Posted by: Mark on: October 29, 2008
The Vegas Strip just got a digital dose of Hollywood, thanks to Panasonic and the new Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The casino, formerly known as the Aladdin, boasts an outdoor, curved, 57-ft.-high LED screen, plus two more curved LED screens and a ribbon display that’s approximately 600 ft. long. At the center of the casino, 32, 65-in. plasma displays are arranged in a “video wall;” 15 more screens adorn the front lobby. Robert Earl, owner of Planet Hollywood, wants the digital signage to meld with the casino’s visual theme, not just deliver content.
The screens use Panasonic’s Network Media stage content-management software.
Posted by: Mark on: October 28, 2008
Philadelphia, PA – SA International announces the new SpotON diffusion algorithm available in the latest release of the Flexi 8.6 and PhotoPRINT 6.1 software for Windows.
Striving to continue to improve Raster Image Processing, SAi has developed this new stochastic screening-based algorithm. SpotON – the enhanced equal dot distribution – avoids banding and artifacts, which are often troublesome especially in lighter areas of prints. The new SpotON diffusion increases the accuracy of the ink placement and variable dots without sacrificing processing speed.
The unsurpassed gradient smoothness resulting from the new SpotON is available as a free upgrade to all users currently using Flexi 8.5 or PhotoPRINT 6.0 for Windows. Users should contact one of SAi’s value-add resellers to request the free upgrade.
In addition the new releases of Flexi 8.6 and PhotoPRINT 6.1 include several added improvements such as the new Ink Split interface, improved Linearization and over 80 new device drivers. This newest release with the SpotON and other numerous improvements is available as a free upgrade to current Windows users. Registered users with earlier software versions qualify for special upgrade pricing.
What is all boils down to is BETTER PRINT QUALITY!
Posted by: Mark on: October 27, 2008
Still designing on an old CRT?
Well although we would all like to be designing/gaming/browsing on one of these. The $13,000 price tag might hold a few of us back.
But I think it’s all time we evaluate the monitors were using. LCD’s have become very affordable. Now not all affordable monitors produce a quality image. Cheap LCD’s often have issues such as input lag, horrid viewing angles, bad bleeding.
Be sure to read up on a monitor before making any purchases. I highly recommend this 24″ Benq G2400WD LCD as ‘best bang for the buck’. It has 0 input lag (great for movies, games) and good viewing angles. Can buy it here for $380! http://www.provantage.com/benq-g2400wd~7BEN900W.htm 24″ for $380! That’s insane. Yes, you might find a cheaper monitor @ sam’s club, or costco, but how does it stack up? I will bet $ it doesn’t. Till next time…..
Posted by: Mark on: October 23, 2008
I’m not a huge mac fan by any means. But with the recent release of the new MacBook I’m definitely blinded by the light (maybe its the glare off the glass screen). The specs have been bumped up, and were no longer stuck in a plastic case! They have also upgraded the video for the standard MacBook.
This is one nice notebook. Photoshop will run faster on this then most of our desktops I’m sure. Prices are starting around $1,299. Check out the apple website for more information.
Time for a new mobile design station for your sign business? Possibly! We all need a good business excuse for new toys sometimes 
Posted by: Mark on: October 22, 2008
The American Sign Museum is in the middle of a $2.5 million Capital Building Campaign to move into its new Cincinnati home. A major benefactor as pledged to match donations from now until December 31, 2008, up to $500,000. You can double your donation without digging deeper into your wallet! The museum has already raised $1 million, allowing for the purchase of the building and phase 1 construction. Contact museum President Tod Swormstedt at tod@signmuseum.org for information on how to donate.
Posted by: Mark on: October 21, 2008
American Sign Museum President Tod Swormstedt is quoted today in USA Today in an article about saving neon signs in the United States. “When there’s a threat of a landmark sign coming down, there’s often a grass-roots movement to save it,” Swormstedt says. Read the full article on USA Today’s website
Posted by: Mark on: October 7, 2008
Vehicle Graphics at the race track! Saw this picture, and just wanted to remind everyone about how applying a Vinyl Graphic to your car can change it’s appearance. These graphics sure didn’t ship that way. If you need any Custom Vinyl work be sure to check out www.SignsRus.com.
Posted by: Mark on: October 7, 2008
History (formerly known as the History Channel) is promoting the third season of its show, “Cities of the Underworld,” with a full exterior and interior wrap of a New York City subway, reportedly a first. The temporary vinyl wrap of the 42nd Street Shuttle #3 line was unveiled at Grand Central Station.
