The Importance of Branded Environments and How to Create Them with Digital Signage

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Consider how you feel when you walk into a brand setting that completely immerses you with its features. When brands create branded environments that drive feelings, you can’t help but feel inspired and reminiscing about what that brand has meant to you. Some of the strongest brands in the world do this every day.

Walk into an Apple location, and you’ll find an interactive experience that’s more than just a place to purchase goods. Experience any event at Disney World, and you’ll find yourself smiling and connecting with a brand you’ve loved for years.

These brands know how to craft an experience, and they do so with different types of media, including everything from vinyl graphics on a wall to digital signage that engages viewers and tells a story.

Branded Environments: An Iconic Example

As noted, when customers enter an Apple location, it’s a truly unique experience. It doesn’t feel like a typical retail location where you shop for goods and pay at the counter. They even have a goal of transforming stores into “town squares.” They even removed the word store.

Inside the store, you can interact with each new device. Apple’s senior vice president of retail, Angela Ahrendts, said of the transformation, “We are reinventing the role our stores and employees play in the community. We want to be more like a town square, where the best of Apple comes together, and everyone is welcome.”

The first of these next-generation stores was unveiled in San Francisco with a 50-foot video wall inside. It resembles a meeting place, not a store. There are meeting rooms for entrepreneurs to meet and coding classes.

Apple has stayed true to its brand by creating this new environment with the connection between brand and consumer growing even stronger.

Telling Your Story with Branded Environments

Whatever space you’d like to transform, whether it’s a retail shop, outdoor event, or corporate office, you have the opportunity to tell your story with branded environments. While you likely spend a lot of time and resources on your digital image, don’t forget about the physical spaces where your customers can interact with your brand. Through strategic design and a focus on your brand’s core values, you can create numerous touchpoints for connection. One way to do this is with digital signage.

Digital Signage in Branded Environments

Using digital signage in your branded environments allows you to educate, entertain, and immerse your visitors. It can also compensate for less staff without impacting customer service, and it may even save you money in the long run, money you would have spent on new printed signage needed for every new event or promotion.

At PixelFLEX, we’ve had the pleasure of creating some amazing branded environments for clients, delivering a substantial WOW factor and showcasing brands as modern, current, and dynamic.

The Tru Hotel at Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort is an excellent example of a well-executed branded environment. The hotel wanted a transparent LED display to grab the attention of patrons. We installed FLEXClear LED panels above the main entrance to entice visitors and promote events at the casino. We were able to create a striking display without losing any of the natural light in the lobby.

NetApp, a hybrid cloud data service company, tapped us to create a new branded environment in their revamped headquarters. This project included curved displays in the center of their space, which could be used to tell their story and highlight their abilities. With FLEXMod screens, we delivered a seamless 360-degree display.

Stanford University is one of the country’s most prestigious colleges, known for both its academics and sports programs. To set the stage for their “Home of the Champions” display, they wanted a curved screen capable of delivering high-resolution imagery. The unique screen gives the space a feel that would make any fan cheer.

These are just a few examples for inspiration for your branded environment. With the right design and LED displays from PixelFLEX, you’ll be able to create memorable experiences for your audience. Find out more about what’s possible by browsing our products.

LEDTalk: LED Installation and Service Challenges with Snap Install

On today’s episode of PixelFLEX’s LEDTalk , Tony Green, VP of Business Development for Snap Install, and David Venus, Chief Marketing Officer for PixelFLEX, give insight on the direction of the display industry and the roadblocks that are making the market struggle. The two also dive into how pertinent the choices are that companies make regarding their digital signage, and how not only the tech but the content is what makes digital displays succeed.

Proper training of installers and integrators is very important; both Venus and Green stress that understanding the ins and outs of the product beyond the install is crucial, and the bare minimum expectation from clients. Too many times have they seen display deals go south because the integrators don’t know the technology like the back of their hand. Ideally, situations that arise on job sites are handled without the need to call tech support. The added advantage is that customers get the peace of mind that they are going to have a product that supports their need.

LED tile design is another big factor in the success of a company’s digital signage, but each installation brings new unique challenges. “LED gives so much creative freedom, at times, you can find yourself in a predicament of how you are going to effectively mount your display to your surface,” Venus said.

