Pro Diffusion & High Gain Rear Projection Films

One of the most common environments where a projection screen is affected by daylight is in window display applications. We offer multiple solutions all suited to different levels of high ambient lighting, with consideration for the location and budget always factored into our recommendations. Pro Diffusion is our most cost-effective rear projection film for window installations that can perform in high ambient lighting and daylight. Dark grey in colour, this self-adhesive film can be easily applied to existing glass surfaces offering high contrast, brightness and excellent colour reproduction, designed to get even the most from budget projectors. Our Pro Diffusion technology can also be manufactured in a rigid acrylic screen format and is our biggest selling rear projection screen worldwide.

Our High Gain film is best suited to entry level applications where budget is key. Whilst offering a cost-effective solution for window projection applications, it doesn’t perform to the same standard as pro diffusion in brighter lighting conditions. Instead, in projects where your screen will be viewed indoors or at night-time, High Gain is the best value for money and quality. This light grey self-adhesive film is also quick and easy to apply, offering a high brightness image even when using lower powered projectors.

Both rear projection film technologies have little restriction on size, with pieces of film able to be joined together to create larger displays with only slightly visible join lines. Both our Pro Diffusion and High Gain films can also be manufactured as an Interactive Projection Film with thru glass single, dual or multi touch technology.

Sunscreen Rear Projection Technology

For a fool proof daylight projection solution, our sunscreen is the obvious choice. Manufactured with an optical light rejecting filter, this sun-readable screen is projected onto at a 26°+/-5° for an optimum viewing effect performing at an impeccable standard even in direct sunlight. Our Sunscreen technology can be manufactured in custom sizes, offering a more versatile alternative to high brightness LCD technologies. Available as both a film that can be applied directly to any glass surface or a rigid rear projection screen for housed applications, our sun readable technology blocks out more than 85% of external light offering 4K/HD image quality even in harsh lighting conditions.

Our Sunscreen film can also be manufactured with touch capabilities, offering a thru glass touch experience that can still be used in direct sunlight in standard sizes up to 65”.

Ultra Gain Front Projection Screens & Films

Whilst we offer multiple rear projection solutions for tricky lighting conditions, projecting from behind the screen isn’t always a viable option due to space available or the location of your display. Luckily, we have also developed a range of front projection film and screens that are designed to excel in brightly lit environments. Our Ultra Gain film is manufactured with a highly reflective surface to produce exceptional brightness and contrast even in high ambient light and daylight. Available as both a film and rigid acrylic screen, we offer solutions in standard sizes from 32” upwards ideal for glass partitions, shopping centres and transport stations.

ALR Front Projection Screen

Although our Ultra Gain technology offers a solid projection solution for daylight applications, it’s beaten by the versatility of our Ambient Light Rejecting Front Projection Screen. Our ALR screen combines a high contrast projection layer with a unique optical filter that blocks more than 85% of external light. This front projection screen, whilst similar to the Sunscreen rear projection technology, is designed specifically for use with UST projectors with a 0.4 lens and shorter, with no need to worry about movement between the lens and screen due to the impressive short distance between the two.

Outperforming more expensive LCD/LED panels, the ALR screen reproduces images with no hot spotting and without reliance on high gain to combat high ambient lighting. These versatile screens also support edge blending technology, allowing the potential to create huge modular projection walls using multiple projectors.

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Rear Projection Touch Screens

With demand increasing rapidly for a large format touch display, our Rear Projection Touch Screens offer the benefit of an uninterrupted display in comparison to competing LCD video wall technology. With the potential to create touch screens in sizes up to 8m x 3m and supporting ultra-short throw projection, our digital glass displays are incredibly popular with museums, retail, and TV studios. These rear projection screens are manufactured to distribute light evenly across the screen offering a high brightness and contrast display even in brightly lit areas.

Interactive Touch Tables

Whilst interactive whiteboard technology has long since been the go-to for collaborative education and creative efforts, touch tables offer a more unique interactive solution suited to many environments. These interactive tables have 10-point touch technology to allow multiple users to interact at one time, making for a great sales pitch or brainstorming activity. Whilst these touch tables would be at home in any meeting room or corporate space, they have many benefits for smaller agencies or retailers that wish to offer a more one on one, personalised service to customers. Our interactive touch tables come with a built in PC, Wi-Fi and loudspeakers with optional upgrades including wireless charging points, keyboards, and webcams.

Transparent Touch Screens

Transparent Screens are still very much a thing of the future and are still fairly uncommon, offering all the more reason to include them in your next project. We offer two main interactive transparent displays both suited to different conditions, the Transparent LCD Display, and the Transparent OLED Screen. Our Transparent LCD technology can be manufactured as just the screen or integrated into a display case with multi touch capabilities. Transparent LCDs require a backlight in order to produce an image on screen meaning they are often integrated into display furniture, appliances and POS/POI displays as housing if often necessary to create the best quality display. We can offer interactive transparent LCD screens and display cases from 23” up to a huge 98” with 4K image quality. Our Transparent LCD Screens can even be integrated into a freestanding kiosk format for more mobile POS displays, or can be combined with oversized backlights for a floating signage effect like in Nikes House of Innovation.

Alternatively, Transparent OLED screens have no need for a backlight and remain transparent even when switched off. These HD displays showcase content that appears to almost float in mid air making them an ideal display tool for retail, window displays and visitor attractions. Despite only being available in 55” screen size, these screens can be joined together in 2 x N formats to create stunning transparent video walls.

Interactive Switchable Glass

Switchable Glass is in high demand in the corporate and residential industries and its compatibility with projection makes it a versatile choice for retail, product launches and visitor attractions. By combining these unique screens, that can be switched from frosted to clear on demand, with one of our interactive touch frames, a new opportunity for engagement is created. With standard screen sizes up to 134” they offer the perfect presentation space that can quickly disappear to reveal whats behind the screen.

Our Switchable Glass Screens can be controlled via remote control, voice activation and can even be switched using a timer, a great tool for more immersive attractions. For more discreet screen solutions, interactivity can be granted to modular switchable glass walls and partitions up to 1500 x 3000m, offering a touch display that blends into its surroundings when not in use.

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1. Transparent Projection Screens

With both front and rear projection options, our range of transparent screens are ideal for special effects applications or in projects where the clarity of the screen must be preserved. Our Clearview rear projection film and screens are the perfect low-cost alternative to competing holographic technologies, producing a 2D peppers ghost visual effect. These holographic screens are favoured by Hollywood acting as an alternative to CGI technology, with our transparent screens featuring in blockbusters such as Marvels Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 and Transcendence. These holographic effect screens have also been featured in multiple high-profile awards shows, providing a backdrop for Halsey’s performance at the MTV EMA’s and not only bringing a holographic Bob Hope back to life, but also creating a versatile stage set at the 83^rd annual Oscars celebration.

Not only can our transparent projection screens be used for special effects, but they also produce a 4K/HD vibrant image even in brightly lit environments. This functionality makes them a great solution for indoor window displays or glass partitions that wish to display a combination of holographic effect and normal video content, or in applications that want to maintain visibility and clarity of the projection surface 24/7.

2. Switchable Projection Screens

Switchable technology offers the best of both worlds appearing as a frosted privacy screen when switched off, and when an electric current is applied becomes transparent. There are lots of ways this technology can be used, in retail Switchable Projection Film is mostly incorporated into window displays or used in product launches to build suspense and add a sense of opulence to the event, like in the launch of the Rolls Royce Dawn at Harrods. Switchable film also acts as a great out of hours advertising space as well as a theft deterrent, perfect for smaller businesses wishing to get the most out of their location.

Switchable projection screens are also a firm favourite for places of worship, where the screen ‘disappears’ at the touch of the button so the aesthetic of the architecture can be maintained and appreciated when not in use.

3. Ambient Light Rejecting Screen

Many people have the misconception that the lighting in a room must be controlled in order to create a successful projection display. This however, thanks to Zhongchen Electronics technology is not true! We offer multiple projection screen solutions designed to perform in brightly lit environments, even producing a film that can perform in direct sunlight. In spaces that don’t experience direct sunlight but do suffer from high levels of artificial light or daylight, our Ambient Light Rejecting Screen is unphased, filtering out ambient light to produce imagery in even 4K quality. Our ALR screens are manufactured with a high contrast optical projection layer and light rejecting filter, outperforming LCD/LED panels that are more expensive yet not as well equipped to excel in these conditions.

With a filter that blocks out more than 85% of external light, these ALR projection screens also support ultra-short throw and edge blending technology. Their UST compatibility even makes them ideal for environments with limited space, packing the same punch as if the screens were joined together in larger video wall type formats, that can be created with the help of edge blending software like Scalable.

