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Author Topic: LCD/Plasma TV's for signage Matt Fields Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 545 From: Ohio, United States Registered: Jun 2005 posted 11-12-2005 10:53 AM                     I have been thinking about using some flat screen tv's hooked up to a PC for my box office signage and concession menu board. I think it would look cool and be easy to change the showtimes/menu items and prices. Has anyone else tried this? And if so, what software did you use to present the information? Thanks, Matt.  |  IP: Logged Paul Mayer Oh get out of it Melvin, before it pulls you under! Posts: 3836 From: Albuquerque, NM Registered: Feb 2000 posted 11-12-2005 12:22 PM                        Hitachi has a turnkey package like that. McDonald's is using them in some of their flagship locations. The McD's in the food court at the entrance to the Palms Brenden 14 here uses that system. It looks great. Google shows some other names like Exhibio and EyeCaptare doing such systems.  |  IP: Logged Louis Bornwasser Film God Posts: 4441 From: prospect ky usa Registered: Mar 2005 posted 11-12-2005 02:05 PM                        Will "burn in" be a problem?? Louis  |  IP: Logged Bobby Henderson "Ask me about Trajan." Posts: 10973 From: Lawton, OK, USA Registered: Apr 2001 posted 11-12-2005 02:25 PM                     Burn in isn't normally a problem for LCD-based displays. It is a factor for plasma units since their basis, down on the pixel level, is somewhat similar to that of CRTs. As for the use of plasma screens for box office signs...well, they're not all that great. The major problem is you cannot get characters sizes up to a decent legible size for viewers outside to see at a good distance. The TV screens just aren't big enough. The other problem is you'll have to create video based graphics to display your showtimes and other content. It's not all that difficult to do, but it does take a lot more time to put together than using simple message center software for LED-based displays. A plasma screen or LCD screen display would be good for showing movie trailers and also upselling concession stand items and other stuff within the theater. It's just not very practical for displaying showtimes. I think LED message centers do a better job. The trend in most new movie theaters is to feature LED displays in the box office and above movie theater entrances and then use other TV monitors to show movie trailers. Scala makes some turnkey solutions for LCD and plasma screen based signs. Panasonic, Pioneer and Sony have specific solutions of their own (the Pioneer stuff is really good -great for kiosks).  |  IP: Logged David Stambaugh Film God Posts: 4021 From: Eugene, Oregon Registered: Jan 2002 posted 11-12-2005 04:23 PM                        Stay away from plasma unless you don't mind logos etc. burned into the screen, in a matter of days. If you do it at all, go with LCD.  |  IP: Logged Brad Allen Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 688 From: Evansville, IN, USA Registered: May 2000 posted 11-14-2005 01:02 PM                     And my question is, is it really worth it. I have yet to be in a theatre that was showing previews in the lobby to find anyone but ME looking at it. It's always seemed to be a waste.  |  IP: Logged Louis Bornwasser Film God Posts: 4441 From: prospect ky usa Registered: Mar 2005 posted 11-14-2005 03:45 PM                        INHO: If they are in the lobby, I want them BUYING; not watching TV for free. Louis  |  IP: Logged Matt Fields Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 545 From: Ohio, United States Registered: Jun 2005 posted 11-14-2005 08:43 PM                     If I do the LCD's, I'm not going to do one for lobby previews. Our lobby is rather small. I don't want the extra noise and I also don't see the benefit vs. cost.  |  IP: Logged Jason M Miller Master Film Handler Posts: 284 From: Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA Registered: Jul 2004 posted 11-14-2005 09:43 PM                     I always had an cool idea I would like to try sometime if I ever own my own theater. Make (or buy something) a case that includes both the LED signs and an LCD tv (example below) so you can have the titles and times running on the LED signs while you can play what ever you would like (run an ad for your concession, gift cards, etc) on the LCD  |  IP: Logged Mark Hajducki Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 500 From: Edinburgh, UK Registered: May 2003 posted 11-15-2005 06:18 AM                     If possible have all the films (still to show that day) on the display at once as it is annoying to have to wait for the display to cycle. If you have more than one film showing per screen display both of them all the time.  |  IP: Logged Matt Fields Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 545 From: Ohio, United States Registered: Jun 2005 posted 11-15-2005 06:30 AM                     I only have four screens. I should be able to display all of the movies in fairly large type. - Matt  |  IP: Logged David Buckley Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 525 From: Oxford, N. Canterbury, New Zealand Registered: Aug 2004 posted 11-15-2005 12:37 PM                        The cinema in a "local" mall has a pair of LCD tellys (look like 42 inch) stuck on a column (about 10 feet up) in the mall showing previews and stuff, as an enticement I guess. The two screens are on top of one another showing the same thing. Its not terribly spectacular or cool. And they (as in this multiplex) suck at breakdown. Thats not to dis the technology, it works really well if done well, but to do it "properly" needs more than a single screen and powerpoint. Having said that, a chain of supermarkets over here is equippping their stores with loads of standard LCD PC monitors, all showing the same program. They're on every checkout, by the lottery ticket stand, the entrance, and several scattered around the store. Anywhere people lurk. In the stores with newest tills an LCD monitor has replaced the traditional cash register display, and when the lane is closed or waiting, it displays... the advert program. This is a big investment so they must think it works for them.  |  IP: Logged Jason Setzer Film Handler Posts: 46 From: Tampa, Florida Registered: Aug 2006 posted 09-21-2006 05:49 PM                     I actually am in the process of developing a POS display for plasmas. I am not selling it just developing it to see if anyone uses it. Again I will be giving away for free. If anyways wants to see the initial version I have no problem emailing it to them.  |  IP: Logged Caleb Johnstone-Cowan Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 593 From: London, UK Registered: Mar 2006 posted 09-21-2006 07:22 PM                     We have a load of plasma screens for the monthly preview DVD for the chain. Have a couple out in the mall as well. Also used a projector and a large screen in the concessions area but that's either broken or the floor staff don't know how to use it. It's all hooked up to one DVD player. I disagree about running trailers in the lobby not being useful, most customers look at them in passing or whilst they are waiting for the film. It's another way to advertise upcoming films I guess, along with some promotions. Ours is branded the same as the chain magazine and is just as repetitive. On the concession stand, it's easier to just put prices on a board or on a laminated sheet. Get an LCD screen and use it for promotions. It may serve to distract customers from the actual prices and just plump for the deals!  |  IP: Logged Charles Greenlee Jedi Master Film Handler Posts: 801 From: Savannah, Ga, U.S. Registered: Jun 2006 posted 09-21-2006 09:13 PM                        I haven't noticed any customers paying any attention at all to our lobby DVD. I honsetly think we could put a porn up and no one would notice, or that'll be what it takes for someone to notice. Waste of a DVD, TV, and the electricity to run them.  |  IP: Logged

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