Global Display Solutions entered a partnership with E Ink following ISE 2013 (Display Monitor Vol 20 No 9), and has been developing products for the last two years. At ISE 2014, it showed two side-by-side E Ink displays for signage, and announced its aim to develop a ‘basic colour’ unit by the end of the year. We can certainly say that it has been successful.
GDS had a very impressive E Ink display on its stand, showing full colour. Colours were naturally more muted than one would see in a backlit display, but would be very good at displaying static signage and even paintings. The unit is still under development, and products with better colour levels are being built in GDS’ R&D labs. Mass production is scheduled for 2016.
The ultimate goal for E Ink signage screens is to have them running from pure solar power, which is getting closer, we were told. They will need to be used outside, so GDS is also building an IP54 cabinet to enclose them.
The other eye-catching demonstration was of GDS’ ‘EnerColor’ technology, which is based on colour-enhancements applied to the backlight. The representative we spoke to confirmed that EnerColor doesn’t use quantum dots, so we believe the backlight uses non-standard LED configuration.
GDS was highlighting its facilities for optical bonding – it has an 80″ with 6mm glass (a 90″ is also available). The bonding improves visual performance in high ambient light situations. The same technology can be applied to glass-fronted video wall panels and GDS has installed a 60m² video wall with IP54 rating for a station in Oslo. The glass is important for protection and to allow easy cleaning.
Finally we looked at a 70″ totem that GDS has developed as a wayfinder for SNCF in France. The display outputs 2,500 cd/m². GDS has a lot of displays outside because of its experience in the ATM world.