4. 360 Degree Projection Screen

There are many benefits to using a 360 projection screen, most of which apply to a wide range of environments. The key feature of using our 360 degree projection technology is that the image appears on both sides using only a single projector. Not only is this a benefit from a budget point of view giving you twice as many screens for the price of one, but it also helps you utilise your space better. Whilst this is less popular for advertising, due to one side of the screen producing a mirrored image, these screens thrive in immersive environments like museums and visitor attractions offering a display that can be appreciated from all angles.

5. PVC Rear Projection Screen

Our PVC projection screens are most popularly used in two ways, ceiling suspension and tensioned applications. The flexible nature of the screen material makes them perfect for ever changing environments due to their light nature and rollability, allowing them to be easily packed and reused without effecting the quality of the screen. Our PVC fabric projection film can be used to great effect in spaces with high ceilings like atriums, museums and shopping centres where the screen is suspended from the roof, offering an arial 4K/HD display that even appears animated in the right conditions.

We also commonly see these PVC projection screens used in tensioned formats, with sizes available up to 10 x 3m and options for edge blending and seamed large format solutions. The dynamic nature of this projection film allows us to produce stunning curved screens at a scale that cannot be achieved with LED or LCD technology. We can manufacture our PVC screens to fit bespoke steel framework systems ready to integrate straight into film sets or attractions, translating onto camera with superior quality. Our most recent PVC screen project was for the BAFTA and Oscar nominated Netflix film, ‘The Midnight Sky’, acting as a key part of the set in many of the movies most anticipated action scenes.

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1. Mirrorvision

Zhongchen Electronicss Mirrorvision range combines standard display technology with the functionality of a mirror. Favoured by Nike our mirror displays range in features, offering everything from Mirrored LED Video Walls to Interactive Mirror Displays, with our choice for the home being the Mirrorvision Smart TV. Featured on 60 Minute Makeover these mirror TV’s are the perfect edition to any living space and can be customised to suit individual environments.

Each Mirror TV is bespoke to the customer, with our team working with you directly to choose the right tint, mirror size and optional frame to create the perfect solution for your interior. Whilst standard sized mirror TV’s are our most popular, many users are opting to oversize the mirror glass to create more statement décor items or feature walls. We can also create oversized freestanding Mirror TV’s with our ultra-high reflective mirrored glass, designed for more aesthetic applications like dressing rooms and bedrooms. If you’re looking to upgrade your existing TV we also offer our DIY Mirror Overlay Kits that can be easily installed at home using our simple step by step guide.

2. Smart Glass

Our smart film products have been used to launch some of the worlds most sought after automotives including Rolls Royce and Jaguar, with its unique switchable and projection capabilities making it perfect for a memorable product reveal. We’ve also seen our Switchable Glass Screens used commonly in places of worship with the screen able to ‘disappear’ when not in use, so visitors can still appreciate the architecture without interruption. Despite its popularity on the commercial side, our sister company Intelligent Glass have seen a rapid increase in popularity for using switchable technology in the home.

The most popular Smart Glass solution for the home is Switchable Double Glazing, providing an energy efficient glazing solution with instant privacy control. Smart glass products offer a minimalist alternative to blinds and curtains, designed for environments that require privacy but wish to maintain natural light flow. Laminate Smart Glass is best suited to use in bathrooms or as room dividers and has previously been used as a partition between bedroom and ensuite spaces to make the rooms appear larger. Intelligent Glass also develops internal and bi fold door solutions as well as Self-adhesive Switchable Film, that can be applied to existing windows for a more time sensitive privacy solution.

3. Projection Screens

Projection Screens are renowned for needing controlled lighting in order to work, however our specialist projection technologies make this possible in even direct sunlight. Our Ambient Light Rejecting Front Projection Screens are designed to work with ultra-short throw projection and are available in standard sizes up to 120”. These screens are designed to filter our ambient light, offering high contrast, rich colours and 4K image quality even in direct sunlight.

4. Anti-Glare Overlays

Many homeowners will suffer from glare on their TV and it’s not always possible to relocate it to avoid this. Whilst this can be prevented with the help of curtains or blinds, it’s understandable that people don’t want to sit in darkness in order to watch TV in the middle of the day. Our Anti-Glare Overlays can be easily fitted to flat screen TVs, working to reduce the glare and diffuse harsh reflections affected by high ambient light and sunlight. These overlays also provide a protective layer to soft surface screens, ideal for busier areas of the home or households with small children.

5. Interactive Touch Table

Offering a peak into the future, our Interactive Touch Table could be the next must have in the homes of tomorrow. With the influx of people now working from home our touch tables could make life easier for industries like creatives, offering them a more responsive space to work and collaborate in real time. These tables come with a built in PC using Windows and Android operating systems, with the capacity to support design applications as well as internet browsing, video streaming and gaming applications, something for all the family!

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Is the screen in direct sunlight?

With over 15 years of experience in supplying specialist projection materials, we have multiple options for projection solutions that are unaffected by sunlight. Usually in situations where the screen is hit directly by sunlight the first choice of technology would be an LCD or LED screen, however our ambient light rejecting screen outperforms competing technologies with less of the hassle. Our ALR front projection screen is manufactured with a light rejecting filter, blocking more than 85% of external light, producing a HD/4K image in extremely bright lighting conditions. Not only is this projection screen designed to work at optimal quality in sunlight, but it’s also designed specifically for use with ultra-short throw projectors, making it ideal for projects with limited space.

Will there be traffic between the screen and projector?

It’s important to consider the setting in which the display will be used, for instance front projection can be more difficult to accommodate a presentation due to movement between the screen and projector interrupting the image. In environments where the audience will be seated like in the meeting room of Bloomberg’s offices, our Ultra Gain Projection Film is ideal. Offering a highly reflective projection surface our Ultra Gain film provides exceptional brightness, contrast and resolution in high ambient light and daylight. This technology makes our film the perfect solution for classrooms, meeting rooms and also suspended displays where the image isn’t interrupted, working at a superior level in brightly lit environments with no need for controlled lighting.

For applications that need to accommodate the presence of traffic, our ALR screens provide a stunning 4K quality image with a minimal throw distance. Designed to be used with UST projectors and edge blending technology, these modular screens can be combined to create eye catching large format projection walls that can be used for presentations, exhibitions, and visitor attractions.

Does the screen need to be easily adaptable?

Not all applications are straightforward, in some case a static screen can even be seen as a hinderance, luckily we have some versatile projection displays that can easily adapt to suit your requirements. One of our newest projection technologies, the Clearvision Transparent Front Projection Film, is a transparent UST display that offers a peppers ghost style image. This visual effects screen is a popular choice for museums and live events, with its content almost appearing to float in mid-air. Our Clearvision screens and film are also dual image meaning the content on screen can be appreciated from both sides, ideal for immersive experiences. This semi-transparent screen allows visibility through the surface when projected onto as well as when not in use making it perfect for multifunctional spaces.

An alternate front projection solution that “disappears”, is our Switchable Front Projection Glass and Film Screens. When turned off our switchable technology offers a HD/4K quality projection surface, when turned on it offers transparency or a peppers ghost style image if projected onto. This is a great way to make the most out of existing partitioning or to create bespoke event displays throughout the year. This technology was applied to great effect in the head offices of Cirque Du Soliel in Canada, used on the top floor opposite the adjacent windows meant the projection could be seen for miles outside of office hours and during the workday could be switched to clear to keep a brighter, more stimulating environment for the workforce.

How big is your screen?

The scale of your screen affects which solutions are viable for your project. As mentioned earlier, popular screen technologies like our Ultra Gain and ALR Screens can be used in a modular format to create large format projection wall systems, with the ALR screens short throw compatibility limited by size. As standard our front projection screens are available in sizes up to 134”, but if you’re looking to complete a more ambitious install, for instance a building sized display, our projection mapping film may be better suited. Our Projection Mapping Film can be applied to the internal glazing and projected onto from outside to create huge, animated facades like the one seen at ISE 2019, where we helped to turn 392 windows of the Amsterdam nHow hotel into a crowd-stopping advertising display.

For applications where space is at a minimum, you can maximise the display space using our Dual Image Projection Screen. Both sides of the screen offer a HD/4K projection surface, allowing you to project onto it from either side to show 2 different sets of content. These screens are used most frequently as suspended displays and are best suited to exhibitions, shopping centres and atrium spaces that need to promote multiple messages simultaneously.

