Home Depot Unveils Its New Color Solutions Center
The Home Depot has unveiled its new Color Solutions Centers, designed to take the guesswork out of selecting paint color. The Color Solutions Center simplifies the color selection process through an enhanced display that includes improved color presentation, inspirational brochures and idea cards, and revolutionary color selection technology. “Our research clearly pointed to customers’ desire for a more user-friendly color presentation system,” said Sophia Schade, Home Depot’s V.P., Merchandising for paint and decor.
Home Depot’s 30-foot Color Solutions Center brings together different paint brands, including Ralph Lauren, BEHR Premium Plus and Glidden, into one display that includes more than 3,000 paint samples. Home Depot introduces the ColorSmart by BEHR kiosk as part of the Color Solutions Center. Customers can browse a collection of inspirational palettes, preview colors in virtual rooms and receive instant color coordination tips with the help of the in-store kiosk. The interactive kiosk also provides practical painting tips and a paint calculator and supplies list.
The lighting surrounding the Color Solutions Center is designed to cast natural light on the color samples. The Home Depot also has simplified the sheen selection process by creating consistency across the different brands.
Here’s how a Color Solutions Center works. A customer is drawn to the Glidden section of the display. She selects a color from Glidden’s Bright and Lively Color Collection, which includes suggestions for coordinating the trim and moldings. Next, she moves to the BEHR part of the display where she pulls an extra large color card. She scans the color card into BEHR’s ColorSmart system. From the video display, she views a virtual kitchen with walls depicting her chosen color along with corresponding hues for the trim, ceiling and floor.
AT&T Wireless Launches National Kiosk Program
Mercury Online Solutions, Inc., Bainbridge Island, WA, announced that it has successfully launched AT&T Wireless' nationwide Digital Messaging System (DMS), a sophisticated network of in-store displays, with a total of 2,500 digital display screens and interactive kiosks installed and networked in more than 800 AT&T Wireless retail stores throughout the country. “Mercury Online Solutions is helping us set the standard for the next generation of p.o.s. displays and kiosks,” said Michael la Villa, director of store development for AT&T Wireless.
Mercury Online Solutions, Inc. provides the hardware, software, rollout management, monitoring, content management and maintenance for AT&T Wireless’ network of displays. The network combines both “push” and interactive messaging, controlled and delivered through a Web-based network to plasma screens and kiosk-like displays. The content and messages displayed to customers in stores can be updated within seconds.
Polaroid Unveils T690 Instant Digital Prints Kiosk
Polaroid Corp. has introduced the next generation in instant digital printing technology, the Polaroid Instant Digital Prints Kiosk.
The kiosk addresses retailers and consumers demand for fast, simple, high-quality photos. It produces 4x6 digital prints at a rate of one print per two seconds. This speed, coupled with the kiosk’s all- in-one, self-service ATM-like interface, enables a customer to select, print and pay for 24 4x6 photos in less than two minutes.
The revolutionary thermal printing platform, called “Opal,” features a unique, “frozen ink” technology that is the main driver behind the kiosk’s speed.
Waypoint Bank Installs Interactive Kiosks At Branches
Waypoint Bank, Harrisburg, PA, is installing a network of interactive kiosks across its bank branches located throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. Livewire International, York PA, has been contracted to install the touchscreen kiosks.
Unlike an ATM, which allows financial transactions, the new kiosks are intended to provide information to bank customers regarding services and accounts offered by the bank. Customers who are not sure which product is best for them will be guided through the process by answering simple questions. Detailed information and necessary forms can be printed on demand by the kiosk to allow customers to open accounts at the time it is most convenient to them.
Andrew Samuel, Exec. V.P. of Waypoint, said, “The interactive customer-driven dialog provided by the kiosk will help guide our customers to the product or account that best serves their needs. The kiosk will also promote our Internet Banking initiative by showing how easy and convenient Internet banking can be.”
Terrible Herbst Featuring In-Store CoolSign Network
Terrible Herbst is using CoolSign technology from Adspace, based in Burlingame, CA, to power a network of over 300 digital displays in 90 locations. Terrible Herbst has implemented the CoolSign technology to display dynamic merchandising with full-motion video and graphics across its network of convenience stores and lube service centers.
