started In
Digital
signage
You can leverage an extensive ecosystem, emerging standards and powerful tools to jump-start your practice today. Walk into any airport, store, cinema, medical office and many other locations and you are likely to see examples of digital signage. It is a multibillion-dollar market growing at a steady 26 percent rate.
10
thought leadership series
Shopping malls, office buildings, airports, subway stations and more are all being designed and redesigned to accommodate digital signage. Companies large and small—any organization with a public space where large numbers of people gather—are candidates for digital signage solutions. An active ecosystem has emerged to provide the media players, displays, content management software and tools that are needed to implement digital signage solutions. As a solution provider, you can tap this ecosystem, leveraging your IT strengths to gain important business benefits: • Take advantage of high-margin/high-profile sales: Digital signage is rapidly growing, but is
Getting Star ted in Digital Signage
still new to many, if not most, end-user organizations. Thus the profile of your solutions, and profit margins, are likely to be high. • Go deeper and broader into existing accounts: Digital signage projects may be managed by the IT department, but also by marketing, corporate communications, retail operations, etc. It depends on the goal of the digital signage and the role it plays in the mission of the enterprise. • E xpand into adjacent markets: If digital signage has not been your primary focus, it gives you an opportunity to expand into a solution with high potential for growth among existing customers and markets, as well as into new vertical segments. • Ward off competitors: Digital signage is here to stay. If you don’t step up to capitalize on the demand, you can be sure that a competitor will. This overview of opportunities in digital signage will help you get started. It will provide you with insights into how the market is evolving, how you can take advantage of these trends and specific tools that Intel offers to streamline your deployment of solutions.
and it played over and over. There was little or no capability to tailor content to specific audiences, measure the size or demographics of audiences, or service and manage the equipment remotely. You will still encounter older analog networks that are based on DVD players, but they are dwindling in number as networked, interactive, intelligent digital signage networks take their place.
if you don’t step up to capitalize on the demand, you can be sure that a competitor wilL.
Digital Signage Today A typical signage installation today consists of the following: • Display: HD flat panel screens (LCD or plasma) can accept a wide range of media inputs, increasingly with touch capabilities and the ability to interact with mobile devices. • Content Management: Today’s powerful digital media players are capable of managing video, graphics,Web feeds and other sources of content. • Content: Sources of content include video, graphics, Web feeds and more, developed inhouse and/or by a media agency; may include third-party advertising. • Network: LAN and/or WAN.
The Digital Signage Ecosystem Digital Signage Yesterday In the old days of the analog, pre-Internet era, digital signage went by a variety of names, such as “narrowcasting” (to distinguish it from the TV broadcast networks), or “retail TV” because it was often (and still is) found in retail stores. A typical signage configuration consisted of bulky CRT displays running content from a videocassette or, later, a DVD player. The flow of information was one-way without interactivity, the content was often repurposed from other media such as TV,
An active ecosystem has emerged consisting of embedded board manufacturers, OEMs, software developers, systems integrators and distributors: • Embedded board manufacturers provide media player devices and other components. • OEMs manufacture the displays and media players. • ISVs provide content management, audience measurement and other digital signage solutions. • Systems integrators integrate solutions for the broad market and/or specific signage verticals, A typical digitalsignage installation. Video Wall
Flash Animation Digital Media Players
Video
Content and Admin Server
Interactive Screens
Advertising
Graphics
RSS
Networks: 3G/4G LAN/WAN Satellite
LCD/Plasma/LED Screens
Handheld Devices
thought leadership series
11
St e g er c at ti o n i eN sa m e such as retail, hospitality or education. They may also manage content, networks, audience analytics and more. • Network operators integrate solutions and provide network connectivity. • Media agencies and advertising aggregators create and distribute more than $1 billion in thirdparty advertising now showing on digital signs. You can take advantage of this ecosystem to develop your own solutions, resell an existing solution, or partner with an integrator specializing in digital signage.
