VIDEO DISPLAYS AND MOUNTS
Crystal LED for Every Space
Bold messaging in a flexible package.
Our BH- and CH-series Crystal LED premium displays are designed for businesses to deliver their messages in high contrast with vibrant color – flexible installation, simple maintenance, and reduced energy consumption help them do it.
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• BH-Series : Impressively big, bright images bursting with rich vibrant color, even in brightly-lit spaces
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Crystal LED bundle models with customizable service packages make every space a statement that lasts. Contact your Sony Representative or visit pro.sony/CLED to learn more.
VIDEO DISPLAYS AND MOUNTS
VIDEO DISPLAYS AND MOUNTS INTEGRATION GUIDE
Brewing Up Effective Digital Signage
Digital Menu Boards Inside and Out Help Roasters Market Keep Customers on the Go
By Michael Grotticelli
Retail outlets are getting more sophisticated, with most recent ones employing a cloud-based content management system (CMS) to keep LED displays on site up to date and attracting attention. Implementing digital signage solutions is seen as a key element in not only marketing a brand but also in laying the groundwork for future collaborations with other consumer companies.
This was the strategy employed by Roasters Market, a full-service gas station, craft coffee bar, and convenience store in Chickasha, OK. The store, which is owned by Lawson Holdings of Norman, OK, includes a drive-thru component that represented a new quick-service concept for the company when it opened in December 2022—and is now a highly successful model for future locations to replicate.
Too Many Monitors?
The project necessitated design and installation work from the ground up. When digital signage systems integrator Coffman Media first came on the scene, power requirements for the internal signage systems needed upgrading. Jason Ault, Coffman Media co-founder and COO, oversaw a team that reinstalled extra power and networking cabling to bring the systems up to par.
“When we got there, other trades had already finished their work but some of the power and network requirements had to be upgraded to ensure the signage system’s success,” Ault explained. “So, we had to re-engineer what we were supposed to do, ensuring that power and data got installed so we could finish the digital menu board installation.”
Roasters Market has two sets of four displays, one in landscape position (pictured) and one in portrait.
VIDEO DISPLAYS AND MOUNTS INTEGRATION GUIDE
When designing signage systems for stores like this, Ault said the number of monitors required depends on anticipated traffic flow, location of the different store’s sections, and the welcoming environment you’re trying to create. “If there’s a coffee counter, obviously that’s always going to lend itself to a series of monitors,” he added, “but it’s important to understand that initial traffic flow. In our experience, there’s always going to be at least four displays used. But we have done some convenience stores with as many as 10 displays inside. Available space and business models are key to the design.”
The client also requested an outdoor drive-thru digital menu board system with 55-inch outdoor LG displays, complete with customer detection and a two-way headset system. The system is mounted to a drive-thru pedestal mount system provided by Palmer Digital Group.
PDG’s QSRDMB255 mounting system supports three Samsung OHF displays in a pedestal structure that provides space for electrical and network connectivity, along with shelving for IT routers and media players. The displays are positioned side-by-side in a portrait orientation that, along with high-brightness qualities that reduce for the impact of direct sunlight, ensure that menu board content is both legible, neatly arranged, and quick to absorb. The system is unique in that there are no custom designed display cabinets; the Samsung OHF display is already IP56 rated and does not require additional protection from the environment.
“Our pedestal and canopy systems are structurally sound systems that go well beyond the protective capabilities of simple enclosures,” said Chuck Lewis, VP of Palmer Digital Group. “Auto-related incidents with menu boards happen more often than one might think. When a driver makes direct impact with our structures, the worst-case scenario is damage to the display. Often, they can remain in service until the replacements arrive, and it’s a quick swap.”
“For the outdoor part, we considered one screen, two screens, and three screens,” said Ault. “The amount of content often determines the number of screens and the available physical space.”
Cloud-Based Messaging
For the Chickasha location, four 43-inch and four 50-inch LG UL3J displays were used, all synchronized via a cloud-based content management system called Signagelive. The software makes it easy for store employees to upload content and change the timing of messages to suit the different seasons and product offerings. The Signagelive platform also helps with perceived wait time. By displaying entertaining content, such as video clips, customers are given something to do while they wait in line or at a table.
The software-centric platform is also highly secure, with ISO 27001 certification compliance, an international standard that verifies an organization’s information security management system (ISMS) meets best practices. Ault said this is very important to protect against hacking. “If your digital signage software and network are not secure, there’s all kinds of trouble you can get into,” he added.
Through its digital signage system, Roasters Market can control the content on each of its four LG displays independently or synchronize all four to act as one display. Coffman Media staff trained the Roasters Market staff on how to update the menus through the Signagelive web portal.
“Everything can be pre-scheduled and dynamic,” Ault explained. “We have some triggers built in for weather because Oklahoma is very seasonal. So, if it’s cold out, they have some content that will trigger when it’s cold. If it’s hot, there’s certain content that’ll trigger those thresholds of temperature change.”
