HOW DID TEU SERVICES FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
According to a TEU representative, “We were working with a restaurant in Kerrville, Texas to provide outdoor digital signage, and they were requesting an outdoor digital menu board. At the time, we did not have a supplier for this product.”

PROJECT:
In the Summer of 2018, TEU Services was in search of an all-weather, outdoor digital signage menu board to be installed at a restaurant in Texas (north of San Antonio). According to TEU, “This was a new [digital signage display] install for a new local restaurant/coffee shop called Monroe’s East End Grill. The building had been remodeled from a working cabinet shop that was in operation for over 30 years.”

The main function of the outdoor digital signage would be to display the menu for Monroe’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, and coffee selections. The restaurant desired signage which would permit them to easily make content changes, especially throughout the day as the menu changes for different dayparts.

CHALLENGES:
The proposed LCD enclosure solution needed to be operational 7 days a week from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. The outdoor digital signage would be deployed outdoors in the direct sun, therefore, the end user was also concerned about any glare from the sun and the monitor getting overheated and failing in the hot Texas sun, specifically during busy lunch traffic.

SOLUTION:
TEU Services reviewed two different solutions, the 3-screen outdoor menu board and the 2-screen outdoor menu board. In the end, TEU chose the 2-screen menu board, enabling the restaurant to use similar content indoors and outdoors.

TEU mounted the all-weather, outdoor digital signage in the drive-thru of Monroe’s East End Grill. The solution includes two 47-inch, 2000 nit high-bright LCD monitors (in landscape orientation), and a filtered fan system to circulate the internal air. A small speaker system, not part of the ViewStation solution, was mounted to the side of the enclosure for customers to order food and drinks.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
Walter McBroom, from TEU Services, summed up the project, “The new owners did a beautiful job on the remodeling [by] trying to keep the old feel of the building. They even left the antique post and electrical wiring in place. Other than that, it was an easy install. Even before the installation was completed, we had a request from another restaurant across town for a quote to replace their exterior signage. Very nice product and I am sure we will do business again.”

HAVE QUESTIONS?
Let us know how we can best assist you!
Contact an ‘ITSENCLOSURES expert’ at 1-800-423-9911 -OR- send us an email: info@itsenclosures.com

The post TEU Services Outdoor Digital Signage appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

More and more manufacturers are using LCD enclosures on dirty, dusty plant floors. With digital signage, management can communicate vital information efficiently to employees with a few clicks of a button.

Deploying an LCD in a warehouse or factory environment involves extensive planning. The same dangers that harm a computer or printer system will also exist for an LCD. Dust, humidity, liquids and temperature fluctuations can wreak havoc on a standard display. Manufacturers recognize the need for an enclosure to house a large commercial monitor, and enclosures are available in various shapes and sizes.

LCD Enclosure for Manufacturing Environments

1. Safety

Workplace safety is a top priority at any company, especially in manufacturing. Many companies are turning to digital signage as a fast and effective way to reach their employees. Digital signage is an easily managed tool to improve safety procedures. Michelle Hopkins, in the article, “10 Simple Steps to Improve Workplace Safety,” expresses the importance of signs, “… Signs are a cheap and effective way to quickly communicate important information. They’re usually simple and rely on pictures to detail hazards and proper procedures. These tools are good reminders and warnings for even the most experienced worker.” Digital signage can replace the old-fashioned bulletin board ‘signs’ in the lunchroom or on poles in the factory, saving paper and time. Human resources can now focus on more important issues!

2. Critical Processes

Digital signage can help manufacturers display critical production line information. The notion of “set it and forget it” programming is especially beneficial to plant managers. Utilizing digital signage on a manufacturing floor can help reduce response time for production quality issues. In the blog, ‘9 Scenarios of Common Assembly Line Issues,’ Dan McKiernan emphasizes the importance of having real time information for workers and managers, “Whether you need ongoing information, periodic status updates or data to observe a recent line change, it is imperative to have a tool to continually monitor and analyze your assembly line. [Digital signage] provides you with real-time, continuous and standardized task level data to provide analysis for every station in your assembly process. With a good understanding of your assembly line, you can easily identify problems and make accurate decisions to meet the changing demands of your assembly line.”

