Big LCDs Shine In Signage, Retail

NEC's new 46-inch LCD display is one of the largest on the market. It costs more than a similar plasma unit but is better suited for digital signage applications. Samsung's new multipurpose 24-inch widescreen display offers solution providers the opportunity to configure custom computing solutions, conference room displays, digital signage, home and commercial entertainment systems and more.

NEC MultiSync LCD4610

NEC's MultiSync LCD4610 was developed for information display and digital signage applications, but it's also perfect for conference rooms and entertainment systems. Solution providers that equip luxury hotel suites with broadband Internet and high-end entertainment systems will want to take a closer look at this display, which is priced at $8,999.

The MultiSync LCD4610 incorporates NEC's new Digital Signage Technology Suite, a set of features and functions developed specifically for the digital signage market. The feature suite includes Tile Matrix, which creates a near-seamless display for multi-unit applications and eliminates the need for distribution amplifiers and multihead video cards.

A feature called TileComp compensates for bezel width to create a video wall that appears seamless. Daisy-chain control allows multiple units to be controlled at once. The display has a 170-degree viewing angle and WXGA native resolution of 1,366 x 768 for a true 16:9 aspect ratio. The MultiSync LCD4610 supports HDTV formats including 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i. The VESA-compliant display is easy to mount on a wall.

NEC offers two versions of the display: The AV version is loaded with features needed for most corporate applications, while the IT version has only some of those features. Both versions include DVI-D, VGA, BNC, RS232 and DDC-CI inputs, and the AV version adds composite, S-Video and component video inputs along with audio inputs and outputs and a built-in 7-watt stereo amplifier. Neither version has built-in speakers or a built-in TV tuner.

Detachable speakers are optional, and a separate HDTV tuner would be required to receive high-definition broadcasts. The NEC display has a one-year warranty, but CRN Test Center engineers believe that a monitor with an almost $9,000 price tag should be covered for a longer period.

NEC's Display Solutions Select channel program was launched in March 2005. The program currently has one level. Partners are entitled to exclusive pricing on a suite of large-screen LCD products leading to generous margins. Bid pricing is available for large opportunities along with discounted demo units. Partners can receive priority technical support, education on third-party products and free sales and marketing tools. They have access to NEC's dedicated membership Web site and proposal-based MDFs, if appropriate. Solution providers must provide sales support, field service and solutions consultation. Priority technical support is available 24x7.

Samsung 242mp

Samsung's new SyncMaster 242mp is the Swiss army knife of displays. The 24-inch HDTV-ready widescreen LCD display has a built-in TV tuner along with every input needed to display any type of video signal. The display is great for desktop publishing and business presentations in a corporate boardroom or office. With its 1,920 x 1,200 native resolution and 178-degree viewing angle, the SyncMaster 242mp is ideal for digital content creation, film and HDTV production and non-linear video editing. This display costs $2,199.

The SyncMaster 242mp features composite video, S-video and component video inputs, along with analog RGB and digital DVI inputs for computers. It supports worldwide TV systems and even has a built-in FM radio tuner. Note that this display presents a 16:10 aspect ratio, while true HDTV is 16:9. Images can appear a bit too narrow at times, but you won't find a sharper display anywhere. Some flat-panels have a 16:9 aspect ratio, but typically have a native resolution of 1,366 x 768, and therefore aren't nearly as sharp as this one. The SyncMaster 242mp features 5-watt speakers that can be attached to the display or wall-mounted.

Samsung's Power Partner program separates partner into three levels based on sales revenue of Samsung products and market potential. Benefits include a sales incentive fund, reward program, rebates, bid pricing, government and education pricing, free collateral, a training initiative, a leasing option and a toll-free reseller line. The average reseller margin is 15 percent. Samsung backs its SyncMaster 242mp with a three-year warranty.