Dynamax Technologies Ltd. - a global provider of digital signage solutions - has announced it has teamed with Cowes, Isle of Wight, U.K.-based The Knowledge Zone Ltd. (TKZ) - a publisher and distributor of sailing, yachting, and boating content - and Solutions, Inc. - a U.K. Apple Premium Reseller and wireless network innovator - to design and implement a high-definition (HD) digital signage network, called iZone, to display yachting-oriented content in the world-famous yachting town of Cowes, Isle of Wight.
The iZone system, comprised of 12 screens stationed throughout Cowes, is securely networked by state-of-the-art wireless technology, and powered by Dynamax Technologies' POV digital signage content management, preparation, and delivery application. Solutions Inc. supervised the network's design and technical requirements, and physically installed its wireless nodes and screens. The three companies worked collaboratively to ensure the interoperability of all components, perform multiple operational tests, and brought the network online by July 31, 2008.
Cowes, known worldwide for its yachting heritage, typically hosts approximately 200 racing events each season. The major event of the year is the world-famous Cowes Week, first staged in 1826, and the largest and longest-running regatta of its type in the world. Every year, more than 120,000 sailing aficionados converge on the prestigious international yachting destination for the week-long affair, and to enjoy the town's unique atmosphere and setting. Now, with the availability of the new iZone network, yachting enthusiasts can permanently experience HD content related to each weekday's competition, and a wide range of related footage and information on the system throughout the remainder of the year.
"This distinctive, specialized digital out-of-home media network deployment truly showcases POV's world-class flexibility, scalability, and functionality, as well as its penchant for efficiently managing complex architectures across multiple technology platforms," said Ian McKenzie, chief executive officer at Dynamax Technologies Ltd. "Moreover, this installation also demonstrates POV's ease of use, seamless integration, and utility in a wide range of diverse indoor and outdoor environments, industries, and market segments."
"The introduction of iZone is the next logical step for The Knowledge Zone in significantly expanding the reach and distribution of our sailing and boating content to a much broader and more engaged target audience," said Steve Sleight, managing editor of The Knowledge Zone. "Digital out-of-home media networks, such as iZone, are important components of our content creation and distribution strategy, and offer tremendous opportunities worldwide to deliver rich, compelling, and useful information, as well as powerful advertising from our marketing partners."
The initial iZone network rollout consists of 12 HD screens stationed throughout Cowes. One screen is placed outdoors at the town's main marina, Cowes Yacht Haven, while others are deployed in the town's most popular pubs. Unlike most digital signage installations, which exclusively display advertising messages, the iZone network broadcasts useful editorial content, as well as advertising. Using a multiple-region format for the screens, the network broadcasts live and recorded HD sailing video footage produced by TKZ; current sailing conditions on the Solent, the area of water between southern England and the Isle of Wight made tricky by strong double tides; weather reports and forecasts; tide information; and scrolling news headlines provided by major news sources and TKZ's Cowes Online web site.
In the future, the new network will enable TKZ to deliver live content directly from the water to the shoreside audience, who, in previous years, has not been able to get close to the action on the race course. Additional plans include extending the network of screens operated by TKZ to other locations throughout the Isle of Wight and onto the U.K. mainland, and the development of a mobile network to provide real-time race updates, live video, and information to mobile devices.
For more information on Dynamax Technologies Ltd. products/services, visit www.dynamaxworld.com.
For more information on The Knowledge Zone Ltd. products/services, visit www.theknowledgezone.net.
For more information on Solutions Inc. products/services, visit www.solutions-inc.co.uk.
