DailyDOOH

Tim Bailey has joined Bluefin as COO.

You will be able to see Bluefin Screens at #ISE2024 next week on the BrightSign (6M280), Nexmosphere (6H710), NowSignage (6F710), SignageLive (6G820), and Uniguest (5B330) booths.

Former vice president of digital out-of-home at Quotient, Norm Chait has joined Hivestack as their new Vice President, US SSP Sales.

He brings with him an incredible background and expertise from the #OOH and #DOOH space that will help no doubt help Hivestck continue to build and scale their business across the US market.

SNA Displays manufactured a custom LED display as part of a hybrid billboard atop the historical House on Sunset in West Hollywood at the intersection of Sunset Blvd. and Corey Ave.

Orange Barrel Media (OBM), a leader in unique outdoor media, designed and operates the new digital-out-of-home (DOOH) display, which faces northeast-bound traffic on the Sunset Strip.

“Combining transparent LED video technology with these kinds of static signage elements gives this billboard a unique, eye-catching quality,” said Pete Simon, SNA Displays’ sales director for out of home. “Orange Barrel Media is always finding creative ways for its clients to stand out, and this digital-out-of-home platform does just that.”

Amazon is currently the exclusive tenant for the sign and uses the display to showcase its Prime Video streaming service. The project was constructed and installed by YESCO.

OBM’s one-of-a-kind sign design draws inspiration from historic Hollywood gantry signage, updated to modern technology with the use of programmable LED strips. The THRUMEDIA® LED sticks, which rotate through various Amazon Prime offerings, are affixed to an exposed steel gantry alongside a three-dimensional static cabinet displaying the Amazon Prime logo. The billboard gives brands a unique, dynamic moment at the western gateway to the world-famous Sunset Strip.

The digital platform’s 10 mm THRUMEDIA® LED strips are spaced 20 mm apart, providing both transparency and solid-video effects depending on the viewing angle and time of day. The LED sticks are tapered at the top and combined with static signage and several curved 30″ diameter steel pipes. The vertically oriented billboard is approximately 40′ tall and 23’4″ wide, with the transparent LED stick element representing half of the display.

Orange Barrel Media is a leader in unique outdoor media that adds to the character of urban places. Since its founding in 2004, Orange Barrel Media has been committed to a community-oriented model of media development and is now nationally recognized by cities and real estate owners alike seeking to implement programs that add to the vibrancy and character of urban places. OBM has been a pioneer on the Sunset Strip, having previously developed the Sunset Spectacular in partnership with the City of West Hollywood and operates many other projects in that city and in 27 other leading US media markets.

ASUS and ASUS IoT this week announced that they have entered into a strategic partnership with Quividi, the pioneer and leader in AI and computer vision (CV) based real-time audience measurement platforms for the digital signage and retail industries.

The collaboration allows for seamless integration of Quividi’s advanced audience measurement solutions into the range of ASUS NUCs and ASUS IoT Tinker Board-based digital signage solutions.

ASUS, having recently licensed Intel’s NUC product lines, has embarked on the development, manufacturing, and sale of current and future NUC systems. This move positions ASUS as a key player in producing customizable small-form-factor (SFF) devices, ideal for edge computing environments and widely utilized in the digital signage and retail industries.

To enhance access to cutting-edge audience measurement capabilities, Quividi’s measurement solutions have achieved full compliance with ASUS’s latest NUC devices. As the demand for first-party audience data intensifies, especially for retailers and digital out-of-home (DOOH) publishers aiming to seize the full potential of in-store retail media opportunities, this development presents digital signage integrators and end-users with a state-of-the-art solution for deploying impactful and highly monetizable screen networks, driving both engagement and revenue.

Additionally, Quividi’s audience measurement solutions seamlessly integrate with ASUS Tinker Board an ARM-based single-board computer known for its ultra-small form factor and exceptional performance. This combined solution opens up possibilities for smart data-driven applications in vending machines and retail merchandising, showcasing the versatility of the ASUS-Quividi collaboration.

“As ASUS takes the helm in producing NUC devices, this partnership with Quividi reinforces our dedication to providing customers with best-in-class technology solutions for the digital signage and retail industries,” commented Casper Lee, EMEA Regional Head for ASUS AIoT at ASUS IoT. “The compatibility of Quividi’s solution with our NUCs and Tinker Board ensures businesses can leverage real-time audience insights seamlessly across our diverse platforms.”

“We are thrilled to partner with ASUS IoT on this strategic venture. The integration of Quividi’s solution with ASUS NUC and Tinker Board products is further testimony for our mission to deploy audience measurement technology at scale,” said Olivier Duizabo, President of Quividi. “This collaboration provides our partners and end-users with the solutions needed to enhance their retail and ad-based communication, ultimately driving business growth.”

Further discussions on this strategic partnership will take place during #ISE2024 at ASUS IoT and Quividi’s respective booths: Hall 6, #6D330 and #6F590.