3. Performance

To keep employees motivated and attitudes positive, digital signage can also be utilized to display workplace goals and performance statistics. Keeping employees informed of key metrics, quality control or inventory levels can help drive enthusiasm. A simple daily ‘to-do list’ or real-time statistics on a digital screen will do wonders. According to the article, ‘Why Leaders Need To Embrace Employee Motivation‘ motivation is key, “Employees whose managers involve them in goal setting are 3.6 times more likely than other employees to be engaged… [Furthermore], Gallup estimates the cost of poor management and lost productivity from employees in the U.S. who are not engaged or actively disengaged to be between $960 billion and $1.2 trillion per year.”

Now more than ever, visual communication is a powerful tool to engage, educate and even inspire employees. Loud machinery and large open spaces with high ceilings can make real-time company communication (via a loudspeaker) a real challenge on the plant floor. Regardless if your goal is to improve performance, increase safety or empower your workforce, be sure to choose the right LCD enclosure that will keep your message running 24/7.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- EMAIL: INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post How LCD Enclosures Can Enhance a Manufacturing Environment appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

CENTRAL OHIO TRANSIT AUTHORITY (COTA) SYNOPSIS:
Since January 1971, COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) has been the official bus service for the city of Columbus, Ohio and surrounding areas. COTA is currently in the process of deploying CMAX, an all-new rapid transit service. CMAX is a limited-stop service and will connect passengers to major destinations in and around downtown Columbus. According to the official COTA website, the new service will improve service, improve mobility and reliability in congested areas, be less expensive for travelers, provide more travel options, and improve pedestrian access and safety.

HOW DID COTA FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
In the summer of 2014, COTA reached out to ITSENCLOSURES, whom they had worked with before on a different outdoor digital signage solution, to glean pricing on fabricating an all-weather, LCD enclosure for a bus stop shelter makeover across the city of Columbus, Ohio. The plan was in the initial stages, but it was anticipated that the overall project would take place over the course of a few years. COTA’s proposal included a prototype bus shelter at the company’s headquarters, located at 1333 Fields Avenue in Columbus, Ohio.

PROJECT:
COTA desired to install eye-catching outdoor digital signage at every CMAX bus stop and the project entailed a custom, environmental LCD enclosure to be housed in a large pylon, attached to a bus shelter. Considering the complexity of the project and having successfully worked with ITSENCLOSURES on previous transportation projects, COTA felt confident that the new CMAX signage strategy would become a reality with ITSENCLOSURES’ durable, heavy-duty products.

CHALLENGES:
Being in Columbus, Ohio, a city that experiences all four seasons of weather, COTA required various thermal management options as they were concerned about freezing, snowy winters, and humid, sunny summers. In addition, COTA required high bright, commercial-grade monitors, so that passengers could view the bus routes at all hours of the day. Another critical concern for COTA was the possibility of vandalism and destruction of the screens.

SOLUTION:
After weighing different options, COTA decided to install a custom, fan-cooled, outdoor digital signage that is recessed into a bus shelter. To study and review the enclosure in various weather conditions, COTA built a fully functioning CMAX shelter to prototype in the winter of 2016. COTA plans to install a combination of pylons, single and double sided, at each CMAX bus stop to display real-time information, including arrival and departure times. Each outdoor digital sign is equipped with a 47-inch, high bright LCD and a thermostatically controlled fan/heater system to protect the electronics in the extreme, central Ohio weather conditions. The enclosure houses a media player to ensure seamless content delivery.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
In all, COTA purchased 77 LCD enclosures designed for 47-inch monitors, which were installed throughout 2017 and into the Spring of 2018. The innovative outdoor digital signage will be housed in a total of 64 pylons throughout Columbus. COTA anticipates that the digital signage will help passengers find the correct bus route and arrive at their destination in a timely manner. CMAX bus stop shelters and busses will change the way that people travel in Columbus.

