PPDS Upsizes Its E-Paper Tableaux Series With 32-Inch Unit To Launch At ISE
October 30, 2023 by Dave Haynes
PPDS is adding a modestly-upsized version of its full-color e-paper Tableaux display – a larger 32 inch version it will show for the first time at ISE in Barcelona.
A 25 inch version of the Philips Tableaux series – the e-paper component is from E Ink – was brought on to the market earlier this year, also at ISE.
The new 32-incher Philips Tableaux 5150I is positioned as a zero power consumption option for digital signage applications – a changeable color poster that runs on a long-life battery.
From PR:
As the latest member of PPDS’ ever-growing Android SoC family, the 32” Philips Tableaux 5150I Series can be managed manually, or remotely using third party or PPDS’ in house software. This includes PPDS Wave – the company’s exclusive secure cloud platform, providing advanced and effortless remote device management capabilities for Android SoC Philips Professional Display fleets of any size and in any location.
As on the 25” Philips Tableaux Series, the new 32” 5150I model can display static imagery without drawing on any energy source, only requiring super low power input when content is being updated.
For fixed installations, and in environments where regular image changes are required, the Philips Tableaux 5150I features Power over Ethernet (PoE), ensuring both power and connectivity for remote management.
With 16GB of internal memory and 2GB RAM, content can just as easily be updated via the USB, micro USB, Micro SD, LAN and WiFi 5 by simply plugging the Philips Tableaux 5150I into a nearby power source.
I like these things, but they are low volume specialty displays at specialty display prices. A little Googling took me to reseller sites that suggested the MSRP for the 25-inch was $2,500 USD. Even discounted from there, that would be many multiples the MSRP for an LCD of the same dimensions. I suppose someone could pencil out a long-term TCO argument because of energy savings, but like most new-ish technologies, widespread adoption will come when prices drop.
Dave, yes – niche for sure at this point. Energy savings is definitely a key variable with this technology. However, the comparison to an LCD display isn’t exactly how this is being positioned. This is truly paper/poster replacement, without being tethered to a location where there is already an electrical outlet, or where a new one needs to be installed. Imagine walking into a financial institution (bank) and as you enter the line (queue), you see an advertisement on an e-paper display for a 5% 12-month CD attached to a floor pole (with no power cords on the floor), also imagine the value when the advertisement could be updated tomorrow to 5.25%, or the next day to 4.85%, and could be networked to the bank’s many branch locations. Additionally, it may very well help companies obtain LEED certification for their new or remodeled buildings. Regardless, you are correct in that, widespread adoption will come when prices drop.