Author: LG

 

By Victoria Sanville
Senior Manager, Vertical Sales – Public Sector
LG Electronics USA

To give school administrators the tools they need to keep students and staff informed, technology providers have started to develop a new category of turnkey digital health safety protocol solutions that combine video displays with software, sensors and more. The new class of health protocol display solutions available to higher education and K-12 school districts range from wellness kiosks to reconfigurable solutions to occupancy management systems.*

 

Wellness Kiosks

For staff, students and parents entering a school, campus building or other educational facility, many institutions will choose to screen individuals for possible infection. New all-in-one wellness kiosks are easy to setup at key entry points and don’t require staff to constantly monitor their operation. They typically include a smart display with a built-in operating system for processing and presenting information, as well as an integrated thermal scanner for quickly taking people’s temperature.

Multipurpose wellness kiosks not only take temperature readings, they can show health safety video content or important messages about the school’s protocols and plans. And many include built-in features such as motion-activated hand sanitizer dispensers and containers for offering masks or gloves. Some of the more advanced kiosks can automatically track hand sanitizer usage, so schools know not only that visitors are taking the important step of protecting themselves and others, but also when it’s time to refill the dispenser.

 

Reconfigurable Health Protocol Signage Solutions

Many educational institutions already have digital signage displays mounted throughout their facilities for school messages, sports highlights, event schedules, cafeteria menus and more. Clearly, existing signage can be repurposed to communicate important health information as schools reopen. But more visual communication may be needed, especially in locations not currently served by existing digital signage.

Mobile, reconfigurable health protocol signage solutions allow schools to position their messages in high-traffic locations and then move them as necessary. Smart displays usually form the basis of the solution, attached to a portable mount or a rolling stand.

Our next post will cover occupancy management systems and safe interactive displays, plus closing thoughts.

*LG provides the displays utilized within healthcare protocol solution products developed and offered by a number of third party manufacturers.

 

By Victoria Sanville
Senior Manager, Vertical Sales – Public Sector
LG Electronics USA

As colleges and K-12 schools plan for classes this fall — online, in classrooms, or a hybrid of both — those that opt for some form of in-person instruction will need to deliver it safely, ever-mindful of the coronavirus that’s still present. In order to open their doors and welcome students and faculty, educational institutions will need to follow health guidelines and be able to communicate information effectively, whether it is to observe social distancing practices, monitor and report the number of people occupying a room, or publish staggered class schedules to minimize potential exposures. Digital display technology can play an important role.

During the best of times, display technology — in the form of digital signage, video display kiosks and interactive wayfinding systems — is critical to informing and engaging people as they navigate public and private spaces. It can take on new importance now as schools across the country prepare to operate safely during the pandemic.

Visual communication is persistent and self-reinforcing. In K-12 schools, continual visual messaging, supported by creative, compelling digital content, plays an important role in promoting healthy habits that will serve schools well even when the current pandemic subsides, practices such as washing hands or staying home when students feel sick. At a time when circumstances evolve quickly and up-to-date information is critical, digital signage, which can be changed at a moment’s notice, gives school administrators the tools they need to keep students and staff informed.

Technology providers have started to develop a new category of turnkey digital health safety protocol solutions that combine video displays with software, sensors and more. But they are not necessarily one-trick ponies. At their core, these solutions include the kind of digital signage technology that supports visual communication in retail, hospitality, corporate and — increasingly — education applications. So, after helping schools confront the challenges posed by the pandemic, these health safety protocol solutions can be redeployed for other ongoing communication initiatives, from mass security notifications to information about school events.

Stay tuned. Next time we’ll get into the new class of health protocol display solutions available to higher education and K-12 school districts.

 

K-12 education is no longer a model where “teacher speaks, students listen.” Rather, it is about connectivity, collaboration and competition. And with the current situation in 2020 it continues to evolve, redefining learning spaces both in and out of the classroom.

LG Business Solutions USA is empowering today’s K-12 education needs with a diverse suite of commercial display technologies. It’s being showcased online at the LG K-12 Digital Experience, where you can watch videos, read case studies, learn about the products, download a datasheet package, and more. Areas covered include:

Active Learning Classrooms – Discover a diverse collection of technology that meets various budgets and can help increase teacher and student engagement. Pairs with 1:1 devices, i.e., mobile-computing devices that are used in the teaching as tools for learning, and collaboration software for blended learning.

Esports Learning Spaces – Through esports, students can learn digital citizenship, team building, leadership and life skills aligned with academic areas.* LG solutions support an esports club or team, plus spectators.