It is these types of potential issues that, if aware of at the outset, are better dealt with when they arise. The biggest takeaway is it that it’s all about service and communication. Green and Venus recommend being upfront with the customer from the beginning and for partner companies to be in communication with the customer, and each other, so that the proper result of technology, application and content is accomplished.

Mountain View Staging – PixelFLEX Rental Partner Spotlight

Mountain View Staging (MVS) has developed a reputation as one of the industries leading providers of Corporate event production in the US. They can handle any size event and using the latest technology they can help you connect with your audience in ways that many other event companies can’t. They are an industry leader in creating innovative events that are focused on the attendee experience and interactivity to provide a compelling and memorable platform for your message. Based in Salt Lake City, MVS has seen significant growth and since expanded to San Fransisco and tHe Washington, D.C. areas.

We recently had a Q&A Session with Director of Operations, Robert Johnson, and here is what he had to say about MVS.

As a live event production provider, what do you feel are the most important factors to consider when creating a successful live event?

“Making a successful event from our perspective is all about meeting our client’s expectations and goals. Every decision that we make is guided by the end result we want to achieve for our clients.”

When you first get started on creating the production design behind any live event, what are your top-level priorities as you begin the design process?

Starting off with a budget and an understanding of the event venue are important first steps even before the design process begins. The next step would be to work closely with a client’s marketing team to understand how they want their content displayed and what are their priorities are. Then we can get more creative and select layouts and equipment that will maximize the attendee experience within those parameters.  Far too often in our industry this is done in reverse and goals, budgets and especially content are thought of after the design process is complete.

How would you describe Mountain View Staging’s design approach? 

We prefer a collaborative approach to design and involve our clients in the process whenever possible. MVS utilizes interactive pre-visualization technology to give clients a real preview of their event before it happens.

As the technology for creating live events continues to evolve, how does Mountain View Staging keep up-to-date with the latest product innovations and event solutions?

The key to staying up-to-date for MVS is a balance between having what we need to make the show cutting edge but not too experimental. We prefer to see new equipment fully tested before we use it on a live event. We are always looking for anything that may be disruptive to our industry so we can lead the innovation.

When did Mountain View Staging first start using LED video in your live event designs? What types of applications first drew you to use LED video?

We started working with LED about 3 years ago when we noticed a growing demand for it and an increase in image quality. The ability to use it in small rooms or bright rooms was the first reason we begin offering it to our clients.

When did Mountain View Staging decide to make an investment in a rental inventory of LED video, and what were the driving factors to make the investment? 

LED is an emerging technology that we have been watching for several years waiting for the moment where it would rival projection in terms of image quality. We finally bought in with our first wall when 2.9mm touring specific panels were introduced. The flexibility of setup options and the brightness are the biggest advantages of LED for our clients. We have seen a growing demand for curved walls and unique shapes.

As you researched the various LED video solutions on the market, what initially drew your attention to the PixelFLEX™ product line?

The flexibility of the products available and the support of the PixelFLEX representatives.

Looking at the live event market today, where do you see the greatest impact of LED video?

LED video is thankfully increasing the emphasis on creating great content to match the unique configurations that LED makes possible. It is literally causing clients to think outside the 16:9 or 4:3 box. We are excited to work with creative clients who can

Throughout your experience in the live event market, what would you say is the most unique application of the Mountain View Staging LED video from PixelFLEX?

Our usage of PixelFLEX in a unique way started right out of the box on the first event we did at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco with a giant curved wall. The contrast of the modern curved LED wall with the historic theater was memorable. We have a couple upcoming events that will make that first usage seem normal in comparison that we are excited to share when we can.

When your clients speak about the available technologies that can help them create the type of event they desire, what do you feel is the biggest advantage to incorporating LED video elements?

Flexibility and creativity

Looking forward, where do you see the greatest opportunity for expansion of the Mountain View Staging inventory of LED video?

Expo booths is where the new growth is with LED panels. Initially they would mostly be used on large general session events but with the different shapes available now and the small footprint I think more and more expo booths will want LED to help them stand out from the crowd.

Understanding that trusted partnerships are a key element to success in the live event market, what is the one characteristic you find most appealing about a partnership with PixelFLEX?

The outstanding support of PixelFLEX representatives is an advantage compared to other brands we have worked with.

Follow Mountain View Staging on social media to see their latest work, you won’t regret it!