From a centrally located workstation, AdSpace can instantaneously control the distribution of content for each store’s two 42" plasma screens and two 15" LCD panels.
“We are able to send a specific and unique advertisement to any or all of our locations any time we want,” said Angela Johnson, Marketing Director at Terrible Herbst.
AOL To Be Promoted in Best Buy Outlets
America Online has announced a new program with Best Buy, a leading consumer electronics retailer, to provide in-store promotion of the AOL and AOL for Broadband services in Best Buy stores. Best Buy’s wide selection of consumer products are now available in several key areas across the AOL service.
The AOL displays will enable Best Buy to offer consumers everything they need for home connectivity, including access to AOL and the Internet at whatever speed they prefer. Special displays will provide information about AOL’s selection of online services, and store employees will be trained to help consumers sign up for AOL.
Joe Redling, America Online’s Chief Marketing Officer, said, “We look forward to working with Best Buy to help consumers get on the Internet and make the transition to broadband. AOL is kicking our broadband marketing into high gear, and Best Buy is a fantastic partner to have in this effort.”
magink™ display technologies, Inc., a developer of full-color digital ink technologies, has reached an agreement with Mitsubishi Electric Corp. to create large-scale, full-color digital ink displays. By integrating magink™ digital ink technology with Mitsubishi Electric’s leadership position in large-scale video display, the companies will offer a flexible and powerful new medium. “Utilizing our proprietary digital ink technology, the large-scale digital ink displays manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric will provide revenue-generating and creative opportunities for advertisers,” said Ran Poliakine, CEO, magink. For more information, contact magink display technologies., 304 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 10010; (Tel) 212-590-2381, (Fax) 212-590-2382; (Web) www.magink.com.
Symbol Technologies has introduced the Symbol MK2000, a kiosk capable of displaying interactive, full-color video and audio messages. The kiosk, which can be pedestal or wall-mounted, features a 6.4-inch full-color display, integrated bar code scanner, 400 MHz processor, Microsoft CE.NET operating system, stereo speakers and optional touch screen. It has a depth of less than four inches. For more information, contact Symbol Technologies, (Tel) 800-722-6234 (Web Site) www.symbol.com.
SMART Technologies Inc. has introduced DViT (Digital Vision Touch) technology for touch-sensitive displays. DViT technology uses digital cameras to determine the contact of a finger, stylus, pointer or other object on a display. Cameras, situated in each corner of the display, communicate information back to a digital signal processor that determines the exact point of contact. No special materials are required on the touch screen, making the image crystal clear. Unlike touch systems in which the technology resides in the surface material, all DViT technology resides in the frame around the display, allowing products that use DViT technology to be extremely durable. DViT technology is being introduced on the Rear Projection SMART Board 3000i and SMART Board for Plasma Displays. For more information, contact Smart Technologies, 1177-11th Ave., SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2R 1K9, (Tel) 888.42.SMART; (Web) www.smarttech.com.
Futurist Projects has introduced The Talking Point, a battery powered digital audio system that can be adhered to any POS material. The Talking Point uses the display panel as its speaker, to provide high quality sound, similar to that of a quality home sound system. Each unit has a sensor which detects when someone walks past to trigger the audio system, or the system can be activated at preset intervals. For more information, contact Futurist Projects, 410 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022; (Tel) 917-210-8485; (Fax) 917-210-8182; (Web) www.thetalkingpoint.com/usa.
Audio Video Innovations Inc., (AVI) offers The Digital Associate, a promotional device that will get a product noticed. The device can present products in a unique way that is new and exciting helping to increase sales and awareness. The “Digital Associate” is a completely customizable digital video and audio media player designed to playback MPEG video, MP3 audio and/or still photos directly from a solid state compactFlash card to any TV, monitor or plasma display device. This marketing tool can communicate entire messages directly to the consumer. For more information about The Digital Associate, contact Audio Video Innovations Inc., 3375 North Service Road, Unit A3, Burlington, Ont, Canada L7N 3G2; (Tel) 905-331-5695, (Fax) 905-331-7432; (Web Site) www.avi-electronics.com.
i-O Display Systems has introduced i-glasses HRV and SGVA, lightweight glasses with tiny, embedded liquid crystal displays. When connected to a video source, i-glasses create the illusion of a 55-inch screen floating in front of the viewer. I-glasses, the first head mounted display system, can compliment or even replace bulkier, more expensive display technologies while offering users a memorable immersive experience. Rental rates begin at $49.99 per headset per day. For more information, contact i-O Display Systems, LLC, (Tel) 650-323-8407, (Fax) 650-323-1742, (Web) www.i-glasses.com.
