LCD Display Monitors Technology Showcase
Dec 15, 2010 12:00 PM,
By Bennett Liles
Hyundai IT Corp. D468FL
As many have learned over the past few years, there is a good bit more to building an effective digital signage network, control room monitoring system, or a knockout videowall than just connecting a few wires and bolts and making things flash. Making it produce results requires a thoughtful plan, the right content, and careful timing. Still, the foundation is solid hardware with the right control features, mounting options, and screen type to provide a reliable platform for the message. The LCD displays we survey here offer the right mix of video connections, screen brightness, and contrast parameters along with mounting and compatibility features needed for effective display and monitoring in the demanding, high-uptime commercial environment.
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Whether installed for an all digital system from the start or for an incremental upgrade of an analog system, the Boland Communications DHD52W can serve as the bridge component with its mix of composite, Y/C and VGA analog, DVI, and HD/SD-SDI video connections. A wide viewing angle of 178/178 degrees, 45,000:1 contrast ratio, and 500 nits brightness with rotary knob brightness adjustment along with a dynamically dimmed 50,000-hour LED array make its performance customizable for the specific location and mounting method. The 52in. active display area can handle standard and high def from 480i to 1080p in a range of vertical rates, and control options include infrared and bidirectional RS-232. The unit has VESA 100 and 200 mount patterns and operates on 24VDC. As an option, 3.5mm stereo audio input and output connections are available.
Multiple monitor arrangements such as videowalls make use of several features on the D468FL commercial LCD panel from Hyundai IT Corp. including the ultrathin bezel and the daisy-chain capability on VGA, HDMI, and component connections. Configuration of each screen can be handled by using onscreen menus in 10 languages or through the RS-232C serial control connection. This model features a 46in. diagonal display area with WXGA resolution, 4500:1 contrast ratio, 8-millisecond response time, and 16.7 million display colors. Typical power consumption is 260W. Options include tempered glass, a transflective panel for automatic brightness control, and a motion detection feature for digital signage applications. Placement options are widened by automatic power management, an auto cooling system, and portrait and landscape scanning.
Ikegami HLM-3250w
The Ikegami HLM-3250w has a wide range of uses including monitor walls, TV remote trucks, control rooms, digital signage, and other commercial applications for which its power consumption of 145W is a plus. The unit offers a 32in. diagonal display area with 1920×1080 resolution, 1300:1 contrast ratio, a 10-bit color display driver, built-in speakers and headphone connection, 8-channel audio level display, VITC display, splitscreen and dot-by-dot display modes, WFM, vectorscope, and built-in test patterns. Input connections allow multiformat SDI, composite, and single-link DVI-D for video, and an analog audio input on RCA. Options include an analog PC/component video input module, embedded analog audio and AES/EBU output modules, 3G-capable multi-SDI with choice of analog or AES/EBU audio out, and RS-232 serial remote control.
JVC GM-F520
Introduced in March at the top of the GM-F series, the JVC GM-F520 52in. commercial LCD monitor is housed in the lightweight aluminum cabinet typical of the line with a 17mm bezel, and it includes an infrared motion sensor with a sensing range of up to 16.4ft. The sensor remains activated until the motion stops. The sensor can be used for power control, volume level, input selection, main and subpicture swap, and backlight control. The unit is suitable for use in bright areas with its 700 cd/m² brightness and 2000:1 contrast ratio. Multiple mounting points along with landscape and portrait scanning selection add to the installation options, and there is a space on the rear chassis to attach a set-top box. With native HD 1920×1080 resolution, the GM-F520 accepts video on BNC, 15-pin PC, and DVI-D. It outputs video on BNC and VGA connectors. Control connections include RS-485 and LAN.