Check out the full article @ signweb.com
Posted by: Mark on: October 6, 2008
Be sure to check out www.graffiti.org. With links to some of the most talented graffiti artists you’ll ever see. A lot of these images would make for some great stuff to print, and place on a wall in the house. Well that is if it’s your type of thing I suppose. Either way check out the link great art!
Posted by: Mark on: October 2, 2008
Shrimpwagon can’t go one morning without seeing something crazy on his commute to work. So we’ve decided that as long as there is a picture to go with it, why not make it into a blog. So I proudly give you “Shrimpwagons Morning Commute”
Shrimpwagon shot this picture on his way to work this morning. Let’s all thank him for a good laugh.
Check out shrimpwagons blog @ shrimpwagon.wordpress.com
Posted by: Mark on: October 1, 2008
The article I’m about to post is from Lafayette City, LA. But keep in mind this does happen everywhere. Just a friendly reminder of what can happen when you don’t have permits, or go against the grain!
Lafayette City Officials are
targeting those businesses who have illegal signs. Those being targeted
are the small advertising signs that are being put in the ground.
Inspectors go around the city to look for signs that are up not following the proper regulations.
If they notice a problems with a sign, orange stickers are put on them.
Once the orange stickers are on the signs for a certain amount of time,
the signs are pulled.
City officials say business owners could face penalties if they have illegal signs.
If a business ignores the city’s request to comply with the
requirements of the zoning ordinance, the could be prosecuted in city
court.
Prohibited Signs
Posted by: Mark on: October 1, 2008
“An effective on-premise sign is the number one form of advertising for many retail establishments,” said ISA President and CEO Lori Anderson. “And During tough economic times, when marketing dollars are scarce, the sign plays an even more critical role in promoting a company’s product or services.”
Read the full article @ signindustry.com
Posted by: Mark on: September 30, 2008
We’ve seen some pretty extreme cases of excessive faith in GPS, but this may well be the first instance of the ill-advised practice nearly exactly repeating itself. As you may recall, earlier this year
a Bedford Hills, New York man trusted his GPS so much that he
apparently thought it was perfectly reasonable to follow the directions
directly onto a set of train tracks. That didn’t exactly work
out so well, for his car or the oncoming train. Now, as The Journal
News reports, another man followed his GPS onto the very same set of
tracks last night and, while he did get out in time to make a surely
embarrasing 911 call, that apparently wasn’t enough to prevent a
commuter train from slamming into the car a few minutes later, causing
an hour and a half delay but, thankfully, no injuries. Maybe it’s time
for some signs?
Posted by: Mark on: September 30, 2008
Adaptive Micro Systems Inc, a manufacturer of LED display products, installed one of it’s 14′ x 48′ MEDIAMaster digital billboards September 12, just outside of Madison, WI in 22 minutes.
Simply amazing if you ask me. Especially considering how nice these things look to your typical billboard.
Posted by: Mark on: September 29, 2008
Forgot about “The Best of the Worst Signs” for a while, but I’ve got a great one to bring it back with…
Check out this septic truck
Posted by: Mark on: September 26, 2008
Lamination is an important part for most all sign shops nowadays. With vehicle wrapping and full color prints & banners being the here and now lamination is a must for the industry. Providing UV protection, graffiti proofing, scratch resistance, even providing dry erase.
Check out the whole article @ signweb.com for more information on lamination procedures
Posted by: Mark on: September 25, 2008
Hasselblad is bringing a 60 THAT’S RIGHT 60! Megapixel camera in April 2009!
I guess it will never end..Price is set to be around $40,000. At least that’s what I understand from the read. It seems they say an additional $7,000 ontop of the current models $27,261 price tag =O
Posted by: Mark on: September 24, 2008
Adobe System Incorporated announced yesterday the Adobe Creative Suite 4 product family.
I won’t go over all the detailts, but most importantly it offers 64 BIT SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is huge for any of us running 64bit operating systems. Can’t wait to see the performance increase.
Check it all out over @ adobe.com
Posted by: Mark on: September 23, 2008
Above All Advertising Inc. is offering bamboo banner stands that, according to the company, promote conservation via the use of organic, rapidly renewable materials. The company offers a retractable version that measures 32.5 x 78 in., as well as customizable, non-retractable models.
(866) 552-2683; http://www.abovealladvertising.net
Posted by: Mark on: September 22, 2008
Leica is releasing a 37 MEGAPIXEL camera. Supposedly made to provide the quality of medium format, and the handling and flexibility of 35mm.
I don’t even want to imagine what the price is. I mean seriously. How many more megapixels do we need? I’ve seen images that are 1600X1200 blown up for huge prints, and they still look wonderful. I mean I don’t need an actual 8′ x 4′ picture to make it into a 8′ x 4′ banner.
