Why Is It Important to Have a Good User Interface in a Rugged Military Display?

Posted on: August 13, 2021

rugged military display

Whether they’re on land, in the sea, or airborne, military operations are typically fraught with all kinds of potentially dangerous environmental conditions and situations that not only put the lives of military personnel at risk, but can also seriously damage inept technology. Rugged military displays are designed and constructed to be able to withstand a wide range of environmental impacts, vibrations, shock, and external elements such as water, dust, or even snow in inclement weather conditions. But the importance of UI (user interface) in a rugged military display also can’t be underestimated. 

When things get hairy, military operatives need to know that they have durable and easy to use rugged touchscreen military displays at their disposal that they can rely on during their most challenging moments. Having access to state-of-the-art, high-performance, and intuitive UI is imperative to the successful completion of a mission.

Best Designed Rugged Military Displays

There are several key factors that indicate whether a military LCD monitor or display can be deemed suitable for the often grueling environments to which they’ll be exposed. Rugged LCD monitors should be aptly equipped to withstand a wide range of environmental elements and situations without resulting in lagging or system malfunctions. Oftentimes, military personnel are faced with extremely tough situations that require quick thinking skills and the ability to take action immediately. As a result, rugged LCD displays should be equipped with the following features to facilitate the successful completion of military operations.

  • Dust, dirt, and waterproof chassis
  • Chemical resistance
  • Vibration and shock absorption/resistance
  • Touchscreen capabilities (preferably capacitive)
  • Abrasion resistance to maintain full screen visibility and functionality
  • Electro Static Discharge (ESD) or Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI)
  • Broad operating temperature range
  • Resistance to outdoor UV exposure 
  • Shatterproof bezel and chassis
  • Sunlight readability in extreme conditions

Intuitive and Easy to Navigate Layout

In times of extreme duress, military LCD display operators don’t have time to fiddle around with their technology. They need an intuitive user interface and system layout that’s easy to navigate, so that they can quickly find the data they need to complete their mission as quickly as possible and lead their troops to safety. 

Rugged military touchscreen LCD monitors have enhanced technological features that facilitate covert visual communications, multiple data input points, military-grade video display functionality, and other important intuitive applications that maximize the device performance in dire conditions.

Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) Compatibility

A fully integrated NVIS that includes NVGs is absolutely critical to any technology that’s involved in military operations. Covert military operations oftentimes take place under the dark guise of nightfall. Therefore, military-grade rugged touchscreen LCD displays need to be able to automatically adjust to low and no lighting conditions to ensure maximum usability and navigability at all times. 

Modular Design

Another critical feature that can make or break a military mission is adaptability. Military displays need to be lightweight, durable, and easy to assemble or disassemble at a moment’s notice for rapid getaways as needed. Rugged touchscreen military LCD monitors and displays have a unique modular design that makes them easy to store and carry on the go.

Nauticomp Inc. is one of the leading developers and distributors of advanced military LCD monitors and displays in North America. Our custom-tailored designs include whatever specific features your military operations value the most to help make your missions as successful as possible. Contact us today to learn more. 

Why High-Brightness TFT Displays Are Popular

Posted on: August 5, 2021

Industrial LCD MonitorsTFT displays are becoming an increasingly commonplace fixture in everyday personal and professional technological use. This type of LCD display technology is ideal for a variety of devices including smartphones, tablets, TVs, and even storefront displays. 

There are a lot of noteworthy pros and cons of using high-brightness TFT displays for various applications. Keep reading to learn about why TFT displays have become so popular in recent years. 

Sunlight-Readable Display

Perhaps one of the biggest attributes of using this type of industrial display for your business is that it has the ability to maintain full onscreen readability regardless of current lighting conditions. Equipped with a bright backlight and special polarizer, high-brightness TFT displays can offset the effects of ambient lighting conditions and retain their screen visibility at all times, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

Create High-Quality Images

Designed specifically for flat screen devices such as TVs, phones, tablets, and advertising displays, TFT displays have an incomparably high resolution that makes them the top LCD monitor of choice for a variety of applications. In addition to excellent readability in all lighting conditions, TFT displays also have an incomparably high resolution that allows them to deliver crystal clear images and text that aptly represent your brand and maximize the viewing pleasure of users.

Provide Thin-Film-Transistor Displays for Various Industries

Industrial applications require a much higher screen visibility and usability standard than consumer-grade devices. That’s why so many industries are turning to TFT displays for their professional requirements. Consumer displays aren’t made to last as long as commercial-grade displays. This is a known fact. For that reason, various industries such as agriculture, textile, transportation, communication, etc. all rely on TFT displays for long-lasting high-quality performance at every turn. 

