The budgets for colleges and universities are tighter than ever and administrators are feeling the pinch. On the surface, it can sometimes be hard to justify the outlay for a dynamic LED display. However, when used properly and in the right environments, LED displays actually generate the revenue to not only pay for themselves, but also to help fund other essential campus activities. Let’s take a look at some ways to monetize LED displays in higher-education institutions.

Attract the Best and Brightest
Today’s teens have grown up using digital displays each and every day. So when prospective students visit your campus, they will be looking for advanced digital displays as a sign that your school is on the cutting-edge of technology. Digital signage and video walls placed in key locations can be used for wayfaring, to highlight campus facilities and events, and to share positive social media posts. And since digital displays are fully customizable, you can even welcome the day’s visitors by name. It all adds up to a “wow factor” that will help sway potential students who may be on the fence as to where they’ll be spending their tuition dollars.

Expand the Reach of the Classroom
Video walls in a classroom or lecture hall can help bring dry lessons to life. In addition, interactive video walls encourage active learning and collaboration between students and faculty. A connected classroom allows students to easily interact with business leaders and subject matter experts from across the globe. It also allows your school to improve student retention by offering innovative, specialized courses of study and individualized degree programs without the economic burden of hiring additional faculty. Finally, with an interactive video display, you can extend your institution’s reach by seamlessly offering courses in remote locations, reaching a wider paying audience.

Increase Revenue by Being a Good Sport
It’s no secret that top-tier college football and basketball programs generate hundreds of millions of dollars for their schools each year. One of the ways they do this is with paid advertising on gigantic outdoor stadium displays, video walls in common areas, and digital scoreboards. But even smaller digital displays can be used to generate significant advertising revenue and highlight merchandise and concessions. You can also encourage social media sharing that raises your school’s profile and creates engagement among alumni–leading to increased donations to your athletic programs.

Create Engaging Marketing Messages
Your school likely creates many high-quality marketing messages for use on local television stations, during televised events, and on your website. Add that content to your digital signage content rotation in gathering places to build school pride and help ensure that students continue to pursue their education at your institution. At your dining hall and food stands, digital signs can be used to increase revenue by advertising your most popular and high-profit items and assist customers in making quick decisions. Additionally, your student union, the campus bookstore and on-campus vendors might want to provide information about special sales, book buyback dates, and other offers for students and faculty.

PixelFLEX® Can Help School You in LED Display Solutions
PixelFLEX® offers a wide variety of award-winning LED displays in virtually every size and shape including indoor, outdoor, and curvable configurations. Our LED display systems are seamless, providing clear and detailed imaging. Whether you are looking to create dynamic learning environments, generate revenue, or foster recruitment, PixelFLEX® LED is the answer.

 

To learn how Stanford University was able to utilize PixelFLEX to meet their LED needs, check out the link below.

Nashville-based wrestling promotion firm adds a high-definition FLEXCurtain HD LED video system to their passionate, live event Luche Libre productions  

Nashville, TN (8/27/2018) – Created to bring the high-energy of Lucha Libre professional wrestling to the United States, the sports and entertainment media firm Aro Lucha produces a number of exciting live events and television productions. Led by founders who have already achieved success in the professional wrestling industry, the production team understands they must create a dynamic environment that can match both the passion of the fans and the wrestlers taking the ring. Working with their partners at UNO Branding, Aro Lucha decided to enhance the impact of their design even further with the addition of a high-resolution video wall using a FLEXCurtain HD 6.25mm LED video solution from PixelFLEX™.

“This is a relatively new production design as we only started the company in late 2017,” began Jason Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Aro Lucha. “When we decided to launch the promotion, we wanted to focus specifically on Lucha Libre and its popularity in the United States. To do this, we needed to create the same sense of excitement that our fans grew up seeing in Mexico. With our backgrounds in professional wrestling production, we have always relied heavily on LED video, so it was a natural choice for us to bring the FLEXCurtain HD into our design.”

The FLEXCurtain HD is a lightweight and flexible LED video screen ideal for high resolution video playback and video effects for indoor and outdoor applications. Its hi-res LED video can be driven by any DVI output, and the multi-directional, flexible design of the FLEXCurtain HD makes it easy to store and transport. FLEXCurtain HD is 60-90% lighter than the competition, and using the quick-lock system, 500 square feet of FLEXCurtain HD can be setup and broken-down in under 15 minutes.

