Sign of the Times

摘要

We have probably all seen them, even if we did not realize what we were looking at - the newest generation of electronic signs and interactive displays that are popping up everywhere in new form factors and innovative designs. This latest generation is enabled by the impressive work from digital-sign display manufacturers. New and really unique capabilities are finally becoming affordable thanks in part to recent commercial developments in LEDs and LCDs, along with the imaginations of marketers and retailers. An example appears on our cover this month from my region of the world. This is in the Hall of Fame at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, where the New England Patriots play football. These futuristic looking kiosks, set against a backdrop of direct-view high-resolution LED displays from NanoLumens showing full-motion video, create a very exciting visitor space. These displays are made from high-density R-G-B LED building blocks the company calls "nixels" that can be assembled in a wide variety of shapes and form factors. These displays are part of the overall recent renovation of the venue and typical of what designers are looking to do in public spaces these days.