HAVE QUESTIONS?
Let us know how we can best assist you! Contact an ‘ITSENCLOSURES expert’ at 1-800-423-9911 -OR- email: info@itsenclosures.com

The post Central Ohio Transit Auth. – Outdoor Digital Signage appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

Many customers exclaim, “I will just provide my own LCD monitor for my outdoor digital signage project.” But, will the monitor be an effective solution installed outdoors? When deploying outdoor digital signage, the LCD chosen really does matter! For many customers, it might be desirable to purchase the “best deal” or least expensive monitor on the market, whether online or at a big box store. The simple truth: consumer-grade monitors found at big box stores or on the web will most likely be too dark or fail if installing outdoors in the elements. A consumer-grade television will not perform in the same way as a commercial-grade or high bright LCD monitor. They are quite different.

If a company attempts to use a consumer-grade screen outdoors, several challenges exist.

4 LCD Challenges for Outdoor Digital Signage

(1.) Not Bright Enough for Outdoor Use

On average, most consumer-grade televisions are only rated at 150-300 nits of brightness (a nit is a measure of brightness and equal to 1 candela per square meter of light). This is great for a living room or bedroom, but outdoor installations are very unique and quite different. It is recommended that you choose a screen that is at least 2,000-2,500 nits to be visible in an outdoor environment. Consider what happens when you try to view your iPhone or Android smartphone outdoors on a sunny day. The screen appears black and you can barely make out the text or images. The exact same effect occurs when using a screen outdoors that is insufficiently bright.

(2.) Length of Warranty

Many popular brands of consumer LCD televisions only offer a 90-day to 1-year warranty and retailers may try to “upsell” you with an extended warranty, which might be for 2-5 years. However, the outdoor digital signage warranty will be ‘void’ if the monitor is not used properly, for example – leaving the monitor on for an extended period of time. According to the website, LCD TV Buying Guide, “The warranties do not cover damages resulting from misuse, natural disasters, or accidents. For these causes it may be best to find a store bought protection plan or extended warranty.” However, there are stipulations for extended warranties as well. Prior to installation, it is best to review what is not covered. Commercial-grade displays offer a standard 3-year warranty with the option to upgrade up to 5 years. This is an important detail when planning an outdoor signage project.

(3.) Prolonged Daily Usage and Solar Load 

Most outdoor digital signage applications dictate that the LCD needs to deliver a menu or powerful marketing message 18-24 hours a day! A consumer-grade television is only meant to be used approximately 5-6 hours a day. Prolonged daily use will result in premature failure. HDTVs purchased at a retail store are not built or designed to be powered on for extended periods of time. Plus, when the sun beats down on the screen, it will quickly show wear and lose clarity. The effects of solar gain can be dramatic, and overheating will cause isotropic effects (screen will turn black or dark).

(4.) Low Value Proposition

Many integrators and end users simply do not understand why they should purchase an LCD that can be 3-5 times the expense of what they can buy at a “big box store” or online. A significant amount of time and money is invested in making the transition to outdoor digital signage or menu boards. A direct sunlight environment presents many more challenges to overcome than a shaded area or outdoor canopy protected application, all of which can be resolved if you choose the correct LCD and enclosure solution. Skimping on an LCD or enclosure budget will be detrimental to the quality of the overall solution.

Always do your homework and choose the correct high bright LCD or LCD/enclosure combo solution which will keep your outdoor digital signage menu board running 24/7, 365 days a year! You need longevity and peace of mind that a solution is going to work for many, many years.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- EMAIL: INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post 4 Tips for Choosing the Best LCD for Outdoor Digital Signage appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

SCHOOL SYNOPSIS:
Established in 1956, The Chartiers Valley School District, made up of two boroughs and two townships, is located southwest of Pittsburgh in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. The western Pennsylvania school district has approximately 3,400 students and over 250 teachers. The district includes a high school, middle school, intermediate school, and elementary school.

