A new digital signage system enhances the renewed international departure area. Dynamic, high-resolution images from 85-inch plasma displays catch attention.

Japan's gateway undergoes a renewal.

Kansai International Airport (KIX), which serves as a gateway to Japan, carried out a major upgrade of its International Departure area in the summer of 2009 and reopened as the new KIX Air Side Avenue in March 2010.

Digital signage system creates an attractive promotional environment.

The renewal concept included the following points:

• Adding a new digital signage system to conventional panels, billboards and display spaces to enable more effective promotion by combining diverse media.
• The area between the immigration control counter and the duty-free shops and other stores in the shopping zone was previously no more than a passageway. Ad displays in this area could be expected to attract widespread attention from travelers.

These points led to the decision to install a digital signage system to provide a more attractive advertising and promotional environment to advertisers.

The latest plasma displays were chosen because they reflect Japan's technical expertise, making them suitable for one of the country's major gateways.

The main points for the display devices that make up the digital signage system were as follows:

• Large-screen devices were needed to fit the installation space.
  The ceiling height in the installation area (near the immigration control counter) is about 2 m, so vertical 85-inch displays were a perfect fit.
• Displays needed to be suitable for a gateway to Japan.
  The latest made-in-Japan models would promote Japan's advanced level of electronics.
• Faithful image reproduction. High-quality images were required that could be displayed with confidence by advertisers, who insist on high standards for promoting their brand image.
  Vertical 85-inch displays, which are able to portray life-size images for an effect that equals or exceeds that of large posters, are the right size for companies that deal with high-end brands.

These points led to the installation of a digital signage system based on 13 Panasonic full-HD plasma displays, including 85-inch models.

On the side of the passageway opposite to the three 85-inch displays (lower photo) is a 50-inch display in a movable cabinet. Together, they provide images on both sides of the passageway.

These 85-inch plasma display ads placed along a glass wall near immigration control make a lasting impression. They are spaced apart to enhance the wide open space of the glass wall.

The overhang at the installation site was used to give the three 85-inch displays a sleek appearance.

With a height that exceeds 1.8 m, the vertical 85-inch displays draw instant attention.

The Airport Guide Display uses two 42-inch displays. A touch panel function on one of the displays enables interactive operation.

A 65-inch display showing background videos of airline companies was installed at the lounge entrance.