NEC Australia has moved into the dynamic content distribution market with the launch of its complete digital signage solution.

The solution brings together the diverse areas of NEC Australia’s business – NEC flat panel displays (LCD, plasma and data projectors), Nextep Broadband and PanelDirector scheduling software to offer a complete digital signage solution.

An electronic billboard, digital signage is a fast, reliable and simple way to get messages heard and is used to present dynamic information electronically so users can advertise, educate and inform customers, staff and business partners on flat panel displays.

NEC Australia’s Managing Director, Mr Toshiharu Iwasa comments that “NEC Australia’s solution simplifies the purchasing process and improves after sales service. All elements from the hardware and software to distribution via our own broadband network are available as a complete end-to-end solution from NEC as the single supplier.”

Individual components of NEC’s digital signage solution can also be purchased separately, depending on customer requirements. Simple to use and manage, all screens can be managed remotely from a desktop, allowing users to edit schedules, communicate breaking news and update in-store promotions in real time.

PanelDirector software works seamlessly with all flat panel displays - plasma, LCD and DLP projectors and can be used in a network where TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) communication is available such as a wireless LAN or VPN environment. NEC’s next generation large-screen LCD monitors also feature NEC’s exclusive Digital Signage Technology Suite (DSTS), boasting many advanced features for optimum display performance.

NEC’s digital signage solution has multiple applications such as retail advertising, information updates and timetables.

As an advertising medium, digital signage has proved to be significantly more effective than traditional alternatives such as static advertising. A recent US study found that overall retail digital signage messages of advertised brands produced a weighted average increase of 22 per cent in volume and 24 per cent in sales. A total of 59 per cent of shoppers recalled seeing the screens over a six month period. NEC sees the potential market for digital signage in Australia as significant. Mr Iwasa adds that “since the NEC digital signage product benefits all businesses that potentially use paper as a means of communicating from retailers, banks, hotels and airports to cinemas, pubs and museums, we have a broad and varied target market that in some sectors, remains untapped.”

NEC Australia is currently working with the Sofitel in Melbourne to deliver NEC’s digital signage solution in the hotel’s lobby and conference facilities. NEC has also been supplying flat panel displays for digital signage purposes in Australian shopping centres, train stations and airports for a number of years.

NEC Soft, the software arm of the NEC Group in Japan, has reported significant successes in the digital signage area, boasting the lion share of Japan’s digital signage software market.

For media enquiries, please contact: Michelle Hancox Marketing Coodinator Digital Signage NEC Australia Pty Ltd (02) 9877 2333 michelle.hancox@nec.com.au

or

Lynn Hepple Public & Media Relations Manager NEC Australia Pty Ltd (03) 9264 3746 0411 563 907 lynn.hepple@nec.com.au

About NEC Australia NEC Australia is a provider of superior, affordable products, services and solutions to carriers, business, government and consumers. As a leader in the development of broadband and mobile communications technologies, NEC Australia’s strong sales and service focus has propelled the company to the forefront of a new era in communications. Through the provision of new technologies such as plasma displays, data projectors and high-speed broadband connections, NEC Australia also drives innovation into the home. Boasting the largest Research and Development facility in Australia, NEC’s commitment to innovation and continued expansion into export markets remains unrivalled. As well as undertaking leading R & D in DSL technologies and third-generation (3G) mobile terminals, NEC Australia’s broadband business, Nextep broadband, delivers business grade DSL services for SMEs, corporates and government. For additional information, please visit the NEC Australia or Nextep websites at www.nec.com.au and www.nextep.com.au.