Serve The Space
Mounts for the displays were installed by Crimson AV. Lowprofile CM in-line multi-display mounts were selected, with a single pipe dropped from the ceiling to provide flexibility in how the displays were installed. After they were hung, the displays were micro-adjusted in the corners to make four monitors look like one big array.
Digital signage is used inside and outside for digital menu boards at the Roasters Market location in Chickasha, OK.
VIDEO DISPLAYS AND MOUNTS INTEGRATION GUIDE
Crimson AV supplies all types of accessories and ceiling attachments. The Crimson in-line system features independent vertical and roll adjustments, unlimited lateral shift, and easy tilt adjustment, which simplifies the process and reduces installation time.
“We sat down with Roasters Market and figured out exactly what they were trying to accomplish from a digital signage perspective,” said Will Bear, VP of sales and marketing at Crimson AV. “From there, we focused on the content and how it would be displayed. We decided to go with two sets of four displays, one in landscape positioning and the other, for another section of the store, in a portrait orientation.”
Ault added that the Chickasha location didn’t have a lot of real estate behind the counter without impeding on some other elements, such as refrigerators and coffee machines. As a result, hanging the displays from the ceiling made the most sense for both customers and employees.
Navigating the Last Mile
“The most challenging part of this project was bringing together the many different trades,” recalled Ault. “As the systems integrator for all of the digital signage, we’re kind of that last mile
piece. If something doesn’t happen upstream, it rolls downstream to us very quickly, so we have to adapt on the fly. In this particular scenario, when we got there and realized that, OK, this is not going to be as we intended, but you know, we can figure out a fix for it.
“So, it’s up to us to redesign the whole thing, or just pick up where others left off because it wasn’t ready,” he continued. “And then rather than create a lot of delay and extra cost with the site not ready for use and things like that for the end user, we figure out solutions to get the project to completion.”
While there’s not a consumer-facing vertical today that is not using digital signage in some form, Ault said the first question integrators should be asking the client is why they want digital signage in the first place. “At the end of the day, our job as integrators is to understand their goal and help them achieve it,” he explained. “So, we sit down and discuss ideas and then we help them reverse engineer that … by asking a series of questions.
“And it’s also determining how much physical space is available and the right products for the application. Because if you don’t have the real ‘why’ behind this, the result could be a failed project starting on Day One. The important thing is the need to get the right information at the right time to the right person.”
At Issue
What kind of mounting complications do ultra-wide (21:9 or 32:9) displays create?
Will Bear
VP of Sales and Marketing, Crimson AV
Ultra-wide displays, especially in formats like 21:9 or 32:9, introduce unique mounting challenges due to their size, weight, and dimensions. Their extended width often requires mounts with reinforced support to ensure stability and prevent sagging or tilting. These displays also may have non-standard mounting patterns, so traditional mounts may not accommodate these wider screens, making custom solutions essential to ensure proper fit and safety. Additionally, ultra-wide displays often call for precise placement to maintain optimal viewing angles across their expanded surface. This demands mounts have advanced adjustability, enabling fine-tuned positioning. Mount manufacturers must innovate robust, adaptable solutions to meet the needs of ultra-wide screens and enhance viewing experiences.
Megan Zeller
Business Development Director, Peerless-AV
Ultra-wide displays present unique mounting challenges due to their size and weight distribution. These displays require mounts that can support greater width, making it essential to select a mount with an extended arm reach and enhanced stability. Ensuring even weight distribution across the mounting surface is crucial to prevent sagging or instability. Additionally, positioning adjustments can be more difficult due to the wider field of view, necessitating precise articulation for optimal viewing angles. Mounts for ultra-wide displays must also allow easy access to rear ports, which can be harder to reach with wider screens.
Dimitris Katsis
Director of Display Engineering, Jupiter Systems
Jupiter introduced very large-format 21:9 displays to the world back in 2021. To accommodate the wider format, new VESA mounting patterns were required that necessitated new mounting solutions or using dual mounts side by side. At this
point, after three years of the 21:9 format being adopted by the marketplace, there are a variety of major mounting solution companies—Chief/Legrand, Peerless-AV, Mount-It!, rp Visual Solutions, and Salamander Designs to name but a few—that offer 21:9 mounting solutions. A major benefit of the 21:9 format is that the old paradigm of using dual monitors during video calls can now be accommodated with a single 21:9 display. That reduces mounting costs, but more importantly reduces the complexity of the AV installation, as only one monitor is involved.
Victoria Sanville
Director of Corporate and Public Sector Sales, LG Business Solutions USA
With a width 33% greater than the standard 16:9 display, the 21:9 aspect ratio enhances visibility and eliminates unused screen space. Because of this, 21:9 displays are gaining popularity, especially for the use of videoconferencing tools like Microsoft Teams and Front Row. The mounting options for 21:9 displays can be flexible. For example, LG’s new 171-inch All-In-One DVLED display in a 21:9 format can be wall-mounted or placed on a cart. When mounted on a cart, it can easily be moved in and out of meeting rooms, offering added convenience for users.