TFT displays come in a variety of sizes, user interfaces, and configurations that are designed to suit the environmental requirements of various industries. Not only can they be custom-tailored to meet specific industrial standards, but they’re also guaranteed to last longer and yield a better return on investment than commercial-grade displays that have a lower upfront cost.  

Perfect for Outdoor and Window Displays

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have been forced to adopt new marketing and communication techniques to continue reaching out to customers. With limited store capacities in place, outdoor and window industrial displays have been a communication saving grace for businesses. TFT displays are the top monitor of choice because they offer high-performance sunlight readability and easy-to-use interface in all weather and lighting conditions. 

Why Choose High-Brightness TFT Displays from Nauticomp Inc.?

Nauticomp Inc. is a first-rate renowned provider of high-performance LCD monitors and industrial displays. We’ve served numerous businesses across North America, providing them with sophisticated LCD display technology that’s custom-tailored according to their industrial standards and the specific requirements of their operations. Our LCD monitors are equipped with a number of important computing features including sunlight readability, infrared lighting, as well as dust and waterproof capabilities. Contact us today to learn more or to place an order. 

What Are Some Pros and Cons of IPS Displays?

Posted on: July 23, 2021

IPS displaysDifferent types of LCD displays can perform different functions based on your specific technological, performance, and application requirements. Although twisted nematic (TN) LCD displays were once the reigning champions of the tech world, this technology was incapable of keeping up with the times and had far too many limitations. 

Therefore, in the mid-1990s, a new type of LCD monitor was introduced, one that picked up the slack and offered far more advanced performance functionality than its predecessor. In-plane switching (IPS) displays have taken LCD monitors to a whole new level by expanding their applications into various mediums that were otherwise not possible.

Types of IPS LCD Technology

In a previous article, we discussed using IPS display technology for a variety of different applications and the most important factors that should be considered when choosing a display for your needs. IPS LCD panels and monitors use perfectly aligned liquid crystals that form a parallel pattern to produce bold colours and onscreen colour contrast. 

Here’s a brief overview of the different types of IPS displays. 

  • Twisted nematic (TN) were the first IPS LCD monitors on the market in the early 1980s. They consist of nematic liquid crystals that are suspended between two plates of polarized glass. 
  • Vertical alignment (VA) LCD monitors have incredible colour contrast and image depth because their crystals are vertically aligned and move into a horizontal position to let light shine through. 
  • Organic light emitting diodes (OLED) are commonly used in computer screens, smartphones, handheld gaming devices, and television screens. 
  • In-plane switching (IPS) monitors are the most prevalent type of LCD display of all. IPS LCD display technology is capable of depicting excellent picture quality from all viewing angles along with superior colour contrast. 

Of course, IPS displays aren’t completely perfect for every application. In fact, they’re primarily use for professional applications that require the utmost precision and pristine image quality. Their unmatched and expansive viewing angle capabilities include graphic design, video editing, photo editing, and CAD engineering to name a few. 

Now let’s dive into the pros and cons of IPS displays, so that you can make an informed purchasing decision.

Pros of IPS Displays

Excellent Colour Reproduction

Featuring 8-bit RGB colour depth, IPS panels can reproduce over 16 million different colours, making it the ideal choice for professional applications that require detailed colour compositions. 

Wide Viewing Angles

IPS displays also boast incredibly wide viewing angles to complement their excellent colour reproduction and composition capabilities. This is just one of many reasons that IPS screens are a major improvement on TN panels. IPS screens can be comfortably viewed from virtually any angle without limiting or compromising the image quality, whereas TN screens can only be viewed head-on.

Better Sunlight Visibility

IPS LCD displays also boast far superior sunlight visibility and readability than other displays. Even under extremely bright and harsh natural or artificial lighting conditions, IPS displays maintain clear visibility and readability without interruption. This is made possible by high-quality backlighting combined with superior colour reproduction and viewing angle capabilities that the other abovementioned screens lack. For instance, TN panels have limited colour depth and therefore poor visibility in direct sunlight and strong lighting conditions.

Longer Lifespan

IPS displays generally have a longer lifespan than TN panels; however, the components of the latter are a lot easier and more cost-effective to reproduce in the long-term. The best option depends on the applications for which they’re being used and under what circumstances. TN panels tend to have a faster response time than IPS and VA displays combined, making them the ideal choice for gamers. 

As mentioned, however, IPS panels are more commonly used for professional applications that demand the utmost image quality and convenience. Although they have a lower upfront cost, TN panels need to be replaced more frequently. IPS panels, on the other hand, are the better long-term investment for freelancers because they have a longer lifespan.

Cons of IPS Displays

Slower Response Times

TN displays have a much faster response time than IPS panels. This is the main reason that gamers typically prefer the former over the latter. Slow response times translate to a lot of lagging as well as increased motion blur which can be a major distraction and diminish the quality of the gaming experience. 

