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Sunlight-Readable Displays and Monitors: An Overview

Posted on: March 18, 2016

sunlight-readable LCD

Sunlight-readable monitors and displays are now more popular than ever before. These advanced displays have been commonly used in the military and in the marine industry for many years, helping with navigation and other high-level tasks. Today, more companies are using sunlight-readable LCD screens for different industrial and commercial uses. Many business owners are finding that sunlight-readable screens have many advantages for their staff, operations, and commercial purposes.

What is a Sunlight-Readable Display?

Sunlight-readable screens are essentially outdoor monitors that can be used in daylight. There are many industries and businesses that rely on screens for a variety of tasks. For instance, a fast-food chain might use a screen for its drive-thru while a mining or excavation operation may need displays on its site. However, the problem with traditional displays and screens is that they are not readable in bright conditions outdoors. Daylight washes out the screen and adds a glare or reflections, which make it difficult to impossible to read.

With high-brightness sunlight-readable displays, screens are visible in even the brightest lighting conditions, allowing them to be used outdoors for a variety of purposes. Particularly in situations where either safety or accuracy is important, such as in marine navigation, daylight-viewable screens can provide reliable use in all daytime lighting conditions.

Sunlight-Readable Monitor Technology

There are actually many different types of daylight monitors. In fact, a daylight LCD may combine two or more of the following technologies to provide the most effective use.

Transflective Sunlight-Readable Displays

Transflective LCD screens reflect ambient light to increase the brightness of the screen. These types of daylight LCDs have both a reflector and backlight. While the backlight helps brighten the screen, the reflector can actually use ambient light to increase brightness and reduce reliance on the backlight. The brighter it gets outside, the brighter a transflective screen will be. The downside to these screens is that they can have poor transmission, contrast, and colour.

Optically Bonded Sunlight-Readable Displays

Displays with optically bonded glass are a more advanced option suitable for industrial use. These high-bright LCD screens join the front and internal glass of the screen together. This has a number of benefits: It not only reduces glare and reflections from sunlight but also increases the ruggedness of the screen, allowing for more durable use in different applications, temperatures, and weather conditions. These types of displays are typically considered the best sunlight-readable options for industrial use.

Anti-Reflection and Anti-Glare Protection Glass Coating Technology

Even a high-brightness display will be unreadable in daylight conditions if there are reflections on the screen’s surface. To combat this, an anti-reflection coating can be applied to the screen by the manufacturer, almost eliminating all reflections and glare.

UV-Protective Film and IR Heat Rejected

Even if a screen is sunlight readable, it can be easily damaged by UV rays, particularly if it’s frequently outdoors. UV-protective film and anti-IR solutions protect screens from sun damage and ensure they remain sunlight readable.

Benefits of High-Brightness Sunlight-Readable Monitors

Sunlight-readable displays have many benefits. There are advantages and disadvantages depending on the technology used.

Transflective displays are typically cheaper option that works well for personal or more casual use. As well, transflective displays are typically good for power conservation. The downside is that a transflective display can have poor colour, contrast, and image readability some of the time.

With optically bonded glass displays, you get a more advanced solution for outdoor use. Optically bonded glass drastically improves outdoor readability and also carries many other benefits for ruggedness and durability. These displays are more suited for industrial use. The downside is that they are likely too advanced for a regular consumer or small operation.
Protective glass coatings and film are good for reducing glare and protecting your screen; however, on their own, they may not provide enough effect for sunlight readability. Instead, these are best used as complementary technologies on a sunlight-readable screen.

The best sunlight-readable screens will use a combination of different technologies and techniques to ensure your screen can always be used effectively outdoors.

Looking for a sunlight-readable display? Nauticomp Inc. is an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition as an innovative industry leader. We are dedicated to providing high-performance displays that are at the forefront of leading-edge display technology. Contact us at 1-705-328-2992 for Canadian service and at 1-800-267-9491 for U.S. service.

Nauticomp Inc. Weighs in on Reports that Night Vision Technology Market to Reach $7 Billion by 2020

Posted on: March 14, 2016

Lindsay, Ontario, March 14, 2016 – Nauticomp Inc., an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition, is commenting on a new report that predicts that the market for night vision technology will grow significantly in the next four years.