Read the article about the Leica @ engadget.com
Posted by: Mark on: September 19, 2008
Never have time to catch a nap? Well…How about waiting in line for the bathroom? Maybe waiting for a train? How about a bus? Wait…Maybe a cab?
Well now you don’t have anymore excuses. “Office for the development of Substitute Materials” has devised a solution to are sleepless lifestyles.
Check out the entire article @ engadget.com
Posted by: Mark on: September 18, 2008
Plexiglas Acrylic was originally discovered in 1933 by Dr. Otto Rohm. Over the last 75 years since it’s creation, Plexiglas has made a name for itself as a strong, reliable plastic across numerous markets and many applications.
Well happy 75th birthday acrylic. Check out the whole article @ signweb.com
Posted by: Mark on: September 17, 2008
New York State has started inserting RFIDs into driver licenses. Step by step they are getting closer to putting these things into US =O
Check out the article @ engadget.com
Posted by: Mark on: September 16, 2008
For over a year German BMW owners have been using google maps, and more recently all of the internet. Luckily now BMW owning Americans are getting a peice of the action. AT&T’s GSM-friendly network is pushing out the service. Unfortunately US BMW owners will only be getting the google maps side of the internet. Hopefully they will add full internet in the future =O.
Read the whole article @ engadget
Posted by: Mark on: September 15, 2008
MELBOURNE: Scientists have discovered that going veggie could be bad for your brain-with those on a meat-free diet six times more likely to suffer brain shrinkage.
Vegans and vegetarians are the most likely to be deficient because the best sources of the vitamin are meat, particularly liver, milk and fish. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause anaemia and inflammation of the nervous system. Yeast extracts are one of the few vegetarian foods which provide good levels of the vitamin.
Posted by: Mark on: September 12, 2008
Cemusa partnered with Grimshaw Architects is redoing all New York City Newsstands, Bus Shelters, and pay toilets. AT NO CHARGE! Smart move? Of course! Well maybe ‘no charge’ was the wrong term. They are doing it in exchange for advertising. It’s a 20-year contract and I can’t even imagine how much money they will make charging for advertising on these things. Soon as I get some information about the numbers of it all I’ll be sure to fill everyone in.
To read more about this check out the article on SignWeb
Also I’m from New York, and don’t remember any pay toilets =O. I took a quick trip to wiki though for some information. Here is a pic!
ENJOY THE WEEKEND!
Posted by: Mark on: September 11, 2008
Looking to start up a website? If so check out www.freewebsitetemplates.com. Shawn gave me a link while he was fishing for some templates. We both can’t believe the quality work they are giving away for FREE!!!
Posted by: Mark on: September 10, 2008
Roland DG today introduced the new VersaArt RS series of four-colour CMYK wide-format inkjet printers. Featuring the latest in Roland eco-solvent inkjet technology, the VersaArt series offers image quality, productivity and performance beyond that of any other printer line in it’s class.
Read more about this printer on the roland website
Posted by: shrimpwagon on: September 10, 2008
It appears Wal-Mart will now be known as Walmart, and will be using this new logo. Are those corn kernels?
Head on over to the Walmart Page to see the new logo for yourself. Also check out the chronology of different logos they have used in the past.
What do you think?
Posted by: shrimpwagon on: September 10, 2008
Photograph Taken By Shawn Welch of SignsRus.com
Sick of seeing Plastic Signs up and down the highways, stapled to posts, at the entrance of your neighborhood? Well I believe we all are quite sick of it. If you see a snipe sign in your neighborhood, do us a favor and stop and throw it in your truck. These Plastic Signs are cheap and light weight. You can easily bend them and throw them in your garbage without taking up much space. Better to be pulled down and thrown away then letting the companies get free advertising while making your neighborhood look like a slum. What a cheap shot!!!
These signs have a name, “Snipe Signs.” The characters putting these up are very sneaky. They obviously do this in the cover of darkness and put them in hard or out of reach places. Most motorists never take the 5 seconds it would take to remove these signs. But one person does. Shawn from SignsRus takes only 15 minutes out of his week to drive around his neighborhood and remove these eye soars. He does this on the way home so it isn’t much out of the way.
The only way to stop these vandals is to let them know we aren’t going to let them keep their signs up. If the signs are up, then people can get the number to call. If the signs are down, then people won’t call and these suckers aren’t going to keep posting these signs. If we all chipped in to remove one sign per week, that would more than take care of the signs in your immediate neighborhood