Of course, the importance of the response times depends on the type of gamer you are. Shooter and fantasy games that rely on fast response times for pacing and to maintain the image quality of the game are better equipped with TN panels, but for other types of gaming IPS displays could suffice.

Expensive

IPS displays have a much higher upfront cost compared to the other types of monitors mentioned here. However, the spectacular image quality, unparalleled viewing angles, and the longer lifespan are all pros that outweigh and even justify the upfront costs. Plus, since IPS displays last longer and don’t need to be replaced or repaired as often as the other screens, you could actually end up saving money in the long run.

Limited Contrast Ratio

Due to the fact that IPS LCD displays have a far better colour depth than TN panels, they also have a superior contrast ratio. However, IPS displays aren’t necessarily the crème de la crème in this regard. More accurately, they fall somewhere in the middle. If you’re looking for a screen with an excellent or the best contrast ratio, then VA displays are your best choice.

Inefficient Power Consumption

Another disadvantage of IPS displays is that they consume power inefficiently compared to their counterparts. On average, IPS displays need about 15% more battery power than TN panels, which are suitable for battery-operated low-power devices. Additionally, IPS panels require stronger backlighting to function at all times to maintain a standard level of display clarity, which can eat up more battery power. 

Best Uses of IPS Displays 

  • Colour-critical professional applications
  • Technology enthusiasts
  • Higher level business and home use
  • Gamers who value image quality over response time 

Nauticomp Inc. is one of the leading designers, manufacturers, and distributors of custom industrial displays in North America, including IPS monitors that are ideal for a wide range of applications. Contact us today to learn more or to place an order. 

Factors to Consider when Selecting IPS Display Monitors

Posted on: July 2, 2021

 IPS Display Monitors There are four types of LCD monitors currently on the market: TN, VA, OLED, and IPS. Each LCD display type has its own set of unique features that make them suitable for various applications, uses, and technical preferences. Today, we’re going to focus on the attributes of IPS displays and certain important factors that should be considered when selecting IPS display monitors for your specific needs.

What Is an IPS Display Monitor?

IPS stands for “in-plane switching”. In the context of digital industrial displays, this means that this technology essentially uses liquid crystals that are perfectly aligned in a parallel pattern with the capability to produce vibrant colours and colour contrast on screen.

Users that require total colour accuracy, consistency, and vibrancy such as photographers, videographers, graphic designers, and gamers will appreciate the sophistication of IPS display technology.

A notable feature of IPS LCD monitors is that they provide an incredibly expansive viewing angle which works to fully showcase vivid colours on every end of the spectrum in ways that other LCD monitors can’t.

What Factors Make IPS Displays Worth Buying?

There are a number of different factors you should take into consideration when selecting an IPS display monitor for your personal or professional use.

Screen Size

Screen size impacts the pixel density of images and videos. Larger screens typically have a smaller pixel density if the resolution is low. Choose the screen size based on what you’re using the monitor for. Common uses such as work or gaming can be supported by a standard screen size for the most part. In fact, you should be able to find a 32-inch 4k monitor for a reasonable price.

Resolution

High resolutions yield a clearer and more visually appealing image quality than low resolutions. The resolution indicates the number of pixels contained within a monitor using a width x height format. For office workers, a 1920×1080 or 1080p is the minimum requirement, but you can opt for a sharper image quality with a 4k resolution if you prefer.

Panel Type

Compared to TN and VA panel types, IPS LCD monitors have far superior image quality and clarity as well as faster response times. 

Colour Contrast

If excellent colour contrast is a significant priority for your technological needs, then an IPS LCD monitor is the right choice. IPS offers better colour contrast than both VA and TN panels combined. This panel type also boasts excellent colour accuracy, screen consistency, and overall clarity. 

Excellent Contrast Ratio

Although IPS display technology comes at a slightly higher price point than TN panels, there’s a good reason for that. The contrast ratio on an IPS LCD monitor is superb in every sense of the word. Companies rate their product’s contrast ratios to indicate the differences between lighter and darker image elements. Larger ratios typically mean greater image clarity, which is certainly a feature worth noting in high-end IPS LCD displays.

Regardless of the commercial application, Nauticomp Inc. offers a series of industrial IPS LCD displays that are guaranteed to meet and exceed all of your expectations. We specialize in custom designing and manufacturing high-end displays that are suitable for a variety of uses and applications including retail, industrial, and even military operations. Contact us today to learn more about our products.

What Are the Advantages of ECDIS or Paperless Navigation of Ships?