According to a report from MarketsandMarkets, an India-based research company, the market for night vision technology will grow by over 50% in the next four years. Currently, the night vision device market is worth about $5 billion each year, but that number is expected to grow to $7.7 billion by 2020. (Source: Meister, J., “Night Vision Device Market to Exceed $7B Value by 2020,” Product Design and Development, January 26, 2016; https://www.pddnet.com/news/2016/01/night-vision-device-market-exceed-7b-value-2020.)

“Night vision technology isn’t just something you see in the movies anymore,” notes Ryan Moore, president of Nauticomp Inc. “Night vision technology used to only really be used by the military, but now other industries are beginning to make use of this gear too.”

The market growth is expected partially because of the increasing applications that night vision technology is being put towards. Night vision technology is now used for many more common activities, including hunting and marine navigation.

“It’s more available to the public than ever before,” says Moore. “That’s a good thing, because night vision technology really has a lot of uses. It’s great when other industries can use this very advanced level of technology for their own benefit.”

However, military use is still expected to drive most of the growth in the market. With many armed conflicts around the world escalating, it is expected that there will be an increasing demand for night vision devices.

“Night vision equipment can save lives,” says Moore. “It’s becoming increasingly important in the military, with the advances in warfare. Our military forces have to be using the most advanced technology they can, so that’s the biggest reason why the market is growing.”

Night vision cameras and goggles are the devices that are expected to have the highest growth rate due to their frequent use in the military. However, Moore notes that there are a wide variety of other night vision devices available.

“When people think of night vision, they think of goggles,” says Moore. “There’s actually a wide range of night vision technology that is available. For instance, night vision-compatible displays are very common for both military and marine uses.”

Moore says that the growth in the market is a good thing for many businesses and companies, as well as consumers, who should reap benefits.

“When the market grows, the public gains more access to this technology,” says Moore. “There’s more opportunity to get this technology at competitive rates and put towards different uses.”

Nauticomp Inc. is an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition as an innovative industry leader. It is dedicated to providing high-performance displays that are at the forefront of leading edge display technology. More information can be found at www.Nauticomp.com.

Nauticomp Inc. Comments on Police Department Using Night Vision Technology

Posted on: March 1, 2016

Nauticomp Inc. (www.Nauticomp.com), an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition, is commenting on reports that a police department used night vision technology to save a girl’s life.

After a 17-year-old girl with a medical condition went missing near Lake Barcroft during a recent winter night, Fairfax County Police sent their helicopter division to help find her. Using night vision technology and thermal cameras, the police were able to locate the missing girl in a body of water and save her life. (Source: Korff, J., “Fairfax Co. Police Helicopter Division use night vision technology to save girl’s life,” WJLA, February 9, 2016; https://wjla.com/news/local/fairfax-co-police-helicopter-division-use-night-vision-technology-to-save-girls-life.)

“Night vision technology is something many people only hear about in movies, but it has a lot of real-world applications,” says Ryan Moore, president of Nauticomp Inc. “Night vision devices have been used in the military for years, but other industries are starting to use this technology too. There are a lot of situations where night-time visibility is needed, like with this incident.”

Fairfax police were able to locate the girl using a thermal imaging camera in their helicopter. The camera picked up the girl’s body heat, allowing the officers in the helicopter to notify officers on the ground.

“Night vision technology basically allows you to see in complete darkness,” says Moore. “There are a couple different types. Here, they were using a camera that picks up on heat sources. The camera can pick up on your body heat and display that on a screen.”

The dramatic rescue was almost entirely due to the use of the night vision technology, as officers on the ground had passed directly by the girl without seeing her. The dark conditions essentially hid her, and she likely would have frozen to death in the water if the helicopter officers did not locate her.

“Night vision technology is something that’s used in a lot of life-or-death situations,” says Moore. “It wasn’t as common in police departments before, but as this event illustrates, it can be used to save lives. Night vision is also becoming more common for industrial uses, where it can be important for safety reasons and to prevent injuries.”

Moore says that as advances are made in technology, more of it becomes available to the public. He says that Nauticomp has not only seen an increase in interest in their night vision technology but also in their industry-grade monitors and displays.

