Display and Projection

Prysm Goes Under But Two New Companies Will Emerge

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Prysm, the Laser Phosphor Display company, files for U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Prysm logo

The large format displays company sought Chapter 11 protection with liabilities of $273.6 million and assets of $4.6 million. Apparently Prysm have never achieved profitability on a GAAP or even cashflow basis. Never.

Since December 2015, Prysm financed its operations by issuing senior secured promissory notes.

What the company does have are software assets, hardware assets and huge NOL carryforwards (i.e., savings on future tax liability--a deferred tax asset that can be offset against net income in future years.)

Prysm went into Chapter 11 with a prepackaged plan agreed upon by at least the two most important classes of shareholders.

This plan spins out those assets in an unexpected way.

The sponsor of the plan (that means the company putting up the cash) is ESW Capital LLC, an investment firm owned by a reclusive billionaire that only purchases software companies.

What's a software company want from a large format display company? Apparently ESW see at least $15 million reasons to acquire the visual collaborative software that Prysm sold mainly as a  value-add to their panels. When combined with Prysm’s visual workplace software, the LPD software platform can be leveraged for a multitude of use cases, from digital signage to interactive presentations to multi-site team collaboration.

But surely no one would pay that kind of money for another digital signage platform? It must be the collaboration and workspace opportunity.

ESW Capital founder Joe Liemandt

ESW doesn't often make mistakes in software: unlike many other private equity companies, ESW focus on software and founder Joe Liemandt appeared as the youngest self-made member in the 1996 issue of The Forbes 400. He's back on that list with $3 billion net worth.

He's putting up $12 million in cash and $3 million in Debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing (which locks in certain assets) that includes $750,000 now just to keep Prysm going.

That's good news for Prysm as the hardware assets will go to a new company-- temporarily named for legal purposes as HardwareNewCo. They'll be picking up the pieces to have another go. Chances are likely they want to keep the same channel partners and have acquired that partner list as well. But they will need new funding to get going-- things bounce better on a soft cushion of millions of greenbacks.

The original backers of Prysm, GII Prysm Investments (the first priority secured creditor) gets its choice of some of that $12 million in ESW cash or stock in the HardwareNewCo. Will they take the stock? Will they also fund the hardware company? We don't know yet but the Kuwait sovereign fund is in that group. They have the money if they want to play the game (again).

Other creditors will get their share of $500,000. Some will probably only get pennies on the dollar if they are unsecured creditors-- companies such as any media companies running Prysm ads.

It's a sad story... the LPD display platform was an option for users who wanted a bezel-free large display (greater than 100”) that extended beyond the current size limitations of OLED and LCD formats, and delivered a comfortable ambient light experience, both for up-close touch interactivity and distance viewing.
Prysm Video Wall

You probably saw those large screens at ISE. Impressive.

Prysm's latest line of LPD displays included the world's largest interactive, single-panel display. Available in a stunning 225", 190" and 135", it excels as a solution for digital signage, up-close interactive use, and everything in between. And its rollable screen meant it can be installed in a wider variety of spaces.

Will Prysm live on as a brand? Seems the HardwareNewCo should keep the brand even if they give the company another name.

While Laser Phosphor Display will live to fight again, the more interesting story may turn out to be what ESW does with the software assets.

ESW Capital has purchased dozens of small U.S. software companies with a strategy of moving their workforce to foreign freelance workers. Crossover, which is actually the recruiting wing of ESW, has an army of 5000+ workers in 131 countries (Ukraine to Pakistan to Egypt). In the past 12 years, ESW has quietly acquired some 75 software companies, mostly in the U.S., and it exports as many as 150 high-tech jobs every week.

ESW is one big reason why Austin (Texas, USA) is today recognized as a technology hub.



Extron Introduces XTP WindoWall

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Extron introduces XTP WindoWall, an enhancement that brings videowall capabilities to XTP Systems.

Extron XTP WindoWall

Utilizing XTP scaling receivers, XTP WindoWall enables a mix of full screen and image magnification across multiple displays. Up to 8 videowalls can be supported within an XTP system, and up to 8 assignable presets are available per wall for quick and easy viewing between different image arrangements.

Convenient software features such as drag and size layout configuration, mullion compensation, and the ability to create multiple presets expedite the setup process. XTP WindoWall makes XTP an ideal solution for adding videowall functionality to a board room or expanding XTP system capabilities within emergency operations centers and other mission-critical applications.

XTP Systems provide a completely integrated switching and distribution solution for multiple digital and analog formats. They support local connectivity as well as extended transmission capability for sending video with resolutions up to and beyond 4K/60 @ 4:4:4, audio, RS‑232/IR, and Ethernet up to 330 feet (100 meters) over shielded CATx cable, and up to 10 k m (6.21 miles) over fiber optic cable.

Each system is HDCP-compliant, and delivers ultra-fast, highly reliable digital switching with Extron's SpeedSwitch Technology. With hot-swappable modular components, a wide selection of XTP transmitters and receivers, and advanced 24/7 system monitoring, XTP Systems are designed to provide continuous, trouble-free operation in the most critical applications.