Different Levels of Signage Solutions Digital signage installations differ in size by the number of displays and players; in the kinds of media displayed such as static images, HD graphics and Web feeds; in how the content is blended, managed and updated; in management capabilities; and in audience measurement. Intel breaks signage solutions into three categories that correspond to Intel® processors. • Entry-level: Powered by the Intel Atom processor, entry-level solutions offer limited content blending, limited interactivity and the lowest overall power. • Mainstream: Powered by the Intel Core2 Duo or Intel Core i5 processors, mainstream solutions feature robust content blending, rich interactivity, remote manageability and useful analytics. • Fully integrated: Powered by 2nd generation
Intel® Core™ i7 processors, fully integrated solutions feature the richest content blending, extreme interactivity, large or multiple displays and remote manageability, as well as powerful analytics.
Value-added Capabilities and Services While a wide range of customers will require entry-level solutions, larger installations and those intended to carry third-party advertising will feature high-end capabilities, such as audience measurement and remote manageability. Intel® Active Management Technology built into chips, such as the Intel Core i5 processors and Intel Core i7 processors, makes it possible to remotely discover and repair many network problems without costly on-site service visits. A system can be remotely managed with Intel® AMT as long as it is connected to a network and power. Even if the operating system is nonresponsive, Intel® AMT enables the network operator to restart the system. The bottom line: Intel® AMT lowers the total cost of ownership by handling repairs remotely and eliminating expensive onsite service calls. Another value-added capability is Anonymous Video Analytics (AVA). With AVA, a sensor attached to a digital sign sends data to face-detection software. This software logs how long the individual viewed the sign and also classifies the viewer by age, gender and so forth. Gathering such data is critical to the growth of digital signage, as
The Digital Signage Ecosystem Media/Content Display • Arrow • Philips • Avnet • Sharp • LG Electronics • Viewsonic • NEC Display Solutions
Ad Agencies/Ad Aggregators • Ad Centricity • NEC Digital Solutions • Rvue • See Saw Networks
Media/Content Management • Advantech • Congatec • AOpen • DFI-ITOX • Arrow • DT Research • Avalue • Emerson • Avnet • HP • Axiomtek • iBase • CompuLab • IEI
Network Operators • AT&T • Reflect Sys • CBS Outernet • Sprint • CompuCom • Stratacache • JCDecaux • Vision China • Neo Traffic
Content Creation
Video, Ads, Web, Flash graphics, etc.
• Kontron • Lanner • LGE • NCR • Nexcom • NEC • Portwell
Software Vendors/ Content Management • Broad Sign • Omnivex • C-Nario • Ryarc • Four Winds • Scala • Hai Vision • YCD Multimedia • iNDS
Content Delivery
WAN/LAN, 3G/4G, Satellite
• Seeyoo • Sharp • Shuttle • VSync • Winmate
System Integrators • Harris • UCView • NEC Digital • VSync Solutions • Wand • Seeyoo • Stratacache
Services
Maintenance, Net Management, Audience Metrics
The digital-signage ecosystem is active and growing, from hardware to software to content management and everything in between.
12
thought leadership series
Getting Star ted in Digital Signage
advertisers need it to evaluate their signage purchases against other media.AVA also gives signage operators more tools to optimize the design and management of their networks. That’s why Intel is integrating AVA with Intel Core processors. (For more details on AVA, see page 14 of this e-zine.)
Digital Signage Standards As signage technology matures beyond proprietary solutions, standards are emerging that facilitate interchangeability and interoperability of media players, displays and other components. As an example, Intel has introduced the open pluggable specification (OPS). Intel created the OPS to address digital signage market fragmentation and simplify device installation, usage, maintenance and upgrades, while making digital signage devices more intelligent and connected. The OPS defines the size of the pluggable, the connector and the electrical interfaces for the connector in digital signage components. The specification helps standardize and simplify the design and development of digital signage devices and pluggable media players. The OPS will enable components from different manufacturers to work together, enabling OEMs to procure compatible media players from a number of vendors. This should assist digital signage manufacturers in deploying interchangeable systems faster and in higher volumes, while lowering costs for development and implementation. The OPS also will lower system ownership costs, making it easier for signage network owners to swap media players after a failure. In addition, the OPS will help to future-proof technology investments by allowing easier upgrades. For more information on the open pluggable specification, visit edc.intel.com/Applications/ Digital-Signage-Solutions/OPS/ Open pluggable standard: Intel has introduced an Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) to define the size of the pluggable, the connector and the electrical interfaces for the connector in digital signage components. The OPS will enable components from different manufacturers to work together, enabling OEMs to procure compatible media players and panels from a number of vendors. The OPS also will lower ownership costs, making it easier for signage network owners to swap media players after a failure. In addition, the OPS will help to future-proof investments by allowing easier upgrades.
