The Role of the Projector as Display Device
While most digital sign deployments involve LCD and plasma displays, we often fail to recognize the possibility and eventual use of projectors as a digital signage display device. Discounting the projector will not result in a failure of a network’s ability to get their message across, but it’s like taking a weapon out of the full kaleidoscope of possibilities. In general, we tend to think of the sixteen by nine aspect ratio, installed in landscape with a three-panel layout as the undisputed authority for digital signage installations. This is obviously not a general problem, but we often paint ourselves into that mold.
There are some major benefits projectors can have over standard flat-panel plasmas and LCD televisions. Some such benefits could include:
- Display size. Projectors can increase the size and therefore the relative impact of the display screen. They can be especially effective in this regard when it comes to indoor installations.
- Flexibility and control. Projectors can give display operators a bit more control, especially when integrating with touch and rear projection.
- Cost. In some cases when cost is an issue, projectors can greatly outperform their LED and LCD counterparts–often this depends on quality and product comparison.
- Burn-in vs. burn-out. There are have been many warnings about how using off-brand displays can be detrimental. This also applies to projector units. If you do not invest in something that will last the chances of having bulb burn-out increase substantially.
- Lighting issues. If the room you are projecting in or the screen you are projecting on is in a very well-lit environment, then you may have some major difficulty seeing the picture for in all its majesty and glory. Light can be detrimental.
Touch
3M is one of the leading companies in the world of projection used as a touch screen. Microsoft has their own version of rear-projection touch applications. In case you’ve not heard of it, it’s called Microsoft Surface. The benefits of using rear projection in touch, multi-touch, interactive, and augmented reality installations is more vast than we currently know. Projectors will be at the forefront of much of this “revolution.” As digital signage continues to move into the realm of interactivity, the projector will play a key role in this revolution.
High Def
As projection devices improve, we may be seeing less and less flat panel displays. While I highly doubt it, this is certainly a possibility. Can you imagine a day when a projection device will replace flat panel LCD televisions for sign installs? I certainly don’t ever see that completely happening for a number of reasons I’ll not enumerate. However, future sign installs–especially those in door will benefit from a crystal clear display coming from a projection device rather than a flat-panel display.
Rear Projection
There are so super-sweet rear projection applications out there. Rear projection has not nearly begun to be tapped in downtown environments where in-window installations can target out-of-home audiences. Installations with rear-window projection will eventually be found in the windows of street shops in nearly every major city–worldwide. Mark my words. It will eventually be a reality.
Whatever the future holds for the projector, we know that it is not going away–especially as far as digital signs are concerned. The audio/video integration companies would have a hay day if I said projectors or LCDs would replace one or the other. That would simply be ridiculous.