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Oversizing your mirror

Bigger is better right? Our Mirrorvision range is custom manufactured to your measurements, allowing us to produce screens with a perfect fit mirrored overlay as well as oversized mirrored panels and custom shapes and sizes. A perfect example of this is in our Full Length Mirror TVs where ,as standard, a 43” 4K Smart TV is integrated into a larger portrait mirror, offering a clever display solution that is tailored to more cosmetic applications like bedrooms or dressing rooms.

As well as oversized Mirror TV’s, we can also manufacture matching mirrored surrounds allowing you to create stunning feature wall solutions. In one project we supplied and installed a 3-piece Mirrorvision Smart TV and surround that was made to measure for install around the existing fireplace in the home. Alternatively in a commercial project, we supplied 8 pieces of our mirrored glass including 2 of our 86” Professional Mirror Screens to create two huge mirror facades with integrated displays. With discreet join lines, our technology when used in this way creates a stunning visual effect and provides a luxurious display solution that suits any environment.

Mirror Displays with Impact

There are multiple ways to create a display that packs a punch, the most common being the size and the brightness, as both are more likely to attract the attention of traffic. Our Mirrored LED Walls provide you with the brightness of an LED screen with the contrast of a reflective mirror. Available in pixel pitches from 0.9mm our Mirror LED screens can be enjoyed from both close up and long distance. This innovative combination of technologies gives you the power of a high brightness LED screen with the ability to also create a reflective effects screen using softer video or image content.

Similarly, we also offer 1080p HD LCD Mirror Video Walls that can even be granted interactivity with up to 32 touch points. The beauty of both our LED and LCD video walls is that they are set up in a modular format allowing you complete control over the size of your display. Hotel giant Novotel opted to use 3 Professional Mirror Displays with oversized glass overlays to create a unique visual display in the lobby of their Heathrow Airport T1, T2 & T3 hotel.

DIY Mirror TV Kits

If you’re looking to upgrade your existing TV or display, our DIY kits offer a straightforward solution that completely transforms your interior. Combining your TV and mirror allows you to make the most of your space whilst maintaining the aesthetic of your interior. Our Mirror TV Kits contain a Mirror TV Overlay that’s manufactured bespoke to your requirements, integration adhesive, IPA wipes and a fool proof installation guide.

During the consultation process we help you to create the perfect Mirrorvision solution from choosing the right tint to adding a finishing touch with a frame from our luxurious range. Whilst the modern appeal of our frameless Mirror TV’s is popular many like to match their TV Mirror to their existing interior opting for one of our decorative frames, with sizes from delicate 21mm options to ornate 70mm designs.

Interactive Mirror Displays

Interactive displays are great way to engage with customers and entice passing traffic to connect with your brand. Working particularly well in retail environments our Interactive Mirror Displays are a great way to upsell products and convert more business. Positioning these screens in specific areas like changing/fitting rooms allows you to have more impact at key points in the customer journey. Our touch screen mirror displays can even be paired with many different technologies to create more personalised experiences. For instance, an RFID reader could be used alongside our reflective displays to allow users the option to check stock levels of the items in hand and even receive personalised product suggestions based on their pickings. Using our technologies in this way provides a more personal experience when shopping in brick-and-mortar stores making the in person commute worthwhile as opposed to online shopping.

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We offer a huge range of unique and innovative display technologies, but when it comes to wow factor, nothing compares to our selection of Transparent Displays. Our solutions are incredibly versatile with some even manufactured specifically to suit certain projects and applications, but the true beauty of these products are in the inventive ways they’ve been used by our customers. Take a look below as we give you all the inspiration you need in how to choose the right transparent display for your project.

Transparent Projection Films & Screens

Arguably our most popular transparent technology, are our Transparent Projection Films and Screens, Clearview used for Rear Projection and Clearvision used for Front Projection applications. Available as an Acrylic rigid screen, we also offer our Clearview and Clearvision technology in the form of a self-adhesive film that can be retrofit to any existing glass surface.

Our Clearview Rear Projection Film is incredibly successful, lending itself as a HD/4K quality projection screen that can be used to produce a holographic peppers ghost effect, whilst also being completely transparent when not projected onto. We’ve seen our holographic effect screens used as a key component of the 83^rd Academy Awards stage design as well as in Halsey’s performance at the 2018 MTV Awards. In addition to this, our Clearview film has also had stints in multiple Hollywood blockbusters including Transcendence (2013) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017).

Due to the continued success of our transparent rear projection technology and the incredible demand, last year we launched our Clearvision Front Projection Film and Screens. Our Clearvision technology is built on the foundations of its rear projection counterpart however this transparent front projection screen is dual image, producing a peppers ghost effect image on both sides of the screen. Our transparent front projection film is ideal for application to windows or glass facades where the effect can be enjoyed from both inside and outside the building.

Transparent LCD Screens

Coming in a close second to our holographic projection technologies, our selection of Transparent LCD Screens are a firm favourite in retail and leisure applications. In order to work Transparent LCD technology requires a powerful backlight to produce an image on screen, presenting solid black pixels of content as expected and rendering white content as transparent.

Traditionally Transparent LCD Screens are designed to be integrated into a full surround of housing to get the best performance, with us seeing our technology used in this way in many retail stores and even themed restaurants and unique exhibitions. After recent further research and development, we found that these screens can still operate at maximum potential without the constraint of a complete surround. We worked with Nike to bring their concept into reality with the end product being nine stunning Transparent LCD Display’s that sit away from the wall, utilising an oversized abstract high brightness backlight and no housing, still producing crystal clear, HD/4K quality content.

As well as manufacturing screens designed for integration, we also offer Transparent LCD Display Cases providing a complete solution that’s ready to go upon arrival. We can even create bespoke, unique housings that reflect your brand, working with you directly to create a solution that’s completely unique to you. Both our Transparent LCD Screens and Display cases can also be granted touch capabilities to create a Transparent Touch Screen, ideal for museums and visitor attractions giving guests a hands on experience.

Transparent OLED Screens

Still fresh on the market, these incredible Transparent OLED screens are a rarity but when used have an undeniable impact on grabbing the attention of traffic. Unlike the Transparent LCD technology these screens operate without the need for a backlight or enclosure allowing them to be used virtually anywhere as they don’t rely on any additional factors. Working in an opposite fashion to the similar LCD technology, the Transparent OLED’s display black as transparent and white as a block pixel.

Transparent LED Screens

The most powerful out of all of our transparent technologies is our Transparent LED Screens. Designed to attract traffic from a distance, these displays are a great way to utilise window space for advertising without completely blocking the view. Available in module sizes of 100 x 500m and 500 x 375mm, these screens also boast a small bezel making them ideal for window displays that suffer from restrictions in floorspace. The modular nature of these screens offers the potential for huge Transparent LED video walls that could compete with the likes of alternative LCD technologies but massively overshadows them when it comes to impact and brightness.

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Here we explore how the pandemic will shape shopper expectations and needs, and how retailers can embrace in-store technologies to adapt and provide competitive post-COVID customer experiences.

Retail After Covid

Lockdowns have hit retail hard. Total retail sales in the UK fell by 1.9% in 2020, the largest yearly fall since records began. And whilst some retail sectors have seen a compensatory boom in online sales, sectors that rely on in-store traffic have seen some dramatic declines in business. The UK clothing sector was affected particularly severely, with a 22.2% fall in sales in 2020.

As lockdowns ease in 2021 and as shoppers return to high streets and shopping centres in higher numbers, retailers will be anticipating a return to pre-COVID sales. But retail experts are anticipating the pandemic will have a lasting impact on shopper expectations and behaviours for years to come, including:

1. Shoppers being wary of busy public places and being less willing to spend time browsing in-store.
2. People having a heightened sensitivity to hygiene and being less willing to touch products and surfaces in-store.
3. Consumers being more likely to buy products online that were previously bought in-store.

After a tough lockdown, these changes in shopper behaviour will pose a fresh challenge to retailers. But through embracing a range of digital technologies, retailers can fashion compelling in-store experiences that can entice shoppers back through their doors. Here are our top 5:

1. Enhance Shop-Front Displays For External Browsing

If shoppers are less willing to spend time inside busy shops, retailers can place more emphasis on external displays to allow shoppers to browse from outside. 

Displaying a selection of wares in windows is a form of advertising as old as retail itself, but in a post-COVID retail world, retailers are going to need to up their game to catch and hold shoppers’ attention. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is to go beyond static displays by adding moving imagery and video. 