Leveraging Intel® Technology To help you develop signage solutions, Intel has created a Digital Signage Evaluation Kit-11 (DSEK-11), as well as Reference Designs for the different levels of digital signage solutions: Digital Signage Evaluation Kit: The DSEK11 is an optimized platform for media player manufacturers and software developers. Powered by Intel Core i5 processor and validated with Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Standard 7 operating system, the platform provides a standards-based, interoperable platform for solution development. Features include: • Intel® Core™ i5-2515E processor with Intel® AMT • Intel® 82579LM Gigabit Ethernet PHY • Preinstalled Windows Embedded Standard 7 • Winmate* EPIC board Developers can purchase the DSEK-11 by ordering units through Winmate. (For detailed information, see page 16 of this e-zine.) Reference designs: Intel also offers a set of reference designs to provide solution developers with an opportunity to test their signage solutions based on Intel® technology. The reference designs match entry-level, mainstream and full-integrated configurations and include designs with and without fans.
The Time Is Now If you’re a solution provider, there has never been a better time to get into digital signage. Touch screens, compelling graphics, sophisticated media players, the tools to manage networks and measure audiences—plus increasing interaction with mobile devices and social media—are all converging to make digital signs more functional, more appealing to consumers and brand advertisers, and more cost-effective to implement and manage. These factors make digital signage more profitable for your company. Intel is committed to driving the future of intelligent digital signage, and we want to work with developers at every level of the ecosystem. Our goal is to facilitate the development of intelligent, cross-functional, digital signage solutions that are integrated, interactive and measurable—all with the lowest possible ownership costs. n
if you’re a solution provider, there has never been a better time to get into digital signage.
Get the latest on what Intel is doing in digital signage at www.intel.com/go/digitalsignage
thought leadership series
13
O p p o r t u n i t i e s
Maximizing
D i g i ta l s i g n a g e R O I Intel ®’s AVA solution advances digital signage intelligence What you can measure, you can improve and optimize. Using Intel® AIM Suite (Audience Impression Metrics) networks can now gauge the effectiveness of their content. Intel® AIM Suite does this by measuring the time people spend looking at displays and determining how well the ads capture the attention of the audience. This allows advertisers to tailor content based on audience behavior and characteristics—key to maximizing return on investment (ROI) and return on objectives (ROO) for digital signage campaigns. Intel® AIM Suite’s underlying technology is AnonymousVideo Analytics (AVA), which uses Intel® processors and small optical devices connected
14
thought leadership series
to the digital sign. Intel® AIM Suite software utilizes anonymous face-detection algorithms to aggregate data such as the number of viewers, how long they viewed ads, and their demographics such as gender and age bracket. It does all this while maintaining total anonymity and complete respect for people’s privacy. With Intel® AIM Suite capability, digital signage can be enhanced by dynamically changing ad content to match the interests of viewers. This targeted approach is enabled by powerful Intel Core i5 processors and Intel Core i7 processors, which can run the advanced AVA application while simultaneously playing HD video content. Such multitasking capability significantly minimizes infrastructure costs, as do the cloud-based analytics and reporting system.
Maximizing Digital Signage R O I
HOW INTEL® AIM SUITE IMPROVES DIGITAL SIGNAGE SOLUTIONS • Low initial investment: Software can run on
existing computers. • Fast deployment: Users access cloud-based
analytics tools. • High performance: The solution is optimized for
Intel® processors. • Scalability: Businesses can start small and
grow as needed. • Green: Displays can dim or turn off automati-
cally if no viewers are detected for an extended period of time. • Flexibility: Realtime socket-based API and HTTP
reporting APIs simplify integration with thirdparty content management system vendors.