The latest quarterly data from the Advertising Association and WARC Expenditure Report shows UK advertising spend rose by 15.9% to a total of £9.6bn for the period July to September 2023. This marks the first time that advertising spend in Q3 has exceeded the £9bn mark, driven predominantly by a sharp increase in online advertising. 

The UK advertising market is now thought to have grown by 6.4% in 2023, reaching a total of £37bn for the year, which represents a sizeable 3.8pp upgrade from the previous forecast (published in October 2023), with final figures for FY 2023 due to be published in late April 2024. The projection for advertising spend this year has been upwardly revised to £39bn, equating to a year-on-year increase of 5.9%. All of this is further evidence of increased confidence in advertising and marketing spend, echoing the recently released IPA Bellwether figures which showed UK marketing budgets for 2024 have seen the greatest upwards revisions in more than a decade.

Stephen Woodford, CEO, Advertising Association, said “The Q3 increase in 2023 and 2024 forecast upgrade demonstrate advertisers’ continued commitment to investing in their brands, despite the lack of overall growth and stubborn inflationary pressures in the UK economy. The IPA’s latest Bellwether forecast upgrade is further evidence of this, with the strongest improvement in advertiser expectations on total marketing budgets since 2014. Our forecasts indicate the advertising industry is performing better than the wider UK economy, with spend expected to reach £39bn in 2024. All this should provide confidence that the industry is well positioned to help the UK’s economy tackle the economic and social challenges it faces, by promoting product and service innovation, stimulating competition and supporting jobs.”

Despite the wider economic market conditions, search (including retail media) and online display (including social media) advertising spend generated higher-than-expected figures in Q3 2023. Search marked its strongest performance in 18 months rising by 23.7% and online display followed suit with a 24.8% increase, also achieving its highest gain in the same period. For comparison, online growth in France was approximately 5% during the quarter, while the UK grew 4.6 times faster at 22.3%. Online retailers increased their online ad spend in the UK market by 156% during Q3 2023 as competition for household budgets increased. 

Other channels also experienced growth in Q3 2023; cinema was up 21.2% and out-of-home 12.9%, while spend on broadcaster video on-demand (BVOD) increased by 28.4%, reflecting in part the role on-demand viewing played during the Women’s FIFA World Cup.  

We are told that 2024 will see a continued increase in advertising spend across more channels, with events such as the Men’s Euros this summer, the likelihood of a General Election and residual coverage of the Olympics contributing positively to this trend. TV advertising is set to return to positive figures – up 1.4% year-on-year – mostly driven by increases in BVOD (+14.6%). The latest AA/WARC dataset also expects a return to growth for radio (+2.1%), as well as the online channels of national newsbrands (+2.1%), regional newsbrands (+1.1%) and magazine media (+2.3%). 

James McDonald, Director of Data, Intelligence & Forecasting, WARC, told us“With the UK’s economy in the doldrums, the online ad sector’s strongest performance in over 18 months – growing five times faster than in key European markets – came as a welcome respite for an ad industry worth a record £37bn overall last year. Data show that online retailers more than doubled their online advertising spend during the third quarter, as pricing became competitive and brand salience paramount when attracting stretched household budgets. Our expectations for 2024 are now brighter on the tailwind of a strong end to last year and positive sentiment across the marketing and wider business sectors.” 

The Advertising Association/WARC quarterly Expenditure Report is the definitive guide to advertising expenditure in the UK with data and forecasts for different media going back to 1982.

BLAH

Sharp NEC Display Solutions Europe has announced the launch of *new* Sharp ePaper 13″ and 25″ displays.

As a digital alternative to paper posters, we are told that the ePaper displays are ideal for applications requiring static content with regular updates, such as POS promotions, menu boards, allergen information in retail and hospitality environments, timetables, or check-in and gate information in transportation environments.

The Sharp/NEC ePaper displays operate with zero power consumption during content playback, only drawing minimal power when updates are necessary. The displays ensure unimpaired readability even in the brightest environments, presenting static digital images with a low-reflection and paper-like quality. With full-colour capability enhanced by ACeP colour performance, they deliver outstanding visual performances with excellent contrast, wide viewing angles, and fine resolution for an ergonomic content presentation that looks remarkably like paper. The paper-like appearance is easy on the eyes with no reflections or blue light, underlining Sharp/NEC’s commitment to sustainability and viewer comfort.

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Midwich Group has announced the acquisition of The Farm, a US West Coast-based manufacturers’ representative and technical services provider.

“Increased opportunity and better support aren’t all our customers and manufacturer partners will gain,” says John Hood, CEO and president of The Farm. “Backed by the resources of Midwich, we’ll finally be able to invest in building and deepening our services — starting with our current partners Q-SYS and Visionary Solutions. Serving the finest AV manufacturers and technology providers is in our DNA. We’ve built a team of experts, no generalists. Instead of turning down work because of resource shortages, we’ll be able to expand to meet demand.”

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we are told The Farm will join forces with the Midwich Group’s U.S. operation, Starin Marketing, to expand its geographical footprint and enhance its current levels of customer and manufacturer support.