We’re already seeing some retailers embracing projection technology on store-fronts and in-display areas to create dynamic, visually engaging displays. Outdoor high-brightness screens and daylight projection screens allow retailers to display products, advertising, and other media on large format, 4K-quality screens that can be viewed in full sun. Interactive window displays that incorporate gesture recognition are pushing this concept even further. And with the possibilities to allow consumers to interact with touchscreens through the glass using our Interactive Touch Foils, the potential is high for retailers to stand out with their window displays.

2. Bring More Light Into Stores For A Fresh, Healthy Atmosphere

Customers concerned about spending time in public indoor spaces will likely find closed off, dark and poorly lit interiors even more unappealing. 

Flooding retail spaces with natural light and giving views of the outside world may encourage shoppers to enter and spend time in stores as they feel more open and sanitary. Increasing the volume of windows and skylights in retail buildings can bring more natural light into spaces, give the impression of a greater connection to the external environment, and dramatically change the look and feel of retail space. Increasing window volume also better allows customers to browse from outside. 

Switchable smart glass windows are windows that switch from transparent to opaque at the press of a button. The smart glass allows retailers to manage light levels, as windows can be made opaque in strong sun. Smart glass can also serve as a high-definition projection screen when turned opaque, giving another option for retailers to craft engaging external displays.

3. Upgrade In-Store Signage To Digital

Creating a smooth and seamless in-store experience has long been a goal of retailers, but that goal will be even more important for shoppers conscious of spending time in public retail spaces.

Effective signage is a key element in providing a smooth in-store experience as it allows customers to navigate to the areas of a shop and the products they’re seeking. Digital signage achieves this more effectively than static signage as it can rotate to display multiple forms of information, be updated instantly when needed, and be made visually engaging through the use of imagery and video. 

Installing high-definition screens throughout a retail space facilitates effective navigation and provides the best retail signage possible. Digital signage also adds to the visual impact of a store and enhances the customer experience. When Nike launched their third House of Innovation in Paris in 2020, they chose Zhongchen Electronics to supply nine interactive, large-scale Transparent LCD screens throughout the store to help customers navigate but also to add to the innovative feel of the store. Not only did our technology fit in perfectly with the interior of the store, but supported Nike’s environmental push by offering a display that can be updated at a moment’s notice with zero wastage.

4. Create Zero-Contact Shopping Experiences With Digital Technology

An ambitious goal in post-COVID retail is to create zero-contact in-store journeys where shoppers can find products, learn more about them, and make purchases without having to touch anything. 

Although this may sound like an unrealistic goal, new technology can make zero-contact shopping a reality. New mobile applications are being explored where customers can scan a unique code in order to interact with a public screen, turning their smartphone into a controller.  The app and the software running on the screens can be designed to facilitate a wide range of shopper needs, like calling up maps, locating products, displaying product details, acting as an interactive mirror, or requesting items be sent to checkouts. 

By using a phone to operate the screen, the experience is upgraded from a touchscreen to a touchless screen and all forms of physical contact can be removed from the shopper’s journey. This emerging technology has huge future potential as gesture recognition and AI develops, and we anticipate this is the first step in the development of AI store assistants.

5. Craft A Unique And Entertaining In-Store Experience With Digital Media

Online retail sales rose to record levels during the pandemic and it’s expected that many shoppers will continue to favour online shopping. Ultimately, retailers in 2021 will only succeed in a post-COVID retail environment by providing shoppers with in-store experiences that can’t be replicated online. 

Realistically, the only benefit of shopping in-store is being able to leave with an item then and there instead of waiting for delivery, but with many retailers offering premier services that provide next day delivery all year round, brick and mortar will have to step up their game. Providing a smooth and stress-free shopping journey will be the foundation of a post-COVID customer experience, and zero-contact shopping will add reassurance. But creating a rich digital media environment incorporating high-quality LCD and LED screens, daytime projection, and more advanced digital technology like mirror screens and holographic projection screens, can help craft an entertaining and compelling in-store experience that online shopping can’t come close to. Add to this the use of personalised, touchless technology in retail and customers will be able to tailor their own experiences in-store in a similar but more memorable way to shopping online. 

The combination of digital technologies mentioned here can revolutionise customer experiences and allow retailers to better compete in a post-COVID world. 

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Museums and galleries will have to adapt to offer new experiences and to allay any potential fears from the public. Here we discuss six ideas of how they can use technology and design to meet these goals and to better attract and engage their visitors. 

Post-Covid Challenges For Museums And Galleries

The global COVID-19 pandemic has affected all our lives and lockdowns have kept most of us in our homes for extended periods. Businesses, hotels, and leisure locations have faced sharp declines in foot traffic, but galleries and museums have been hit dramatically – many have been forced to stay closed throughout the majority of 2020 and into 2021. 

Although the pandemic is receding and museums and galleries are beginning to reopen as lockdowns are eased, the sector will continue to face challenges throughout the coming years:

• Tourism is expected to recover slowly, with some predicting it won’t return to pre-pandemic levels until at least 2023, limiting attendance from visitors travelling from out of town and abroad.
• It’s also predicted that many people will retain a heightened sensitivity to crowding and hygiene even as the pandemic recedes. With people less willing to spend time indoors in busy public spaces, museums and galleries will face an added challenge in attracting visitors. 
• Visitors with hygiene concerns may also be less willing to touch objects and surfaces, and museums and galleries will need to offer zero-contact experiences and journeys through their spaces. 

Although the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to pose challenges for galleries and museums, these challenges present an opportunity to evolve how they present their collections and engage with visitors. Here are our top six ways they can do using existing technologies:

1. Virtual Tours And Online Collections

If museums and galleries face a challenge in attracting visitors and staying relevant whilst they remain closed, one option is to take their collections to potential visitors online. 

In Google’s Year in Search review of 2020, Google reported that ‘virtual museum tours’ was one of the most searched queries of the year. Several institutions were quick to adapt to the trend by putting objects and paintings from their collections online and even by offering online virtual tours, with examples like: 

• The Louvre’s range of online virtual tours that replicate the physical space of the museum online.
• The Museum of London’s 3D immersive online virtual tour of their Victorian Walk. 

Online tours and collections will likely remain popular moving into 2021 and beyond, particularly as institutions become more creative in their use of online media, such as embracing virtual reality. 

Nothing can replace a visit to the real collections of course. But online exhibitions like these build awareness and prestige for museums and galleries that can translate into increased visitor numbers as tourism rebounds.

2. Social Media To Entertain

Social media is an established touchpoint for most museums and galleries, but during the pandemic, we saw many institutions stepping up their social media game. 

Rather than using social media to display their collections, some galleries and museums explicitly used social media to entertain, particularly on TikTok. The Uffizi Gallery’s unconventional TikToks have reportedly transformed the lesser-known regional institution into a leading online presence. 

All too often, social media is viewed by cultural institutions as a low-effort, unimaginative media that’s commonly handed to junior staff. The global pandemic has shown how important social media is in attracting attention and building recognition for institutions, capitalising on the hype whilst their doors are closed will be key to attracting visitors post-COVID. When indoor attractions do reopen, including nods to social media throughout your exhibits acts as the perfect free advertising tool. We worked on a project for the World Rugby Hall of Fame, providing four 2.5m tall 360 Projection Screens that displayed HOF inductees and could be controlled by their own HD touch screen. These interactive screens encouraged visitors to ‘Take a picture with your legend’ and use their unique hashtag #RUGBYHOF, leading to more personable, free advertising from previous visitors across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

3. External Displays Viewed From Outside

External facing displays that allow paintings and collections to be viewed from the outside of a gallery or museum aren’t new. We’ve seen examples of such displays before the pandemic as part of a movement to make galleries and museums more open and engaging to their local communities. However, we expect external exhibitions to become more common in a post-pandemic world.

External displays can be achieved with relatively low-tech solutions such as utilising existing windows or installing more windows in front-facing areas. The Tacoma Art Museum in Washington has done this to dramatic effect by placing a 26-foot-long wall of floor-to-ceiling windows in their new Benaroya Wing extension that displays exhibits clearly to people passing outside. 

Switchable smart glass, which can be transformed from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button, is already widely used in museums and galleries as it can balance transparency with a need to protect collections from strong, damaging light. Our solution allows you to maintain the abundance of natural light in an environment whilst also reducing solar glare by up to 30%. We anticipate more museums and galleries will incorporate smart glass and smart adhesive films into external displays.  

To take external displays one step further, galleries and museums are also embracing digital media, including moving images and video, by using external-facing projection technology. For instance, NOW Gallery in London commissioned Zhongchen Electronics to install three large format, 4K quality projection films to create a spectacular external display. 

Displays of this type can capture and hold attention and will be important for encouraging members of the surrounding community to step inside museums and galleries.