“There was a time where it was just the military and the marine industry using these advanced types of technology,” says Moore. “Now you have not just police departments but even regular businesses making use of some of this gear. They are more available than ever.”

Nauticomp Inc. is an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition as an innovative industry leader. It is dedicated to providing high performance displays that are at the forefront of leading edge display technology.

Nauticomp Inc. Comments on New Report Showing Growth in LED Display Market

Posted on: February 5, 2016

Lindsay, Canada, February 5, 2016 – Nauticomp Inc. (www.Nauticomp.com), an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition, is commenting on a new report that predicts significant growth in the LED display market.

The market for LED displays is expected to grow at a compounded rate of 14.7% per year, according to a new market study from Transparency Market Research. This would mean that the LED market will grow from its current $4.8 billion valuation to a $12.5 billion industry in 2020. (Source: “Global Outdoor LED Displays Market to develop at 14.70% CAGR From 2014 to 2020: Transparency Market Research,” Sys-Con, January 28, 2016; https://news.sys-con.com/node/3653901.)

“LED monitors and displays are experiencing exponential growth right now,” says Ryan Moore, president of Nauticomp Inc. “LED monitors aren’t new technology. They’ve been used in the marine and military industries for years, but we’re now starting to see them gain traction in other industries, such as manufacturing and even retail.”

The increasing demand for LED monitors is largely being driven by commercial industries, with sports stadiums and public events helping fuel the demand. LED displays are now being used for marketing and promotional purposes, both in stores and outdoors.

“Outdoor displays have been a premier option in the past, designed mostly for government or industrial use,” notes Moore. “As they’ve come down in price, their popularity has really been growing across the board. Now, any business has access to the same high-level technology that was previously only used for marine or even military use.”

Much of the projected growth in the LED display market is being attributed to the high display quality, far surpassing many other types of monitors available on the market. However, for stadium screens or other outdoor uses, LED displays need to be specially designed for use outdoors.

“Displays that are used outdoors are exposed to a range of harsh conditions,” says Moore. “These types of rugged displays are specifically manufactured for use outdoors. A lot of the market growth is going to be with these types of displays.”

Outdoor displays need to be waterproof, be able to withstand rain, as well as have higher operational temperature ranges, to withstand extreme hot or cold weather. Moore says these displays are wildly different than the regular displays consumers may have experience with, and they need to come from experienced display manufacturers.

“One of the most important considerations is that these displays are sunlight-readable,” says Moore. “A regular display won’t actually be suited for use in outdoor lighting conditions, day or night. These displays need to have sunlight-readable technology, as well as dimming capabilities for night-time use.”

The growth in the LED display market is expected to occur internationally. Currently, both Europe and North America are the leading continents for LED display use. The increasing availability of custom solutions is believed to be one factor behind the popularity of LED displays.

“A good LED display manufacturer can create custom designs for any client,” says Moore. “The industry has come a long way. LED displays and monitors are more available than ever for businesses, so there’s no surprise that the market is expected to double in less than five years.”

Nauticomp Inc. is an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition as an innovative industry leader. They are dedicated to providing high-performance displays that are at the forefront of leading edge display technology. More information can be found at Nauticomp.com.

How to Choose Sunlight-Readable LCD Monitors

Posted on: January 18, 2016

 

sunlight-readable LCD monitor

If you need a display or monitor to be used on a boat deck, in a drive-thru, or in some other outdoor application, you likely will need a daylight-readable LCD screen. When businesses look for commercial displays, they often focus exclusively on things like the display’s size or resolution. However, even the largest, highest-resolution display is useless if it’s used in conditions where it cannot be seen. Many regular displays are made for indoor use and can’t be viewed in daylight. This is why sunlight-readable LCD monitors are a popular solution for industry and commercial applications.

What Is a Sunlight-Readable Screen?

Sunlight is significantly brighter than indoor lighting. When you use a regular monitor in daylight, the screen becomes washed out by the increased ambient light. This reduces the contrast ratio of the monitor and makes it difficult—or even impossible—to view.