Andrea Barbuti
Global Product Management Lead, PPDS
Before even identifying an ultra-wide display, there should be absolute clarity on the intended use and the environment to ensure the targeted experiences are achieved beyond just being a great looking display. Also, as ultra-wide displays increase in size, how will you get yours in the room? It sounds simple, but this can prove very problematic, especially if being delivered by transpallet. The weight and shape of ultra-wide LCDs can often be too big to fit through doors or in lifts. And regulations may also dictate the number of people required to lift them. The role of the mount is integral from the get-go. But you might be surprised how often this is still an afterthought. Stability and alignment are vital. An uneven display—from Day One or dipping over time—not only looks poor but will be distracting.
VIDEO DISPLAYS AND MOUNTS INTEGRATION GUIDE
Sharp MultiSync ME Series
The Sharp MultiSync ME Series features the PN-ME432, PN-ME502, PN-ME552, and PN-ME652 displays. With clear imagery and advanced features promoting ease of use, these 4K Ultra HD displays are ideal for settings including retail, restaurant, offices, and more. With an updated system-on-chip architecture, high-end media player functionality, and enhanced connectivity, the ME Series delivers a great solution for digital signage applications. The series also includes high-haze, anti-reflective panels, and an aesthetically appealing approach.
Peerless-AV SmartMount Universal Scissor Wall Mount
Peerless-AV’s SmartMount Universal Scissor Wall Mount (STS650) enables precision mounting with ease for displays ranging from 39 inches to more than 85 inches. The adjustable adapter arms allow for sleek finishes flush to the wall or in recessed applications. Additional post-installation leveling and Increlok tilt technology adjustment features allow for fine-tuning to achieve the perfect finish. With the ACC-UCM2 accessory, installers can pre-install, configure, and cable AV components ahead of time off site to save time and effort.
Jupiter Systems Pana
The Jupiter Pana product line of 21:9 LCD displays was the first to introduce the next-generation, ultra-wide format to the corporate/enterprise market for very large format displays. It encompasses non-touch and touch models and delivers the most advanced solution available today, with custom-designed electronics for outstanding image quality. The 5K resolution offers 33% more pixels than standard 4K 16:9 monitors, and is better suited to human vision that the 16:9
Crimson AV WMLU Menu Board Display Bracket
The WMLU Menu Board Display Bracket is a sleek solution for wall-mounted unistrut applications. Designed for fast, simple installation, it attaches directly to 1-5/8 unistrut channels and supports displays from 30–65 inches and up to 120 pounds with VESA patterns of up to 400mm high. With 18 degrees of tilt adjustment and tool-free plumb alignment, it ensures the perfect viewing angle, even on uneven walls. All hardware is included for easy single-person assembly, making display mounting efficient and hassle-free.
LG 21:9 171-inch All-inOne DVLED Display
LG’s 21:9 All-in-One DVLED Display features a spacious 171-inch screen size and comprehensive package that includes an embedded controller and built-in speaker. With support for a 21:9 aspect ratio, the display provides an immersive viewing experience optimal for widescreen videoconferencing platforms. Installing the All-in-One DVLED display is straightforward, eliminating the need for controller connections or module configuration. Users simply power on the screen using a remote control, similar to operating a home television.
Philips Unite LED 6000 Series
When it’s time to size up beyond an LCD display, and when impact matters for meeting results, allow the Philips Unite LED 6000 Series to expand. Presenting a true value solution, with power saving and sustainability, as well as fire safety, all locked in, the Philips Unite LED 6000 Series is a fit for every industry: broadcast, public venues, control rooms, and education. Factory calibrated, and with mounting solutions and front access modules for easier, more efficient installation and maintenance, it’s ideal wherever a 16:9/21:9/32:9 display is required.
Planar UltraRes W Series
The Planar UltraRes W Series line of 105-inch ultra-wide format 5K LCD displays is optimized for nextgeneration collaboration for today’s modern hybrid workforce. The series provides customers with an ultra-wide format 21:9 display ideally sized to suit the most popular unified communications and video collaboration platforms. In addition to brighter, wider color gamut panels with local dimming, Planar UltraRes W Series is ready for HDR content and features multi-source viewing, remote monitoring, and 24x7 reliability.
Sony BH and CH-Series Crystal LED
The BH and CH-series Crystal LED premium displays are designed for businesses to deliver messaging and content in sharp contrast with bright, vibrant color. These large-scale LED displays offer flexible installation, simple maintenance, and reduced energy consumption. The BH-Series has bright images rich in color, even in brightly lit spaces, while the CH-Series offers more contrast, depth, and texture to faces and other on-screen objects through bright colors and deep black levels to create visual experiences of any size and scale.