4. Digital Signage For Smooth Visitor Journeys

For visitors conscious of crowding and social distancing, museums and galleries may have to provide more space, use staggered queuing systems, and limit numbers in more confined areas. Social concerns can also be assuaged by providing effective signage, that can help visitors navigate quickly and easily to the areas of museums and galleries they are most interested in. 

Digital signage based on high-quality LED and LCD screens can be used more effectively than traditional signage to achieve this goal. Digital signage can include multiple forms of media to attract attention, be instantly updated, and rotate to provide detailed information without becoming overwhelming. 

Digital displays also provide more options via touch screen menus or by using different types of interactive kiosks. By breaking up exhibits with video content and interactive screens, you can slow down the pace at which the attraction is explored making it easier to keep social distancing measures in place and all visitors feeling safe. However, visitors may be less willing to touch physical surfaces other people have touched as COVID concerns remain, posing a problem as to how you can connect with your audience on a more personal level. 

New technologies are in development including applications  that allow visitors to interact with screens using their phones or tablets, providing a personalised and zero-contact interaction. The app can be customised to a wide range of applications and might well be the future of interactive displays.

5. Rich Digital Media To Enhance Visitor Engagement

Museums and galleries have already embraced video and touchscreen technologies to bring exhibits to life and engage visitors. These technologies will prove more important than ever as museums and galleries seek to make themselves more attractive and entertaining places to visit post-COVID. 

Large scale digital displays, such as large format LED screens and large format projection screens, can best display objects and art in fine, high-definition detail. Whilst more advanced projections technologies, like holographic effects screens, create particularly impactful experiences.

Before the pandemic, museums have increasingly been offering contact areas where members of the public are invited to touch and handle exhibits under the guidance of museum staff. This trend has progressed into digital touchscreen tables, where visitors can access and explore items in greater detail. 

With concerns over touching public objects and surfaces, these areas may be perceived as less hygienic post-COVID.

6. Augmented-Reality Tours

Audio tours are a ubiquitous and valuable part of many museum and gallery experiences. Being guided through exhibits by the knowledgeable voice of a curator can bring displays to life by providing detail and context that a static display can’t convey. But audio tours are about to be supplanted dramatically.

Augmented reality overlays text, images, sound and video over everyday reality to create a media-rich, immersive experience. Imagine walking through a museum or gallery, stopping in front of a display, and having a menu of options appear alongside it, offering talks, video clips, games and more. 

Augmented reality tours have the potential to provide an in-depth, customisable guided experience like never before. The museums and galleries that realise the potential of this technology will be able to craft immersive tours that delight and entertain visitors to a degree previously unattainable. 

Although augmented technology is still in its infancy, museums and galleries are already developing augmented reality apps that visitors can use on their phones and tablets like the Smithsonian Institution’s Skin and Bone app and the Kennedy Space Centre’s Heroes and Legends exhibit. 

You can even create this effect in real life with our Transparent LCD Display Cases. Available in both standard and interactive options, these screens can display relevant content to the item in the case without completely obstructing the view. By opting for an interactive solution, visitors can create their own personalised experiences by choosing how they engage with the exhibits.

The post Museums & Galleries: 6 Design and Technology Ideas For The Post-Covid World appeared first on Zhongchen Electronics.

But as attractive, dynamic, and advanced as projection screens are, they’ve traditionally had one major weakness. Sunlight. 

Sunlight and outdoor projection

Sunlight can be kryptonite for projection screens, particularly when they’re used outdoors. Strong sun shining across a screen, or even weak sun shining directly onto a screen, can render your carefully crafted display instantly unseeable.

The problem with outdoor projection is that the brightness of projection is lower than the brightness of even diffuse sunlight, meaning projection screens struggle to compete with the sun. This is fine if you’re projecting indoors in a darkened room, but an issue for outdoor displays and even indoor displays in sunlit rooms, like art galleries and museums.

So, if you are planning a projection outdoors, are you at the mercy of the sun? Can you use a projector in daylight effectively?

With our SunScreen daylight readable projector screens, now you can.

SunScreen Daylight Projector Screen Technology

Zhongchen Electronics’s SunScreen technology is a revolutionary rear projection screen that can be used in daylight or even in direct sunlight!

Our SunScreen rear projection screens contain a light rejecting optical filter that deflects away external light shining onto the screen. Put simply, the surface of the screen reflects away sunlight, or any other external light sources, to provide bright, sharp and crystal-clear images in any setting. 

SunScreen is the only true projection screen technology in the world that can do this, and the only screen that will perform in direct sunlight.

SunScreen Film technology for existing glass surfaces

Our SunScreen technology is also available in a unique light-rejecting film that can be applied to any existing glass surface to instantly transform windows or glass partitions into projection screens capable of offering sharp, bright, crystal clear images.

We also offer a SunScreen Poster System, which includes top & bottom aluminium clip bars and cable suspension systems to allow daylight projection onto a range of other surfaces.

Alternatives to outdoor projection

High brightness LED and LCD screens are also designed for daytime applications and display clear, bright pictures even in strong sun, particularly outdoor high brightness screens. 

Choosing between SunScreen projection screens or LED and LCD screens will depend on the location they’re used in, the size required and other factors like your budget constraints.

Other tips for outdoor projection

Our SunScreen are the best solutions for outdoor projection however it’s important that the screen is housed providing protection from rainfall. The following can also help ensure outdoor screens can be seen during the day:

• Use a projector with a high lumen count: Lumens are a measure of brightness, and the higher the lumen value of your projector, the more visible the projection will be in daylight conditions. A projector of 8,000 lumens or over is advised depending on screen size.
• Position the screen out of direct sunlight: If you can move or change the position of your screen, find a position outside of the path of the sun to avoid sunlight shining directly onto your screen.
• Pick the right time of day: If you have the option of deciding when your projection will be displayed, choose a time in the morning or later afternoon when the sun won’t be at its strongest. 
• Keep the projection screen clean: A simple tip, but the cleaner a projection screen is the more visible the display will be as sunlight can highlight marks and stains. 
• Tailor your visuals for daytime viewing: If you have creative control over the images being projected, larger images with less detail and with distinct colour contrasts will be more suitable. Bright colours for text on a black background will be more visible than black text on a white background.

The post Outdoor projection screens and daylight: does it work? appeared first on Zhongchen Electronics.

If used properly, digital signage can do this more effectively than traditional signage. Digital signage can be more visible, more engaging, convey more information, and offer the flexibility to change your messaging throughout an event. Although digital signage can be more expensive up-front, over time it becomes more cost-effective and sustainable than signage using traditional media.

We’re big advocates of digital signage. Here are our top five reasons why:

1. Digital signage is more visible 

The first barrier your signage has to overcome to be effective is that it has to be visible. But signage can easily blend into the background of an event and be missed, particularly if it is used in an information-rich environment. 

Digital signage can help you overcome this problem by using movement. If other sources of information in a location are static, a dynamic display with moving graphics or that rotates through a series of images and text will better stand out.

You can take advantage of other perceptual tricks too to further enhance the visibility of signs. 

Changes in contrasting colour blocks, such as rotating from a red background to a black background, and back to a red background, are more likely to catch attention when seen in peripheral vision, as are familiar symbols and people’s faces. If your digital sign is advertising a talk, you can rotate between the name of the talk and the face of the person delivering it. Look for other ways you can incorporate well-known symbols into displays, like the restaurant symbol, national flags or even relevant emojis.

2. Digital signage is more engaging

As well as making your signage more visible, by including a range of moving, updating information and visuals, you can make your signage more engaging. With a digital sign, rather than being stuck with static text and visuals, you can get much more creative. 

A picture can say a thousand words, but the internet has taught us that video is more powerful still. With digital displays, your signage can easily take advantage of video. You could have a representative speak directly to event attendees as a talking head, you could show a montage of corporate clips or the highlights of previous events. Whatever is most relevant to your event and your attendees. 

The vast range of digital signage technology means you can create more unique displays, adding dimensions to your message that can’t be achieved with printed signage. Take the launch of a new watch for example, which display would you be more drawn to, a printed sign next the watch on a stand or a Transparent OLED Screen showing content that appears to float in mid-air, revealing the watch in pride of place behind the display. Unique technologies like our Transparent OLED and LCD Screens push the boundaries of what people expect to see in digital signage, offering a futuristic approach to sharing brand messages that make audiences feel like they’ve stepped into a sci-fi film!

3. Digital signage communicates more

There’s only so much information you can pack on to a physical sign before it becomes cluttered and unreadable. But as digital signage can rotate between sources of information, it can be much more information-rich, particularly if you incorporate images and video. 