Sunlight-viewable LCD monitors are specially designed to be used outdoors. Unlike regular monitors, their screens are viewable in daylight and do not become dim or washed out. These screens can be viewed and are clear even in very bright conditions.

Sunlight-readable monitors work by using powerful backlighting that makes the screen brighter and viewable in daylight. These displays often also use optically bonded glass, which reduces almost all reflections on the screen and helps increase the contrast ratio.

Tips to Choosing High-Brightness Monitors

There are a number of things to keep in mind when selecting the right high-brightness LCD monitor.

Sunlight Readable Isn’t Enough

While sunlight-readable monitors are more easily viewed in daylight, they do nothing to prevent reflections from obscuring the screen. Always choose a monitor with optically bonded glass, which is made specifically to tackle these problems.

Ensure a Warranty

When you’re choosing a monitor for outdoor environments, you can never be completely sure how it will hold up. Choose monitors that come with multi-year warranties so you don’t have to worry about any big problems. Companies that offer warranties will have higher quality products.

Dimming Capability

If you’re using a monitor outdoors, then you may have to use it at night too. Choose a sunlight-readable monitor with full dim-to-red capabilities for night-time use. These monitors will ensure that they are useful in any lighting condition.

Application of Sunlight-Readable Displays

Sunlight-readable displays are used throughout a number of industries. Monitors and displays are essential for both marine and military applications, particularly for navigation.

However, sunlight-readable displays are also used for a variety of commercial applications. Drive-thrus, air-traffic control, railways, retail businesses, transportation, and outdoor kiosks are all areas of industry that often need displays and monitors that can be used either outdoors or in extreme sunlight.

Glass Bridge Display Features

For commercial applications, Nauticomp Inc.’s Glass Bridge Display line is an enhanced solution suitable to any outdoor environment. It is sunlight readable with optically enhanced bonded glass and also has dim-to-red functionality, which ensures that it can be used for both day and night applications. The Glass Bridge series also features a rugged, baked-on powder-coated chassis, ensuring that it can be used in even the harshest outdoor environments. It’s the perfect display for any commercial use and comes in a variety of sizes with a three-year limited warranty.

Nauticomp Inc. is an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition as an innovative industry leader. We are dedicated to providing high-performance displays that are at the forefront of leading-edge display technology. Contact us at 1-705-328-2992 for Canadian service and at 1-800-267-9491 for U.S. service.

NVIS Displays for Military Applications

Posted on: December 16, 2015

SONY DSCMilitary LCD displays need to have functionality and capability beyond what any ordinary display can offer. While many commercial displays now offer more functionality than ever before, a military-grade LCD display needs to be able to withstand use in harsh environments and be used with extreme precision. If a display is to be used for military applications, it must be tested rigorously and meet military standards and requirements.

The Hammer Display Series has been designed for use in military applications. The Hammer night vision (NVIS) displays have been engineered with the functionality and the features that a military display needs. Here are some of the features that the Hammer display has and which any good military-grade display should have. 

Daylight Readability

Military-grade displays need to be daylight-readable displays. A military display may need to be used in a wide range of lighting conditions, including daylight, ambient lighting, and poorly lit conditions. Regular commercial-grade displays may not be visible or may lose quality in certain lighting conditions. The Hammer NVIS series is a sunlight-readable display that retains high quality in any lighting condition. The Hammer display offers quality and precision no matter what the lighting conditions are. As well, high-bright or LCD displays with fully functional dimming capabilities can be used in dark or poorly lit conditions without losing quality. The Hammer NVIS display is fully dimmable with a range extending to complete black. 

NVIS Capability

It may go without saying that any military display needs to have NVIS compatibility. The Hammer display has a NVIS mode, allowing the display to be used in complete darkness. There are a wide range of military applications that require NVIS. With an NVIS mode, the Hammer display can be easily used in (but is not limited to) night-time conditions. 

Waterproof Temperature Resistance

Military grade displays require the ability to withstand use in a range of extreme environments. A military LCD display needs to be rugged and resistant to extremes of weather, temperature, and other environmental conditions (such as dust or dirt) that are likely to be encountered in many military applications. The Hammer LCD display has a waterproof design that allows it to be used in outdoor and naval applications. The display also features an operational temperature range from -20˚ Celsius to 60˚ Celsius, ensuring functionality through temperature extremes. 

