As DVI and HDMI connections become more and more widely used in digital signage, we are often asked: which is better, DVI (or HDMI) or VGA? There is no clear answer to this question.

First, let’s get some basic knowledge of the elements. DVI and HDMI are exactly the same as one another regarding image quality and resolution. The main differences between HDMI and DVI are that HDMI carries audio and video signal; further more HDMI uses different types of connectors. Technology wise both HDMI and DVI uses the same encoding technology, and for that reason DVI source can be connected to an HDMI connector on display, or vice versa, with a DVI/HDMI cable, with no use of signal converter

What are the difference between DVI, HDMI and VGA?

DVI/HDMI and VGA Video are all video signals which support a variety of resolutions, each one of them deliver the signal from source to display in different ways. The main difference is that DVI/HDMI delivers the signal in a digital format. VGA is an analog format, which deliver the signal, not as a digital stream, but as a set of varying voltages representing the red, green and blue components of the signal.

DVI/HDMI and VGA deliver signals as red, green, and blue color components, together with sync information. The DVI/HDMI standard delivers these along three data channels in a format called T.M.D.S., which stands for “Transmission Minimized Differential Signaling”. This basically involves a blue, red and green sync that are added, and separate the channels

VGA is delivered, almost similarly, with the color information split up three ways. However, VGA uses a color difference type signal, which consists of Luminance, the green red or blue channel, representing the total brightness of the image. The sync pulses for both horizontal and vertical are delivered on the Y channel.

Both HDMI/DVI and VGA signal types are fundamentally quite similar; they break up the image in similar ways, and deliver the same type of information to the display. How they differ, as we’ll see, will depend to a great extent upon the particular characteristics of the source and display devices, and can depend upon cabling as well.

What is better Digital or Analog?

Digital signal transfer, it is assumed, is error-free, while analog VGA signals are always subject to some amount of degradation and information loss. There is an element of truth to this argument, but it tends to back fire in real-world testing.
First, there is no reason to get signal degradation of an analog VGA signal in digital signage installation where the distance between the player and the screen is short. Digital signage installation in a large retail or education facility for example can present a challenge for analog cabling. But, it is a flawed assumption to suppose that digital signal handling is always error-free. DVI and HDMI signals aren’t subject to signal error correction like downloading a file; once information is lost, it’s lost for good. That is not a consideration with well-made cable over short distances, but can easily become a factor at long distance.

So what should I use for best Image Quality?

DVI or HDMI signal formats is pure digital. There are some arguments that by taking a digital signage player and connecting it straight into digital connector as a DVI or HDMI signal, and then delivering that digital signal straight to the digital signage display, there is a sort of a perfect no loss of information signal. If the display itself is a digital display like LCD, the signal never has to go through digital to analog conversion and therefore is less altered on the way.

The Role of Cable in picture quality

Picture quality, in general, should not be a significant factor in the DVI/HDMI in short distance bellow 50 ft, as long as the cables are of high quality. There are, however, issues when you centralize your player and you send the signal to a display 200ft a way. In this kind of environment analog or digital signal will have problem without using DVI/HDMI/VGA over cat 5 extender. Without using these extenders signal quality issues can come into play.
DVI and HDMI connections, uses SDI technology (serial digital video) which was designed originally to run on coax where impedance can be controlled and compensate. DVI/HDMI signals are run balanced, using twisted-pair cable technology which control impedance to about +/- 10%, and for this reason, are subject to the digital cliff phenomenon. Up to some distance, a DVI or HDMI cable will perform just fine and will not compromise the ability of the display device to reconstruct the original bit stream without information lost.
As we run longer distances, the ability to reconstruct the bit stream decreases. As a result unrecoverable bit errors start to occur. As distance increases more information is lost to a point that the display becomes unable to reconstitute enough information to render an image. A DVI/HDMI cable that works perfectly at 40 feet may not work at 80 feet. It is very hard to determine the exact distance a DVI or HDMI cable will fail, most quality HDMI /DVI cable will work fine up to 50ft.

