Jan 6 2010
MediaTile, a world leading provider of cellular digital signage and SaaS management solutions, today announced a breakthrough in brand-to-consumer communications using a prototype high-definition interactive display that combines live 2-way video communication capabilities with simultaneous interactive promotional messages.
MediaTile's HumanKiosk, with 4G Video Presence, is an interactive digital signage communications breakthrough that puts consumers in retail environments directly in touch with product experts and brand authorities
The free-standing, second generation prototype takes advantage of the high bandwidth wireless IP-connection from the emerging 4G/LTE services provided by ng Connect Program member, Alcatel-Lucent. The interactive digital signage prototypes are being demonstrated in the Alcatel-Lucent/ng Connect Program booth #2503 in the Venetian Veronese area of CES.
“With this technology and the 4G/LTE connectivity, brands will be able to have direct and personal influence on consumers where, and when it matters most,” said Simon Wilson, CEO of The MediaTile Company. “Now, consumers in retail outlets can have their questions answered by an expert when making a purchasing decision. Our ‘HumanKiosk’ prototype is a game-changer in retail merchandising and promotional programs as more than 70% of brand selection decisions are made right at the point of purchase.”
“4G Video Presence is a perfect example of the type of innovative communication solutions that are enabled by 4G/LTE technologies and services,” said Derek Kuhn, Vice President, Emerging Technology and Media Group, Alcatel-Lucent, a founding member of the ng Connect Program. “While companies such as MediaTile are using 3G networks today for digital signage, providing a built-in roadmap to the future with 4G/LTE adds tremendous business value and investment protection on today’s digital signage solutions.”
The HumanKiosk utilizes 4G/LTE technology to deliver a live, 2-way in-store video session between a consumer with a product question, and a representative of that product or service. For example, a customer seeking information about a new product can simply tap the touch screen to establish a live visual and audio connection with a product expert who is located virtually anywhere around the globe. Setting up the fully integrated solution requires nothing more than accessing a standard power outlet. It can be easily deployed into any retail, service or other locations that consumers regularly visit. With 4G/LTE technology, no on-site networking infrastructure or IT services for deployment or management are required to set up and use the solution, making it ideal for organizations to deploy virtually anywhere.
4G Video Presence is just one of the many digital signage configurations possible using 4G/LTE technology. With its massive bandwidth, and persistent IP-connection, 4G/LTE-equipped digital signs will support a variety of rich media services including on-demand video requests, live emergency video broadcasts, 1-to-many broadcasts, 1-to-1 broadcasts, rich-media services, and other significant communication enhancements. All of this brings viewers and promoters closer together, and because 4G/LTE services are completely independent of existing on-site terrestrial or Wi-Fi networks, no on-site support and management is required.