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LEDTALK: Making an Unforgettable Impact at Trade Shows with Scott Karan of Froggy’s Fog

The trade show industry (and concert and events industry) can seem very open to the public, but there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that can be very private, and things are getting more sophisticated as the years go on.

Scott Karan, Chief Marketing Officer of Froggy’s Fog, a company that makes professional effects fluids for smoke, haze, fog, bubbles, and more, knows how to make a splash at a trade show. He joined the MarketScale podcast to discuss the benefits of using PixelFlex LED Screens at trade shows and events.

Karan loves to not only design and sell these products (using booth-themed effects to do so) but he also enjoys documenting his behind-the-scenes journey with followers and fans. This upcoming week, Froggy Fog has a “massive haunted attraction show with lots of fog and atmosphere effects.”

“About 75% of our clients have stemmed from that industry,” Karan said. The company must have a “huge presence and huge setup” as trade shows are its “main marketing effort” and how the brand started 15 years ago.

He feels it is really pivotal to attend these shows, not only just to show consumers what is new and cutting edge, but to interact with the consumers. “Someone comes up to us just about at every show with a new way they’re using our product that we hadn’t thought about,” Karan said. “We were creating custom signage for each event and bannering a 20-by-40 booth can really add up.” That’s all changed with PixelFLEX LED screens, which was a “no brainer” to be able to change that message, per show, up to the minute.”

View More Episodes of LEDTalk

Domestic or International? A Buyers Guide to LED – LED Talk Podcast

The LED industry is currently a $5 billion worldwide industry, with the Americas region recently crossing the $1 billion mark. With this much money being invested into displays, how does that relate to higher quality and increased price points? Are we still buying things from China, or is it possible to manufacture these components in the United States? How do we find the right balance, both in terms of getting the components we need at the correct quality, while still meeting the customer’s needs and price points?

On today’s LEDTalk, we sit down with Jon Lewis, director of operations for PixelFLEX, for a discussion about the LED industry as a whole. To Lewis, this is a “good time to be in LED” because of increased quality options; it is no longer “the wild wild west” of LED where people were figuring things out just a few years ago.

For starters, Lewis points out that although higher density pixel pitch products are more available and stable, they are not for everyone.

“If you’re trying to put church worship lyrics on a 16 foot screen, and the audience is 45 feet away, you don’t need a 1.5 resolution at 4K,” Lewis said.

He compares display overkill to sitting at the front row of an IMAX theatre, it just gets to a point where peripheral vision is unusable. It is just too much. Lewis points out that by triangulating the client’s needs (screen size, how far away the audience is, and the type of content) on the first phone call, a lot of those issues can be stopped. He also addresses the Chinese marketplaces, specifically sites like AliBaba, and the difference between ordering from U.S.-based versus Chinese companies.

At the end of the day, “97 percent of components are produced in China”, so most of the time people are receiving Chinese components, which can lead to communication problems, as well as time zone issues when it comes to warranty repairs.

Lewis speaks more about the cultural difference, as well as his recent trip to China, and some compliance issues as well, all on today’s LEDTalk.

PixelFLEX™ redefines LED video durability with FLEXUltra PixelShield™

Award-winning LED video manufacturer introduces impact and scratch resistant technology to dramatically increase the longevity of ultra fine pixel pitch LED displays

Nashville, TN 3/13/19 – Created to overcome the challenges associated with the protection and performance longevity of ultra fine pixel pitch LED displays, the award-winning LED video manufacturer PixelFLEX™ is excited to introduce the new FLEXUltra with PixelShield™. A true COB technology, PixelShield offers an industry-leading impact and scratch resistant coating for your FLEXUltra display and provides a dramatic increase in the protection of your high-definition LED video experience.

“The ultra fine pixel pitch market is the fast-growing portion of our industry so we have responded by working with our R&D engineers to provide even more quality products that our customers can rely upon,” said David Venus, PixelFLEX Chief Marketing Officer. “Historically, these types of displays have been extremely fragile with high failure rates due to the damaging of pixels. With our new PixelShield protective technology, we are not only preventing the fragile nature of these displays, but we are ultimately enhancing the longevity of the ultra fine pixel pitch display market as well.”