“To give our fans an authentic taste of home, we needed a bright, colorful environment filled with action, music and entertainment, all rooted in the Hispanic and Latino culture,” continued Brown. “Our two founders, Ron and Don Harris, had both worked with PixelFLEX in a live event environment, and we were familiar with their work in the touring industry as well. We have always felt that we needed to surround ourselves with experts, and the team at PixelFLEX was no exception.”

Ready to implement the new LED video wall into the high-energy environment, the production would now be able to create an even deeper level of intrigue for the fans. In a world where the characters are the true stars, the FLEXCurtain HD system would clearly showcase the Luche Libre story.

“At our events, we set up the FLEXCurtain LED wall behind the entrance staging elements, so as a wrestler is announced and comes on stage, they are standing in front of the high-definition video,” explained Brown. “During this time, it is typically playing their entrance visuals, and then we also use it for our own show storylines and content. At the end of the day, we are storytellers and there is simply no better visual than a large, high-definition LED video screen.”

As with many sports and entertainment productions, corporate sponsorships are a key component to the success of the program. By implementing the FLEXCurtain HD LED video wall into their event design, Aro Lucha is now able to offer their partners a dynamic, visual medium to heighten consumer interest and engagement.

“We do rely on the FLEXCurtain HD to assist with our internal branding, as well as integration into our sponsorship programs,” added Brown. “To be able to play their graphics and branding assets on the HD screen really gives them a significant presence at our live events to reach our audience. With so many advertisers looking to interact with the Latino and Hispanic community, this is a great way for us to create an impact for their brand in front of our ticket-buyers.”

Now fully integrated into the production design of Aro Lucha, the FLEXCurtain HD system is proving to be a valuable asset in communicating with the fans of Luche Libre. Looking at how so many people consume information today, Brown is confident that there is simply no substitution for high-definition LED video.

“Most companies, whether or not they know it, are storytellers,” concluded Brown. “They are either telling a story about their customers, their brand, or their service. If you look at our world today, everyone walking around has a screen in front of their eyes to consume content, and there is no better way to communicate to your audience than through a visual manner. Overall, LED video enhances anyone’s ability to accomplish their objectives when communicating to their audience, and the FLEXCurtain HD system truly makes an impact in our live event environment.”

An American-based LED manufacturer, PixelFLEX™ offers creative solutions, reliable products, and dependable service for our industry-leading LED display technologies and solutions. Driven towards excellence to meet your standards, PixelFLEX offers a one-of-a-kind design for your tour, event or installation through our award-winning line of LED video walls and video screens. Working with architects, designers, engineers and consultants, PixelFLEX is proud to develop custom LED solutions for each and every customer while also providing top-tier customer support throughout the entire experience. For more information on the complete line of PixelFLEX LED video walls and video screens, visit PixelFLEX at pixelflexled.com, follow us on Twitter at @pixelflexled or find us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

 

Aro Lucha is a high energy, family-friendly Lucha Libre promotion based in the United States. Its principals have produced over 200 hours of network television, specifically in the professional wrestling arena. They are focused on bringing authentic Stars, Characters, and Storylines to their fans through live events, social media, and digital content. Aro Lucha is a company that fans can be proud to support. For more information, visit www.arolucha.com.

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: there was once a library designed to aesthetic perfection, a work of wonder, an architectural masterpiece. But not long after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the building started to slowly sink. Why? It turns out that the library had a critical design flaw – the architect didn’t account for the weight of all the books.

Fortunately, the story of the “sinking library” is merely an urban legend. But there is a message behind the myth that remains relevant for all those in the field of architecture, engineering, and construction – design professionals should take great care to ensure that their structures are built for their purpose and occupants, not just beauty. In this digital age, this idea even extends to the audio-visual systems used in a space.

Better Architectural Design Through AV Integration
AVitecture involves the careful and planned integration of audio-visual technology into a structure’s architecture. AEC pros can enhance the AV experiences of building occupants with custom fit systems designed for each unique space. In addition, AV can heighten the design of the structure and serve as the “WOW” factor that gets people talking.

