Year: 2021

Features, Uses, and Benefits of Rugged LCD Displays

Posted on: March 22, 2021

hammer series rugged displayWhat’s the appeal of rugged LCD displays? Are they really worth the extra upfront money or should you opt for a cheaper option instead? The answers to these questions depend largely on what the displays are being used for and in what capacity. Rugged LCD displays have been around for a fairly long time and their uses range from aiding in military and marines operations to the retail, restaurant, hospitality, and medical industries. Keep reading to learn all about the distinct features and benefits of rugged LCD touchscreen monitors and displays.

What Is a Rugged LCD Display?

LCD stands for liquid crystal display. Equipped with an ultra-thin screen, LCD displays provide high-definition crystal-clear picture quality. They’re comprised of two pieces of polarizing glass that are held together with a layer of liquid film in between. The picture quality of LCD displays is enhanced by strong fluorescent backlighting that shines through the two layers of glass and illuminates the internal crystals.

What Are Some Notable Features of Rugged LCD Displays?

Some notable features of LCD displays include:

  • They’re capable of lasting approximately 30,000 hours with continuous use for about 10 hours per day (that’s the equivalent of about 8 years)
  • Touchscreen LCD displays won’t overheat if they’re left on for long periods of time, which is ideal for environments and applications that require ongoing usage (e.g., military and marine ops, retail displays, restaurant digital menus, medical facilities, etc.)
  • Designed and manufactured with high performance standards to withstand extremely harsh weather and usage conditions
  • Dustproof and waterproof to prevent miniscule elements from causing internal damages
  • Sunlight readability and extensive brightness adjustment capability to facilitate usage in all lighting conditions
  • They’re completely shock- and vibration-proof to protect the internal mechanisms from damage caused by external elements
  • They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from below freezing to extremely hot, depending on the environment

What Are Some Common Uses for Rugged LCD Displays?

Rugged LCD monitors and touchscreen displays are ideal for a variety of uses and applications. Whether you’re using them for work or play, LCD displays are capable of handling anything you can throw at them. Many consumers purchase LCD displays for personal use such as at-home gaming, doing schoolwork, and more recently working from home.

LCD displays also have great industrial use, however. They can be used as digital displays in retail settings, digital menu boards in restaurants, digital patient sign-in forms for medical facilities, and so much more. Their unmatched durability and flexibility even make them the ideal tool for a number of military and marines applications.

Benefits of Rugged LCD Displays from Nauticomp Inc.

Nauticomp Inc. started off manufacturing technologically advanced rugged LCD displays and monitors strictly for marines and military operations in 1997. Since then, we’ve successfully expanded our operations and variety of LCD displays to meet a variety of industry-specific needs, including commercial and personal use. Contact us today to learn more about our products or to place an order.

How Commercial LED Displays Can Boost Digital Advertising

Posted on: March 3, 2021

Commercial LED DisplaysOver the years, commercial LED displays have slowly conquered the realm of strategic outdoor advertising, phasing out static billboards one sign at a time. Digital advertisements are capable of enticing audiences in ways that static billboards simply can’t. Just look at places like Times Square. It’s covered in neon signs and digital advertisements and every year, millions of tourists flock there to take pictures and take in the flashing lights and sounds.

This is undisputed proof that outdoor advertising LED screens have the power to bring people together to simultaneously entertain and inform the masses.

What Is a Commercial LED Display?

LED stands for “light emitting diode.” These diodes are 90% more energy efficient than standard incandescent light bulbs and they’re capable of producing crisper, crystal clear stunning visuals by comparison.

The visual effects are activated when a single electrical current runs through a built-in microchip. The microchip then illuminates the miniscule LEDs, which act as a vibrant source of light that’s projected onto the back of the display screen. LEDs produce substantial heat, which is absorbed by a device called a heat sink to prevent fire hazards and display performance issues. The result is a stunning, visually dynamic image on the exterior.