A dynamic and high definition LED display, FLEXUltra allows for boundless opportunities to experience true HD quality video with the creative freedom to define any space. Utilizing the impact and scratch resistant COB PixelShield™ technology, FLEXUltra is designed in a convenient 16:9 ratio and has a 160° horizontal and vertical viewing angle. With fully font-serviceable panels for quick and easy onsite installation and maintenance, FLEXUltra operates with a 3840Hz refresh rate to eliminate on-camera scan lines and flicker, and is available in 0.9mm, 1.2mm, 1.6mm and 1.9mm pixel pitch options.

To find out more about the new FLEXUltra with PixelShield product line from PixelFLEX LED, visit the product page at www.pixelflexled.com

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 pixelflexled.com, follow us on Twitter at @pixelflexled or find us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Learn more FLEXUltra PixelShield

PixelFLEX™ makes the grade at the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Fravert Services creates a free-flowing FLEXUltra LED video display for the new Collat School of Business and Bill L. Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Nashville, TN (3/7/2019) – With the opening of a $37.5 million state-of-the-art facility, the University of Alabama at Birmingham recently unveiled the new home of the Collat School of Business and the Bill L. Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Designed by Williams Blackstock Architects of Birmingham and Robert A.M. Stern Architects of New York City, the 108,000-square foot educational center was created to provide a modern and innovative learning environment. Wanting an eye-catching display that would acknowledge all those you helped make the new facility possible, the University worked with the visual design specialists at Fravert Services who installed a free-flowing FLEXUltra LED video design from Nashville-based PixelFLEX™.

“Initially, we were brought onto the project through the general contractor, and we began with a visioning session to best understand what type of environment the University wanted to create,” began Drew Fravert, Project Manager, Fravert Services. “Since they had been in their old facility for quite some time, they really wanted the new building to serve as a testament of success to their business and entrepreneurship programs. Additionally, they wanted to recognize the donors who funded the construction in a unique way, so we created a completely custom LED video design using a series of FLEXUltra LED video tiles.”

A dynamic, high definition and curve-able LED display, the FLEXUltra allows boundless opportunities to create an unforgettable video experience with each frame manufactured specifically for the installation. Utilizing the ideal tile size for deployment of both 16:9 and 4:3 video ratios, FLEXUltra has a 160° horizontal and vertical viewing angle which offers one of the highest off-axis viewing angles in the industry, and the fully front-serviceable panels allow for quick and easy onsite installation and maintenance. With a 3869Hz refresh rate, FLEXUltra panels are available in 1.2mm, 1.6mm and 1.9mm pixel pitch options.

“When we started the design process of how to incorporate the digital display into the lobby, we went through the standard rectangular concepts, but it just wasn’t representative of the innovative nature of the school,” continued Fravert. “Knowing that LED video gave us the ability to be more creative, we started toying with the idea of using the individual PixelFLEX modules to create something truly interesting. Since this would not only serve as the donor wall, but also a recruiting tool for perspective students and faculty, the custom nature of the design would allow us to best demonstrate where the University is headed, and what it means to be a student at the school.”

As Fravert Services began to lay out the conceptual design for the custom video display, it not only needed to be unique, but it had to be functional as well. Drawing upon the idea of the student’s journey through the educational process, they were able to design a free-flowing, yet practical digital experience.

“Within the custom display, we still needed to provide the University with a space to show traditional 16×9 video, so we also needed to create a center screen as well,” added Fravert. “We started playing with the concept of students entering as individual freshmen, and then graduating as a part of something larger than themselves. If you look at the display from the right to left, as you enter the building, it flows from a fragmented display with individual tiles, into a more traditional design where there are more tiles grouped together. This gives the University the ability to showcase both custom content and their traditional video elements as well.”

Ready to begin the installation of the LED video design, Fravert understood that there would need to be a good line of communication between all parties involved. In a new construction application with custom features and design requirements, the team was able to successfully work together to create a truly unique lobby atmosphere.”

“Since we wanted to physically integrate the display into the building itself, we had to have a lot of coordination between the architects, general contractor and electricians so that the FLEXUltra tiles could be flush with the wall,” explained Fravert. “The wall itself is a sort of ‘false-wall’ with a five-inch gap behind it where all of the electrical conduits and data connections run back to a central server that powers everything. The University is then using an Adobe After Effects template to drop-in different video elements or custom graphics which create a dynamic and exciting digital experience from the moment you enter the building.”