LogicJunction, an Atlanta-based software firm and Exhibitgroup/Giltspur have joined forces to offer LogicJunction’s software system for use in tradeshows. LogicJunction’s software combines artificial intelligence, 2-D and 3-D graphics, and voice recognition to create digitized “personalities” who have interactive human-to-computer dialogue. The characters and accompanying visual media appear on flat-panel computer screens. For more information, contact LogicJunction, (Tel) 678-560-8552, (Web) www.logicjunction.com, or Exhibitgroup/Giltspur, Roselle, IL, (Tel) 763-488-5310, (Web) www.e-g.com.
NetShift has joined forces with Olea Exhibits to launch a new kiosk rental program for trade show exhibits. NetShift’s software platform guarantees that applications running on Olea’s customizable La Jolla kiosk are both reliable and secure. Frank Olea VP, Olea Exhibits said, “Many exhibitors underestimate the IT challenge. This partnership ensures technology installations will work for them.” For more information, contact Olea Exhibits, (Tel) 562-924-8294; (Web) www.olea.com, or Netshift, (Tel) 954-689-4406; (Web) www.netshift.com.
Pepperidge Farm Runs Goldfish Jingle Game
Pepperidge Farm has launched the “Goldfish Jingle Instant Win Game.”
Light activated sound chips have been placed inside inner foil bags of winning Goldfish cracker boxes. When a consumer opens one of these bags, a chip will start singing the brand’s “Jingle for Goldfish” theme song. A Game Piece will indicate whether they have won the Grand Prize; hosting a party for 20 at which the 24’ foot long Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Mobile Vehicle will arrive. A carnival will be set up and the hit teen group, PLAY will perform a private concert.
“Giving a Goldfish fan the chance to have the Goldfish Mobile and a performance by PLAY at their own party is a perfect promotion for Goldfish because fun is what Goldfish crackers are all about,” said Steve White, Business Director, Goldfish/Snacks.
Pepperidge Farm Runs Goldfish Jingle Game
Pepperidge Farm has launched the “Goldfish Jingle Instant Win Game.”
Light activated sound chips have been placed inside inner foil bags of winning Goldfish cracker boxes. When a consumer opens one of these bags, a chip will start singing the brand’s “Jingle for Goldfish” theme song. A Game Piece will indicate whether they have won the Grand Prize; hosting a party for 20 at which the 24’ foot long Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Mobile Vehicle will arrive. A carnival will be set up and the hit teen group, PLAY will perform a private concert.
“Giving a Goldfish fan the chance to have the Goldfish Mobile and a performance by PLAY at their own party is a perfect promotion for Goldfish because fun is what Goldfish crackers are all about,” said Steve White, Business Director, Goldfish/Snacks.
Reactrix Media Display System Is Launched
Reactrix Systems has introduced the Reactrix Media Display System, which projects images that react to a person’s motion. The system projects up to a 15'X20' image onto floors and walls. When a person or object enters the display area, the system responds instantly with dramatic visual effects or entertaining gameplay.
The system breaks through media clutter to impact consumers at the point of sale.
For more information, contact Reactrix Systems, (Tel) 650-232-1500; (Web) www.reactrix.com.
Vtech Display Program. The display features interactive merchandising. Push a button and hear a thirty-second product promotion. Try the actual product on the display and then make a purchase decision. Smarty's Workshop was specially programmed to give the consumer a thirty-second demonstration of features and benefits. All seven displays are shipped set-up. Created by Design Phase, Inc., 2840 Maria Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062. SILVER AWARD.
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