Digital Signage Market Growth Continues The penetration of digital signage applications in business-to-business settings continues to grow as the market consumed 1.1 million displays in 2008 according to MultiMedia Intelligence. This is an increase of display shipments of 34 percent over 2007. By 2012 the market will consume nearly 2.3 million displays the company estimates. Digital signage is the next evolution of multi-platform advertising says Frank Dickson chief research officer with MultiMedia Intelligence. The integration of IP-based network management allows an entire deployment of screens to be controlled from a single location allowing for dynamic and simultaneous control of text video and graphics. These displays are more than just advertising as they add value to the viewer by providing information ambient lighting directions and other value-added content to enhance the shopping experience. Multiplatform features become compelling as mobility location-based services IP surveillance and informational services are integrated. MultiMedia Intelligence's new research also found: · Global economic weakness in 2008 will sap growth between 2008 and 2009 in terms of new hardware deployments but 2010 returns to strong double-digit growth. · Ethernet is far and away the dominant connection interface. HDMI and cellular will become increasingly significant. · China overtook the United States as the top digital signage consumer driven by preparations for the 2008 Olympics. · Retail transportation and restaurants and bars are the top three verticals for digital signage. Education and corporate communications verticals are making impressive gains. · Digital signage networks are increasingly driven by digital media adapters rather than PCs. Digital media adapters will exceed PCs in new deployments in 2009. · Roughly eight percent of digital displays have embedded TV Tuners with ATSC DVB and country-specific standards competing for leadership. · Although hard disk drives dominate the market solid state drives are making in-roads. MultiMedia Intelligence www.MultiMediaIntelligence.com