• Intel® AIM Suite:The master control application for the AVA solution, Intel® AIM Suite manages instances of Intel® AIM View and uploads data to Intel® AIM Analytics. • I n t e l ® A I M Vi ew : A fa c e - d e t e c t i o n m o d u l e, Intel® AIM View analyzes the video stream from an optical device and detects faces of people viewing the display. It provides information on the number of viewers and their demographics, viewed content and dwell time. • Intel® AIM Analytics: This cloud-based reporting system provides advertisers and network operators with a secure means to view their data, generate reports and receive automated e-mail reports. • Intel® AIM Manage: Based in the cloud, this Web-based license and sensor management system remotely manages all computers running Intel® AIM Suite.
Audience Impression Metrics Intel® AIM Suite can measure the effectiveness of digital signage advertising, thereby helping advertisers maximize ROI. The solution, illustrated in Figure 1, is comprised of four elements:
Intel® AIM Suite and Intel® AIM View run best on Intel® architecture-based computers, which may be the same machines that support content management system applications. Intel® AIM Analytics and Intel® AIM Manage are hosted and managed by Intel. n
Figure 1: Network configuration example
Intel® AIM Analytics Software
For more information, visit www. intel.com/go/digitalsignage.
Intel® AIM Suite and Intel® AIM View Software
Remote Server Internet
Server(s) at the Retailer (possibly the content management server)
Ethernet or USB
Web-based reports
Remote PC
Digital display or signage with front-facing optical device
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP SERIES
15
o p p o r t u n i t i e s
D S E K - 11
Puts It All Together The Digital Signage Evaluation Kit offers building blocks and documentation to help you develop a fully functional digital signage solution.
I
f you’re a systems integrator, manufacturer or software developer, you need help creating your first digital signage solution. That is the idea behind the Digital Signage Evaluation Kit (DSEK-11), an open media player optimized for digital signage applications.
16
thought leadership series
This reference platform, made available by Intel through Winmate, is comprised of commercially available components, including the 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor running the Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 7 OS—everything you need to develop a fully functional digital signage solution. With this platform, developers can create an immersive, interactive digital signage experience for customers wherever digital signs are installed,
D SE K-11 Puts It All Together
such as retail stores, hotels, banks and hospitals. Digital signage solution providers can shorten their time to market by building on this reliable and standards-based development platform.
•
A Platform for Evaluation The DSEK-11 enables solution providers to concentrate on designing digital signage applications, rather than investing in platform development. The validated, high-confidence design is the basis for digital signage solutions capable of serving a large portion of the digital signage market. The DSEK-11 leverages the 2nd generation Intel Core i5 features that deliver new levels of performance for compute-intensive applications, such as anonymous video analytics (AVA) and multiple-zone displays. It implements Intel® AMT to further lower ownership costs for businesses. Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 7 is a componentized version of Windows 7, which enables developers to build run-time OS images that are optimized for digital signage applications. Developers can leverage the Image Configuration Editor, Image Builder Wizard and other embedded-enabling tools to accelerate prototyping and image development. The robust networking capabilities and interoperability of Windows Embedded Standard 7 make it easy to connect to other devices, servers and services. By supporting the right features in a configurable platform, the DSEK-11 can reduce development cost, lessen risk and accelerate time-to-market for equipment manufacturers.