Posted on: June 24, 2021


For centuries, paper charts served as the core navigational tool used by ship crews on their oceanic voyages. Until just over 15 years ago, it seemed that paper charts were completely impervious to the relentless technological evolution that was taking place around the globe and in the shipping industry. Paper charts were essentially untouchable and irreplaceable mostly due to the fact that seafarers are strict creatures of habit. Given the need for optimal expediency, convenience, and accuracy when navigating oceanic voyages, however, the move to paperless navigation of ships seemed inevitable. Enter the use of the state-of-the-art electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), which has dominated the industry over the past few years.

Advanced Marines computers, monitors, and displays require high resolutions, quick response times, and other important features that can only be offered by the ECDIS. 

Here are some of the benefits of having this dynamic technology aboard your ship for your next minor or major mission.

Availability and Quick Adjustability

Although Marines operations and voyages are well planned and thoroughly mapped out, sometimes new circumstances can develop unexpectedly. Paper chart navigation systems required Second Mates on ships to address chart catalogues that would sometimes arrive at the last minute. If the chart catalogues arrived late, then the entire mission would be delayed or potentially compromised. 

Paperless navigation of ships allows Second Mates to use a digital voyage planner to roughly plot out the course of the ship and make necessary changes along the way. Paper chart requests are quickly emailed by the Master to the chart supplier, at which point activation codes will be provided within minutes.

Speed and Accuracy

Switching to ECDIS navigation allows for greater speed and accuracy when mapping out a Marines mission. The voyage planner can automatically input waypoints into the system using an excel document. Those waypoints are then incorporated into various data reports such as Distance Covered, Distance to Go, and Average Speed without having to manually enter it in.

Navigational Efficiency

Traditional paper charts take a great deal of time and effort to plan, create, and coordinate with the rest of the crew members. Paperless navigation of ships using ECDIS essentially eliminates the need to implement chart corrections while the voyage is in progress.

Chart corrections are a meticulous task that requires the utmost precision and can take up a great deal of time. With ECDIS, course updates can be made and uploaded into the system immediately and as often as necessary. The margin for error is greater because of the availability of this technology.

Real-Time Alerts and Safety Features

ECDIS allows vessel positions and voyages to be tracked in real-time, so that enhanced safety features can be used to immediately alert crew members of potential threats such as choppy waters, incoming storms, and other dangerous events.

Nauticomp Inc. is the single largest and most reputable supplier of high-tech reliable Marines LCD displays in North America. Visit our website or contact us today to learn about our Marines displays, computers, monitors, and other devices. 

Is Your Military Display in Compliance with Environmental Standards?

Posted on: June 7, 2021

Military Display in Compliance with Environmental StandardsCustom military LCD displays should be equipped to handle all kinds of environmental elements that Mother Nature has to offer. After all, military applications typically require a great deal of outdoor time dealing directly with natural elements like sandstorms, heavy winds, rain, snow, sleet, and extreme temperatures. Military personnel can’t control the type of climate they’re exposed to, so it’s important to have reliable and durable equipment that can withstand virtually any type of operational conditions, especially when going on covert missions in remote locations.

When the time comes to invest in new displays or upgrade components of existing ones, it’s important to consider what specific features are most suitable for the military operations at hand.

Durability, versatility, and flexibility are obviously top priority—especially when embarking on long-term missions in top secret locations. To ensure that your troops are getting the most out of their devices, you have to choose a brand and make that you trust.

Why Your Military Display Should Be Compatible with Environmental Standards

Environmental standards for military displays typically adhere to MIL-STD, also known as MIL-SPEC or MilSpecs. This is the standard of defense in the United States and all military LCD displays and monitors must comply with it in order to be deemed operational and fit to be used in the line of duty or on certain missions that entail exposure to harsh environmental conditions.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Military Display That Can Withstand Different Environmental Conditions

Thorough planning and preparation is the key to achieving a successful military mission. Knowing the objectives of the mission inside and out is also extremely important as this will play a significant role in determining the types of features that your operation requires. Once you’ve determined the types of LCD display and monitor features you require, you can obtain the proper equipment to meet the environmental standards of your mission.

Here are some common military display and monitor features to consider for various applications.

Temperature Conditions and Fluctuations

Military life can take you to some truly remote and sometimes exotic destinations all over the world. That’s not to make it sound like a vacation, but it’s just a part of the job. Depending on where you’re stationed, temperatures can range from extreme heat to extreme cold. In some cases, severe temperature fluctuations can occur on a daily basis. As a result, you need to make sure you’re well equipped with military LCD displays that are designed to handle all kinds of extreme temperature and weather conditions without hindering performance levels.

