Sharp reports 50% increase in business leads at GITEX 2011

Sharp Middle East recorded increased interest in its LCD solutions compared to last year, as the inaugural Infocomm exhibition became part of GITEX Technology Week, representatives of Sharp said.

Sharp reported a marked increase in the percentage of business leads compared to GITEX 2010: more than 50% increase over last year. The focus on end-to-end solutions, saving costs for customers and improving return on investment, targeted at the professional Audio Visual (AV) industry during Infocomm helped boost the improved numbers, according to the company.

“The addition of Infocomm to GITEX Technology Week has paid dividends, with an increased interest in our new products and solutions from Audio Visual industry professionals,” said Gautam Chakrabarty, deputy GM- Marketing, Business Solutions Division, Sharp Middle East. “Seeing our latest applications making an immediate impact on their debut in the region has been a huge plus, with the interactive venue maps being an excellent example of how our touch screen LCDs can provide flexible solutions to almost any industry.”

The public debut of one of Sharp’s latest innovations attracted a lot of attention, with the 20 touch screen LCD venue maps located around the Dubai World Trade Centre proving a hit with visitors, Sharp said. The screens saw more than 10,000 people use their smartphones to access more detailed information of exhibitors, including the exact location of the stand, it was reported.

More than 15 industry applications making use of Sharp’s versatile LCD solutions were demonstrated, giving a glimpse of what can be achieved using the technology. The solutions highlighted included the semi-outdoor applications of the new high brightness enabled LCD panels, with ideal uses including hospitality and events. These were showcased alongside touch screen applications, which were also developed for the retail and banking industry. Adaptive digital advertising, education, entertainment and communications using digital signage are additional sectors served by the latest Sharp solutions.

The power saving benefits of the newest developments were also displayed, with real time energy consumption indicators placed between panels with local LED dimming technology, and those without.

Sharp’s alliance with software company Quividi developed the interactive digital advertising solution, which was also one of the highlights of the stand. The LCD screen was integrated with software developed by Quividi which profiles the person standing in front of the screen, automatically adapting the advertisement on the screen to match the person.

The education focused solutions also proved popular, with a small touch screen LCD used as a digital lectern while the display is linked to a video wall. The brand new 70 inch touch screen was also showcased as a digital whiteboard.

“These innovative solutions can be applied to almost any industry, adding value and reducing costs thanks to the complete end-to-end nature of the installations. This has proved attractive to Infocomm and GITEX visitors this year, and we’re sure that many of these new applications will be utilised in exciting ways,” added Chakrabarty. “We’re looking forward to Infocomm returning next year.”