Polycomp news achive for February 2008.

LED 'canvas' unveiled

An interactive light wall featuring 1,420 LEDs has been launched in a waiting room at a US hospital.The Imagination Light Canvas, displayed in the women's and children's waiting area at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, Ark, allows patients and visitors to "paint with light" using their hands.Measuring some 14 ft x six-ft, the wall uses touch screen technology, allowing images to last a few minutes before they disappear.
Friday, 29th February 2008 - full story

New sports scoreboards at major stadium

A leading American Football stadium is to gain brand new sports scoreboards from next season.Old sports scoreboards have already been removed from the Bank of America Stadium in preparation for the new technology, Charlie Dayton, spokesman for the Carolina Panthers which play at the venue, revealed.The $12 million project will see large video scoreboards replaced with higher quality screens, using 300ft high cranes to position the technology in place.
Friday, 29th February 2008 - full story

Factory signs refuse to go out at threatened tile maker

Factory signs at a renowned Wrexham tile factory may still be illuminated in future despite earlier threats of closure.The Dennis Ruabon factory, owned by Ruabon Sales Ltd, made more than 80 workers redundant last month when it was forced to go into administrative receivership.However, Wrexham Council leader Aled Roberts has revealed that there may still be hope for the clay quarry tile maker after the factory owner said it plans to continue manufacturing.
Friday, 29th February 2008 - full story

Sports scoreboards received 'too much' BBC airtime

While sports scoreboards were working overtime last weekend, the BBC has been criticised for putting too much emphasis on sports programming.
Thursday, 28th February 2008 - full story

LED video wall features in Pop Idol spin-off

Slovakia's answer to the UK's Pop Idol television show featured an impressive stretch of "magical" LED video wall recently.
Wednesday, 27th February 2008 - full story

Will rugby scoreboards show a Welsh win in Six Nations?

Despite a win for England against France in the Six Nations last weekend, many rugby fans are still predicting that sports scoreboards will show in Wales' favour when the final whistle blows at the end of the tournament.
Wednesday, 27th February 2008 - full story

Replacing old sports scoreboards for new at US venue

Ageing sports scoreboards at a major multi-purpose arena in Louisiana are to be replaced with state-of-the-art LED technology.
Tuesday, 26th February 2008 - full story

LED video ceiling for Belgium club

One of Europe's biggest nightclubs has shown off its impressive new LED video ceiling for the first time.
Tuesday, 26th February 2008 - full story

LED screens set for Indian railways

India's rail network is to benefit from the installation of new LED display boards across the country, it has emerged.
Tuesday, 26th February 2008 - full story

Football scoreboards show win for Spurs in Carling Cup

Football scoreboards at Wembley read 2-1 in Spurs' favour on Saturday as the north London side beat Chelsea to win the Carling Cup.
Monday, 25th February 2008 - full story

LED video screens back Led Zep

Set designers incorporated LED screens into the backdrop for one of the world's greatest rock bands at a recent reunion concert.
Monday, 25th February 2008 - full story

Screens to be seen in church

Churches in the US will now be permitted to show the Super Bowl on the big-screen, following fears that they would be sued by NFL officials for violating its copyright.
Friday, 22nd February 2008 - full story

Sports scoreboards race in to US drag track upgrade

A drag racing track in Pennsylvania is to gain brand new LED sports scoreboards as part of a major facelift.
Friday, 22nd February 2008 - full story

LED video screens on red carpet

LED video screens had a starring role in one of this year's most important film awards events.
Friday, 22nd February 2008 - full story

LED video screens take starring role in Brits ceremony

The British music industry's most prestigious awards ceremony put the latest LED video screen technology into action last night.
Thursday, 21st February 2008 - full story

Football scoreboard possibilities for Thamesmead Town

Redevelopment plans for Thamesmead Town Football club could signal further potential for the installation of LED football scoreboards in the UK.
Thursday, 21st February 2008 - full story