Indoor spaces that are perfectly suited for integrating audio-visual systems like digital displays, touchscreens, and wayfinding kiosks include:

  • Lobbies
  • Conference rooms
  • Briefing Centers
  • Elevators

AV integration isn’t limited to the indoors as it can enhance exterior spaces as well. Creative designers should consider:

  • Outfitting outdoor spaces with large format traditional displays
  • Incorporating accent displays that highlight features of the building
  • Leveraging full media playback systems to turn heads and serve the audio-visual needs of occupants

Partner with AV Professionals
Good AVitecture starts at a building’s inception with design professionals who understand how LED technology can help formulate a vision of environment creation and elevate an architectural project to new heights. There are endless possibilities for combining economically and technically sound solutions that fit the vision of a building’s design. AEC pros who collaborate hand-in-hand with AV consultants can design imaginative ways to fuse AV technology into a building that are both functional and aesthetically captivating.

PixelFLEX ® provides custom LED solutions and is a leading specialist in AVitecture. We partner with engineers, designers, and architects to help create one-of-a-kind visual experiences that engage consumers. Our state-of-the-art LED digital signage is customized to serve the unique needs of each client. No matter the size or scale of your project, PixelFLEX®  will collaborate with you to develop an immersive and inventive LED display technology solution that brings your space to life. To start your partnership, contact us today!

 

 

There was a time when retailers could simply hang banners over the front of their building, slap a few posters in the window, sprinkle cardboard cutouts around the store and call their signage done. But in today’s digital world, this is no longer an effective strategy. Instead, retailers need to grab the attention of shoppers using LED displays. But these innovative tools aren’t miracle workers. You still need a strategy to use them effectively. Let’s take a look.

Location, Location, Location
If your customers don’t see your LED displays, then you’ve simply wasted your money. Give careful consideration to where your highest traffic areas are and what action you wish to prompt. Displays in your front window can help draw attention and entice customers to come into your store. Others at the entrance to your retail space can highlight specials and sales. A few well-placed LED displays near the registers can help warm customers to the idea of joining your loyalty program at checkout or prompt a last-minute impulse purchase. And a display at your store’s exits can be used to share your social media information so you can continue to engage with your customers after they’ve left.

Time to Get Creative
Consumers are getting increasingly used to being surrounded by screens, so you need to get creative to cut through the noise. Fortunately, LED displays are no longer limited to rectangular panels you hang on a wall. Today’s technology allows retailers to get creative by designing a custom video display that is truly eye-catching and unique. Digital displays are now available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations to integrate perfectly with your store’s design and branding. Curved surfaces, strips, columns, and even floor to ceiling displays are all available to help make your vision a reality.

Content is King
The real advantage of LED displays is that, unlike old-fashioned print signage, you can change the content being displayed whenever you desire. Attention spans are short, so be sure to vary your messaging often to can catch the eye of your repeat customers. In addition, you can quickly react to changing circumstances, such as highlighting your rain gear on stormy days or bathing suits as the temperature rises. Don’t forget to vary the type of content you broadcast as well. LED displays can be used to show product videos, testimonials from customers, social media feeds, local news items, and much, much more.

PixelFLEX® Can Help You Get Creative with your Retail Displays
PixelFLEX® knows each project is unique, so we pride ourselves on coming up with custom solutions for each and every customer. An American-based LED manufacturer, PixelFLEX® works with architects, designers, engineers, and consultants to offer creative solutions, reliable products, and top-tier support throughout the entire experience. Whether you are looking to increase curb appeal, target impulse buyers, or simply attract attention, LED helps bring creativity to your retail displays. Learn more at pixelflexled.com/.

Nashville-based LED video manufacturer set to showcase innovative and award-winning technologies at Booth 632 inside the Music City Center Exhibition Hall

Nashville, TN (8/20/2018) – Offering a complete schedule of innovative sessions, workshops and educational opportunities, the ACI-NA Conference and Exhibition brings together more than 2,100 delegates from over 200 airports nationwide. With an exhibition showcase opening on October 1, 2018, inside the Music City Center Exhibition Hall, Nashville-based PixelFLEX™ will be in Booth 632 to display their line of award-winning LED video solutions designed to create a more interactive and stress-free airport experience.

