Pro-AVL 2016 and Tourism Technology Asia 2016 were held in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands convention centre. The two day show focussed on bringing technology for the hospitality sector and professional AV applications to the fore.
Panasonic was present at the exhibition and was showcasing a number of visual systems. The most impressive was a yet to be released and named LCD display that used Li-Fi to transmit information to users with smart devices.
The Li-Fi module and software has been developed by Panasonic itself. A representative from Panasonic explained that the screen can transmit a URL via light emanating from the screen. A smart device with the relevant application installed will be able to receive the light and guide the user to the relevant information.
The representative from Panasonic detailed the advantages of the technology for signage: “The displays obviously look better without QR codes taking up screen real-estate. The larger the screen gets the larger the QR code needs to be and they can be quite unseemly. Li-Fi also ensures that the information can be transmitted and received discreetly.â€
Panasonic is targeting the tourism and hospitality sector with way-finding suggested as a possible application. The displays are set to be commercially launched in Japan by the end of the year.
Another highlight of the show was the launch of Valai by Tripleplay. The interactive IPTV portal had its global launch at the show and it has been optimised for use on mobile devices, tablets, set top boxes (STB) and Smart TVs. Tripleplay has a strong interest in the hospitality market and was targeting it at the exhibition with its showcased platforms and products.
Interestingly, Pro-AVL and TTA also boasted a strong integrator presence. Electronics & Engineering, AV Science and Swee Lee were all exhibiting and had booths at the show. AV Science came in with a general outlook and was focussing on a range of Casio projectors. Bertrand Seah, general manager of AV Science, commented that while the hospitality sector was not something that the integrator was specifically targeting it Was exhibiting at the show to reach out to general customers.
Swee Lee was showcasing innovative solutions and an Epson interactive short-throw projector as well as an LG transparent screen used as the front door for a refrigerator was the highlight. The integrator wanted to display a range of professional AV solutions along with its capabilities that would allow end-users in the hospitality sector to take their AV systems to the next level.