Navitar Presentation Products

Navitar Finds New Niche for Projection Lenses in the Digital Signage Market

Navitar, Inc., a manufacturer of superior quality high resolution projection lenses for the LCD and DLP digital projection market, has seen an increase in business as a result of this new marketing concept. The new projector and screen approach to digital signage has their sales network quite busy.

“The concept of digital signage is not new. The use of large plasma screens and LCD monitors displaying colorful and eye-catching advertisements has been around for years. However, designers today are looking beyond what has already been done and seek to create innovative, state-of-the-art vehicles that capture customer’s attention and inform and educate at the same time. More and more designers are incorporating the technology of standard digital projectors and projection screens, producing vibrant displays that make consumers stop, look and, most importantly, shop,” comments Craig Fitzgerald, Vice President of North American Sales for Navitar, Inc.

Digital Signage Services, LLC (DSS), a communications and advertising firm based in Key Biscayne, Florida, created an award-winning projection-based digital media system for the Macy’s department store in Florida’s Dadeland Mall. A Navitar long throw, high resolution replacement lens was used in conjunction with a ceiling-mounted digital projector to beam high-impact images and promotional messages to translucent acrylic display screens strategically positioned in high-traffic areas down the center aisle of the Macy’s store. The project won the Judges’ Choice Award in the 2006 DIGI competition, presented by The Digital Signage Group.

Recently, PeopleVisionFX, a New Jersey-based special effects company, used a Navitar projection lens to create a unique and different digital display. They produced a large animated eye for Alcon Pharmaceuticals to support the company’s leading eye allergy medication, Patanol, at an industry tradeshow. The character, known as “Patty Patanol,” stood six-feet-tall with cartoon-style arms and legs. The eye itself was a large, three-dimensional video projection system. PeopleVision combined first-surface mirrors with a Navitar short focus lens in order to achieve a required throw distance, all within the body of the character. The eye scanned the audience while the character’s robotic arm waved a red banner. The character was extremely effective in grabbing people’s attention and drawing them into the booth. In fact, many even asked to have their picture taken with “Patty.” The character, now in the lobby of Alcon Pharmaceutical headquarters, is still watching passersby and continues to promote the company and its products.

In the past, projectors and screens were considered obtrusive and cumbersome in the retail environment – cluttering the aisles and producing more of an eyesore than an eye-catching point-of-purchase display. Today, the flexibility of front and rear projection options, smaller projectors, ceiling-mounted projectors, long throw and wide angle lenses and new sleek, smaller projection screens have made it possible to overcome these logistical challenges. These modernized projection components have made it possible to seamlessly integrate projection-based signage displays, with everything from synchronized audio/video, flash and still images, and high-impact streaming video, into the retail environment.

Navitar is excited about this new niche for their projection products. “We are seeing more and more screen-based in-store digital signage and advertising applications in the retail environment. Our lenses are being incorporated into systems for grocery stores, banks, automotive locations and other consumer service related outlets,” commented Navitar’s President Jeremy Goldstein.

Designers and technology consultants of digital signage systems have found that when needing a projection lens for applications Navitar lenses are able to meet their specialized requirements. Projectors and digital signage technology systems can even be placed out of sight enabling consumers to focus more on the message presented instead of the technology. With performance that is unrivaled in the marketplace, Navitar lenses project a quality, high-impact image onto any material from a projector placed virtually anywhere in the room.

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About Navitar, Inc.

Navitar, Inc., established in 1972 and based in Rochester, New York, is a recognized leading manufacturer of superior quality optical lenses and complete customized optical solutions for the LCD and DLP digital projection markets. Navitar, Inc. has offices and subsidiaries in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. For more information about Navitar, Inc. and its innovative products, visit the company's web site at www.navitar.com or contact Navitar, Inc. at 200 Commerce Drive, Rochester, NY 14623. Call 585-359-4000, Fax 585-359-4999, Email: info@navitar.com