Interactive digital signage pushes information richness even further. Touch screens can allow attendees to interact with your signs, letting them find the information they need through accessing a menu, scrolling a map or by asking questions. Plug and play solutions like our Interactive Kiosks are ideal for exhibition and trade show applications, providing a freestanding signage solution that can be moved and updated with ease.

4. Digital signage is more flexible

Your signage has to display the information needed by your event attendees in that location. But the information needed can change, either over the day or in response to new circumstances. 

A room or area may be used for different purposes throughout the event. For example, you may need to update the name and details of talks being given in a lecture theatre. Digital displays allow you to easily update this information without needing multiple versions of physical signage. 

Changing circumstances can throw an event into disarray and cause both you and your attendees a considerable headache. But if you need to move part of your event to another location, update a schedule at a moment’s notice, or quickly display emergency information digital signage gives you the freedom to do so simply and fast.

5. Digital signage is more cost-effective and sustainable

At first glance, digital signage can appear expensive, but high-quality traditional signage can be expensive too, particularly if you think of the price in terms of cost per use. Traditional signage often has to incorporate event names or other information meaning it can only be used once or a limited number of times. If the layout of an event changes through time, physical signs may also have to be discarded. 

Digital signage has no such limitations. By displaying rotating and updating information, your digital signage can cut down how much signage you use during a signal event. As it can be changed quickly and simply, your digital display devices can be used over and over across multiple events, meaning they become more cost-effective over time. By doing away with physical signs that have to be disposed of after events, digital signs are the more sustainable option too. 

Still not entirely convinced about the merits of digital signage? OK, here’s a bonus reason as to why digital signage is the best choice for your next event.

Digital signage is more professional 

The purpose of signage is to convey needed information at a point in space and time. But slick looking graphics and visuals used on a crisp, clear digital display can also add to your branding and the feel of your event. 

Digital screens, touch screens, and large video projections contribute an air of professionalism and flair that physical signs just don’t have. By incorporating elements like social media feeds as well as photos and clips from earlier in the day, you can give your event a dynamic feel. By tailoring messaging, such as by using multiple languages, you can make your event more welcoming and inclusive. Digital signage becomes more than a tool to convey event information, as you get creative it can become a key touchpoint for your brand.

The post Why Choose Digital Signage for Your Next Event? appeared first on Zhongchen Electronics.

Here we explore some of the more frequently asked questions from our customers when it comes to all things touchscreen technology.

How do touchscreens work?

Given that there are many different types of touchscreen technology (such as resistive, capacitive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave), there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here we explore some of the most popular touch technologies requested at Zhongchen Electronics, including infrared and projected capacitive touch displays.

Infrared

Infrared technology uses a series of LED lights and sensors that are arranged in a grid-like structure around the edge of a touchscreen device which constantly emit and project light in a uniform pattern. When you touch it, this disturbs the pattern and the device then identifies where this disturbance took place. As a result, the device is able to register the precise point of contact. The beauty of infrared technology is that the user doesn’t even need to make contact with the screen itself, only needing to break the pattern rather than making a physical connection for the device to register the touch.

One of our most popular technologies is our Infrared Interactive Touch Frame, that can transform any screen or surface into an interactive display. Available in a range of multi-touch options, these lightweight touch overlays are robust, easy to install, using USB HID plug and play functionality to make any existing screen interactive in no time. 

We also offer Interactive Mirrorvision Screens, utilizing infrared technology to create a unique display that’s ideal for retail applications, where users can interact with content and create a personalised shopping experience. Other Infrared technologies include our Interactive Transparent Displays, Switchable Glass Screens and Digital Glass Touch Screens.

Projected Capacitive

Projected Capacitive touchscreens are specifically designed to work with the touch of your finger (e.g. smartphones and fingerprint security). Unlike infrared, which uses a grid-like array of LEDs and sensors, projected capacitive relies on a uniform electrostatic current.

Given that the human body contains electrical currents, this means that a single touch of a finger is enough to recognise a capacitive touch.

Capacitive displays, or PCAP displays, consist of a thin layer of glass on top of an electrostatic grid of millions of miniscule electronic wires. When you touch the screen, you complete the electrical circuit—so the display registers your touch before relaying this information over to your device’s interface.

What is a touchscreen digitiser?

The digitiser is a thin layer of glass placed over a device’s liquid-crystal display (LCD) which essentially converts analogue touch commands into digital signals. In other words, it turns a single touch of a finger into a digital command that your device can use. These digitisers are present in technologies using projected capacitive touch.

How long do touchscreens work?

This depends on the type of touchscreen. Infrared and capacitive touchscreens are notoriously long-lasting, so you can expect both to last well over 5 years (with many lasting longer than 10 years, provided they’re looked after and not subject to particularly harsh conditions). Our Infrared Touch Frames for example, offer a high level of strength and durability for regular use in comparison to similar technologies, however we can also provide an Anti-Glare protective glass fascia that protects the screen itself against wear and tear as well as harsh lighting conditions.

What is an Interactive Kiosk?

Interactive Kiosks enable businesses to leverage touchscreen-based self-service functionality to help more consumers, more easily, using fewer resources. Interactive Kiosks come in many shapes and sizes, catering for both indoor and outdoor applications, we can create bespoke kiosk solutions to suit a wide range of applications. Our Kiosk solutions are available with a Media Player for non-interactive applications or Windows or Android for interactive touch.

From the common freestanding poster systems that are often seen in fast food restaurants to custom designed Interactive Transparent Kiosks for POS displays, we can provide a solution that’s designed with your application in mind.

How can you use Interactive Kiosks?

You might use Interactive Kiosks for the purposes of:

• Providing customer help services
• Wayfinding—in other words, helping people navigate large shopping malls or conference centres
• Advertising 

Of course, the above list is far from exhaustive, Interactive Kiosks can be used anywhere you wish to provide on-demand digital information or services at the touch of a finger.

What are the advantages of Interactive Kiosks?

There are many reasons why you should consider implementing Interactive Kiosks. They will allow you to:

• More easily reach a larger (and more diverse) audience

Once installed, you can sit back and relax while customers serve themselves. You can even set them up to provide multi-language functionality, as well as making them accessible to those with disabilities.

• Increase your internal efficiency

Focus your manpower on critical, valuable activities instead of simply providing routine information to customer after customer. 

• Improve your user experience

Customers often prefer to be self sufficient rather than feel like they’re bothering members of staff. Interactive Kiosks allow users to browse at their leisure, allowing them to feel more comfortable with shopping in store and inevitably leaving them feeling more satisfied with their experience. 

How much do Interactive Kiosks cost?

Interactive Kiosks are available in a number of different options. Pricing depends on a number of factors, including the display size and the interface itself, with customization options varying along with custom branded options. For a personalised quote tailored to your business’s specific needs, visit our Price Catalogue Request Form– here.

What are Interactive Mirrors?

Interactive Mirrors combine the wow factor of a standard mirror screen display with the flexibility of a touch screen. Our technology combines the stunning visuals of our Professional Mirrorvision Display with the infrared touch capabilities of our popular Touch Frame. These solutions are ideal in retail applications, where our Interactive Mirrors can be installed in fitting rooms providing a great upselling opportunity at a key point in the customer journey, whilst also providing the user with an experience that’s completely unique to them. Interactive Mirrors are also commonly used at weddings and events as part of a photo booth setup, more commonly known as magic mirrors, with some even having cameras integrated above the display.

How much do Interactive Mirrors cost?

There’s no set price – there are multiple factors that affect the cost including the size of the display, the reflective finish and the number of touch points. With this in mind, you can generally expect to pay anywhere from around £1,000 upwards for an interactive mirror.

How do you clean a touchscreen?

Given that touchscreens consist of intricate, often expensive technology, you should steer clear of simply giving them a scrub with a wet cloth. Instead, simply invest in a microfibre cloth, put on a white background display (this will help you spot any dirt), and wipe away.

Within our Sheffield based HQ we have multiple clean rooms in order to produce products of the highest possible quality, but we know this is a luxury not everyone has available to them. That’s why we’ve been recommending using IPA wipes to our customers for years, ideal for cleaning those tough spots that just won’t budge without causing damage to the screen.

It’s crucial that you regularly clean your touchscreen devices. Dirt and residue affect both the visual experience and the touch sensitivity—so it pays dividends to keep your screen clean.

The post Touchscreen Technology: Your Essential Questions Answered appeared first on Zhongchen Electronics.