Moisture and Debris

High moisture levels and debris are common elements that many military personnel are forced to contend with on a daily basis while on specific missions. High moisture levels and debris present a great deal of operational challenges for electronic devices under these circumstances. As a result, military-grade LCD displays need to be designed to handle condensation, rain, and high humidity levels as well as exposure to dust and sand to ensure the success of the mission without any delays.

Make sure your device has a minimum IP67 rating as this indicates its ability to withstand long periods of water and dust exposure.

Performance Capabilities

Military operations require high performance standards from their LCD devices and monitors. That typically includes an exceptionally long battery life, sunlight readability in extremely bright conditions, brightness adjustability in dark conditions, data interpretation, communication standards, and shock resistance, and so much more.

Specific performance capability standards of your devices depend on the nuances of your mission, so it’s important to have a full understanding of your needs when selecting devices.

Extreme Shock and Constant Vibrations

Military operations and missions can often entail particularly stressful situations in unsafe environments. Devices must be able to sustain high levels of stress, shock, and vibrations to ensure the success of the mission. Device failures or malfunctions in these types of high-stress situations could lead to communication breakdowns and security breaches that could jeopardize the entire mission. As a result, military LCD devices and monitors must be built to be shock- and vibration-resistant under all circumstances.

Multiple Power Input Options

One of the main challenges of working on a remote military mission is finding adequate power input options and supplies for your devices. Hence, military LCD displays and monitors need to be equipped with long-lasting, low power consumption options that continuously support high performance capabilities at all times. Power fluctuations such as over and under-voltage, short circuiting, load dumps, and reverse polarity can also pose potentially serious and difficult obstacles for your military mission. Devices with multiple power input options can overcome and even avoid these challenges.

Electromagnetic Interference

Also known as radiofrequency interference, electromagnetic interference (EMI) is classified as a system malfunction as a result of a disturbance or blockage by an external source. High-efficiency state-of-the-art military LCD displays should be able to counteract and prevent the effects of EMI by actively controlling the amount of interference caused by often unidentified radiofrequencies in their general vicinity. EMIs don’t just disrupt your military mission, but they can also lead to serious data and security breaches that compromise the covert positions of military personnel and leak important information to opposing parties.

Look for a Reputable Manufacturer

Choose a highly reputable and responsive manufacturer that specializes in designing and distributing state-of-the-art military-grade electronic devices. That way, you can have peace of mind in knowing that you’re getting high-quality devices that meet your needs. Consider their customer service capabilities as well. You’ll want to partner with a manufacturer that’s easy to get a hold of, answers all of your questions in a timely manner, and provides you with additional support when you need it.

When military operations in the United States and Canada are in need of high-quality, durable, and dependable military LCD displays and monitors, there’s only one name they trust: Nauticomp Inc. We design and manufacture custom military displays that are capable of meeting your every need and withstanding a wide range of environmental elements and standards. Contact us today to learn more or to place your order.

What Are Some Pros and Cons of TFT Displays?

Posted on: May 26, 2021

Industrial Panel Mount LCD Displays and MonitorsLCD (liquid crystal displays) monitors are available in a variety of modern configurations. Perhaps the most high-tech version of LCDs to rise to prominence in recent decades is the TFT display. Read about the pros and cons of TFT display technology in this article, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this is a suitable option for your specific application and project needs.

Features of TFT Displays

TFT stands for thin-film transistor, which means that each pixel in the device has a thin-film transistor attached to it. Transistors are activated by electrical currents that make contact with the pixels to produce impeccable image quality on the screen. Here are some important features of TFT displays.

  • Excellent Colour Display.Top notch colour contrast, clarity, and brightness settings that can be adjusted to accommodate specific application requirements.
  • Extended Half-Life. TFT displays boast a much higher half-life than their LED counterparts and they also come in a variety of size configurations that can impact the device’s half-life depending on usage and other factors.
  • TFT displays can have either resistive or capacitive touch panels.Resistive is usually the standard because it comes at a lower price point, but you can also opt for capacitive which is compatible with most modern smartphones and other devices.
  • TFT displays offer exceptional aspect ratio control.Aspect ratio control contributes to better image clarity and quality by mapping out the number of pixels that are in the source image compared to the resolution pixels on the screen.
  • Monitor ghosting doesn’t occur on TFT displays.This is when a moving image or object has blurry pixels following it across the screen, resembling a ghost.
  • TFT displays are incredibly versatile.The offer a number of different interface options that are compatible with various devices and accommodate the technical capabilities of all users.

Types of TFT LCD Technology

There are two main types of TFT LCD displays:

  • · Twisted nematic TFT LCDs are an older model. They have limited colour options and use 6 bits per each blue, red, and green channel.
  • In-plane switching TFT LCDs are a newer model. Originally introduced in the 1990s by Hitachi, in-plane switching TFT LCDs consist of moving liquid pixels that move in contrast or opposite the plane of the display, rather than alongside it.