HOW DID CHARTIERS VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
A social studies teacher/department head at the high school discovered ITSENCLOSURES by performing a Google search for an outdoor, digital touchscreen kiosk. The teacher oversaw a project to organize and install a Vietnam War Memorial for former students who died in battle. The teacher downloaded the ViewStation brochure and was contacted directly by ITSENCLOSURES to learn more information regarding the outdoor digital kiosk application.

PROJECT:
Eight high school students were given a class project to create a Vietnam War memorial kiosk for Chartiers Valley students that lost their lives in the line of duty. In addition to a Vietnam War plaque displayed next to World War II and Korean War plaques, the students wished to deploy a digital sign to display pictures and biographies of war heroes. The students wanted the digital signage kiosk to be touchscreen enabled for visitors to easily scroll through pictures of the seven fallen soldiers and read more about their biographies. Students raised funds and with the help of the school district, created a budget to fund the project.

CHALLENGES:
A few issues arose during the planning phase, including the fact that Chartiers Valley was concerned with students vandalizing or sitting on the kiosk glass and cracking the touchscreen. The kiosk would also reside near to the football field and ran the risk of becoming damaged during sporting events/gym class. Weather conditions in the Pittsburgh area were also an area of concern, because of cold, harsh winters and hot, sunny summers. For this reason, thermal management was discussed at length, including the customer filling out a thermal management worksheet for a recommendation. The LCD enclosure was required to be operational 365 days a year.

SOLUTION:
After discussing a few options with ITSENCLOSURES, Chartiers Valley S.D. chose a pulpit style, wayfinding outdoor kiosk with projected capacitive touch foil featuring an NEC 46” high bright monitor, and a thermal management system to guarantee operation in direct sunlight. The touch screen glass is constructed out of heavy-duty, laminated safety glass to combat vandalism or destruction of property. The kiosk is installed next to a brick wall near various war memorial plaques. With the digital signage, students, teachers, and the local community have a permanent memorial to remember those that were lost. It serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifice of 7 hometown heroes.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
To defray some of the costs associated with the digital signage solution, ITSENCLOSURES made a generous donation to the school district. The Vietnam War memorial digital signage kiosk and plaque were dedicated on the campus of the school on May 27, 2016 – the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. The memorial serves to preserve the legacy of the seven men who died serving the United States during the war in Vietnam.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Custom Kiosk Solutions
• WTAE-TV, Channel 4 Story — Click Here
• Tribune Review — Click Here

HAVE QUESTIONS?
Let us know how we can best assist you! Contact an ‘ITSENCLOSURES expert’ at 1-800-423-9911 -OR- send us an email: info@itsenclosures.com

The post Chartiers Valley – Outdoor Kiosk appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

KENNYWOOD PARK SYNOPSIS:
With a mix of classic and modern rides, Kennywood Park, located in West Mifflin – a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – is a theme park known for its thrill-seeking roller coasters (The Racer, Jack Rabbit, Thunderbolt, Phantom’s Revenge, The Steel Curtain). According to the Kennywood website , the park has been around for over a century, “Founded in 1898 as a small trolley park near Pittsburgh, Kennywood was begun by the Monongahela Street Railway Company, which was controlled by Andrew Mellon… Kennywood is one of the oldest and most beloved amusement parks in America.” Kennywood was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

HOW DID KENNYWOOD FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
After reviewing enclosure competitors, Kennywood located ITSENCLOSURES during an online Google search and realized the close proximity between the two companies, so an in-person meeting would be easy to achieve.

PROJECT:
Kennywood Park sought a digital signage solution, which could withstand humid Summer days and maintain the LCDs and media players within appropriate operating temperatures. Kennywood desired to install environmentally sealed enclosures at popular rides and attractions, so that visitors – standing in line – were entertained while they waited to enter the ride. In addition, Kennywood required a simpler solution for areas where LCDs could be installed under a roof – well protected from rain and sun, but provide basic vandal resistant protection. The IT team at Kennywood Park turned to ITSENCLOSURES to learn more about ViewStation Universal LCD enclosures, which are ideal for outdoor environments.