“Digital signage plays a significant role in how consumers receive information, and that is especially true at airports,” said David Venues, Chief Marketing Officer, PixelFLEX. “It can inform, engage, and persuade, and the technology has evolved from the simple listing of arrivals and departures, into many new applications involving dynamic visual content that heightens passenger engagement while traveling.”

With technologies designed to provide airport solutions to Wayfinding, Advertising, Entertainment, and even Emergency Information, the implementation of LED video is both a cost-effective and ideal way to provide airline passengers and employees with a unique airport environment. To find out more about how digital signage impacts airports around the world visit www.pixelflexled.com.

The 2018 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition will take place September 30-October 2, 2018 at the Music City Center, 201 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203.  For complete information about the ACI-NA Conference and a full Exhibition schedule, visit www.annual.aci-na.org.

An American-based LED manufacturer, PixelFLEX™ offers creative solutions, reliable products, and dependable service for our industry-leading LED display technologies and solutions. Driven towards excellence to meet your standards, PixelFLEX offers a one-of-a-kind design for your tour, event or installation through our award-winning line of LED video walls and video screens. Working with architects, designers, engineers and consultants, PixelFLEX is proud to develop custom LED solutions for each and every customer while also providing top-tier customer support throughout the entire experience. For more information on the complete line of PixelFLEX LED video walls and video screens, visit PixelFLEX at pixelflexled.com, follow us on Twitter at @pixelflexled or find us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

As LED technology improves and the lifespan of installations grows to practically a decade or more in length, architects are becoming more incentive to implement LEDs into their ideas and building designs.

This crossroad between AV technology and architecture, coined perfectly as AVitecture, has allowed for more creativity among building spaces, from commercial to residential. Joining us is Will Dickey from PixelFLEX to discuss this trend, as well as talk the benefits and challenges of working with LED display technology.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the Pro AV Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

When talking about LEDs for digital signage, pixel pitch is one of the most important criteria to consider. Pixel pitch describes the distance between two pixels in millimeters. That distance defines a lot about the appearance and performance of LED screens. It’s also closely related to resolution.

Pixel pitch isn’t as well-known as resolution, and often they are believed to be the same. This is a big misconception. They are connected but not the same. Typically, the smaller the number the higher the resolution.

Pixel pitch, however, is not related to the size of a screen. Because two screens are the same size doesn’t mean they have the same pixel pitch.

Small vs. Large Pixel Pitch

Pixel pitch is essentially the measurement of density. A small pixel pitch indicates a greater density and less space between each pixel. This correlates to improved resolution. The larger the pixel pitch, the less dense. Large pixel pitch displays pale in comparison to their counterparts, but they come at a lower cost.

Why Pixel Pitch Matters in Digital Signage

Digital signage, when executed well, should be driven by vivid imagery with the most optimal viewing distance. The lower the pixel pitch, the more defined the imagery. This is essential if the signage is something a viewer would stand close to; the resolution doesn’t degrade the closer the viewer gets. You wouldn’t want a screen where a viewer can see the black space between pixels, so you’ll want a very small pixel pitch.

Application Should Determine Pixel Pitch

When choosing an LED screen for your project, application should drive what kind of pixel pitch you select. Smaller pixel pitch is best for up-close interaction. Whereas, if the screens will be further away or higher up on a wall, a larger pixel pitch will suffice. Higher pixel pitch delivers improved visuals from a further distance. In these situations, increasing the density of pixels will have no effect, so it’s best to save on budget here.

Determining Acceptable Viewing Distances

If you aren’t sure exactly what the viewing distance will be in your project, there are some practical guidelines you can follow. Not an exact science but considered an industry standard is that 1mm in pitch equals 8 feet of viewing distance.

The 10x rule is a way to estimate visual acuity distance. Divide the approximate distance in feet that a viewer would be standing from the video wall or single display by 10. This should give you a rough number to work from. Take this as a general recommendation as many other factors may be influencing the decision, like budget and type of content.