Pros of TFT Displays

  • Minimal energy consumption
  • Sharp visibility
  • Excellent physical design
  • Fast and accurate response time
  • Minimizes eye strain
  • Space efficient design (can be placed anywhere in your workspace on a rotational mount so you can turn it in all directions)

Cons of TFT Displays

  • Higher price point than other displays
  • Disproportionate viewing angles
  • Restricted utility due to glass paneling (e.g., ineffective for outdoor use where glass can showcase glares from natural lighting)
  • Relies on backlighting to provide brightness rather than producing its own light, hence, they need built-in light emitting diodes (LEDs) in their backlighting structure

Factors to Consider when Selecting a TFT Display

The type of TFT LCD monitor or industrial display you choose to purchase will depend on the specifications of your application or project. Here are a few important factors to consider when selecting an appropriate TFT LCD display technology:

  • Life expectancy/battery life.Depending on the length of ongoing use and the duration of your project, you’re going to want to choose a device that can last a long time while maintaining quality usage.
  • Touch type and accuracy.What type of activities are you planning on using your device for? If it’s for extended outdoor use, then you should go with projected capacitive touch as this is more precise and accurate. Touch accuracy is important for industrial and commercial applications.
  • Response times.TFT displays typically have faster and more accurate touch response times and performance.
  • Image clarity.Some TFT displays feature infrared touchscreens, while others are layered. The former is preferable, especially in poor lighting conditions or for outdoor and industrial applications, because there’s no overlay and therefore no obstructions to light emittance.
  • The environmental conditions make a difference in operation and image clarity. When choosing a TFT for outdoor or industrial applications, be sure to choose one that can withstand various environmental elements like dust, wind, moisture, dirt, and even sunlight.

As a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality digital displays in North America, Nauticomp Inc. can provide custom TFT LCD monitor solutions that are suitable for a multitude of industrial and commercial indoor and outdoor applications. Contact us today to learn more.

Why Digital Signage Is Essential during COVID-19

Posted on: May 4, 2021

commercial monitorsOver the past year and a half, one topic that has been at the forefront of everyone’s minds in one capacity or another is COVID-19. Many businesses have suffered tremendous economic loss due to the economic downturn caused by on and off again lockdowns. To recuperate some of those losses and continue drawing customers in, businesses have had to get a little creative with their marketing techniques.

Incorporating digital signage into your business model during COVID-19 is a smart move that can help your business stay competitive and relevant during these difficult times and as society comes face to face with the new normal.

Digital Signage Is an Indispensable Tool during the Pandemic

Digital signage has always been an indispensable media and marketing tool that could be used to increase target audience outreach, build up brand recognition, and spread important brand messaging on a convenient and manageable series of platforms. We’re living in an age where information spreads at the speed of light. With that great power comes the responsibility to ensure that the information being presented is completely accurate at all times. The prospect of fake news and misinformation has been prevalent over the past few years. Through the use of commercial monitors and industrial LCD displays, you can control the narrative surrounding your brand’s story and the role your organization has to play.

How Digital Signage Can Revolutionize the Spread of Information in the New Normal

Digital signage is a growing and ever-evolving medium that can be used to safely provide information to the general public regarding COVID-19 and other business updates. Here are a few reasons why you should consider integrating state-of-the-art digital signage displays in your marketing strategy, if you haven’t already.

Share Important Information from Government Agencies

Municipal and federal government agencies have been working hard to provide up-to-the-minute accurate information regarding COVID-19 updates. As a business in the public eye, it’s your responsibility to aid in spreading information that could potentially inform and protect your employees and clientele.

Educate Customers and Employees

 Moreover, you can use digital signage and displays to educate your customers and employees about the latest health, safety, and sanitation protocols your organization has in place to ensure their well-being. This will give customers more peace of mind and encourage them to support your business.

Broadcast Information, Updates, and Alerts in Hospitals

As the pandemic continues, hospitals have become overrun with COVID-19 cases. It’s important to keep the public informed as much as possible with the latest developments in terms of required health and safety measures, vaccine availability, and hospital and medical center protocols. In addition to keeping people informed, digital signage in doctor’s offices and medical facilities also provide a source of entertainment as people wait for their appointments. Digital displays can also be remotely updated as new information and data becomes available.

Restaurants Can Share Contactless Digital Menus

Another benefit of digital signage is that it allows restaurants to encourage and enforce some physical distancing through the use of limited contact/contactless digital menus. Restaurants can install digital menu boards that allow customers to read through all menu items from a distance. Alternatively, restaurants can create unique QR codes that allow customers to digitally download the menus directly onto their phones without having to physically touch the device.