In the decades since touchscreen technology has permeated every aspect of our lives. Indeed, it’s estimated that modern smartphone users touch their phone’s touchscreen display over 2,000 times per day. At Zhongchen Electronics, our range of touchscreen technology includes the likes of interactive screens, interactive touch overlays, and interactive touch kiosks, but what’s next? Let’s examine some of the most innovative new developments in our product range when it comes to touchscreen technology.

Interactive Transparent OLEDs

Transparent OLED Screens are one of the hottest new technologies on the display market having only recently become available to the public. Unlike other transparent display technologies, these screens are self-lit meaning they don’t require an additional backlight in order to display an image.

Transparent OLED Displays have a brilliant visual impact mainly due to their rarity, with only few people seeing or having heard of their existence. They require no clunky housing like similar Transparent LCD technologies and boast a thin bezel, meaning the stunning HD 1080p  images literally appear to float in mid air.

We’ve combined this incredible technology with our tried and tested Interactive Touch Frames and PCAP Overlays to create a truly remarkable solution that’s guaranteed to make a lasting impression. Our Interactive TOLED Screens really are a thing of the future, allowing users to interact with content whilst still being able to see what’s happening on the other side of the screen, the closest existing tech to the ‘Minority Report’ yet!

Interactive Switchable Glass

Why only imagine a touch screen that can just disappear when not in use when you could own one! Combining the practicality of our Switchable Smart Glass, which changes state from frosted to clear at the touch of a button (or a voice command!), with an interactive touch frame comes a unique solution ideal for any versatile environment. 

Our Smart Glass gives you privacy on demand with the option to switch to clear to create a more open, welcoming space. When turned off, the Switchable Glass also acts as a 4K/HD rear projection screen which you can interact with, providing a one stop solution for a huge range of needs. These screens could be a great addition to any educational institution, workplace or retail environment.

Large Format Interactive Touch Frames

IR Touch frames are often associated with retrofitting onto existing display screens, but few people realise the true potential of this technology. We are now able to offer custom touch frames up to a huge 10m x 3m, opening up a whole world of opportunity for interactive applications. These touch frames can be paired with video walls or even large format LED screens to create a showstopping display that’s impossible to forget.

Not only are our touch frames now available in mammoth sizes, they’re also multi touch allowing multiple people to interact with the content on the screen (or screens) at the same time. Our touch frames can also be fitted to sit slightly away from the front of the screen as they work by registering a break in the Infra-red light, producing a similar experience to the standard fitting without needing to touch the screen itself, a hygiene miracle!

Interactive Touch Foils

For use with LCD and LED displays our Interactive Touch Foils make interactivity possible without compromising on security. We see our touch foils used most popularly in window displays, where the screen remains inside the store whilst the customer is still able to interact with the content from the outside.

Newly added to our product range, our multi touch foils are now available in sizes up to 110”, giving users a larger canvas to interact with simultaneously. If you’re looking for a quick solution to bring your project up to speed with the latest of touchscreen technologies, these foils can be installed to any existing glass surface in minutes, providing a minimalist solution without the hassle. We also offer Interactive Projection Foils, combining our range of specialist projection films with the interactive qualities of a touch foil.

The post The Next Innovations in Touchscreen Technology appeared first on Zhongchen Electronics.

As we approach the end of the COVID-19 era, the most innovative retailers are using forward-thinking technologies to attract customers back to their stores. Let’s examine the hottest retail and tech trends to have hit the industry in 2020 and provide some insight into how we imagine retail will look in 2021 and beyond.

Extended reality

Extended reality, such as Touch Screen Technology, lets customers browse your store without having to sift their way through racks on racks of clothes—and without even having to do so much as put down their bags. Our Interactive Screens allow users to shop more efficiently, with the potential to give them immediate insight into stock levels and item locations on the shop floor to create a more streamlined experience for those that need it.

Our Professional Mirrorvision® Displays, complete with a commercial-grade 4K or HD screen, are a great example of how extended reality can be used in store. They provide a future-proofed fitting room experience— giving you, the retailer, an unmissable upselling opportunity at the most receptive stage of the customer journey. Our Mirrorvision Technology could also be used to create a more personalised experience for the user, offering them features like ‘similar items’ or ‘frequently bought with’, both of which usually come with a hefty price tag and often peer pressure from a traditional personal shopper

NikeTown has notably used our technology in this way to provide customers with a seamless virtual bra-fitting service. Here, the mirror helps customers by walking them through Nike’s specific sizes and bra-types, helping them find the perfect fit for their body type and sporting needs whilst offering additional relevant product suggestions throughout the experience.

In a post-pandemic world where customers will be hyper health conscious, equipping your store with an interactive mirror will minimise person to person contact, ensuring that even those most safety-first customers have a memorable shopping experience that caters to their specific needs.

Digital storefronts

There’s a reason that holiday sales displays are planned months in advance: they consistently draw the crowds in. A vibrant digital storefront can grab the attention of those passing by, piquing their curiosity and welcoming them into your store. But there are potential downsides. For instance, how well do digital storefronts work in sunny days where their displays are obviously far less visible?

For many digital storefronts, the answer is “not very well”. With our Sun Readable Daylight Projector Screen, however, you can ensure that your digital storefront remains as eye-catching as ever—no matter the weather. In fact, it’s currently the only projection screen technology in the world that will perform in direct sunlight.

Manufactured using a light rejecting optical feature, it’s been designed specifically to work even in direct sunlight, displaying sharp, crystal-clear images even on the brightest of days. Our ‘Sunscreen’ can also be easily retrofitted onto existing store front windows with minimal disruption or installation time – a great way to create a reliable display without breaking the bank!

The impact of Amazon Go

Amazon has brought science-fiction to life with its Amazon Go in-store experience. Customers can walk into a store, pick from a shelf, and then walk right out. They’ve improved the best of the in-store experience while getting rid of its worst feature: the checkout line. Interactive kiosks line the store entrance to collect the customers’ account details, and that’s it. Customers can simply pick up whatever they need, walk out the store, and will receive their receipt via email later.

Such technology is having a profound impact on customers’ in-store experience. Our Transparent LCD Screens and Interactive Touch Kiosks have the potential to allow consumers to browse a store’s inventory at the click of a button, read product reviews and sizing guides and even keep up to date with the latest items in store. No longer do consumers have to wait in line for a fitting room or to speak to a member of staff—instead, they can simply embrace the power of self-service functionality.

Amazon has long served as a wake-up call for competition, and with the launch of Amazon Go, they’re set to transform the world of retail forever.

Taking stock

2020 has been tough for the retail industry—and it’s unlikely that 2021 will be much easier. However, forward-thinking retailers are embracing the power of technology to future-proof their in-store experience as much as possible.

Whether you’re looking to attract new shoppers, wow your existing ones, or provide an innovative—and utterly memorable—customer experience, integrate technology into your retail space and face 2021 with confidence.

Ready to get started or looking for more information? If so, get in touch with a member of our expert team today.

The post Retail & Tech: This Year’s Hottest Trends appeared first on Zhongchen Electronics.

Today’s consumers are more empowered than ever before. Social media, online reviews, and the dominance of e-commerce means that brick-and-mortar stores are merely one of many potential options when it comes to buying goods. So how can retailers fight off the competition and welcome consumers back with open arms?

By prioritising their customer experience: providing a seamless, innovative, and even immersive way to shop that drives long-term loyalty. Let’s explore how retailers of all shapes and sizes can transform their customer experience.

Embrace ‘Retailtainment’

Fun, immersive, and most importantly unique in-store experiences will live long in shoppers’ memories. This is where retailtainment—the latest shift in the retail industry—comes in.

Take Nike’s House of Innovation, for example. Their eye-catching Transparent LCD Screens blur the line between the physical and the digital. Their touchscreen capabilities allow customers to digitally interact with these unique wayfinding displays, leveraging exciting graphics and clever interior design tools to provide a truly innovative in-store experience across every floor of the 2,400sqm flagship venue.

Marvel has also followed suit with their innovative Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N., an immersive exhibit to promote their Avengers franchise that never fails to attract huge crowds. Fans are invited to fully immerse themselves in the Avengers universe, completing missions and interacting with their favourite superhero’s tools and armour.

Needless to say, this is a little more memorable than a life-sized cardboard cut-out of your favourite superhero.

Augmented reality

Technology, such as Interactive Mirrors, can also be used to make retail and service experiences significantly more memorable. Our Mirror Glass convert existing LCD or LED screens into mirrored screens, while our Interactive Mirror Overlays can be used to provide interactive screens in fitting rooms. Shoppers can benefit from targeted upselling features like ‘similar items’ or ‘styled with’ options to make their experience feel more personal and futuristic.

