Digital signage the next big opportunity for CI growth?

HD over IP product distributor HD Connectivity has launched a new digital signage company. HD Connectivity Display will supply and support large-format panels and low cost video walls for both commercial and residential installations - and it says that there are significant opportunities for CI integrators prepared to jump into this space.

Its initial offerings include single 1080p screens between 40- and 82-inches, single screens with quad format modes (in which each panel quarter can handle a different source), digital signage 'Totem' displays (40-, 46- & 53-inch options available) and low cost video walls (up to 10 x 10 screens). All are covered by a two-year swap-out guarantee and the brand's lauded UK support team.

The company says it's sourcing displays from Sharp and Samsung, which translates to best-in-class clarity and ultra-thin bezels for maximum visual impact.

The addition of digital signage to the HD Connectivity family would seem a great fit. Installers can take advantage of the brand's HDMI IP distribution products, creating a one-stop shop solution. "This is an excellent opportunity for installers to expand their revenue stream," maintains HDC's Chris Pinder. "What was once considered a very specialist installation is now relatively simple and a great opportunity to add the additional services to your business for continued long-term growth."

HDC Display has already been involved in projects involving Microsoft, the NHS, Skype and Everything Everywhere. Pinder reveals that following the company's recent training days at the Morgan Cars factory, the automobile maker was so impressed that it asked to keep the demo video wall.

Indeed, it was the company's recent experiences with CI customers working with digital signage that influenced HDC to launch its new strategic business unit. "We've had huge successes in supplying HDMI over IP as the backbone for dauntingly large projects - primarily because it's the only solution that can deliver HD content to both video walls and individual displays mixed on a single system. It was only natural for us to expand into the screen business for installers and integrators." Going forward he says the aim will be to build HDMI over IP receiver modules into the displays themselves.

"Digital signage is in high demand, with continued growth expected within the sector guaranteed for years to come" Pinder adds. "It's unlikely an installer will be beaten on price for spec if quoting HDMI over IP and HDC Displays. We hope our products are used as a facilitator for installers to win more jobs. Screen sales aren't an area where installers traditionally make good profit, but with HDC display they can."

By way of supporting its dealers, HDC Display says it has "negotiated attractive finance packages with leading finance specialists for those who need additional support to realise their digital signage or video wall ambitions."

For more information visit the HD Connectivity site.