Electronic signboards set for motorway

Drivers on the M42 motorway in the West Midlands are to see digital pictograms on overhead electronic signs from this week.
Wednesday, 20th February 2008 - full story

Sports scoreboard potential at NI national stadium

Northern Ireland's new national stadium could present wide scale opportunities for the implementation of sports scoreboards.
Wednesday, 20th February 2008 - full story

LED market 'to exceed $11bn'

The global LED market could top $11 billion by 2012 with signs and displays leading this growth, new figures reveal.
Tuesday, 19th February 2008 - full story

Collaboration 'vital' in LED development

Future development of LED technology is dependent on the close co-operation of engineers and designers worldwide, it has been claimed.
Tuesday, 19th February 2008 - full story

New LED scoreboard for Williamsport Crosscutters

The Williamsport Crosscutters have announced the installation of a new LED scoreboard and display system.
Monday, 18th February 2008 - full story

KC Royals to install world's largest HD LED screen

The $250 renovations of the Kansa City Royals' Kauffman Stadium will feature the world's largest HD LED display screen.
Monday, 18th February 2008 - full story

Film centre offers LED display opportunities

Proposals for a new £200 million national film centre on London's South Bank offer new opportunities for LED display systems.
Friday, 15th February 2008 - full story

Reuters moves into taxi screens

Reuters' rolling LED display system in Canary Wharf is perhaps one of the best known examples of LED signage in the UK.
Friday, 15th February 2008 - full story

China prepares LED display systems for Olympics

Some of China's most popular retail districts are to be part of an LED-based outdoor advertising network in time for the kick off to this year's Olympic games in Beijing.
Friday, 15th February 2008 - full story

LED screen technology chosen for Jinnah Convention Centre

A giant LED screen for the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad has been approved by the Pakistani government.
Thursday, 14th February 2008 - full story

Tenesee Smokies' screen

A US baseball team is to receive one of the largest LED video displays in the sport has seen ahead of its new season.
Wednesday, 13th February 2008 - full story

First meeting for DSA

Key players in the digital signage industry will congregate for the first Digital Signage Association (DSA) meeting later this month.
Wednesday, 13th February 2008 - full story

Countdown to LED China 2008

There are just 20 days to go until the launch of one of the biggest LED events on the planet.
Tuesday, 12th February 2008 - full story

Circular LED screens for top tennis match

Two circular LED screens have been tested out during a charity tennis match between a pair of sporting stars in Spain.
Tuesday, 12th February 2008 - full story

LED screens installed on Delhi Metro

Some 25 LED screens are set to be installed at eight stations on the Delhi Metro system.
Tuesday, 12th February 2008 - full story

London switched on to lighting

Sustainable lighting is the high on the agenda at a festival dedicated to innovative lighting systems taking place in London this week.
Monday, 11th February 2008 - full story

LED display used in vehicle safety device

LEDs have been incorporated by a top car manufacturer into a brand new intelligent radar technology designed to give drivers better protection on the roads.
Monday, 11th February 2008 - full story

LED potential for Uruguay airport

Images of a new airport terminal in Uruguay have been released, showing great possibilities for LED technology.
Friday, 8th February 2008 - full story

LED technology takes to NY catwalk

A floor-to-ceiling LED screen was used to bring a creative twist to a designer's collection at New York Fashion Week.
Friday, 8th February 2008 - full story

£100k sculpture for Stratford station

A £100,000 sculpture constructed from drill bits is to grace the entrance of Stratford station.
Thursday, 7th February 2008 - full story

Baseball team gets new LED scoreboard

Baseball fans in Orlando will be greeted with a brand new LED scoreboard this month.
Thursday, 7th February 2008 - full story

3D screens next for NFL?