Now open, the new home of the Collat School of Business and the Bill L. Harbert Institute is quickly enhancing the learning experience for the next generation of business leaders at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Knowing the effect that technology can have on an educational or any environment, it is the custom design abilities of LED video that Fravert believes holds its greatest value.

“The application of LED video in any design gives you a lot of flexibility with whatever type of information or graphics you are trying to show to your audience,” concluded Fravert. “For us, we are trying to design more experiential displays, and the PixelFLEX technology simply gives us the freedom to be more creative, which is something we truly value.”

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.

PixelFLEX™ recognized for “Best Retail Technology” by design:retail Magazine

Levi’s Market Street installation by Dallas-based Reflect of two FLEXClear transparent LED video displays operated by the ReflectView CMS receives 2019 SPECTRUM Award

Nashville, TN – 3/5/2019 – The Nashville-based LED video manufacturer PixelFLEX™ is pleased to announce the FLEXClear transparent LED video technology has been recognized by design:retail Magazine for the “Best Retail Technology” in the inaugural SPECTRUM Awards. Installed into the Levi’s Market Street flagship location in San Francisco by the experiential design team at Dallas-based Reflect, the system is operated by the proprietary ReflectView CMS, and was voted upon by a panel of independent judges tasked with acknowledging the years most innovative retail design projects and technology solutions.

“As a forerunner in the jean industry, Levi’s really wanted to make a statement and connect with their customers at their flagship location on Market Street in San Francisco,” said Brandie Perkins, Senior Account Manager, Reflect. “Having seen the possibilities of a transparent LED video display, they asked us if we could implement the technology into their new retail design, so we reached out to PixelFLEX about the FLEXClear LED video.”

As a 65-75% transparent LED display, FLEXClear gives designers the ability to offer a truly dynamic experience for consumers. Through its slim, attractive design and its high LED brightness, FLEXClear is perfect for any retail, hotel, shopping mall, or commercial application. With a 100,000-hour LED life and an IP44 rating, FLEXClear installation is quick and easy using spring-loaded Cam Locks for panel interlocking and offers easy back access for any service needs.

Levi’s Client Testimonial

Perkins continued, “They wanted a big experience that would attract consumer attention without impeding the natural light which is essential to the space, so we installed two separate FLEXClear LED video displays, one in each front window. They are mounted to a rod hanging from the ceiling, and we are using our ReflectView CMS to push the content we create to the displays. We are seeing a lot of excitement about the FLEXClear possibilities because it’s a dynamic and impactful display that doesn’t impede light or customer sightlines, all at an affordable price point.”

“In new awards program seeking the best-designed projects and products the retail design industry has to offer, we are very excited to have received a design:retail Spectrum Award,” added David Venus, Chief Marketing Officer, PixelFLEX. “As the visual experience behind the ever-evolving retail environment becomes even more prevalent, we are dedicated to continuing to provide designers with the most innovative and reliable product solutions which will only strengthen their connection with consumers.”

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.

LEDTALK: THE DEFINITIVE TOP 4 TRENDS FOR DIGITAL SIGNAGE IN 2019

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Corporate facilities are putting displays in conference rooms, front lobbies and green rooms more and more these days, and strategy for entertaining clients is big business. How can business owners make their display stand out above the competition and attract the sales, and how can AV integrators and suppliers play into those client trends?

On this episode of LED Talk, we discuss the top four design trends in digital signage and how they’re affecting the market.

Tune in as we talk about how “size matters” as large format displays are becoming a standard among the industry. Everyone seems to be wanting tighter pixel pitch, aiming for full HD, 2K or 4K. Finer pixel pitch products like sub-2mm, even sub-1.6mm, are trending as well.

Interactivity is key, as virtual and augmented reality experiences become our new normal; only about 10 percent of people remember things that they read, but over 90 percent of people can recall things they experienced, a statistic motivating much of today’s content marketing and product purchasing decisions. Touch, motion, and tactile experiences are on the rise, especially in retail and hospitality, where brick-and-mortar are having to keep up with the e-commerce world. Of course, durability and price points can’t be forgotten; it’s a delicate balance.

What are other trends, and how can you integrate them into your displays? And what’s one of the most unforgettable displays we’ve ever seen? Listen to us explain it all.

Follow PixelFLEX on social media for more LEDTalk!

Twitter – @pixelflexled
Facebook – facebook.com/PixelFlexUSA
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/pixelflex

LED Walls as Art: Not All Walls are 16:9

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