Go Extron XTP Systems and Video Walls



Hikvision Launches a Range of LED Displays

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Developed and manufactured internally, Hikvision’s new LED displays offer indoor fine pitch LED, indoor fixed LED, outdoor LED, and transparent LED technologies to cover a range of customization needs.

Hikvision DS-D4225FI-CWF

Hikvision, which calls itself the world’s biggest maker of video surveillance equipment, has been banned since August from selling to U.S. federal government agencies on the grounds its products could pose a threat to security.) Launching the new LED display product line marks the entry of Hikvision into the global market for commercial digital displays.

The company is 42% owned by Chinese state investors and its two main founders. It pulls in nearly 30% of its 50 billion yuan ($7 billion) in annual revenue from abroad.

Hikvision says its new LED displays are designed specifically to meet the growing market demand from enterprise and public safety organizations, advertising companies, and the entertainment industry—an option for monitoring centers, meeting rooms, indoor and outdoor advertising screens, live spectator events, and a host of other scenarios.

Equipped with the unique Pix Master image processing technology, the maker says these displays offer improved image sharpness, dynamic contrast, saturation, and enhanced clarity from all directions.

Other features include:

  • Remote control
  • One-click color-temperature mode-switching
  • Automatic dehumidification
  • Blue light filtering

Additionally, Hikvision’s LED displays simplify joining screens together (for video walls) via a standardized structure for easy installation and maintenance.

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Panasonic Expands 4K Display Lineup at ISE 2020

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Panasonic Display ISE 2020

Panasonic incorporates the Intel Smart Display Module (SDM) in a refreshed 4K LCD display lineup at ISE 2020, with higher brightness models and new designs suitable for digital signage and smart retail applications.

The SQ1H series offers 86-, 75-, 65- and 55-inch models, all with increased panel brightness reaching 1000cd/m2 or 2000cd/m2. This ensures content is displayed clearly even when installed in shop front windows, sunlit environments such as atriums and lobbies, or built-in outdoor kiosks. The displays are also the first to feature the Intel SDM slot, enabling use in retail applications requiring integrated computing capabilities. For instance, a display including a camera running facial recognition software on the SDM module can identify passersby and play tailored advertising or marketing offers.

The Intel SDM standard easily integrates into the slim design of the SQ1H series, and is compatible with the Windows, Linux and Android operating systems. It also provides future-proof connectivity by supporting multiple generations of Intel processors, higher bandwidth capabilities and future higher resolution displays.

To further capture the attention of passersby the displays feature an HDR-compatible 12-axis colour management function allowing display of a wide range of contrasts. The displays also meet the BT.2020 standard to deliver rich colour 4K images. Connectivity comes through a single LAN cable, and the displays are compatible with DIGITAL LINK to reduce costs. A USB media player function enables the operation of digital signage without need for a dedicated player.

Also on show at ISE 2020 is the SQE1 series, a refresh of the current SQ1 series adding wifi capability while maintaining the features expected from a premium public signage range. Panel sizes range from 98- to 43-inch, and all feature durable designs suitable for vertical installation and 24-hour operation in public environments such as train stations, airports and commercial facilities. The range includes the Intel SDM slot and a wide range of connectivity (HDMI, DisplayPort in/out, USB-C), making it easy to connect with various playback equipment and expansion boards. It also includes built-in speakers for playing audio content.

A final display range is the CQE1 series. Designed for meeting room or classroom use, the range offers 7 models in sizes ranging from 98- to 43-inch, all with 4K picture quality. Panasonic claims continuous operational capability reaching 16 hours a day, and built-in VESA compatibility allows for easy mounting using a general purpose bracket. Connectivity includes HDMI and USB-C, and built-in speakers allow for audio.

Go Panasonic at ISE 2020

NEC's Shared Vision of the Future at ISE 2020

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NEC Shared Vision

ISE 2020 sees NEC sharing its vision of the future for the changing nature of modern corporate and business environments, as enabled by digital signage, collaboration and connectivity technologies.

Products on show include the professional-grade P506QL, P605UL and PX1004UL projectors aimed at meeting rooms and corporate rooms, as well as the large venue single-chip DLP PX2000UL. Also seen is the InfinityBoard, an all-in-one collaboration display for professional users, enhanced with the Quicklaunch meeting application and NEC Room Management Service platform.

The 65-inch PCP Touch Table demonstrates interactivity and object detection capabilities, opening signage opportunities for product promotion in retail. The NEC ALP (Analytics Learning Platform) business intelligence platform shows how to create experiences and deliver customer insights. In addition, the Raspberry Pi-powered NEC MediaPlayer presents convenient out-of-the box operation and content control, standalone or via network.

NEC also previews some upcoming display technologies, such as the M Series range of large format displays offering modular computing capabilities with SDM and Raspberry Pi Compute Module. Together, they deliver superior colour accuracy, reliability and future-proofing. Finally, the company demonstrates the Direct View LED-FA009i2-165 bundle and the video wall UX Series UX552S displays for mission-critical applications.

“Good communication is multi-directional,” NEC says. “When we communicate with our colleagues and customers through open and transparent channels using the latest technology, we work together more easily and for better outcomes. We’re showcasing a wide of array of display technology and collaboration solutions here at ISE, and we can’t wait to share our ideas on the future of visualisation.”

Go NEC at ISE 2020