How Can We Use LED Displays for Outdoor Advertising?

When used appropriately and strategically, LED screens for outdoor advertising can be extremely effective at helping business reach their branding objectives. Social media ad revenues have seen substantial increases over the past decade or so. Combine that with advertising through commercial LED displays for your business, and your brand can reach a whole other level of recognition.

Whether they’re indoor or outdoor displays, LED screens can and should be used to advertise your brand’s social presence. Use it to encourage your target audience to follow you on social media. Create interactive digital LED advertisements that people can participate in using downloadable content and branded apps on their phones.

Both create a unique and rare branding experience that allows you to advertise your products and services to your target audience in a way that just feels like entertainment rather than a pushy sales pitch or annoying advertisement.

What Are the Advantages of Using Commercial LED Displays for Digital Advertising?

Digital advertising technology has evolved a great deal over the past few years, allowing for companies to come up with innovative and dynamic advertising campaigns that speak directly to their target audiences. If you’re wondering whether commercial displays can amplify your digital advertising game, here are a few key advantages to keep in mind.

Attract Customer Attention

Creative and dynamic LED displays have the power to grab the attention of your customers, whether they’re just passersby or people actively looking for your business. Even amongst the overstimulating din of busy city streets, outdoor commercial LED displays can make your storefront pop and stand out from all the others.

Traditional static signs and billboards that need to be changed out frequently just can’t do that. No matter how bright and colourful they may be, they just end up fading into the background and are no more noticeable than their surroundings. LED displays are a great investment because they literally and figuratively shine a light on your business.

Remote Management Capabilities

Another great feature of outdoor commercial LED displays is that you have the ability to manage your displays and make changes without having to physically remove a static sign. Content changes or edits can be done remotely. Simply upload your desired videos or images onto your computer, insert them into your digital advertising software, and then schedule them for display.

This is a useful feature because it allows you to change the digital advertising based on location without having to actually go to each location and physically make the changes or pay a technician to do it.

Digital advertisements can also be uploaded onto a secure cloud program for storage and easy access in the future.

Low Maintenance and High Durability Rating

Modern outdoor LED displays are designed to be incredibly rugged and can withstand exposure to a wide range of environmental elements and inclement weather conditions. Requiring minimal maintenance, these durable and high-quality pieces of machinery are expertly designed and crafted to last for many years to come. LED displays are also dust-proof and waterproof to prevent internal damages and they’re impervious to rough usage in public places.

Create Dynamic and Unique Content Opportunities

Digital advertisers and marketers are always looking for new and innovative ways to interact with and entice their target audiences. Whether they’re catering to existing loyal customers or trying to amp up their customer acquisition techniques, commercial outdoor LED displays create excellent dynamic and unique content opportunities.

Content can be remotely managed, updated, and scheduled in a moment’s notice. Plus, there are endless opportunities to create engaging interactive content that users can interact with on their personal mobile devices.

High Return on Investment

The main goal of advertising a product or service is to gain wide brand recognition and attempt to break into new markets as much as possible. Spending money on advertising, especially digital displays, is a huge risk for a lot of small- and medium-sized businesses. But if it’s done right and in a way that authentically represents your brand, the returns can be incredibly rewarding and fruitful.

Strategically placing your digital display advertisements on busy street corners and other high-traffic locations will guarantee that more people will see them and interact with them. The more eyes you have on your digital displays, the greater the chances are that you’ll turn a profit from them.

Nauticomp Inc.’s Outdoor Commercial LED Displays for Businesses

Nauticomp Inc. is one of the leading designers, manufacturers, and distributors of outdoor commercial LED displays for businesses in North America. We have a wide selection of customizable LED digital display models that are ideal for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications. Featuring infrared lighting, dust and waterproof capabilities, sunlight readability, deep dimming, and other notable capabilities, our exclusive Genesis Series can be customized to suit your specific digital display applications. Contact us today to learn more or to place an order.

