HDMI Case Studies
Video Displays for Retail Using HDMI
MTI is a leading provider of interactive merchandising displays to consumer electronics retailers
The Job
To maximize HDTV sales, Dearden’s of Southern California wanted to create the ultimate in video wall impact showcasing the latest technologies to entice buyers.
Challenges
To test the viability of such a project, Dearden’s electronics buyer, Frank MacLean, turned to MTI of Hillsboro, Oregon, to help him create a test platform by renovating one of his showrooms to accommodate a video wall that would display thirty-five or more televisions in three rows across 40 linear feet.
The challenges presented included:
- Maintaining maximum audio and video quality, regardless of distance of each television from the source component,
- Providing a system that provided store personnel with the capability to select from a variety of source components, including Blu-ray players and hard-drive servers, and
- Keeping the system as simple as possible by reducing the number of cables and connections involved to simplify both the initial installation of the TVs, as well as changing SKUs later on.
Solution
MacLean and MTI’s engineers quickly agreed that HDMI digital signal interface was key to achieving the desired results. Of greatest importance to Dearden’s, HDMI would allow them to delivers the highest quality audio and video signals to each and every television on their video wall with no noticeable signal degradation, so every television on the wall would present the best possible image.
Products Used
To accommodate the easy selection of source and television, MTI provided one HDMS-4, an HDMI 4-input switch that would allow store personnel to select from any of four different HDMI sources. These would feed into a series of HDM8 distribution amps that can each serve up to eight different televisions. Because the HDM8 amps can be daisy-chained together, a series of 7 amps provided more than enough capacity for the 35 televisions from a single HDMI source. And because MTI’s HDMI switches are not only chainable, but also feature RS232 control, Dearden’s in the future will be able to expand the number of sources and players they want to showcase, while also allowing for the use of a more sophisticated centralized control panel.
Results
According to MacLean, HDMI switching and cabling simplified the installation greatly. The company ran into no problems at all, staff training was simple, and the impact on television sales was impressive, as the company witnessed an immediate 10% increase in sales. The display also spurred an increase in cable sales, as customers wanted to achieve the same quality picture. The company has begun installing or has plans to install - similar HDMI-driven video walls in each of its 9 stores.
Lessons Learned
According to Frank MacLean, there were several lessons he took away from this project: 1) HDMI is the most effective and cost-efficient signal protocol for displaying today's hi-def televisions 2) Investing in the latest technologies in your merchandising displays to deliver the greatest impact can significantly increase sales. 3) Because technology is ever changing, don’t choose partners based on price. You want partners who offer first-rate products and technical expertise, who provide reliable customer service and, and who will continue to employ and support the latest technologies in the future.
Company Description
MTI-Andrews is the leading provider of interactive merchandising displays to consumer electronics retailers since 1977, offering turnkey solutions including design, fabrication, installation and support.
Service Area
Serving retailers throughout North America
Contact Information
Ed Kiyoi
Product Manager, Signal Management
800-426-6844 x250
ekiyoi@mti-interactive.com
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do
not necessarily represent the views and opinions of HDMI Licensing, LLC,
the HDMI Founders or any of their respective parent organizations or
affiliates.