CHALLENGES:
The main challenge would be to protect LCDs from warm, humid Pennsylvania weather, as well as rain and hail. The monitors are placed in storage during fall and winter months. A secondary challenge was to protect the monitors from vandalism and theft. The park wished to install the enclosures on tall poles or walls to keep customers from touching or damaging them and for a larger viewing range for riders in line.

SOLUTION:
Kennywood installed several 42” and 50” ViewStation Universal LCD enclosures throughout the theme park. The ViewStation Universal enclosures utilize an internal fan system to keep the electronics – housed inside of the enclosure – running at optimum temperatures. The enclosures feature anti-reflective glass windows and tamper resistant locks. For areas not exposed to harsh weather, Kennywood installed CoverStation LCD protective covers, which provide basic protection to the front of the LCD. The CoverStations were installed in well-protected areas that are not exposed to any direct weather. In general, CoverStations work in conjunction with standard LCD mounting brackets and clip onto the four corners of the display.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
The robust digital signage is installed near the historic Thunderbolt roller coaster and in other parts of the park, like the popular roller coaster: Phantom’s Revenge, the haunted house: Ghostwood Estate, and the indoor roller coaster: Exterminator. To help reduce the perceived wait times for popular rides, the LCD monitors display valuable information about the park, fun facts, and popular music videos.

“Kennywood was looking to find the best solution for our outdoor digital signage protection needs. We looked at many different options but found the best solution right in our backyard. The ViewStation products have exceeded our expectations, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with ITSENCLOSURES in the future.” Joel Brennan – Kennywood Park, Electric, Audio, Video & Effects

Kennywood’s sister park, Idlewild, located in Ligonier, PA, also purchased a number of ViewStation Universal enclosures to install at popular rides and concession stands. According to their website, Idlewild has been named the “Best Kids’ Park” by Amusement Today and “Best Park for Families” by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION:

• Universal LCD Enclosures
• LCD Protective Covers
• ViewStation Products

HAVE QUESTIONS?
Let us know how we can best assist you!
Contact an ‘ITSENCLOSURES expert’ at 1-800-423-9911 -OR- email: info@itsenclosures.com

The post Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh, PA – Digital Signage appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

Many digital signage installations are retrofits of existing sites and most Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs)/fast food stores will require prep work to install an outdoor digital menu board or digital presell board. When preparing for your project, a site survey is extremely vital and will eliminate any unnecessary guesswork. There are a number of items to consider during the site survey to ensure a smooth transition from static to vibrant digital menu boards.

• • Cable Run:
    Determine what cabling is required for running the digital signage content  – CAT5 vs. Rapid Run. It is important to understand who will be providing the cabling at the site. During the site survey, the installer will be able to provide an estimate as to how much cabling will be necessary. A wireless antenna or mobile data may also be an option.
  • Power Sources:
    Most existing static menu boards only require 1 outlet. Outdoor digital menu boards will require additional dedicated power outlets (voltage and amperage depends on enclosure solution). Determine who will be responsible for running the additional outlet(s) to the site.
  • Footer & Pad:
    Evaluate the existing concrete pad and footer pattern. Determine if the existing footer and pad are acceptable or if additional work will need to be completed. Detailed footer specifications are most likely available on an digital signage data sheet.
  • Identify Equipment On Site:
    Identify who is responsible for removing the static menu board. If the installer is responsible, make sure the right equipment is available on the day of the install. What equipment is necessary for installing the outdoor digital signage?

It is helpful to have all the items (listed above) lined up prior to the digital signage installation day. The right cabling and power run to the menu board pad, in advance, will allow for an easier installation! However, it is possible to complete the items above during the menu board install. Just remember to factor in these items when estimating how long the installation will take during the day and/or overnight.