5 Key Characteristics to Know about Sunlight Readable Displays

Posted on: February 22, 2021

Sunlight readible displayWhen it comes to important outdoor display features, sunlight readability is one of the most desirable components that consumers look for in their digital LCD and LED monitors and displays.

Sunlight readable displays are ideal for a number of personal and professional indoor and outdoor applications with abundant bright, natural lighting and other ambient lighting conditions. From screen brightness adjustability to anti-glare and anti-reflection properties, sunlight readability provides consistently crystal-clear image and video quality.

To help you make an informed decision on your next personal or professional-use touchscreen indoor or outdoor display, read about the top five characteristics of sunlight readable displays.

Optically Bonded Glass

LCD and LED monitors typically have a protective layer of glass that prevents damages such as scratches from ruining the screen. This layer of glass can also produce unwanted glares and reflections that impede video and image quality, especially in ultra-bright settings. This is caused by the air gap between the top glass panel and the LCD or LED panel.

Optically bonded glass features a thin layer of industrial-grade optical adhesive that fills in this air gap and prevents internal reflections while also improving the contrast ratio, which results in a crisper image quality in high bright lighting conditions.

High Brightness Levels and Adjustability

Sunlight readable displays also feature high brightness levels, adjustability, and excellent image and video contrast. Enjoy bright, bold colours and crisp images during any time of day, regardless of natural or synthetic lighting levels.

Complete with optically bonded glass, sunlight readable touchscreens are ideal for all lighting situations and can easily be adjusted to the appropriate brightness level without overworking the device’s battery.

Daylight Visibility

Sunlight readable digital touchscreens also offer unparalleled versatility as they can be used in all kinds of indoor and outdoor lighting conditions while maintaining strong image quality and screen visibility. Whether they’re for work or play, these screens always offer optimal viewing capabilities with ultra-high resolution, contrast, clear image displays, and enhanced performance even during strong daylight hours.

Dust and Waterproof

Dust and waterproof capabilities is another feature that typically accompanies most sunlight readable displays. These touchscreens are strategically designed to prevent small dust particles, debris, and water droplets from permeating the edges of the screen and destroying the technological design within.

Devices featuring dust and waterproof filters typically have a minimum IP65, which also helps extend the lifespan of the device by keeping its internal structure intact and protecting it against age-accelerating debris.

Strong Anti-Reflection Properties

Indoor and outdoor optically bonded digital display touchscreens have superior anti-reflection properties. The top layer of the touchscreen is protected by a thin layer of glass or film to prevent external damages. Between the top layer and the LED or LCD panel, there’s a thin flexible anti-glare and anti-reflection film that enhances image quality and screen visibility by preventing reflections.

Now that you know which features to look for in a sunlight readable indoor or outdoor touchscreen display for your personal or professional use, it’s important to purchase your device from a reputable company.

For nearly 25 years, Nauticomp Inc. has been one of the leading designers, manufacturers, and distributors of world-class sunlight readable digital displays across North America. Our state-of-the-art custom-designed LED and LCD touchscreen displays can be used for a variety of applications in a number of industries. Contact us today to learn more or to place an order.

5 Most Popular Touchscreen Technologies Available in 2021

Posted on: February 3, 2021

touchscreen technologyTouchscreen technology has become increasingly sophisticated over the years with new developments and improvements constantly on the horizon. And the year 2021 is no exception. In fact, there are going to be a lot of advancements made to this technology to increase its convenience factor and prevalence.

Here are the top five most popular types of rugged touchscreen technology that we think will continue to make big waves in 2021.

Surface Capacitive Touchscreen

Comprised of a glass panel that’s located under a layer of transparent electrodes and a protective screen cover, surface capacitive touchscreens are most commonly used for everyday devices such as mobile phones and laptop computers. They respond to direct skin-to-screen touch only. Surface capacitive touchscreen technology requires the electrical capacity of the human body to function. Hence, surface capacitive touchscreens can only be operated by an electrically charged stylus pen, touchscreen gloves, or a naked human finger.