The Answer: It Depends

So, which is better, DVI/ HDMI or VGA? The answers unsatisfying, but the truth is that it depends. It depends upon your source player, type of cable, type of display and the distance, and there’s no good way, in principle, to say in advance whether the digital or the analog connection will draw a better picture. You may find that some digital signage player looks better through its DVI or HDMI output, while a different player using VGA output better image through its RGB cable, on the same display. Some installers reports ghosting/blurriness with text using analog and when switching to digital interface made things much crisper. On the other hand, other installers who used DVI/HDMI long cable found that the text was blurry, colors were off and the image didn’t scale to fit correctly and got no issues at all with VGA. In this case, if you are using cable longer than 50ft you should use VGA over Cat5/6 extenders that will control picture quality over distance over 50ft like Minicom.

What is 1080p

1080p resolution which is 1920x1080 pixels is the latest HD state for the art resolution. Digital signage display supporting 1080p displays are capable of displaying every pixel of the highest resolution HD broadcasts. In reality, they offer more than twice the resolution of today’s 1280x720 or 720p. Companies refer to this kind of resolution as true or Ultra HD

1080p Vs 1080i

1080i, is the first generation of HDTV technology, this technology can actually display 1920x1080 resolution but the 1080i generate the images in an interlaced format, (now we know what is the “i” for “interlace”). In a the old technology Tube base or projection TV technology, mostly called CRT, using 1080i technology where the frame get drawn on the screen sequentially: the odd-numbered lines of resolution appear on your screen first, followed by the even-numbered lines all within 1/30 of a second. In 1080p (P refer for progressive such as 720p, and 1080p) all of the lines of resolution are drawn sequentially in a single pass, which makes a faster, cleaner image, especially with sports and other fast motion content, as opposed to CRT tubes display technology.

This rough animation compares progressive scan with interlace scan, also demonstrating the interline twitter effect associated with interlace. On the left are two progressive scan images. Center are two interlaced images. Right are two images with line doublers. Top are original resolution, bottom are with anti-aliasing

How much extra does a 1080p Display cost

Today the 1080p technology is getting cheaper fast. If you take a look at the product lines of Samsung and LG you can see that, on average, you can expect to pay about $500 extra for the progressive technology.

Why you should buy or not buy a 1080p display for Digital Signage

Obviously, the quality of the content you’re viewing is very important, but so are screen size and how far your audience from the display. Indeed, our digital signage guru, reports that the extra sharpness provided by the 1080p technology is noticeable only when watching 1080i content on a very large display. Comparing a 50-inch 1080p to a 50-inch 720i digital signage display, for example, you’ll be hard-pressed to notice more detail with 720i sources, especially from farther than 10 feet away. Even if you can see the difference, it will be much less obvious. In reality the performance of 1080p is not the extra sharpness you’ll be seeing, but rather, the smaller, more densely packed pixels.
If you are using 1080p for your digital signage player , you should be aware that you may not necessarily get to use all that extra resolution even if you have the right high-end graphics card. For instance, the Sharp set we tested allows you to max out at only 1,280x1024 resolutions.
If you’re thinking of deploying big digital signage signs like 60 inch or larger , the extra resolution may make it worth the difference as long as you have a high quality 1080p content to feed into the player

Here at UCView, we see the artist in you. What better way to discover your inner talent then to provide you with the tools necessary to develop your wonderful craft. So express yourself with Digital Signage. Yes it’s true that UCView is known for making your Digital Signage experience easier than ever. Our solution software and hardware allows you to effectively reach an audience with a digital display, digital content, and internet technology. Your business can arrange and schedule ads so that you can deliver only related content that meets the needs of your clients. But did you know that you also have that same control when it comes to customizing your display? Now it’s time to have a little fun. We introduce to you EZBoard, UCView’s most creative software yet. There’s nothing more impressive than delivering to an audience, pertinent information that’s packaged in an eye-popping, dazzling display. EZBoard allows you to configure your layout with incredible detail. For instance, you can create layers of fields, manipulating size and position to exhibit one or more ads. Use a variety of our font tools that allow you to select a particular font type, style, etc. You can also construct your own personal background or take advantage of our browser and upload images or even video. So whether you’re experimenting with colors that inspire, or using motion that captivates, EZBoard has what you need to create a successful display that reflects not only your message, but your imagination. So get colorful; get imaginative; get creative with UCView.