Collaboration Learning Areas – For the auditorium, lobby, hallways for experiential learning, huddle spaces, library and cafeteria. Leverage LG technology to enhance the learning environment and encourage spontaneous collaboration in virtually any transition space on school grounds.

Integrated Outdoor Learning and Connection – LG technology can complement the expansion of plans on school grounds for outdoor learning, club activities and athletic events, and safety announcements including health protocol information and PPE supplies.

Learn more at the LG K-12 Digital Experience today.

* https://www.nasef.org/news/blog/why-should-educators-embrace-esports/

What uses 164 OLED hotel TVs, 15 OLED Wallpaper displays, Pro:Idiom^® digital rights management in smart mirrors and an LG HVAC system to enhance the guest experience?

The answer is Marriott’s newest Autograph Collection property, The Sinclair in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Sinclair is the world’s first hotel to run almost entirely on Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), and is an early adopter of LG OLED hotel TV display technology, with a 55-inch model in every room. LG OLED technology harnesses the capability to dazzle guests – the TVs are renowned for superior picture quality with perfect black, infinite contrast, intense color, wide viewing angle and groundbreaking design. And the razor-thin 65-inch LG OLED 4K UHD Wallpaper displays are perfect for public spaces because of that wide viewing angle – regardless of where you’re sitting in the room, the display turns virtually any blank space into a new canvas for digital art or engaging content.

The LG OLED hotel TVs and Wallpaper displays also offer the ability to perform basic maintenance and update procedures for all the TVs/displays remotely, and simple connection to guests’ personal streaming service accounts.

During these challenging times, the hospitality industry is seeking effective and efficient ways to promote guest safety and keep visitors informed during their stays, while also maintaining brand luxury standards and improving the overall guest experience to remain competitive. With the OLED TVs in every guest room and OLED Wallpaper displays around the property, The Sinclair is both raising the standard of in-room entertainment and providing a captivating solution to clearly communicate safety protocols protecting guests and staff.

In the guest room bathrooms are 21-inch models of the touchscreen Savvy^™ SmartMirror^™ from Electric Mirror, integrated with LG’s Pro:Idiom digital rights management technology. Pro:Idiom unlocks access to premium HDTV content from cable, satellite or video on demand (VOD) services. The smart mirrors deliver TV programming and custom hotel content.

The hotel also required individual control of its HVAC system throughout the 164 guestrooms (featuring 50 different room types) and heating and cooling for the lobby bar, reception area and large basement restaurant. The hotel management team identified LG as a company that was able to fulfill myriad HVAC needs, and create a full building ecosystem with its range of cutting-edge technologies across an expansive portfolio. LG’s award-winning Multi^™ V IV Heat Recovery Units were selected for their ability to provide individual room comfort for each space within the larger property. The Multi V IV also contributes to the building’s energy efficiency, high performance and flexibility in design and installation options.

Check out The Sinclair Hotel video case study.

 

If you’re a regular reader of this blog you’ve seen examples of the latest innovations in commercial display technology, such as Dual-sided, Wallpaper, and Open-frame LG OLED, Transparent OLED Touch, and most recently, the curvable LAPE Series LED and cable-less LSAA Series LED. We’ve shown videos of show-stopping LG display structures at a few CES shows, and we’ve taken you to see the amazing LG displays at South Korea’s Incheon Airport, and other places.

Today’s commercial display technology has evolved to where the displays can blend virtually seamlessly into the environment, stand out prominently in the environment or even become the environment. And that has captured the attention of architects and designers looking for new ways to build dynamic and memorable experiences.

In fact, LG Business Solutions USA was recently honored with the Architectural Technology Innovation Award, presented by the American Institute of Architects, California, during a virtual ceremony celebrating the completion of a large-scale digital display installation at its Northern California headquarters.

“This award recognizes LG for their significant and meaningful contributions to the architectural profession in California, and for pushing the boundaries of display technology,” said AIA CA President Debra Gerod, FAIA. “On behalf of more than 11,000 architects and design professionals in the state, AIA California recognizes LG for innovative solutions like the Cableless LED and Transparent Signage, as well as its commitment as a partner to the architectural community.”

LG had collaborated with AIA California to outfit their new office with cutting-edge displays. The goal was to create a space that reflected the values of the architectural profession and exemplify the future of design. AIA California incorporated a number of show-stopping LG commercial solutions, including Ultra-Stretch displays, touch screens and OLED Wallpaper displays.

The prestigious award recognition reinforces the fact that technology is a design element in its own right. To help architects and designers integrate advanced commercial display technologies into their building projects, LG has launched an expansive library of Building Information Modeling (BIM) online resources.

Read the full LG award story here.