Starin’s CEO, Bobby Swartz said “For Starin partners, this reaffirms our promise and direction to continue to build a high-value and service-focused organization. Specialization in specific services and technologies allows us to bring an ease of business to our customers and vendor partners, and we continue to drive forward with the addition of the great people at The Farm.””

DynaScan Technology has announced the launch of its latest outdoor kiosks featuring multi-technology integration that can seamlessly integrate various display technologies, including LCD, LED, LED tickers, and ePaper.

Joining the company’s DK Series of outdoor displays, the kiosks are available in three sizes—65″, 75″, and 86″—and are offered in both dual-sided and single-sided configurations to cater to a diverse range of outdoor display needs.

DynaScan’s new outdoor kiosks allows businesses to tailor their outdoor displays to suit specific messaging and engagement requirements. The ability to use various display technologies enables dynamic and engaging content presentation. For instance, LED tickers can be utilized for scrolling real-time information, while LCD or LED displays can showcase static or dynamic visuals, enhancing overall audience engagement.

The outdoor kiosks are available with optional equipment to enhance functionality, including Intel® Smart Display Module integration, wireless antennas, P-CAP touch technology, digital locks, cameras, and sensors, providing a comprehensive solution for various applications.

DynaScan Executive Vice President David Huang told us “We are incredibly excited to introduce our latest innovation—kiosks that seamlessly integrate an array of display technologies. We believe these new offerings will provide businesses with the flexibility to tailor outdoor displays to their unique needs and redefine how businesses connect with their audience.”

DynaScan will be showcasing its DK Series display products at #ISE2024 Booth 3D700, Fira Barcelona Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain.

For over 25 years, DynaScan has been a pioneer in manufacturing innovative displays. With solutions for indoor, outdoor, and window-facing applications, DynaScan offers a diverse portfolio of professional sunlight-readable displays and kiosks that offer to superior performance, energy efficiency, and advanced remote management capabilities. With offices in Asia, Europe, and North America, DynaScan is equipped for international rollouts and support.

DynaScan Technology has announced the integration of Intel Smart Display Module options across its entire range of window displays and outdoor kiosks.

“DynaScan is dedicated to providing our customers with state-of-the-art display solutions that meet the demands of today’s dynamic environments. The integration of Intel® SDM across our entire window and kiosk product lineup demonstrates our commitment to innovation and adaptability. We think this new feature will make it easy for businesses to boost their visual communication strategies,” said David Huang, DynaScan Executive Vice President.

We are tld that this is a strategic decision represents a significant advancement in providing cutting-edge solutions that cater to the evolving needs of customers.

Key Integration Highlights:

• Modular Design: The small form factor allows for easy integration, eliminating external video cables and providing flexibility without compromising performance.
• Upgradability: Customers can easily upgrade display solutions without complex overhauls, ensuring compatibility and prolonging the display’s life.
• Enhanced Performance: DynaScan display products with Intel® SDM deliver improved performance and efficiency, meeting the demands of modern digital signage applications.
• Scalability: Businesses can effortlessly scale display installations with Intel® SDM-compatible products, ensuring a future-proof investment.
• Simplified Maintenance: Maintenance becomes more straightforward, minimizing downtime and reducing the total cost of ownership.

DynaScan will be at #ISE2024 Booth 3D700, Fira Barcelona Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain

For over 25 years, DynaScan has been a pioneer in manufacturing innovative displays. With solutions for indoor, outdoor, and window-facing applications, DynaScan offers a diverse portfolio of professional sunlight-readable displays and kiosks that offer to superior performance, energy efficiency, and advanced remote management capabilities. With offices in Asia, Europe, and North America, DynaScan is equipped for international rollouts and support.

The Outdoor Media Association (OMA) has announced that Revolution360 and Wrappr Media have joined the Australia association…

• Revolution360 is an innovative, national Out of Home media owner, specialising in Street Poster, Wall Mural and Experiential advertising. National Sales Director, Josh Fitzgerald said, “Revolution360 has been pioneering the Street Poster and Wall Mural landscape for more than a decade, offering unique, high-quality campaigns to our clients. We’re thrilled about the opportunity to join the OMA and MOVE as it will further demonstrate the legitimacy of our assets and allow us to provide an ongoing, meaningful contribution to the industry.”
• Wrappr is a unique, nationwide Advocate OOH advertising platform that offers advertising on private vehicles, driven by local brand advocates. Co-CEO, Jonte Shaw said “Since it was founded in 2017, Wrappr has been working with many of Australia’s biggest brands to provide them with access to hard-to-reach audiences and help them cut through in the right context. We’re thrilled to become part of the OMA and MOVE community, especially with the upcoming launch of MOVE2, which is set to revolutionise Out of Home audience measurement.”

OMA CEO Elizabeth McIntyre told us “We value our amazing members and are always excited to welcome more innovative Out of Home providers to our association. With the launch of MOVE2 on the horizon, we will soon be able to provide greater data granularity to our members, advertisers, and agencies, including seasonal changes and regional and place-based audiences.”

OMA members have access to a range of benefits, including research and insights, collaborative industry campaigns, advocacy and representation to government, audience measurements and networking opportunities.