Mister Pukka is a senior writer at UCView. Pukka can be emailed at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

We here at UCView wanted to post this inquiry simply because the letter represents thousands of others who have shared the same experience:

Dear UCView,

I remember going to the mall one day to pickup a pair of running shoes. It was obvious that I couldn’t wait to workout because I was moving pretty quickly throughout the shopping center. It was my first time at this particular mall, so I had no idea where I was going. Instead of walking up to the information booth, I let my pride get the best of me and headed for the escalator. My plan was to take a birds-eye view of the area while riding up to the second floor and with a little luck, pinpoint the store I was looking for.

As I approached the escalator, I noticed a large, vertical digital screen flashing a map of the mall and I quickly realized (according to the map directions) the store I was in search for was located right above me. I also was pleasantly surprised to see the weather forecast for the rest of the week, as well as an ad for a smoothie that looked awfully good. But most important of all, I saw updated football scores - wow! I never could imagine taking in so much information on one screen - in so little time, including finding out that my team won for the first time in three weeks.  I purchased my shoes and was making my way back down the escalator and noticed even more information on that wonderful screen. It was as if I made a new friend. As I got into my car and drove out of the parking lot, I just couldn’t get that digital display out of my mind; the amazing images; the amount of information I received; how convenient the display made my shopping experience. I got the information I needed without any sales talk, I didn’t feel like my space was invaded; heck, I didn’t even need to ask.

That was my first Digital Signage experience, but it definitely wasn’t my last. Since that day, I’ve noticed more displays in areas that I frequently visit. The more information that I came across, the more I wanted to know what Digital Signage was all about.

- Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

Digital Signage is a marketing tool for companies to deliver information to an audience by use of captivating digital displays that can be controlled electronically using a cellular, Wi-Fi, or standard TCP-IP network. Much different from your normal paper print ad; with Digital Signage, stagnant information can be brought to life with bright and spectacular digital video and audio that can update and stream 24-7. A business can design any display on their network, manage and schedule ads - all by remote. Showcase video, animation, text, web pages, or even live television at venues such as coffee shops, banks, supermarkets, universities, and yes, even shopping malls. How does it all work?

Every successful campaign needs an effective Digital Signage solution. Companies that are serious about meeting their marketing goals need an experienced management approach to ensure that your network will function at its highest level. UCView media is the leading provider in digital signage because we supply a cost-effective, easy to use package that powers a company’s digital display with our application servers, content management, and professional, reliable players. UCView’s sole purpose is to provide a company with the power to connect with their target audience and provide information that is pertinent, which equals profits and growth for that business.

Your story represents tens of thousands that we service everyday. Whether you are a business person, advertiser, or consumer, we thank you for your story. Always know that you are our inspiration.

-  UCView Inc.

Mister Pukka is a senior writer at UCView. Pukka can be emailed at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

When it’s comes time to go to bed, millions of us prefer to leave the light on - but why? There’s many reasons we choose not to be in the dark. For some, keeping one eye open allows you to be more aware, and as a result - feel more secure. Others want to find their way, even if it’s just making it to the refrigerator in the middle of the night without stubbing a toe. The truth is, a little information can take you a long way. And being in the “know” can certainly make life a lot more comforting. Count on UCView.

When it comes to getting the information that we want, many of us find ourselves very much in the dark. Rest assured, Digital Signage and UCView are there. No matter where you might be, no matter how far away; we’re that beacon of light, standing tall, brighter than ever, delivering what you need to keep you informed. Our software solution enables our clients to deliver specific and customized content, such as television, educational messages, advertisements, weather forecasts; the list goes on and on, reaching audiences when they need it most.

Our products are innovative, state-of-the-art, and easy to deploy. Our package is supported by hardware and software that gives you total control; design your display, organize and schedule your ads, apply only related content that meets the needs of your audience. That is why you’ll see us at the corner coffee shop, sports bar, or at your favorite department store. We’ll even be at your local auto shop, enabling you to provide specific information on services that you render to your customers, putting any of their anxieties to rest.

Our exceptional customer care service and tech support, automatic updates, and affordable system fees all add up to a good nights sleep for our clients as well as their customers and advertisers.

So rest assured; no matter how dark, let Digital Signage shed some light. So fluff up that pillow and get comfortable, knowing that UCView is lighting your way.