What is being billed as the world's largest high definition LED display is set to be installed at a stadium in the US.
Wednesday, 6th February 2008 - full story

UK set to follow China's LED in 2012

With the London 2012 Olympic games drawing ever nearer, Beijing is helping to demonstrate the potential opportunities for LED display systems in its preparations for this year's event.
Wednesday, 6th February 2008 - full story

'Strong future' for LED lighting

The future looks bright for LED lighting applications, the latest survey of current trends suggests.
Tuesday, 5th February 2008 - full story

'Super Tuesday' results on screen

The results of today's 'Super Tuesday' are set to be screened live in the US later today using the latest LED video screen technology.
Tuesday, 5th February 2008 - full story

LED floor lights up event

A state-of-the-art LED video flooring system has been the talk of a recent show dedicated to events management.
Tuesday, 5th February 2008 - full story

Surgeries open for longer?

GPs' surgeries could open their doors in the evenings and at weekends if new proposals by the government receive the go-ahead.

Health secretary Alan Johnson has written to every GP in England calling on them to accept proposals for extended surgery opening hours.

These new measures would mean an average-sized practice with around 6,000 patients staying open for an extra three hours per week.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has opposed the plans, saying that its research shows that only four in every hundred patients want to visit their doctor in the evening.

However in his letter, released by the Department of Health today, Mr Johnson wrote: "Significant numbers of patients consistently tell us that improving access to GP services should be a priority for the NHS."

Any changes to surgery opening hours can be displayed effectively and easily via a bi-line or multi-line LED display system from PolyComp.

Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

London's low emissions zone launched

As of today, the most polluting vehicles on London's roads will be charged under new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) regulations designed to tackle pollution levels in the city.

The capital's mayor Ken Livingstone launched the scheme today, which will see the "dirtiest" vehicles being forced to adhere to specific emissions standards.

Any vehicle not complying with the legislation will be fined or will be forced to pay a daily charge of £200.

The initiative aims to reduce London's poor air quality, which Transport for London (TfL) believes accounts for 1,000 premature deaths and 1,000 hospital admissions per year.

It is hoped that the scheme will reduce emissions by 16 per cent by the year 2012.

While standard road signs currently mark the boundaries for the LEZ, LED display systems could be effective in the long term to help drivers distinguish where the regulations come into force.

This could be particularly helpful for the many HGV and lorry drivers affected by the new rules, who often drive during the night and when spotting signs becomes more difficult.

Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

New designer for Birmingham New Street renovation

Birmingham New Street Station's multi-million pound rehaul moved in a new direction today as it was revealed that the original design company has been dropped from the project.

John McAslan and Partners, which was to lead the £550 million renewal project, is to be replaced by Atkins, Building.co.uk reports.

Network Rail's decision to opt for Atkins signals the end of a two-and-a-half year relationship with McAslan and engineering partner WSP.

McAslan's involvement with the project has experienced several setbacks since they were appointed to oversee preliminary designs in 2005.

In August the firm was forced to scale back the scheme after the Department of Transport said it would guarantee funding of just £128 million instead of £350 million.

Originally opened in 1854, Birmingham New Street station serves over 31 million people per year, many of whom rely on LED display systems to guide them to their correct platform.

Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

School proposed for Olympic site

Part of London 2012's Olympic stadium could be used as a school after the event has finished.

Olympic minister Tessa Jowell revealed the proposals for the 80,000-capacity stadium this week.

When the Olympic baton is transferred after the 2012 games, the stadium is set to retain its athletic track.

However, further uses for the vacant stadium have not yet been confirmed and an educational legacy could, the government suggests, be one solution.

"The stadium has the potential to inspire future generations with the Olympic ideals of young people striving for excellence," Ms Jowell said in a statement.

"A school designed to nurture sporting and related achievement could be an excellent legacy embodying those ideals."

Despite the proposals, London's organising committee, Locog, is still in talks with UK football and rugby clubs to find an anchor tenant.

After the games have finished the 80,000-seater arena will be scaled down to a 25,000-seat venue.

Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

Super Bowl heading for Wembley?

Fans of American football could soon witness the arrival of one of the sport's biggest events on British soil.

Such was the success of October's Miami versus New York match at Wembley Stadium that the NFL is reportedly now considering bringing the Super Bowl to the UK.