Pixel pitch should be a top of the list consideration when designing your LED display solutions. The crux of the decision is based on where it will live and how close viewers will be. PixelFLEX manufactures LED screens in a variety of pixel pitch measurements, ranging from 1.2mm to 16mm, covering the gamut of possible applications.

Browse all of the PixelFLEX LED display solutions here.

VP of Digital Experience John Downie uses 3.9mm FLEXLite NXG to deliver a custom, free-flowing digital display inside the new University of Minnesota Athletes Village

Nashville, TN (8/13/2018) – At the grand opening of their 338,000-square foot, $166 million Athletes Village, the University of Minnesota has ushered in a bright new chapter in the history of their Athletics program. Consisting of three new buildings, the University wanted to create a memorable experience for their recruits, fans and their 700 student-athletes. Looking for a dynamic visual environment, which included the creation of their Letterwinner tribute, the University called upon the experiential design specialists at Advent who installed an immersive LED video display using 3.9mm FLEXLite NXG from PixelFLEX™.

“The overall vision was to create a unique digital experience inside the new University of Minnesota Athletes Village with slightly different approaches in a few key locations,” began John Downie, VP of Experience, Advent. “For the Football Hall of Fame area, we used the LED video in a very targeted way to create a custom and highly-impactful display using the FLEXLite NXG technology which recognizes all Letterwinner student athletes in the football program.”

With fully front-serviceable video panels, plus seamless right-angle corner capabilities, FLEXLite NXG is one of the highest resolution LED video displays on the market today. Available in 2.6-6.25mm pitch options, plus a 6.25mm full outdoor IP65 version as well, the FLEXLite NXG 500mm x 500mm video tiles are calibrated directly out of the box to ensure perfect color and brightness to help realize the full potential of any LED video design.

“We wanted to immerse the visitors in the story by creating it in an unexpected way that honored these individuals and fit into the modern look and feel of the space,” continued Downie. “To do this, we decided to create an angled LED wall that would transition the visitors from a passive observer of the story, into something that was much more dynamic as we enveloped them in the LED video experience.”

Having worked with a number of Universities to enhance the energy around their Athletics programs, Advent understands the need to give each design its own unique, visual impact. By incorporating both the brand identity the story behind the program, the Advent team is able to capture those moments through the use of the latest technologies available.

“We really try to inject a sense of action and energy into the environment and we always try to do things in ways that are unexpected,” admitted Downie. “This was a completely custom-design where we started by understanding exactly what the story should be, and then how we can express that story in a way that is both meaningful and faithful to the University brand. We then have to look at what is viable in terms of technology in order to express that story, and the PixelFLEX technology really helped us realize this idea.”

Ready to begin the installation of the Letterwinner tribute, Downie needed to find a way to create a seamless, digital display which could fly over the heads of the visitors. Using both the die-cast aluminum frame of the FLEXLite NXG, along with a Unistrut framing system, the design was able to come together in a free-flowing visual design.

“To create the angled display, we used Unistrut which was locked onto a plywood backer on both the ceiling and on the wall,” explained Downie. “On the ceiling portion, we used a top row of angled Unistrut brackets and two rows of turnbuckles to lower down the second half of the ceiling-mounted panels. This allowed us to get a perfect joint between the two sections of the LED video wall and it looks great.”

With the installation drawing to a close, the University prepared to begin populating the display with the names of those to be honored. In a program where the number of Letterwinners is expected to continue to grow, the University also implemented the custom Content Management System created by Advent.

“For control of these types of digital environments, we offer a very advanced digital signage scheduling package that gives the client a single point of content management, with technical support and maintenance monitoring,” added Downie. “Through our system, they have complete control over the content they wish to display, and it allows them to simply update any athlete names needed as they add more content.”

Now complete, the University of Minnesota unveiled their new Athletes Village, ready to heighten the experience behind being both a Golden Gopher student-athlete and fan. In a world where the dependence and expectations of digital elements are increasing, Downie is conscious to also remain focused on the University’s return on experience, to guide the continued success of the design.