LCD Display Monitors Technology Showcase
Dec 15, 2010 12:00 PM,
By Bennett Liles
LG Electronics M4715CCBA
With HDMI (HDCP), component, and PC video signal formats automatically scaling to WUXGA, the 47in. M4715CCBA commercial LCD display from LG Electronics has a range of installation options including portrait and landscape alignment. The 500 cd/m² brightness, 178-degree viewing angle, and 1.06 billion colors can assure legibility of smaller print and clear graphics in brightly lit areas. The unit sports a 36mm bezel, runs on 300W, and its minimum 50,000-hour mean time between failures spec is a good pro standard for high-uptime applications. It also features RS-232 serial, RGB, and composite video loop-through connections for multimonitor displays. Other features include WAN control; scheduling; instant messaging; self-diagnosis for temp, fan, and lamp functions; alarm messaging; and networked software upgrades. The M4715CCBA also has two audio inputs, a PC sound input, and an external speaker output.
Mitsubishi MDT651S
For a maximum of display with a minimum of frame, Mitsubishi offers the 65in. diagonal MDT651S LCD monitor with a 30.4mm bezel for portrait or landscape orientation in digital signage applications. This model includes HDMI, DVI-D, DisplayPort, RGBHV in/out on BNC connectors, S-Video, 15-pin in/out, Cat-5 in/out, and composite video input. Control is through either RS-232 D-sub in/out or LAN. The chassis has front and rear ambient light sensors, and the display is native 1920×1080 with 700 cd/m² brightness and a 2500:1 contrast ratio. Mini and RCA audio inputs and stereo RCA audio outputs handle sound sources, and there are external loudspeaker terminals with an optional SPI-651S or SP-521S loudspeaker. The display’s backlight is rated for up to 50,000 hours, the unit’s power consumption is 450W, and it weighs in at 104.9lbs.
NEC X462UN
The NEC X462UN is especially well-suited for videowall installations with a capability of being deployed in a matrix up to 10×10 with a screen-to-screen distance of only 7.3mm. The unit shows 1366×768 native resolution, a 3000:1 contrast ratio, and a maximum 700 cd/m² brightness. Ethernet connectivity enables diagnostic features including automated email notification, and the monitor can be scheduled to power up or down on its own internal clock. RS-232 serial control can be daisy-chained through all units on the wall, and identification can be set for individual units or groups. Optional accessories include the Remote/Ambient Control Kit, Overframe Kit, Display Wall Calibrator Color Calibration Kit, stand, wall mount, single-board computer, external PC, IPTV tuner, DVI daisy-chain module, and internal HD-SDI card.
For high-uptime applications in digital signage, the TH-47LF20U 47in. LCD monitor from Panasonic combines features such as 700 cd/m² brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio with an assortment of inputs including a 15-pin D-sub for PC signals, two HDMI inputs, DVI-D, component on BNC, composite, and S-Video. RS-232 control is connected on a 9-pin D-sub while the screen provides 1920×1080 resolution and 9-millisecond response time. Cooling is fanless, and there is a control button to lock volume and other settings. This series of monitors has added internal speakers that are cleanly integrated into the chassis with no protrusions for their combined 10W audio output, and the 18mm bezel suits videowall installations. The unit weighs slightly more than 49lbs. and average power consumption is 300W. There is an optional pedestal, the TYSTLF20.
Philips BDL5231V
A 1920×1080 screen resolution and an enhanced zoom feature supporting tiled matrix applications make the Philips BDL5231V 52in. LCD monitor especially well-suited for videowall and digital signage applications. The multimonitor capability extends to five displays with tiling capability to form 25 images along with serial control in and out on RS-232 ports. Assisting the effect is the thin 26.4mm bezel. The 700 cd/m² brightness and 4000:1 contrast ratio allow good readability in brightly lit areas. Input signal versatility includes VGA in and out, DVI-D, HDMI, component, composite, and S-Video. External speaker ports, internal speakers, and RCA audio outputs handle sound, and there is a smart insert in the back cover to house an onboard PC. The 234W power consumption drops to less than 1W in standby mode.
