More than 250 touch-screen digital signage displays from LG Electronics are at the heart of a unique program that's bringing interactive kiosks to Manhattan and the outer boroughs over the next several months, LG Electronics USA announced today.
Demonstrating the power of touch-screen technology to connect with locals and tourists alike, the first displays were unveiled today in the Union Square area of Manhattan by City24/7, the New York-based start-up that developed the innovative pilot program with the City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications.
The LG touch-screens – high-brightness 32-inch class (31.5 inches measured diagonally) LED displays – will help revitalize existing phone kiosks and engage passersby in new ways. Users will see content that is geo-targeted and relevant to where they are standing, including real-time information, local events, restaurant and entertainment (with reservation and ticketing options), shopping and transport information. City24/7 also plans to launch a companion mobile channel for users to carry with them, wherever they go – also of interest to LG as a leading smartphone maker.
City24/7 has been working with New York City Agencies, The Union Square Partnership, City Maps, Roadify, Google Places and other content partners to deliver an engaging experience. A portion of the revenue generated by the sales of advertisements on the platform will be reinvested in the community, according to City24/7. The LG screens are not only compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, but also ENERGY STAR® qualified, and will also serve a dual-purpose as Wi-Fi hotspots.
"In this innovative application, LG display innovations help create an interactive and engaging experience," said Y.K. Cho, business-to-business senior vice president, LG Electronics USA. "Our ruggedized outdoor high-definition LED touch-screen monitors were designed to be intuitive and user-friendly and we are pleased to enable such an innovative project with our touch solution."
Real-Time Info, Plus Compelling Ads
City24/7 CEO Tom Touchet said his firm selected the LG touch-screen displays for a variety of reasons. "The image clarity and anti-reflective properties of LG's rugged outdoor touch-screen made it particularly valuable for this type of out-of-home installation," he said. "We are pleased to work with LG, both as a technology partner and as a charter sponsor, to bring this great project to the streets of New York."
Complementing its screen technology for interactive kiosks, LG Electronics has committed to a charter co-sponsorship, securing 50 percent of the advertising screen presence. Every hour, every day, 17.5 minutes will be dedicated to LG content and brand presence on the screens. LG will also participate in City24/7's mobile and web platforms, further strengthening LG's brand presence throughout the metropolitan area.
"In addition to providing useful information to passersby, City24/7's interactive kiosks with LG displays will deliver a compelling brand experience," said James Fishler, senior vice president, marketing and go-to-market operations, LG Electronics USA. "This innovative program not only helps power communication for New Yorkers, but also is a key platform for expanding LG's brand presence throughout the city."
Optimized for Outdoor Use
The new LG displays feature technologies that make them a well-suited solution for delivering messages in outdoor spaces. LG's In Plane Switching (IPS) panel technology helps ensure accurate color saturation and contrast at wide-angle viewing (both horizontal and vertical), resulting in a display with great picture quality that can be installed at virtually any angle or height. LG's unique display technology also provides a temperature tolerance of up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Celsius), which helps alleviate a common problem of the screens overheating, affecting picture quality.
LG touch-screen solutions are enhanced through collaborations with Horizon Display, Kristel and Tech Global. From directions in a hotel lobby to navigating the latest news on campus, commercial touch-screens are being used to make it simple to communicate with customers. LG touch-screens come in three sizes; 47-inch class (46.9 inches diagonal) and 42-inch class (42.0 inches diagonal), and the 32-inch class size (31.5 inches diagonal) used by City24/7.
LG's commercial display solutions represent a wide variety of product categories, including LG CINEMA 3D displays, LED HD monitors, large screen LCD HD monitors, stretch screen HD monitors, interactive touch-screen displays, LCD HDTVs, IPS and LED desktop monitors, video conferencing systems, multipurpose HD projectors, dynamic media players, network attached storage, optical disk drives and digital signage solutions.