The majority of Quick Service Restaurants will request that the digital signage installation occur during off hours (usually through the overnight). Proper planning will help the installation go smoothly and quickly to ensure your drive-thru is up and running with the sleek, cool digital menus before the breakfast coffee rush.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

The post 4 Items to Check During a Digital Signage Site Survey appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

PARK SYNOPSIS:
The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is an 8-acre park, located in downtown Tampa Bay, Florida, along the Hillsborough River. Surrounded by lush palm trees, the state-of-the-art park features reclaimed water for irrigation, a riverwalk, and LED lighting.  According to the ‘Visit Tampa Bay’ website, “amenities include the Great Lawn with flexible perimeter seating to accommodate a wide range of programming and performances, a dog run, a kiosk with restrooms, and a pavilion building with restrooms, park offices, and space for a future vendor.”

HOW DID CURTIS HIXON PARK FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
The Tampa Downtown Partnership was in search of an all-weather LCD enclosure to be installed in the town’s newly developed Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The digital signage would be deployed outdoors in the direct sun. Tampa contacted ITSENCLOSURES, because of the company’s experience in installing outdoor LCD enclosures across the United States. In fact, a partnership member took note of an ITSENCLOSURES’ LCD monitor enclosure at a coffee shop (nationally known), in Tampa, while grabbing a coffee and donut. As soon as he saw it, he knew it was the perfect fit for the park!

PROJECT:
The main function of the digital signage would be to display upcoming events and Tampa Bay area announcements. The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park team was also interested in a practical solution that would allow them to make changes to the signage instantly and/or revise content quickly and efficiently.

CHALLENGES:
When installing an LCD outdoors, the sun can be a hindrance. Florida’s hot, muggy weather conditions were one of the largest concerns. Thermal management was discussed, at length, to combat hot temperatures during a large portion of the calendar year. The proposed LCD enclosure solution needed to be operational 7 days a week… from the early morning until 10 p.m. when the park is closed to the public. Vandalism of the glass window was also cause for alarm, as the enclosure would be out in the open and could be damaged by visitors.

SOLUTION:
After funding was approved, the enclosure was shipped and installed. The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park placed the all-weather, LCD enclosure in one of the park’s flower gardens. It is mounted on a cement footer, surrounded by plants and flowers, and can be seen by tourists and locals taking a walk or visiting the park for a concert. Overall, the solution includes a 47-inch, 2000 nit high-bright LCD monitor, anti-graffiti film to protect the enclosure window, a temperature and humidity sensor, and thermal management to guarantee operation in direct sunlight – with a temperature range of -40° to 120° F. To update the sign’s content, a media player is installed on the inside of the enclosure.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
The LCD enclosure has been in operation for many years and continues to perform at the highest level, even in the humidity and heat of Florida. The digital signage shows announcements and events for the Tampa area.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION:

• Outdoor Digital Signage (1 screen)

HAVE QUESTIONS?
Let us know how we can best assist you! Contact an ‘ITSENCLOSURES expert’ at 1-800-423-9911 -OR- send us an email: info@itsenclosures.com

The post Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

HOW DID METRO-NORTH FIND ITSENCLOSURES?
Robert Piucci, Assistant Director of Radio Systems for the Metro-North Railroad (MNR), stated that he found ITSENCLOSURES’ LCD enclosure product line while searching for monitor enclosure companies on the web, “I researched the enclosures on the internet and found ITSENCLOSURES to have the enclosures and flexibility of mounts to meet our needs.”

PROJECT:
In the Winter of 2009, Metro-North Railroad unanimously chose to update its outdated informational, static signage. The original signage was used for train and ferry passengers and out-of-town sightseers at the particularly busy Yankee Stadium station. The all-new digital signage would be utilized to display real-time rail commuter information and ever-changing transportation schedules.

CHALLENGES:
The size of the monitor was MNR’s biggest concern, because schedules and pertinent data (including a ticker at the bottom of the screen) needed to be viewed from a distance. A small LCD screen/enclosure combo would be a disappointment in this enormous, busy environment. Another concern would be vandalism, from passengers and tourists, to the window and/or LCD monitor screens. Thermal management also posed a threat to the monitor and media player, since the stations are subject to outside ambient temperatures. Finally, a commercial grade monitor was necessary, as the screens would be running day and night. Monitors purchased at a big box store would not stand the test of time with this countless usage.