Surface capacitive touchscreens also boast a number of desirable features including excellent picture/image quality, excellent durability, shatter resistance, scratch resistance, as well as water, dust, and greaseproof capacities that ensure a superior user experience compared to other touchscreen technologies on the market.

Projected Capacitive Touchscreen

Projected capacitive touchscreen technology has two major advantages over its predecessor, the surface capacitive touchscreen.

While surface capacitive touchscreen technology can only be operated by making direct contact with a naked human finger or special accessories, the projected capacitive touchscreen can be activated with gloved hands. The benefit is that users don’t have to purchase special accessories like mobile phone gloves or a stylus pen to use it while outside during the winter months. This is especially useful for people who work in environments that require them to wear surgical or plastic gloves.

Also, projected capacitive touchscreens have what’s known as a multi-touch activation feature. The screen recognizes and responds to coinciding touch functions from various sources. Projected capacitive touchscreens offer crystal clear image and video quality and they’re resistant to water, dust, and other surface contaminants as well as scratches.

Although projected capacitive touchscreens can’t be operated with a stylus pen, they can be operated with gloves. This makes them the perfect option for healthcare workers and anyone else who has to wear gloves for work.

Resistive Touchscreen

Resistive touchscreen is one of the most commonly used types of touch technology for a variety of devices. It contains a thin metallic sheet that covers a film screen and glass panel, leaving a miniscule gap in between. The gap allows for maximum flexibility when the screen is being used, preventing the glass component from cracking under the slightest pressure.

When contact is made, the two metallic sheets come together at the specific contact point. This generates an electric current that indicates to the device where the point of contact was made and what action needs to be taken. All of these processes happen simultaneously in a matter of seconds completely unbeknownst to the user.

Resistive touchscreens are great for a variety of applications and users. Unlike the surface and projected capacitive touchscreens, the resistive touchscreen can be operated using any instrument whether it’s direct touch with a human finger, a stylus pen, or a gloved hand. Resistive touchscreens also come at a much lower price point than its contemporaries, but there are some drawbacks to this.

The image quality is lower and the film screen isn’t completely impervious to scratches or cracks if it comes in contact with a sharp object or too much pressure. If cost is the main driving force behind your touch technology buying decision, however, then the resistive touchscreen is the right choice for you.

Infrared Touchscreen

Infrared touchscreens come in at the highest price point, but they also have a lot of advantages, one of which is the ultra-crystal clear image quality and clarity. It’s also one of the most durable touchscreen technologies on the market.

The way it works is that infrared receivers and light emitters produce a group of invisible light beams throughout the screen, which eliminates the need for a protective layer. The lack of a protective screen results in the pristine crystal clear picture quality. Every time a point of contact is made either by an object or human finger, the light beams are interrupted. The device automatically recognizes and reacts to the directive given by the point of contact.

Aside from the amazing image quality, other advantages of infrared technology are it’s completely scratch-resistant and has an infinite touch life. Despite all of these great features, there are a few glaring disadvantages that are hard to ignore, especially since infrared touchscreens are the most expensive out of all of the displays mentioned here. Infrared touchscreens are incredibly sensitive to all points of contract, including dirt, dust, and grease buildup on the screen.

In order for the screen to work accurately, it has to be perfectly clean at all times. Coming too close to the screen will activate its sensors, causing it to immediately react to any accidental touches. Plus, infrared touchscreens aren’t waterproof and any small liquid droplets can cause the screen to malfunction.

Surface Acoustic Wave

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) touchscreens are made up of a variety of piezoelectric transducers which convert different amounts of pressure into electrical signals and receivers that are located along the sides of the screen. The piezoelectric transducers and the receivers work in tandem to create an unseen grid system of ultrasonic waves across the surface panel. Touching these ultrasonic waves interrupts their movement directly at the point of contact. This interruption and absorption communicates to the device where the screen has been touched and what action needs to be taken in accordance to the touchpoint.