Farfetch, a large player in the luxury e-commerce sector, has adopted augmented retail solutions in its New York store with connected clothing racks, touch-screen-enhanced mirrors, and sign-in stations that generate customer account data that can then be used in-store.

It’s what’s led them to be named The Retailer of the Future by Bloomberg, and they’re a great example for how you can future-proof brick-and-mortar retail spaces.

Tech in hospitality

The hospitality industry, like retail, has also suffered significantly in 2020. Similarly, it can also look to integrate immersive, tech-powered experiences into its services and deliver a world-class customer experience to travellers.

Mirror Video Walls are among the most popular of our offerings for the hospitality and services sector, allowing for full-length mirrored walls that can display vibrant designs and graphics in settings such as lobbies, receptions, or feature rooms.

Another favourite of hoteliers is our Switchable Smart Glass technology, which we’ve seen used in Novotel, Hilton and Best Western chains to name a few. Whilst the obvious choice is to incorporate Smart Glass within meeting rooms and function areas to get the most out of your space, it’s becoming increasingly popular to use Switchable Glass within the design of the rooms themselves.

Our Smart Glass technology also known as Switch Glass, adds a high-tech feature to your room, offering the ability to switch the glass between frosted and clear at will, guaranteed to make a lasting impression on each guest. By replacing bathroom or internal walls with our Switchable Smart Glass Partitioning, you can instantly maximise the appearance of the space by allowing natural light into areas that were previously unreachable to create the illusion of a much bigger room.

Elsewhere in the hospitality sector, luxury yachts and cruise liners also implement our solutions to preserve their sleek interiors while providing all the functionality of contemporary accommodation. Pendennis, one of the world’s leading yacht-builders, has implemented our Dielectric Mirror TV technology into vanity mirrors—making the most of smaller interior spaces while still providing a full range of amenities in style.

No longer do hotels or other luxury accommodations have to rely on service alone to wow their guests. Now, they have the same technology in their arsenal that powers immersive experiences in museums, galleries, and futuristic retail spaces: attracting guests in droves and giving them an edge over their competition.

It’s time to wow your customers

The current climate is hard—especially for the retail and hospitality sectors. However, time and time again, we’ve seen companies that prioritise customer experience bounce back from setbacks stronger than ever before. By integrating innovative technology into your customer experience, you can create memorable moments that live long with customers—and keep them coming back.

When the retail and services industry had largely rebuilt from the damage of the 2008-09 financial crisis, e-commerce and hospitality start-ups quickly emerged as the next challenge for them to face. This past year has seen them striving to survive once again, making one thing clear to businesses in both industries: the customer really is king.

Focusing on customer experiences through new and emerging technologies can become the most powerful marketing manoeuvre for business, it helps them stay relevant while turning new consumers into loyal, returning customers.

Whether businesses are emerging from uncertain times or being thrust back into them, investing in the experience they provide their customers is investing in customer loyalty and therefore, in long-term returns. If we can help you on your journey in doing so, please get in touch via the form below or call cs@zhongelectron.com.

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When it comes to technology, the pandemic has accelerated certain trends. Things that were starting to bubble under the surface have now been thrust to the forefront as we adapt to the new normal. Emerging technologies in interior design are no different – in 2021 we are expecting to see interior design choices framed around technology that enhances the experience in our retail spaces, hotels, and offices, as well as making them safer.

Innovations in offices: Privacy and touchless spaces will be even more important 

Where once innovative interior design ideas in our offices were concerned with improving the social and aesthetic aspect of workspaces – think slides, greener spaces, sleep pods and such like – in 2021 there’s a real focus on keeping our office spaces safe- both physically and mentally. And this plays into our interior design and tech choices.

Open-plan offices with hot-desking, which were the norm, are set to be a thing of the past – at least for the near future, and after a year reporting record levels of loneliness from those working from home, the consideration of mental health has never been more important. Switchable Smart Glass is an innovative technology which is already in place in offices around the world but will likely become more prevalent in 2021. It is ideal for partitions and meeting rooms for example. It works by allowing the glass to switch between frosted and clear at the touch of a button, ensuring spaces can switch from public to private in a matter of seconds. Not only can you control privacy at will, but by opting for Smart Glass partitions as opposed to stud wall dividers, you increase the flow of natural light throughout your workplace. Not only did one study find that natural light is the number one office perk desired by staff, they also found that 70% cited it as assisting with improved performance at work.

Importantly for the post-COVID world, Smart Glass can be operated without the need of touch providing dividing office partitions where staff can operate in a completely safe workspace. It can be voice-controlled by smart devices, or simply through the use of a PIR sensor that detects when someone is close to it switching from clear to frosted. Or vice versa. It’s something we’re expecting to see become much more prevalent in 2021.

The touchless in-office technology will also likely be seen through touchless smartphone signing systems, as well as voice-activated smart meeting room technology.

Innovations in retail: It all comes down to a reimagined customer experience

Customer experience is so important in retail and it’s only becoming more so. COVID-19 has changed the way we shop. eCommerce sales have of course boomed during the pandemic and we’ve also seen many of our traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers plunged into difficult times.

Yet the desire for many shoppers is to hit the high street once again in 2021. But with many enjoying a slick online experience, the offline one must match up. Remember that 1 in 2 consumers are happy to switch to a competitor if they don’t get the experience they desire. 2021’s interior design and technology choices in the retail sector will all focus on a reimagined customer experience, with retailers now needing to make shopping in store worthwhile by offering services that you can’t get online. The question is, how can you increase the services you provide to customers whilst reducing their interaction with staff? The following technology is key:

Interactive Mirrors: These seamlessly blend the online and offline experience in-store. Plus, they look great too. Unlike online shopping, in store customers can try on products at the point of sale before committing to a purchase, why not capitalise on this by letting them explore what else is on offer in an interactive capacity. By integrating Mirror Screens with touch capabilities into your changing rooms, a whole new avenue of advertising and upselling potential is unlocked, giving visitors the option to check stock in store, view ‘frequently bought with’ items and be offered tailored item suggestions based on what they’ve chosen to try on. Our Interactive Mirrors are already in use in Nike Town’s Bra Fit functional attraction and are set to be front and centre across the new retail spaces of 2021.

Touch Screens and Digital Kiosks: Large Touch Screens and Digital Kiosks greeting customers as they arrive in store not only make a style statement (with bespoke logo and colour customisations), they also tap into the need to provide a reimagined customer experience. Now your customers can find exactly what they are looking for, have their questions answered and engage with your brand in a much more personalised way. As well as this, our screens can also be loaded with enhanced language capabilities, allowing you to reach new audiences with a tailored experience – All of this with little to no need for human interaction, an ideal scenario in a post COVID-19 world.

Innovations in hotels: It’s all about the in-room experience 

While we expect to see the likes of Interactive Mirrors and Digital Kiosks also becoming much more prevalent in hotel lobbies and reception areas, the big interior design and technology choices in hotels in 2021 will all focus on the in-room experience.

For example, Volara is an Alexa-style guest room voice-activated solution. It integrates with work management systems so that guests can make requests to hotel concierge by voice and receive a confirmation when the item or service will be delivered. This will also integrate with in-room entertainment, which eliminates the need to touch remotes.

And when it comes to in-room entertainment, sleek interior design choices and technology are set to combine more and more. Take the example of Mirror Screen TVs. This simple but slick technology turns the TV into a mirror when not in use. When guests first walk into a room it will feel spacious and have the desired instant impact. But when they want to relax, it can then be switched to a TV in a flash providing the desired in-room entertainment experience. For a more advanced screen technology, our Interactive Mirrored Wall Panels are specifically designed for hotel use, coming complete with an integrated computer to support more complex interface software. By simplifying the décor of the room you in turn make the space appear bigger, why not take this a step further by using Switchable Smart Glass to separate the bathroom and bedroom areas instead of a standard stud wall. Our Smart Glass appears frosted in its off state and can be instantly switched to transparent in seconds using a switch, remote or even your voice! Not only does our Switchable Glass maintain the privacy provided by a standard wall but it allows the uninterrupted flow of natural light into all corners of the room, creating a more relaxing environment and the illusion of a bigger room.

What about in-room dining? Some hotels are also tapping into the latest technology to provide their guests with an Uber Eats style dining experience, where they can order room service from restaurants close by with an app taking care of all the admin in terms of menus, orders, payment and delivery. It’s simple but effective.

With 2020 behind us, 2021 will be a very different world. And it will be one that is underpinned by technology. For more information on the Zhongchen Electronics / Intelligent Glass technology discussed in this article and about our innovative range of products get in touch with us today.

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