News

Mitsubishi partners with Shuttle for 'digital signage in a box'

May 22, 2013

End-users don't need to be graphic designers or IT experts to make effective and attractive digital signage, according to Mitsubishi Electric Visual Solutions America Inc. and Shuttle Computer Group Inc.

Mitsubishi and Shuttle have created a new turnkey hardware, software and content system bundle that the companies say features everything end-users need to create compelling digital signage. They also claim that "No other display or media player company has offered such a combination of free professionally-designed graphics with a digital-signage-in-a-box hardware solution."

The bundles feature one or two 42-inch or 46-inch commercial-grade Mitsubishi Electric LCD flat panel display or displays, Shuttle digital media player or players and all necessary cables. It also includes 90 days of free content management software and service.

"Our new partnership with Shuttle makes it really easy for people to migrate into digital signage, allowing them to quickly and easily install, connect and start using their signs right away," said James Chan, vice president of marketing, Mitsubishi Electric Visual Solutions America, in the announcement. "They can create a visual feast for menus, advertising and other messaging and/or content in a virtual plug-and-play scenario."

Many people feel they need technical proficiency in computers and artistic expertise for graphic design to create and use digital signage effectively, the companies said. With 90 days' free content management software and service, users can employ templates to quickly and easily create and display their content. And Shuttle offers online and/or telephone support Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

"Our customers don't need to be the experts — that's why we're here," said Marty Lash, director, sales and marketing, Shuttle Computer Group. "With Mitsubishi Electric's and Shuttle's combined reputation for quality and excellence, we offer the best monitors, media players and design expertise to create a turnkey solution."

The turnkey bundles (Mitsubishi Electric part numbers L422-STXS35, L422-2-STDS61, L462-STXS35, L462-2-STDS61) come with either one or two 42-inch (LDT422V) or 46-inch Mitsubishi Electric monitors (LDT462V) that can be set up in portrait or landscape formats. A networkable Shuttle media player (XS35V2-MITS or DS61V1.1-MITS) and associated cables are also included. The monitors offer a wide range of connectivity options, such as HDMI and DVI-D for clear, crisp video and audio transmission over a single cable.

The 90-day free service begins with activation of the digital signage player(s). At the end of the free service period, users have three options:

• Continue subscribing to an annual service contract for as low as $49.95 a month;
• Discontinue the service and keep running the latest existing signage content;
• or Remove the software, erasing all existing content and restoring the player to a standard PC, and then use other PC-based digital signage software, if desired.

"During your first 90 days, you can try new designs, update and upload new content, as well as experiment with digital signage to find out what works best, all with free content management service," Lash said.

The bundles are targeted for availability in June. The hardware devices (monitors and players) come with Mitsubishi Electric's and Shuttle's standard three-year limited warranty on parts and labor. Terms and conditions apply.