 

By Tom Mottlau
Director of Healthcare & Emerging Markets
LG Business Solutions USA

 

As the population ages and more people enter long-term care and senior living facilities, technology stands ready to improve lives while streamlining operations. Tech innovation and senior care may seem like odd bedfellows, but a growing field of connected solutions plays into the hands of the Silent Generation and aging Baby Boomers who expect a certain level of digital interaction in their lives. Facilities with the right network infrastructure will be best positioned to make this a reality.

A recent study from the Pew Research Center found that nearly half of seniors own a smartphone and almost three-quarters use the Internet.¹ The Stanford University Center on Longevity reports that adults over 80 who use communication technology are more likely to report mental and physical well-being.² And results from a Front Porch Center for Innovation and Wellbeing pilot program—in which voice control devices were installed in a San Diego retirement community—reveal that 71 percent of residents said the technology makes them feel more connected and 100 percent said the device makes life easier.³ In other words, enabling a rich, digital experience is quickly becoming a requirement for today’s seniors.

Regardless of the technology that goes into senior and long-term care facilities, there needs to be a robust combination of wireless and wired networking to support what’s possible. The so-called Internet of Things and emerging 5G wireless communications will usher in new connected devices that can help monitor residents’ condition, for example, or make buildings smarter and more efficient, all while helping free up staff to focus on caregiving.

Perhaps the most prominent yet underappreciated high-tech device in care facilities is the humble television. Present in virtually all residences, and increasingly pervasive in lobbies, common areas and other spaces, TVs are no longer just a one-way entertainment medium. Integrated into a facility-wide IT network, commercial-grade smart TVs like those from LG can incorporate much of the digital connectedness that seniors have started to enjoy across the many disparate gadgets that have entered their lives.

A modern, networked TV functions more like an all-in-one, web-based computer, addressable by facility operators with the purpose of communicating information or interacting with residents. The hotel industry has already started to embrace this technology model in a significant way. Using large, commercial in-room TVs, hotels have begun offering amenities through the LG Pro:Centric^® platform directly to guests, from simple checkout to extensive concierge services. They’ve also made it easy for people to connect their own, preferred entertainment to the provided display, as well as offer branded content.

In senior healthcare, the TV can also act as this kind of media and information hub. Depending on the robustness of a facility’s IT network, caregivers and operators can send targeted reminders to residents to take their medication, offer lifestyle tips and deliver announcements of social events.

To enable this type of one-way communication, all that’s really needed is the Wi-Fi connectivity increasingly available at today’s facilities. Add to the mix a faster, wired network—or even a higher-speed wireless connection—and residents can interact with the smart TV, and, by extension, with their healthcare providers or even distant family members. They can confirm that they’ve taken their medication or RSVP for social events, all through a very familiar TV interface.

For facility operators, this kind of TV network helps simplify and centralize communication with residents. For example, the tools for sending messages or information to TV screens throughout a facility are akin to using a presentation template. No extensive IT skills are required, meaning the tech pros can focus on what they do best—ensuring a facility’s IT systems run efficiently. Instead, posting communications via networked TVs can be handled by a receptionist or other staffer, or it can be easily scheduled to run automatically.

And because this next generation of smart TV represents more of a computing platform than a screen in an armoire, it can be customizable. LG’s technology partners can develop solutions that enhance the digital experience—such as software that allows families and friends to share photos directly on residents’ TVs.

Eventually, LG plans to incorporate cutting-edge communication tools like voice control and video conferencing from innovators like Independa directly into the TV—the hub of a living space—vastly simplifying digital lifestyles and centralizing functions in a single device. As telehealth becomes more common and patients can interact visually with remote healthcare providers, the TV hub will become even more important.

However, as we come up with better ways to engage seniors digitally, the IT department needs to realize that new solutions can limit network bandwidth. Enabling smart TV hubs is just one demand put on networks, but there’s also ubiquitous Wi-Fi for residents and staff, back-office software systems, digital signage, video security, and other applications that increasingly tax network infrastructure.

The 21^st century long-term care facility will need to evolve digitally to meet the expectations of current and future residents. While the mix of solutions may differ from provider to provider, building out the network infrastructure to support whatever digital experience residents seek to enhance their lives will be key to that evolution.

 

1. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2017/05/17/technology-use-among-seniors/

2. https://news.stanford.edu/2016/11/28/oldest-adults-may-much-gain-social-technology/

3. http://fpciw.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/12/FINAL-DRAFT-Amazon-Alexa-Analysis-Report.pdf

 

LG’s new UL3G-B series smart digital signage packs an array of high-performance features into a wide range of sizes, to suit virtually any indoor business environment and content need.