Advantages of SAW touchscreens are that it can be operated by any soft object, it has high-quality image clarity, and it’s scratch resistant. A few drawbacks is that it can’t be operated by hard objects like pens and any dirt, oil, or grease on the screen will create unresponsive areas. SAW touchscreens come at a fairly moderate price point.

For more information on the latest technological touchscreen developments and trends for 2021, read our blog. Nauticomp Inc. is one of the most renowned developers of state-of-the-art custom industrial and commercial-grade touchscreen monitors and displays in North America. Contact us today to place an order.

Benefits of Using Digital Signage in the Real Estate Industry

Posted on: January 20, 2021

digital signage in real estateThe real estate market is so oversaturated with listings to the extent that potential buyers are starting to feel overwhelmed by too much property availability. As a real estate agent, your job is to cut through all of that noise and make sure your listings are seen by the right potential buyers. Digital signage in the real estate industry is a great way to make your listing stand out from the rest and actively grab the attention of the exact type of buyer’s you’re hoping to attract.

Here are a few ways that you can successfully use digital signage to your advantage and yield positive results for you and your clients.

Earn the Confidence of Your Clients

Setting up digital signage kiosks outside of your brokerage or realty office can effectively grab the attention of anyone walking by who may be interested in purchasing or renting a new place. The more eyes on your listing, the higher the chances are of getting more offers and making a sale. Seeing the offers rolling in will strengthen the confidence your clients have in you to sell their property for them.

Team Building Confidence

Your clients aren’t the only ones who’ll be impressed with the results of setting up digital signage outside of your office. If you work for a real estate company, then your colleagues will also benefit from this extra advertising medium. Digital signage kiosks give people the chance to leave feedback and comments on listings. Seeing positive feedback from passersby and potential buyers can give your colleagues and yourself a much-needed confidence in your capabilities.

Stand Out from Competitors

Real estate is a very competitive industry. Often, multiple agents will try to monopolize the same highly in-demand areas simply because they have a lot to offer in terms of amenities and good quality homes or buildings. Advertising through digital signage gives you a leg up over your competitors because it demonstrates that you have more of the modern communicative edge that many buyers are looking for.

Display and Update Listings in Real-Time

Digital signage platforms also offer the advantage of being able to update listings instantaneously and in real-time. These platforms can be linked to a variety of online forums and websites, so that they’re all updated at the same time to maintain consistency across the board.

Improve Engagement and Interest

Digital signage is great for capturing and keeping people’s attention. Use stunning, professionally taken photos of your property and clever phrasing to draw people in. Then, encourage them to actively participate in the advertising process. Once you’ve captured their attention, you can give them a virtual tour of the property, invite them to an open house event, and encourage them to contact you directly if they have any questions.

Nauticomp Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of custom-designed digital display platforms and screens that are perfectly suited for multiple purposes across various industries. Our touchscreen designs are durable, sunlight-readable, and adjustable according to your needs. Contact us today to learn more or to place an order.

6 Digital Signage Trends to Keep an Eye on in 2021

Posted on: January 7, 2021

digital signage trendsThere’s no way anyone could have possibly foreseen the unfathomable events that took place in 2020. A massive worldwide pandemic that would basically put life as we all know it on hold and forever alter the way we conduct our daily business seems like a scenario directly out of a George Orwell novel. But that’s exactly what happened. As the world underwent this colossal change and financial devastation, not to mention the immense strain that was placed on our healthcare systems, we learned how to cope with unthinkable tragedy as a whole and adjust to making more virtual connections out of necessity.

With the promise of various COVID-19 vaccines being made available in the coming months, 2021 already appears to be brighter and more hopeful than its predecessor. But the events of the past year have changed the course of technological communications and, as a direct result, the development and direction of digital signage applications for the future.