Mister Pukka is a senior writer at UCView. Pukka can be emailed at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Take a look at the very next paper-generated ad that you pass by. Notice how still, stiff, and unmoving the image is. Frozen in time or stuck in the mud is what comes to mind; unable to move into the 21st century are these billboards and signs, along with the mindset of some of their advertisers. That’s fine, maybe if you’re at an art gallery appreciating an old craft or custom that represents an era of the past, along with the rest of the historic and timely treasures. But times are moving along. And the information that we need to know should be just as mobile – not frozen but streaming, as well as constantly updating. The time has come to break out of the traditional way that your company delivers information. It’s time to get moving with UCView and Digital Signage.

Imagine checking the seven-day forecast, while at the same time watching tonight’s lineup of new shows on your favorite television network, but then also receiving an update on the latest Amber alert - all in one display! UCView and Digital Signage allow you to do just that. Instead of using a paper sign, bring your advertisement to life with a cost-effective package from us that includes our state-of-the-art content management software that provides you with the tools to create a whirlwind of information that is clear, constantly streaming, and most importantly - effective.

You ask how one digital display can do so much? The answer lies behind UCView’s highly technical, highly sophisticated, yet simple to use Digital Signage solution. Our software allows you to design and customize your display of information according to location, the time of day, and the overall needs of your clientele. You can reach any specific audience and adjust or update messages on the fly. And as amazing as it is to maintain such control of your content, your display proves just as riveting. Equipped with innovative designing software, UCView allows you to get a little creative. More than a print ad, you can customize images that are not only clear and spectacular, but that gets your content moving.

So don’t get stuck in the mud. Put your advertisement in motion. There’s nothing more captivating, nothing more innovating than Digital Signage. Get going, get moving with UCView.

Mister Pukka is a senior writer at UCView. Pukka can be emailed at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Just when you thought the View Media 100 couldn’t get any better, it just did! You get the same high-quality, reliable service that you would expect from UCView products, only now the View Media 100 is new and improved to enhance your digital signage experience. Check out the new features!

• Now comes wireless-ready (no adaptor needed)

• Digital audio full HDMI

• RS 232 to remotely control your monitor

• SPDIF optical out

The ViewMedia 100 digital signage player is a commercial grade media player platform, offering high computing performance and graphic performance, great flexibility and tolerance that supports all standard media formats. The ViewMedia 100 is designed with long-term operation and stability in mind. It is designed to minimize the down-time and reduce TCO (Total cost of ownership). The ViewMedia 100 is a small profile, all-in-one Windows XPE ready, digital signage player. The digital signage player is equipped with an Intel Core Duo processor that gives it the power for HDTV decoding and multiple media content processing. This compact, easy-to-implement digital signage player enables centralized control, scheduling and delivery of multimedia content through UCView digital signage solution. The player support options such as Wi-Fi and Cellular wireless connectivity. A TV-tuner option is also available for integrating the TV function into the signage application.

The View Media 100 is just another example of UCView’s continued commitment to new technology and quality product which makes us the true leader in the digital signage industry. Call us today.

Mister Pukka is a senior writer at UCView. Pukka can be emailed at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Why do we look into mirrors? The answer is to find ourselves; to retrieve the information that we’re looking for, or even discover something new – God forbid. But we want the information. The same reason we take the time to stop and look – to tuck, to pull, anything that might be out of place, is the same reason UCView and digital signage is there, at the next service station or shopping mall - waiting for you. Discovering gas prices will soon drop, or previewing your favorite line of clothing that will be out in June, or simply learning about a new product that can make a positive impact on your life. Take a look, and see all you need to feel secure about, to maintain focus, and most importantly - to stay informed. UCView is about you and your future. And like a mirror, digital signage reflects the things you need to see, information you need to know; to supply you with what you need to keep moving. So the next time you see your reflection, take another look, it just might be UCView and digital signage.

Mister Pukka is a senior writer at UCView. Pukka can be emailed at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Nowadays the question is: where is there not a digital signage display near you? There was a time when one would roam aimlessly, navigating through the day with limited information to rely on without a television or a computer to travel with – but those days are over. Now it seems everywhere you go, information is there waiting at every stop; information that the public, not only has come to trust, but now depend on. Instead of searching the earth or going out of your way to find what you need to know, or having to wait until you go into work, chances are you will notice digital signage during your travels or at your very next stop. No longer are people just pleasantly surprised when they look up and view information conveniently delivered to them – they now expect it!