“In a space that is public-facing, digital video gives the design a ‘wow’ factor, and when implemented well, should be able to provide meaningful statistics on the success of the displays through their interactive digital points,” concluded Downie. “The power to real-time measure the experience and implementation of the digital elements allows us to monitor the usage so that we can more effectively control the conversation around what is the return on experience.  There is great value in being able to better understand how a diverse audience interacts with a space, and digital video gives a University the ability to create a moment that is truly memorable; especially when talking to younger audiences who expect digital touch points.”

An American-based LED manufacturer, PixelFLEX™ offers creative solutions, reliable products, and dependable service for our industry-leading LED display technologies and solutions. Driven towards excellence to meet your standards, PixelFLEX offers a one-of-a-kind design for your tour, event or installation through our award-winning line of LED video walls and video screens. Working with architects, designers, engineers and consultants, PixelFLEX is proud to develop custom LED solutions for each and every customer while also providing top-tier customer support throughout the entire experience. For more information on the complete line of PixelFLEX LED video walls and video screens, visit PixelFLEX at pixelflexled.com, follow us on Twitter at @pixelflexled or find us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Digital signage plays a significant role in how audiences receive information. It can inform, engage, and persuade. That’s especially true at the airport. Digital signage in airports isn’t new, but it has evolved from being ill-designed lists of arrivals and departures. Now, LED displays are everywhere. Let’s look at how airports are using LED digital signage to improve the passenger experience:

Wayfinding

Getting lost in an airport is rather easy and usually increases in large airports. Many flyers won’t have intimate knowledge of that airport’s layout. So, they’ll need some help. Navigating with LEDs over paper has several advantages.

Not only can wayfinding help passengers get from gate to gate, it can also be changed at any time to correlate with any closings of areas or the need to re-route. This keeps passengers moving in the right direction.

Emergency Information

Should an event occur, weather-related or any other emergency situation, you need to disperse information quickly and accurately. Directing passengers to where they need to go with the help of LED displays. This can keep crowds calm while informing them of what to do next. Because your signs can be updated at any time and across all screens in a network, you have a flexible, adaptable channel.

Entertainment

LED digital signage also offers entertainment for passengers. It can include news headlines, sports scores, entertainment news, and more. You may see these live feeds in certain sections of the screen rather than the whole screen. Because digital signage design has become very adaptable, the top half of the LED display could be playing promotions, while real-time content flows at the bottom.

Advertising: Internal and External

One of the most often used capabilities of LED digital signage in airports is to advertise, which could include internal or external clients.

For internal advertising, groups of digital signage in the terminal may communicate what the dining options are throughout the airport as well as retailers. This can work on the passenger’s impulse purchasing decisions. In fact, according to Digital Signage Today, 42 percent of passengers were more likely to make an impulse purchase when businesses promoted duty-free items.

Externally, it makes sense to offer screen time to local businesses, especially restaurants, hotels, transportation, and attractions. This type of signage is most likely found in the path of arrivals and sits prominently at the baggage claim. Offering this ad space is the same thing airports have done for years with banners and static signage.

LED Digital Signage as Art

One emerging trend is the use of digital signage as art. These have been made even more alluring with LED video walls that can bend and wrap. Airports can deliver a more upscale experience. Plus, the “art” can change out regularly based on season or events. It could also be tied into advertisements with internal and local businesses.

Use Unique Screens for Unique Experiences

There is a lot of waiting at the airport with a large audience, which pays attention to LED screens now more than ever. Much of this is due to the new applications and dynamic content. To create these experiences, a new breed of display is necessary, which is exactly what PixelFLEX delivers. The FLEXUltra is a cutting-edge curve-able display that can fit any spot, and the FLEXMod can flex, bend and blend in with any space seamlessly.

Explore all the PixelFLEX solutions for airports by checking out products. Those in the industry can also see solutions at the ACI-NA (Airports Council International-North America) annual conference in Nashville this fall, where PixelFLEX will present its options for airport LED digital signage.

David Venus, Chief Marketing Officer at PixelFLEX, joined us to talk about how companies can inspire creativity and innovation just by upgrading their physical work space. We also talked about some emerging trends in his industry and how LED can truly enhance an aesthetic. Learn some of the routes companies are taking to enhance not only the customers experience, but their own employees by investing in LED walls and dynamic digital signage in their corporate offices and modern workspaces.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the Pro AV Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.