The Planar Systems ep46L edge-lit LED LCD display shows off a wide range of video inputs including VGA, two HDMI, DVI-D, DisplayPort, composite, component, and S-Video to suit any installation scenario for digital signage, and it can scan in either landscape or portrait modes. The 46in. diagonal screen has a maximum brightness of 450 cd/m², and with a contrast ratio of 4000:1 the content can be clearly seen in locations with rather high levels of ambient lighting. The ambient backlight sensor aids in automatically adjusting for these conditions, and the unit is designed for maximum uptime in 24/7 operation. Audio connections include stereo mini for PC and RCA jacks for video sources as well as RCA audio outputs. Control can be handled through RS-232 on a 9-pin D-sub or over LAN. Maximum power consumption is 185W, and the unit weighs 51lbs.
LCD Display Monitors Technology Showcase
Dec 15, 2010 12:00 PM,
By Bennett Liles
At the top of Samsung’s EX-Series, the 55in. 550EXn touts a mercury- and halogen-free design with an LED backlit screen and 120Hz scanning for smooth motion graphics in digital signage applications. Among the video signal interfaces included is a DVI output for easy distribution of high-def video among units in a videowall. Control is done through RS-232 serial and LAN connections. It also features an integrated PC and web-based server software. The screen features 450 cd/m² brightness, 6000:1 contrast ratio, 1920×1080 resolution, and a 6-millisecond response time. Audio connections include a stereo mini jack, dual 5W outputs, and well-hidden built-in speakers. The unit’s typical 200W power consumption drops to less than 3W in standby mode, and the chassis weighs in at 46.3lbs.
Sanyo PID-42AE1
For high-uptime display duty in either landscape or portrait orientation, Sanyo offers the PID-42AE1 42in. LCD panel with a 1000:1 contrast ratio, 500 cd/m² brightness, 9-millisecond response time, 1920×1080 resolution, and a wide range of computer resolution compatibility. In addition, the unit accepts video in composite, component, RGBHV, and DVI-D with HDCP along with audio on RCA and stereo mini jacks. Audio line output RCA connectors and 6W external speaker connections are included, and control is done through RS-232 input and loop-through for multi-unit display arrangements, which may be expanded with the monitor’s picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture features. Power consumption is 210W, which drops to .8W in standby, and the weight is 40.57lbs.
Special digital signage features top the specs list for the Sharp PN-E521 52in. professional monitor with fanless design for quiet operation, zoom display mode, and Sharp Digital Signage Software (SDSS) compatibility. The thin bezel allows the screens to be stacked in a videowall up to 5×5, and the optional digital signage controller PC can attach directly to the back of the chassis. Certified for continuous 24/7 operation, the unit has a display resolution of 1920×1080, 500 cd/m² brightness, and can be oriented in landscape or portrait mode. HDMI, D-sub, and 15-pin are standard video inputs while the optional PN-ZB01 interface board adds DVI-D in/out, RGB analog input on BNC connectors, component, S-Video, and composite video. Stereo sound in and out connections are also standard. Serial control may be used with 9-pin D-sub ins and outs and optional LAN connection.
Sony FWD-S42E1
The new FWD-S42E1 42in. LCD monitor from Sony offers 700 cd/m² brightness, 1920×1080 resolution, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and an 8-millisecond response time to suit a range of installations. Video interfaces include HD 15-pin, S-Video, composite, and DVI, and control is connected through RS-232 in and out ports along with Control S out and optional RJ-45 network port (standard on the FWD-S47H1 and FWD-S42H1). Audio inputs for the video connections are on stereo mini jacks. Left/right 7W external speaker outputs use grip connectors. The unit runs on 160W maximum, and power consumption drops to 98W in Eco (low brightness) mode and .5W in standby. For its size, the monitor is fairly light at 66lbs.
Viewsonic CD5233
Seven-day on/off scheduling, screen saver image sticking protection, and remote/panel control lockout top the list of public display features on the Viewsonic CD5233 LCD monitor. Designed for high-uptime applications, the unit includes both internal dual 5W speakers and external speaker terminals for 7W output. With a 4000:1 contrast ratio, an 8-millisecond response time, and 700 cd/m² brightness, the unit can be used in high ambient light locations, and the RS-232 serial control input and output connectors suit videowall installation. Video inputs include HDMI, DVI, component, and VGA while there are VGA, component, and DVI outputs. The monitor runs on 360W power and weighs 83.8lbs without stand.