SOLUTION:
After reviewing the ITSENCLOSURES’ website and considering the overall installation environment, the Metro-North Railroad (MNR), made the decision to install a combination of 42″ landscape and 52″ portrait-style fan-cooled ViewStation Universal LCD enclosures. The Universal enclosures feature anti-reflective glass, are vandal proof, and ideal for indoor and outdoor applications. In addition, Metro North installed a handful of ViewStation Array LCD enclosures that house two 52″ LCDs – side by side – within one environmental enclosure. Array enclosures are lockable, utilize integrated air movement, and offer aluminum construction with stainless steel hardware. The ViewStation Array enclosures are mounted on overhead trusses, so that the screens/schedules can be viewed from a distance in a crowded area.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
The project took approximately 5 months to complete and was deemed a tremendous success by MTA and New York commuters. The LCD screens run around the clock and continue to display imperative, up-to-date rail and ferry schedules.

“ITSENCLOSURES [has] friendly and knowledgeable sales help. We are very pleased with the enclosures, which have been in service for 9 year[s]. We [also installed] LCD monitors at our Poughkeepsie, NY station, which did not have displays previously.” Robert Piucci – Assistant Director of Radio Systems for the Metro-North Railroad in New York

HAVE QUESTIONS?
Let us know how we can best assist you! Contact an ‘ITSENCLOSURES expert’ at 1-800-423-9911 -OR- send us an email: info@itsenclosures.com

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COMPANY SYNOPSIS:
Founded in April of 1921, the New York-New Jersey Port Authority (NYNJPA) is recognized as one of America’s most distinguished transportation and public planning authorities. The NYNJPA oversees and manages airports, rails, tunnels, parking, bridges, and the overall transit in New York City and Northern New Jersey. The Port Authority also owns and manages the World Trade Center site.

HOW DID THEY FIND ITSENCLOSURES:
ITSENCLOSURES was engaged through a surveillance and security systems integrator for the NYNJPA project. After reviewing LCD enclosure products available on the market, the integrator chose to work with ITSENCLOSURESbecause of their high-quality workmanship.

PROJECT:
With digital signage becoming more and more popular in the transportation industry, the NYNJPA was faced with the need to bring real time information to the passengers of the JFK International Airport SkyTrain. The NYNJPA was interested in upgrading to large, dynamic LCD’s to efficiently inform commuters of scheduling information and travel alerts/changes. The ability to effortlessly update content also sparked interest in running multiple advertisements.

CHALLENGES:
After reviewing the project, there were a number of factors to consider: vandalism, display visibility, and functionality. At the time, Ray Diaz, former JFK SkyTrain OPS manager at the NYNJPA, wisely took these challenges into consideration prior to moving forward with the project. “I researched display protection on the Internet and found ITSENCLOSURES to have the enclosures and mounting solutions to meet our needs,” Diaz stated.

SOLUTION:
Once engaged, ITSENCLOSURES was quick to step in and evaluate the environment. Challenges included environmental conditions, such as fluctuating temperatures and moisture. After working through various thermal management and mounting issues, ITSENCLOSURES recommended using a combination of environmentally sealed ViewStation Universal LCD enclosures, protective CoverStation panels and recessed, in-wall ViewStation display enclosures.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:
Fabrication of the LCD enclosures began and installation ensued shortly thereafter. Once installed, Diaz was happy with the result, “We are very pleased with the enclosures, which have been in service for [many years]. We are presently considering installation of LCD’s at additional locations; ITSENCLOSURES will certainly be part of these future installations.”

MORE INFORMATION:

• Digital Signage Federation Article

HAVE QUESTIONS?
Let us know how we can best assist you!
Contact an ‘ITSENCLOSURES expert’ at 1-800-423-9911 -OR- send us an email: info@itsenclosures.com

The post JFK International Airport SkyTrain appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.