Here are six digital signage trends to look out for in 2021 and how they’ll most likely impact our daily professional and personal lives.

1. High-Quality Bright Display Screens

Lockdowns and social distancing mandates have forced most people to rely on various forms of technological communication as their main source of social interaction. That means it’s important for the quality of screen displays and brightness capacities to keep up with the demand and need for more screen time.

This year, tech companies will most likely focus on finding new and innovative ways to improve user experiences with screen displays and make this technology more easily accessible to a wider demographic. Ultraviolet displays that allow users to comfortably view screens even in bright settings aren’t a new concept. But the cost of these displays is expected to go down this year, making them more widely available to the general public.

2. Automated Content Creation

Industrial automation has been an emerging trend for many years now. From boosting efficiency in production and assembly lines to automated self-serve kiosks at gas stations, as well as self-checkouts at grocery stores, automation is all around us. It’s even made its way into the realm of digital marketing and advertising.

Content scheduling has already significantly improved the way in which content is posted and delivered to key audience members. With the way things are going, it’s only a matter of time before digital marketing companies start using automated programs and platforms to create high-quality content.

3. The Growth of the Digital Market

People have been online shopping for many years now. Although this isn’t an entirely new concept, our outlook on the practice has changed a great deal over the course of the past year. Online shopping has undoubtedly become more of a convenient necessity than just a luxury in light of COVID-19. Immunocompromised individuals who don’t feel comfortable shopping for basic necessities in public have come to rely heavily on online shopping and delivery platforms.

Businesses that have been forced to close their physical doors have had to adapt to e-commerce practices to maintain their customer brand loyalty and their livelihoods. Hence, companies have to expand their digital product and service catalogues to make them more easily accessible and digestible for people shopping from the safety and comfort of their homes. Experts predict this trend will continue through the end of 2021 and beyond as more people become accustomed to this new normal or at least until the pandemic is officially over.

4. Advanced Audience Tracking

In an effort to increase and improve customer engagement and create more positive experiences, companies will continue to collect and thoroughly analyze user data from their websites. Considering more and more people are shopping online these days rather than in store, it makes sense for companies to try to gain a strong understanding of the needs of their target audience while continuing to reach out to new demographics.

The best way to expand your audience while nurturing existing relationships is to analyze their behaviour on your website. This includes past purchases, products and services they’ve viewed, and even searches that led them directly to your website.

Online surveys are a great way to gain insight into the mindset of existing and potential audience members without necessarily invading their privacy. This method also allows you to create targeted ads that speak directly to specific audience members and spike their interests. Based on their past purchases and product views, you can implement algorithms on your website that help determine what their interests are and make personalized product and service recommendations.

5. Mobile Device and Digital Signage Compatibility

Remote business practices and management dictate that digital advertising should be a more personalized experience for your customers. What better way is there to forge a personalized digital relationship with your audience members than through their mobile devices? In 2021, it’s predicted that this already prominent digital signage trend will continue to gain more traction as more people opt for online shopping.

Implementing QR codes as well as digital galleries and tours provide your audience members with immediate digital access to your physical displays and inventory in real-time without having to leave the comfort and safety of their homes. Audience members should be able to access these features via special insider emails or directly through your website.

6. Improved Interactivity and Security

Enhanced online interactivity also requires more stringent security measures to protect the identity of your customers and the data they enter into your website. Customers need to feel safe and secure while browsing through your catalogue or entering sensitive information like their names, addresses, and payment credentials. Hackers have become increasingly adept at installing sophisticated identity-stealing malware on professional company websites, so it’s important to take all necessary precautions to protect your business and customers as much as possible.

For a more in-depth look at some of the biggest upcoming digital signage trends of 2021, feel free to speak to one of the product experts at Nauticomp Inc. Considered a world-class developer and distributor of state-of-the-art military, commercial, and industrial digital displays, we have many years of experience designing and building sophisticated digital display technology. Contact us today to learn more or to place an order.