The range of available sizes includes 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 86 inches, enabling UL3G-B series displays to be placed in a variety of indoor spaces and architectural designs. In addition to displaying dynamic content in UHD resolution, with web-based content management, the signage can perform a host of other functions. It can mirror content, utilize Beacon and Bluetooth^® Low Energy (BLE) for real-time promotions, work with sensor applications, facilitate video conferencing and serve as a wireless access point for mobile devices. To top it off the signage includes a built-in speaker.

 

Ultra HD Resolution and IPS Technology

With UHD resolution (3,840 x 2,160) four times higher than Full HD, the UL3G-B series can display breathtaking images with fine details and vibrant colors. In-Plane Switching (IPS) screen technology provides a wide viewing angle with rich color expression. This combination creates superb picture quality that looks clear and vivid from virtually any vantage point, to effortlessly attract the attention of passersby. This is ideal when you want your message to be seen by as many people as possible, such as in retail shops, public spaces, business conferences, training rooms and more.

 

Includes webOS Smart Signage

The LG webOS^™ Signage platform makes it easy to get started with a digital signage network, and just as easy to take it to new heights. The platform is pre-loaded with native apps such as LG’s subscription-based SuperSign^™ Content Management System (CMS) and Signage365Care cloud service solution, plus a basic content manager and management console. LG webOS Signage provides content delivery and management without requiring an HDMI input.

Even more important, webOS Signage enables LG to provide Application Programming Interfaces (API) allowing for the development and use of third-party software applications by LG partner companies, to customize digital signage solutions for virtually any business and numerous industries. Through webOS Signage, these partner applications, including a wide array of digital signage content management software, run directly on LG smart signage displays without the need for an external computing device. The process is made possible by an embedded System-on-Chip (SoC) processor within LG smart commercial displays running webOS Signage.

 

Supports Various Sensor Applications

The webOS smart signage platform supports connections with external sensors such as GPIO, NFC/RFID, temperature & humidity, pressure, optical, and thermal printer, via USB plug-in. The overall cost for maintenance is reduced as there’s no need to purchase additional software or media players and related cables for creating value-added solutions.

 

Simplifies Business Conferencing

UL3G-B series digital signage is Crestron Connected^® Certified, and Cisco Systems compatible, for virtually seamless integration and automated network-based control, and optimal visual meetings with reduced set-up time.

Learn more about the new LG UL3G-B series digital signage here.

 

Large format digital displays with their high image quality have made business presentations look their best. However, when it comes to projectors for business, today’s projector technology is outstanding. Images are huge – larger than typical meeting room displays. Picture quality is amazing, and many deliver stunning images with no need to darken the room.

One such projector is LG’s newest model for business: the LG CineBeam^® 4K Ultra-Short-Throw Laser Projector HU85LS.

Ultra-short-throw (UST) technology means that the projector is placed very close to the projection wall (see the note about screens below). When placed on a stand or credenza below the picture area, the LG CineBeam HU85LS can produce a 90-inch image at just two inches from the wall, and a 120-inch image from just 7.2 inches away. The ability to create such a large projection display in nearly any room arrangement makes the HU85LS an ideal video solution for retail, hospitality, small boardrooms and classroom environments, for a much lower cost than a commercial display with equal screen size, and very easy to install.

 

A Stunning Visual Experience

There’s no need for a dedicated light-controlled room or blackout curtains. The CineBeam HU85LS projector’s 2,700 ANSI lumens produce clear images in an indoor environment under ambient lighting conditions. With 8.3 million pixels (3840 x 2160), and leveraging XPR* technology, it delivers precision and detail at four times the resolution of Full HD. And unlike projectors that use color wheels to make three colors with one light source, the HU85LS adopts 3-channel laser technology to create RGB color via different light sources. Because of this, the HU85LS has no color wheel, so it significantly reduces “rainbow” artifacts that can be experienced with projectors using color wheels. What’s more, the 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio displays rich levels of black and smooth gradients necessary for an engaging cinematic 4K UHD experience.

 

Why Laser Projection

Because it does not use a bulb, laser projection technology helps businesses manage long-term costs by eliminating bulb outages that interrupt operations and require expensive replacements.

 

Easy Set-up and Control

Once positioned, the HU85LS’s image warping function allows you to tweak the geometry, if need be, to set up a precisely aligned 16:9 picture by fine-tuning 12 adjustment areas on the screen. For operation, the LG CineBeam offers voice control through the included LG Magic Remote with integrated microphone. Wireless connection is easy with virtually any iOS, Android™ or Windows^® device, and standard inputs include USB-A, USB-C and HDMI. The projector offers wireless screen mirroring, webOS 4.5 for native web browsing, two integrated five-watt speakers and a Bluetooth-out port to boost wireless audio through a separate stereo system.

