Commentary

Amid Leadership Woes, HP's Digital Signage Shines (Literally)

It's no secret that all is not well at HP, as a fickle board of directors gives CEO Leo Apotheker his walking papers after just 11 months on the job, and former eBay boss Meg Whitman steps into the top spot. But it would be too bad if the well-publicized turmoil in the company's top ranks overshadowed its continued technological innovation, including in digital signage, where its new products are lowering prices (and the barrier to entry) for digital out-of-home advertising networks.

These include HP's first 27-inch diagonal performance display, boasting over 1 billion colors (which may actually be overkill, considering the human eye can see at most about 10 million). HP is also introducing the industry's first display with in-plane switching technology for less than $200, allowing superior color delivery despite poor viewing angles and lighting.

Last but not least HP introduced its first 47-inch diagonal multi-touch Digital Signage Display, which allows customers to interact with business messages in multichannel retailing environments. The diagonal LCD displays employ a multi-touch screen with unique scanning infrared technology, including embedded sensors to provide more accurate touch recognition. The display enables customers to use their fingertips to scroll through screens or perform many common multi-touch gestures.

In addition to the hardware, HP unveiled its SignagePlayer mp8200, which promises smooth operation in demanding digital signage applications, and a new version of the HP rp5800 Retail System, with a special Digital Signage Edition specifically configured for reliable playback of digital signage and interactive media.

Jun Kim, vice president and general manager of display business unit, stated: "HP offers customers robust displays and innovative, interactive digital signage products that are the new face of retail and hospitality."

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