"The whole idea of bringing teams over was quite daunting for coaches as they have a compressed season and very precise schedules. We proved it could be done and it could be done successfully," NFL UK managing director Alistair Kirkwood told the Metro.

The proposals are part of a greater plan to raise the profile of the sport in the UK.

"The NFL has accepted it needs to grow internationally," he added.

"Keep doing the games and doing them well and franchises and conversations like that will happen eventually."

Indeed, such sporting firsts could represent significant opportunities for LED display systems.

PolyComp has supplied and installed numerous scoreboards for hundreds of stadia around the UK, including Murrayfield.

Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

Olympics development making further progress

The London 2012 Olympic development is making substantial progress with the first steps of a waterway now complete.

Some 70,000-tonnes of material from existing 1930s concrete river walls, has been lifted out to make way for a new waterway within the Olympic Park.

Workers have drilled 700 11-tonne steel piles 18-metres into the ground to widen the waterway by eight metres.

This will allow barges to travel along the route to transport material needed for the construction for the rest of the park.

"As part of creating Europe's largest new urban park for 150 years, we will regenerate the tow paths and waterways, remodelling over 3.5km of riverbanks, widening wetland areas, enhancing wildlife habitats and improving water quality and levels," David Higgins, the Olympic Delivery Authority, chief executive, explained.
Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

Screens delivered for Eurovision event

Contenders for the title of Azerbaijan's Eurovision song contest representative will battle it out on Saturday at a televised National Final.

This year will be the first time that the country has participated in the Eurovision event and organisers are pulling out all the stops with hi-tech LED technology.

Oikotimes.com reports that a Ukrainian IL-76 cargo plane delivered 40-tonnes of stage equipment to Baku this week, including LED screens, 120 static and 140 dynamic light projectors.

Three 24 square metre LED screens will grace the stage, described as a "key feature" of the event.

"We'll make the show in Azerbaijan at the highest international level of performance," Ola Melzig, the production manager of Azerbaijani National Final said.

"In this concert we've been engaged to make an outstanding design with hundreds of lights, extensive use of the LED screens that are built into the stage design."

This year marks the 53rd anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest which will be held in Belgrade, Serbia.

Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

FSB urges London 2012 participation

Small businesses in the UK should make the most of the opportunities the London 2012 Olympic Games will bring the nation, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has claimed.

Simon Briault, a spokesperson for the organisation, praised the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) for doing some "really good work" to give small businesses a "fair go" at competing for contracts.

The FSB's comments follow the launch of the CompeteFor website by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) last week.

CompeteFor aims to open up a host of different Games-related business opportunities to firms around the UK.

"There will be some small businesses which will have never supplied to the public sector before so that process could be quite daunting," Mr Briault admitted.

However he added: "We would encourage them to get involved with the CompeteFor website, because going through that process will help small business owners to understand what they need to do to get their house in order."

According to ODA, more than 75,000 future business opportunities, worth around £6 billion, are expected to be allocated to companies in the run up to the games, some of these including opportunities for the installation of LED scoreboards, video boards and other forms of LED signage.

Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story

TfL launches consideration campaign

People living and working in London may notice their commute becoming calmer in the future, thanks to a new campaign.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has launched the scheme to encourage members of the public to be more considerate to each others' needs when travelling in the capital.

Posters on buses and tubes will feature characters listening to loud music, eating and talking loudly on their mobile phones will carry the slogan, "A little thought from each of us. A big difference for everyone".

"Public transport is for all Londoners and a little thought from each of us will make a big difference to everyone using our transport system," Mr Livingstone said.

"We all share London's buses and tube so a little thought for one another can make all of our journeys more pleasant and less stressful."

"What is considered socially acceptable to some may not be interpreted the same way by everyone but we can take responsibility for our actions," David Brown, TfL's managing director of surface transport, said.

Commuters may not realise it, but every day they use LED display systems to keep up-to-date with their journey information.

Multi-line signs are used to indicate the arrival of buses, trains and tubes as well as details of suspended lines and delays.

Monday, 4th February 2008 - full story