Now we depend on getting the weather forecast while at the corner service station pumping gas; or when we’re on our way to the corner market, wanting to check on our stock options; or even when we’re at the bakery touching up a lightly toasted bagel with a little butter or cream cheese, counting on just a few moments of live television before heading into work.

Whether at a business needing directions to the training room, or at a football game where there’s more information regarding season tickets. Around every corner, at many places we stop – someone also invited digital signage. And like an old friend, what you view will be pleasant, inviting, comfortable, and might even put a smile on your face.

Digital signage has landed, and is more prominent than ever before. Digital displays are popping up at record-pace. This growing media has not only become apart of our landscape, but also apart of our lives.

So you can run, but you can no longer hide from UCView and digital signage.

Mister Pukka is a senior writer at UCView. Pukka can be emailed at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The world in which we live is constantly bombarded with new technology.  Some seem to only be intrusive and unnecessary.  Digital signage systems are not one of these.  It is an innovative way to display a variety of information in various applications.  From advertising to education, digital signage is becoming an extremely important part of getting crucial information to people quickly.  Whether you are trying to find a more effective way to advertise or you hope to improve the communication within a school or office, consider investing in this important new technology.  It is truly changing the way we communicate with students, clients and employees.

On the outset, such technology was expensive.  Today, however, with the changes and advances constantly seen in technology, digital signage systems have become accessible to retailers, educators and others hoping to expand their name and influence.  The ability to present a wide range of content in various formats at an affordable price is proving to be a great benefit.  The lower costs of this extremely valuable source of advertising are sure to increase your revenue to the point where it pays for itself.  The ability to give announcements and make promotions as they happen is irreplaceable when it comes to advertising and effective communication.

A network of electronic devices, whether they are plasma screens, electronic signs, or scrolling message boards, is controlled by a single digital signage system at a central location.  This setup allows for easy addition, removal or material editing to take place.  Imagine being able to replace those outdated, unreadable bulletin boards with modern digital signage systems.  Never again will outdated information still be posted, for this comes across as very unprofessional, the last thing you want to convey in your advertising.

digital media is a technology that is really taking off now that the prices of integrating a system have come down.  Whether your goal is better advertising for your product or increasing effectiveness of communication within a school or workplace, adopting a digital signage system is for you.  Once you have the system, services are available to assist you in coming up with how you may wish to advertise or communicate using the screen media.  From the early creative process to implementation to continually updating information, digital signage service professionals can help you make the most out of your investment.  To reach your system’s potential, look into a service that suits you needs the best today.

The concept of digital signage is becoming a hugely popular method of advertising.  It is quickly becoming one of the most influential, effective ways to generate sales today for virtually any kind of business.  More than just advertising, however, digital signage is a technology that can be used for many different purposes in generating sales and getting information passed around quickly.  Digital merchandising is a very prominent category for digital signage.

Imagine you are visiting a food court in your local mall.  You walk up to one vendor and notice their signage is quite unprofessional.  Since prices have been modified but the manager did not want to put out the extra cash to get it professionally changed on the sign, hand-written numbers are scribbled in some places indicating the current prices.  The images are fading and look old fashioned.  Sure, the food is probably good there, but your eyes are drawn to the Digital Signage menu boards of the vendor next to this one.  The signs are not old, faded light boxes but rather six, large, clear and easy to read LCD screens.  The images are crisp, the prices may have changed yesterday and you would never know it.  The special for the week is emphasized on its own screen with a description of the product.  Next week it may be different, but the message will be just as clear and professional.

This restaurant example is only the beginning of the potential of digital signage
menu boards.  Since this technology is still so new and developing, experts say we have only scratched the surface of the prospective application of digital merchandising.  If you see your company benefiting from the implementation of this new technology in your advertising or merchandising, you are certainly correct that it will.  Perhaps you hesitate to make the switch because you fear the cost, responsibility or fact that you have no time to incorporate something new like this.  Put your worries aside, because a light box or other similar merchandising technique costs about the same as a digital sign.  If yours needs repair anyway, make the switch!  As clearly illustrated by the restaurant menu boards example, customers are drawn toward up-to-date signage and are more likely to purchase from a location that seems technologically savvy.  Your revenue will without a doubt see an increase.