• •
•
tools including Image Builder Wizard (IBW), Image Configuration Editor (ICE) and embedded-enabling features (EEFs) Networking and deployment support including the latest Active Directory enterprise configurations, group/local policies, full IPv6 certification and Remote-FX/App-V Improved security support including Direct Access*, BitLocker* and AppLocker* Multimedia support including DirectX* 11, Windows Media Player 12, support for third-party Media Player applications and full support for OpenGL*, OpenVG*, etc. Sensor and location architecture including support for light accelerator, shock, proximity, GPS, A-GPS and Cellular/WiFi triangulation
The DSEK-11 enables solution providers to concentrate on designing digital signage applications, rather than investing in platform development. • A wide variety of manufacturing and servicing capabilities for OEMs and enterprises
Platform Highlights 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5-2515E Processor with Intel® AMT • 3MB Cache, 2.5-3.1GHz, 35W •2 cores, 4 threads for improved performance over previous generation • Intel® HD Graphics 3000 for improved performance over previous generation • Hardware accelerated HD video decoder • Mobile Intel® QM67 Express Chipset Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 7 SPI OS (180-day evaluation) • Fully compatible with all Windows 7 applications and hardware/peripherals • Powerful Windows Embedded development
Dual Channel SODIMM DDR3 133MT/s memory (total of 4 GB) SATA 2.5-inch 32GB SSD hard disk IEEE802.11a/b/g/n Intel® Wireless PCIe* Half Mini card (6205) Small form factor (185mm x 125 mm) with an aluminum chassis and an EPIC-based mainboard I/O includes • Display outputs: HDMI, Display Port, DVI-D, VGA • Audio: Line Out, Line In, Mic In • USB 2.0: 2 front, 2 rear Gigagit Ethernet Interface (Intel® 82579LM Gigabit Ethernet PHY)
thought leadership series
17
O p p o r t u n i t i e s
Intel® AMT 7.0 compliant Microsoft Windows embedded Standard 7 180-day evaluation toolkit used for building embedded operating systems. (The latest fully functional evaluation software is available from the Windows embedded Download Center at www.windowsembedded.com/ downloads.)
Platform Benefits
by supporting the right features in a configurable platform. the dsek-11 can reduce development cost, lessen risk and accelerate time-to-market.
The fully tested and validated platform provides the digital signage industry with a feature-rich, reliable and standards-based development platform. It supports many connectivity options via PCI Express and USB interfaces to a large variety of peripherals, such as WiFi/WiMAX and Bluetooth* wireless adapters and TV tuner modules. The 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor technology makes it possible to integrate two complete execution cores, the memory controller and the graphics engine, in one physical package and one die. The processor graphics capability saves cost over integrating a separate graphics card and delivers exceptional graphics, HD video playback and 3-D rendering. Windows Embedded products are covered by an industry-leading 10-year support program, plus product availability of 15 years. An active community of industry-leading partners is available to support OEMs and ISVs through development. Solution providers can choose to either manufacture the product based on the design available from Intel, or purchase systems directly from suppliers. Intel and Microsoft are not manufacturing or selling systems based on the DSEK-11. n Take advantage of Intel’s’ DSEK-11, the latest Intel Digital Signage Evaluation Kit incorporating 2nd generation Intel® CoreTM processor technology to help you maximize your time to market Digital Signage deployments. Click here: http://www.winmate.com.tw/DigitalSignage/DSEK-11.htm or contact Winmate sales:
[email protected] Winmate Communication INC. Tel: (886)2 8511 0288 ext.268 Cell: (886) 921 720 012 Copyright © 2011 Intel Corporation. All rights reserved. Intel, Intel core and Intel Atom are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. *O ther names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
18
thought leadership series
DSEK-11 Features and Benefits •S calability: Using Intel and Microsoft*
technology, solution providers can develop a wide range of signage designs, from entry level to high end. • Interoperability: Customers can be confident that media players based on Intel® architecture and the Windows* platform will connect and integrate seamlessly with existing enterprise infrastructure. •M anageability: Intel® Active Management Technology (Intel® AMT) 7.0 enables technicians to remotely manage, diagnose and repair systems even when they are powered down. •E nergy efficiency: Windows Embedded Standard 7 delivers smart power management SPIs that aid developers building energy-saving applications. •G raphics processing: Windows 7 and Intel® processors with processor graphics deliver improved graphics, including multiple displays, rich media blending, multiple zones and large LCD displays. •R ich media: Customers can deploy interactive solutions with panning and zoom, touch and gesture input to dramatically improve digital signage interaction.
Power
Mic-in
HDD LED
Line-in Line-out
Reset
USB
12V DC
HDMI
LAN1
D.P. DVI
VGA