LCD Displays and Commercial Monitors in Department Store

Digital signage and content has played a pivotal role in the survival of the retail industry during the pandemic. Retailers have been striving to comply with basic health and safety guidelines that include enforcing physical distancing protocols, providing hand sanitizer, and asking customers to wear masks while shopping. LCD displays are crucial to the success of these efforts because they continually update customers and employees alike about the latest COVID-19 information by presenting local data, protocols, and store capacities.

Display Updates in Bus and Train Stations

Throughout the pandemic, public transit has been deemed an essential service. Part of the commitment to promoting safe travels and commuting for essential workers is to provide the public with up-to-the-minute transit route updates. This helps ensure that travellers are able to maintain a steady schedule, physically distance while using public transit, and it gives them peace of mind that their health and safety is taken into account.

Nauticomp Inc. is one of the leading designers, manufacturers, and distributors of enhanced commercial monitors and LCD displays in North America. Our robust line of products is built to last a long time and endure all kinds of weather and usage conditions. Contact us today to learn more or to place an order.

How to Pick the Best Interactive LED Displays for the Ease of Doing Business

Posted on: April 23, 2021

 interactive LED displayWhen it comes to purchasing and installing interactive commercial LED displays for your business, there are a lot of important factors that you need to consider. Interactive displays are no longer a nice-to-have luxury item for high-end office spaces. Over the years, they’ve become an integral tool that businesses can use to enhance their practices, workplace collaborations, and brainstorming ideas during meetings.

The pandemic has forced most businesses to operate remotely, but that hasn’t diminished the value of utilizing interactive screens. If anything, remote work has only served to increase the need for interactive screen sharing technology amongst coworkers. Plus, keep in mind that some people are still able to go into the office to work and may be conducting interactive virtual presentations from meeting rooms, boardrooms, or their own private offices. Interactive commercial LED displays make for more dynamic and in-depth presentations whether or not you and your colleagues are all in the same room.

What Is an Interactive LED Display?

Interactive LED displays, also known as touchscreen displays, are large screens that are typically mounted onto a wall inside an office space, meeting room, or boardroom. They typically consist of multi-touchpoints that allow users to manipulate and interact with data on the screen during professional presentations.

Commercial interactive LED displays are predominantly used in business settings, but they’re also a viable option for academic environments, medical facilities, and other public spaces.

Hardware Specifications to Consider for Commercial LED Displays for Business

Technology has been moving in the direction of digital communication for decades, but the need for interactive digital displays has never been more prevalent than it is during the COVID-19 pandemic. To accommodate the specific requirements of your business and elevate your employees’ capability to remain productive while maintaining communications with one another, there are certain infrastructural and network-based specifications that you need to take into consideration.

Display Resolution

Since for the time being many of your employees are viewing or participating in your interactive presentations remotely, screen resolution is extremely important. Taking into account that some of your employees might be working on older devices that don’t necessarily have screen sharing capabilities, you should consider installing an interactive display that offers high resolution visibility.

Screen resolution should also work in conjunction with the size of the room. Smaller meeting rooms and shared spaces can easily accommodate 1080p FHD displays. Larger communal spaces and meeting rooms, however, require a screen with stronger visual capabilities like 4K/UHD resolution to effectively deliver the full impact of the immersive display experience and amplify your presentation.

Screen Size

Screen size is also important for the same reasons as having a crystal clear resolution. Size and resolution are two components that serve to complement one another. Also, you should consider the size of the room in which the screen will be set up. Choose a screen that fully accommodates the aesthetic and functionality of the space.

Years ago when businesses were first starting to install interactive screens in office spaces, the displays were most likely to be set up in conference rooms, meeting rooms, boardrooms, or executive offices where they were seldom used mostly for prestige purposes. Technology has come a long way since then and now digital displays for businesses come in a variety of sizes and price points. They’re more compatible with innovative devices and can support all kinds of applications, which justifies their use in different workplace environments including office spaces and large meeting rooms or other communal areas.

Type and Number of Inputs and Outputs

 Next, you need to consider what type of connectivity your business requires. How many inputs and outputs should your devices have? That depends on how many people will be using the digital displays at any given times and which devices they’re trying to connect with. Are they all working remotely or are some of them working from the office?

Interactive digital displays have the amazing capability to connect all meeting participants on different networks to the same device using multiple types of devices such as laptops, smartphones, Bluetooth, etc. This technology makes remote interactive connectivity seamless as long as everyone is on a secure network. After getting a consensus on your employees’ and customers’ connectivity requirements, you can utilize the following inputs and outputs to suit your needs:

  • HDMI
  • VGA
  • Peripheral devices (keyboard, mouse, joystick, light pen, track ball, scanner, microphone, graphic tablet, etc.)