Improved Design

Design is an important consideration with commercial-grade displays, but it should be considered for military-grade displays as well. More efficient design allows for more versatility in the use of the display. The Hammer display has the largest possible screen in the smallest possible casing, allowing for greater screen size than would otherwise be possible. Improved design allows for the more appropriate size of display to be used.

Nauticomp Inc. is an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition as an innovative industry leader. We are dedicated to providing high-performance displays that are at the forefront of leading-edge display technology. Contact us at 1-705-328-2992 for Canadian service and at 1-800-267-9491 for U.S. service.

Nauticomp Inc Announces Updated Titan LED Display Line

Posted on: December 3, 2015

Nauticomp (www.Nauticomp.com), an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition, is announcing an updated line of one of its premier LED displays.

The Titan Commercial Grade Display is a highly efficient LED display line with a focus on combining dependability with ease of use. And now the entire Titan line has been updated, with improvements made to design and the release of additional models.

“The Titan is one of our best displays for commercial users, and these new updates and improvements should make it an even more attractive solution for the commercial sector,” says Ryan Moore, President of Nauticomp Inc. “It’s our most cost-effective commercial display, combining the foremost in LED technology in an affordable package.”

The updated Titan displays are more lightweight and compact, with a smaller size of casing for each of the models. By reducing the casing size, the Titan puts more of an emphasis on the display screen.

“With the new casings, owners get the same size display and less of the packaging, so to speak,” Moore explains. “A lot of LED displays can be bulky and unwieldly, while the enhanced Titan will be a lot more versatile. A larger display can be fit within a smaller space and be mounted more easily. It’s ultimately a sleeker display.”

Not only has the Titan been improved, but additional sizes have been added to the lineup. It is now available in 17” and 27”-wide versions, along with the previously offered 10”, 15”, and 19” versions.

“When a display is needed for commercial or marine purposes, often it needs to be a specific size,” Moore adds. “With these new additions, buyers have a wider selection to choose from when looking for a model that fits their needs. The 27” version is our largest Titan yet.”

Nauticomp Inc premiered the new 27” wide model at the recent Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle, the largest commercial marine trade show on the West Coast. This new version got a great reaction, implying a need for a cost-effective, cutting-edge display at this size.

“These updates are just the newest in a long line of enhancements Nauticomp Inc has made to the product line,” Moore concludes. “We’ve become a leading manufacturer of rugged displays, and part of our success is because we’re continuously updating and enhancing our products to meet our clients’ needs. These surely will not be the last upgrades to the Titan line.”

Nauticomp Inc. is an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition as an innovative industry leader. The company is dedicated to providing high-performance displays that are at the forefront of leading-edge display technology. For more information, browse our product page.

Nauticomp Inc Announces Being a Featured Exhibitor at the 36th Annual International WorkBoat Show

Posted on: November 27, 2015

Nauticomp Inc. (https://nauticomp.com), an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition, is announcing that they will be a featured exhibitor at the 36th annual International WorkBoat Show.

The International WorkBoat Show is the biggest marine-industry trade show in North America, bringing together suppliers and industry professionals from around the world. Taking place from December 1-3 in New Orleans, this year’s show brings together top marine industry exhibitors from six different continents.

“It is truly an honour for Nauticomp Inc to be a featured exhibitor at this year’s event,” says Ryan Moore, President of Nauticomp Inc. “The best the marine industry has to offer is at the International WorkBoat Show. We’re proud to be a leading manufacturer in the marine industry, and we’re looking forward to showing off our latest innovations.”

This year’s show will feature hundreds of exhibits from companies covering every facet of the marine industry. Attendees will have opportunities to connect with suppliers, while a conference will cover the latest cutting-edge marine technology and products.

“It’s the focus on innovation that we really enjoy about the tradeshow,” says Moore. “Marine environments can be harsh and tough, particularly on technology, so they really require specialized solutions and new innovations. Our focus at Nauticomp Inc has been on creating these specialized products, so we can’t wait to participate in the show.”