 

A Note About Screens

The HU85LS can project a clear, bright image onto a white wall, but that isn’t the ideal solution for its stellar 4K image due to wall irregularities and texture. Today’s advanced screen materials enable screens designed specifically for UST projectors. There are different types of UST-specific screens so be sure to consult a projector specialist to ensure you get the right screen to make the most of the superb LG CineBeam picture quality, and make your business presentations shine larger than life.

 

Learn more about the LG CineBeam HU85LA here.

https://www.lg.com/us/business/projectors/lg-hu85ls

 

*XPR Technology is based on Texas Instruments’ 4K/UHD DLP technology that helps projectors to achieve true 4K resolution with 8.3 million pixels.

 

LG commercial displays create whole new ways of delivering an ultimate viewing experience to enhance engagement with the audience. To help industry professionals integrate these advanced commercial display technologies into their building projects, LG Business Solutions USA has launched an expansive online library of Building Information Modeling (BIM) resources.

The library was developed through a new collaboration with BIMsmith, the leading product research platform for building professionals. The goal is to empower architects and designers by simplifying and speeding the design process with LG commercial displays.

Many of today’s major building projects rely on advanced 3D computer design software. The new digital models provide visual representations for 3D environments and key product data, and are built to integrate with Autodesk Revit, the leading architectural design software for BIM.

Building professionals worldwide can easily discover and download the LG commercial display product resources they need. The data-rich 3D models are available on LG’s website as well as on BIMsmith Market and cover LG’s broad commercial display portfolio including Transparent OLED, LED signage, ultra-stretch displays, flexible curvable open frame tiling OLED, narrow bezel video walls, outdoor signage and a range of retail displays for public information needs.

 

It’s LG’s most advanced LED signage system. The innovative new LSAA series LED digital signage uses wireless transmission technology, achieving up to UHD resolution with the 16:9 ratio without requiring a cable connection between LED cabinets to supply signal and power. The solution is designed around a single LED cabinet hub that provides power and signal to the entire signage display. LG’s non-contact connector technology powers each display via pin connectors located on the edges of the LED cabinet hub.

The LED cabinet allows installers to connect multiple displays to achieve the desired size. Its block assembly design makes the LSAA series easy to install—constructing large displays is essentially as simple as stacking modules.

LSAA series LED signage is front serviceable, meaning that less space is required behind the display, allowing for a much larger selection of installation locations for LED signage than rear-only serviceable signage. Front serviceability also provides an advantage in being able to make sure all the seams are lined up and all the pixels are in a row when installing.

With straightforward installation and expandability, LSAA LED signage can be set up or reconfigured onsite in a fraction of the time it takes to install other LED displays. Wall mounts and frame-type accessories offer a number of installation options to meet the diverse requirements of different site conditions and customer needs. LG’s onscreen user interface helps simplify set-up and calibration, too.

Durability is provided through LG’s 4-in-1 LED package, where four pixels are on one chip, with each pixel containing red, green and blue. That means a large chip size with multiple solder points, which allows it to sit close to the printed circuit board and be robustly attached to the board.

Video performance is superb. The LSAA series LED is available initially in 1.2mm pixel pitch, to be followed by 0.9 and 1.5mm models later this year. Its processor is based on AI-powered image processing technology used in premium LG 4K UHD TVs to enhance resolution, noise reduction, sharpness, color and contrast. With HDR (HDR10, HDR10 Pro*) support, content becomes vivid and crisp. The wide color spectrum and excellent contrast ratio allow viewers to fully enjoy the content. In addition, LG’s custom coding and interface logic simplifies integrating video conferencing—the LSAA series is Crestron Connected^® certified for compatibility with professional AV controls.

Suitable even for up-close applications such as corporate meeting centers and boardrooms, LG LSAA series systems are certified as EMC Class B, which covers electronic equipment made for use in residential, commercial, industrial and business environments. EMC Class B certification means the LG LSAA produces low amounts of electromagnetic energy that can interfere with other systems or create excess electromagnetic noise.

The LSAA series is also designed to support redundancy of power and signal. With an optional embedded backup power supply, customers can ensure the continuous operation of the screen with virtually no power failure, while the dual controllers minimize screen failure with a bi-directional signal input.

The LG LSAA series LED signage is a Reddot 2020 design winner. Learn more about this amazing display here.

*HDR10 Pro is LG’s own HDR solution for processing HDR signal by using enhanced dynamic tone mapping.