UI/UX and Digital Signage Software to Consider

Some commercial LED digital displays for business are equipped with predetermined software operating systems. Of course, you have the option of replacing them with your preferred software and OS, but you may need to purchase the licensing for them separately. Depending on your business’s technological budget and specific operating requirements, you need to research which UI/UX digital software signage is most appropriate for your objectives.

Interface usability is an essential factor when deciding what kind of software to purchase and install. Advanced software is a great choice for completing your business’s tasks and enhancing presentations, but it’s utterly useless if no one in your organization can figure out how to navigate it. Based on the technical skills and knowledge of your employees and whether or not you have a competent IT department, it might be in your best interest to install software or OS that’s universally easy to use and navigate—at least in the beginning. Start by looking into the following components:

  • Onboard operating system
  • Annotation tool
  • Home screen setup

All of these features should be fully customizable to boost user experience, time efficiency, and overall employee and client productivity.

Nauticomp Inc. Can Help Your Business Meet Your Custom LED Display Requirements

Through custom design and innovation, Nauticomp Inc. delivers on high-quality demand-driven commercial applications and specifications. Our custom-designed LED digital displays are built to last in even the most vigorous commercial environments with an emphasis on ease of use and versatile connectivity options. Other common features of our displays include sunlight readability, dustproof capabilities, waterproof capabilities, infrared lighting, extensive brightness and clarity controls, and more. Contact us today to learn more about our products or to place an order.

5 Features Every Enterprise Digital Signage Must Have

Posted on: April 14, 2021

Digital signage is a common staple feature of virtually every modern business model. Whether it’s retail, healthcare, gaming, hospitality, or even the military, every enterprise uses some form of digital signage to advertise their brand, store data, or complete certain tasks.

Large scale companies rely heavily on vast networks of enterprise digital signage and rugged commercial displays to broadcast brand messaging and deploy effective marketing material. Managing and streamlining these initiatives can be challenging from a singular standpoint, but it’s not entirely impossible as long as your displays are equipped with the five important features of digital signage outlined in this article.

What Is Enterprise Digital Signage?

Enterprise digital signage is a technological network used by large companies to deploy a wide range of applications such as displaying wayfinding directories, meeting room digital signage, digital marketing dashboards, professional conference and tradeshow leaderboards, and so much more. These networks typically consist of a large number of displays that can be remotely controlled from one or more locations using specific software and platforms.

What Are Some Essential Features of Enterprise Digital Signage?

To maximize optimal results and scalability, enterprise digital signage should have the following features.

Central Control Capabilities

As mentioned, enterprise digital signage consists of a large network of displays that transmit a variety of dynamic content across multiple communication channels and locations. Keeping track of all of that content using individual devices and networks is nearly impossible. That’s why advanced enterprise digital signage networks have singular central control capabilities that make it easier to scale and manage content from one principal cloud-based platform. Secure cloud-based platforms can be accessed from multiple remote locations by authorized personnel to make necessary modifications or updates.

Powerful API

Application Programming Interface (API) is an intermediary type of computing software that facilitates digital communications between two or more software, hardware, programs, or applications. Companies can benefit greatly from using custom APIs that offer specific computational solutions based on the size and scope of their network connections.

Unwavering Security and Accessibility

Enterprise digital signage platforms typically store a lot of sensitive and confidential company information including customer and employee data. If this information gets into the wrong hands, the outcome could be catastrophic for your business, your employees, and your customers. As a result, enterprise digital signage platforms should be equipped with high security features such as single sign-on (SSO) authentication, a state-of-the-art firewall, antivirus software, remote monitoring software, and vulnerability scanners, to name a few.

Commercial-Grade Displays

Commercial-grade displays have rugged features such as a strong chassis, optical bonding, waterproof capabilities, dustproof capabilities, sunlight readability, etc. that make them the ideal choice for public enterprise digital displays. They can withstand a wide range of light or severe weather conditions and even rough usage in all kinds of environments and are guaranteed to last a long time.

System-Wide Alerts

Emergency situations can happen quickly and unexpectedly. Whether it’s a crime or severe weather event, it’s important to alert all employees and customers in the area that may be affected by the situation immediately. When choosing an advanced digital signage system for your enterprise, opt for one that includes a built-in emergency alert software platform. That way, you can quickly broadcast emergency alerts to ensure that everyone in the vicinity is informed of the situation and how to stay safe.

For over 20 years, Nauticomp Inc. has been one of the leading providers of advanced B2B rugged commercial displays and LCD digital displays. Our products are ideal for a variety of industrial and commercial uses and offer unparalleled custom design and integration for every application. Contact us today to learn more or to place an order.