Nauticomp’s product line features high-performance displays and monitors built to withstand marine environments, including waterproof monitors and features for use in a variety of lighting conditions. They are highlighting two of their leading products at this year’s event.

“We’ve just enhanced our entire Titan Commercial Grade Displays line, so we’re eager to show that off,” says Moore. “We’ve redesigned the units to be more compact, and we’ve created additional models in a wider range of sizes. It combines high-end technology with an easy-to-use interface.”
Noting that the show’s attendees will include owners and operators of a wide variety of vessels, as well as commercial and military buyers, Moore says Nauticomp Inc will be showcasing versatile displays that can be used for a variety of purposes.

“No two areas of the marine industry are alike, which is why operators can have trouble finding technology that fits their specific needs” notes Moore. “Our new line of solid state Rugged NINA PC’s were created with this in mind, so we think they will get a great reaction at the show. They are designed to be used in anything from commercial vessels to recreational yachts.”

With the International WorkBoat Show covering a range of topics, from business management to legal and regulatory framework, Moore is confident that this year’s event will be a rousing success.

“If you’re part of the marine industry, you really need to stay on top of the latest practices and innovations,” says Moore. “Whether it’s the best business strategies, new safety guidelines, or the latest technology, I think this year’s event will have something for every marine professional.”
The International WorkBoat Show takes place December 1-3 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Nauticomp Inc. will be at booth #2742.

Nauticomp Inc. is an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition as an innovative industry leader. They are dedicated to providing high performance displays that are at the forefront of leading edge display technology. For more information, visit Nauticomp.com.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing Commercial-Grade Monitors

Posted on: November 24, 2015

Ship in the harborIf you need to secure a commercial-grade monitor, then it is likely that you need digital displays that are more rugged, longer-lasting, and more capable than other types of digital signage. Commercial monitors are used for many industry, military, and government applications. There is a number of different commercial-grade LCD displays available, and the right selection depends on the purpose of the monitor.

Here are the six things you should consider to help make the right selection.

What scale of monitor do you need?

The first thing you should consider is the size of the commercial-grade monitor you need. Depending on the purpose, different sizes may be more beneficial. A wall-sized installation will make your display the dominant piece in any room and the main focus for anyone present, whereas smaller monitors can be used effectively for individual use or supplementary applications.

From what distance will it be viewed?

Once you know the required size of your monitor, you need to know the distance from which people will be viewing it. Larger monitors typically need to be viewed from farther away as pixilation becomes more apparent the closer a viewer is. For larger monitors, a viewing distance of tens of feet may be required, whereas smaller monitors may need a distance of only a couple feet.

In what environment will the monitor be used?

Your commercial-grade monitor must be able to provide effective display in the environment where you will use it. If sunlight or other excessive ambient light will be a factor, you will specifically need a monitor that can provide effective resolution and screen brightness in those conditions. For marine purposes, your monitor should be waterproof to prevent damage to the unit. Consider whether your unit will be exposed to sunlight, dust, extreme temperatures, outdoor weather conditions, or industrial debris (e.g. sawdust, contaminants).

What will be the logistics of use?

For whichever commercial monitor you choose, you need to know what power source will be used as well as the logistics of both the installation and use. Research the different methods of powering a commercial monitor and determine which one will work best for your needs and environment. Consider monitors with multiple inputs, which will ensure greater compatibility for use in a variety of environments.

Is it practical for use?

Think about the continued operation and maintenance of your monitor. Commercial monitors with easy-to-use interfaces and customizable options will ensure intuitive ongoing operation. Consider how the monitor will be controlled and operated. Controls can differ among monitors, so select a unit that will be easy to operate in your environment.

Does it meet your specific needs?

It may be possible that you have special considerations for your monitor. For instance, if you require your monitor to operate for long periods of time or 24/7, then you need to choose a commercial-grade monitor that can handle longer operation times. If you need multiple units or units that do not consume too much power, consider monitors with LED backlighting, which operate with less power.

Nauticomp Inc. is an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition as an innovative industry leader. We are dedicated to providing high performance displays that are at the forefront of leading-edge display technology. Contact us at +1 705 328 2992 to confirm what options are best suited for your application.