Metromatics announce release of their MetroSpec Low Power Display (LPD) Totem for Bus/Tram/Ferry Stop Applications

Metromatics are proud to announce the release of the MetroSpec LPD Totem.  A new world class technology which is a green friendly solution for providing up to date passenger information to commuters at bus, ferry and tram stops.

One of the most outstanding features of the low powered display (LPD) is that it is a bi-stable technology which allows it to reflect light in dim conditions and brighten when in direct sunlight.  It is capable of holding the image indefinitely without drawing electricity or power which lengthens the life of the battery.

The MetroSpec LPD Totem can have static messages sent to it every 20-30 seconds via wireless LAN / USB / or Bluetooth display technology from a centralised remote source, allowing information to be published on display advising commuters of updates to the timetable, service disruptions messages and delays.

The LPD is a modular piece and addition to bus totems.  It has its own protective case and can withstand the elements and vandalism with the option of shatter proof and high impact protection.

Features of the MetroSpec LPD Totem include:

·         Ultra Low Power

·         Sleek, Light Weight Design

·         Readable in direct sunlight and dim lighting conditions

·         Green Friendly providing a CO2 reduction

·         USB/Wireless LA/ Bluetooth capabilities

·         Solar Panel Compatible

Metromatics is a privately owned Australian Company with its Head Office located in Brisbane and has been providing High Bright Passenger Information Displays to most major metro railway stations, busways, ferry interchanges in Australian Capital Cities for over 8 years.

 

A true Slimline Platform Passenger Information Display

We recently exhibited at the world’s largest rail transport show in Berlin called Innotrans which is held every two years.  This is where the world’s manufacturers of anything rail related exhibit their latest innovations for the industry.

Metromatics displayed their latest MetroSpec Slimline Platform Passenger Information Display – this display is double sided and uses two ½ height panels (one each side) to provide a sleek rectangular looking LCD display which provides passenger information time tables and customer service information. 

Customers were impressed with the high bright appearance of the display and the fact that it was IP65 rated which results in less maintenance.  The capability of the MetroSpec Passenger Information Display to operate in a high temperature range without the requirement for air conditioning or heat exchangers was also well regarded.

 One customer referred to it as a “true slimline platform passenger information display” designed to operate on any rail platform.

Challenges for Outdoor LCD Displays and how to overcome these

 

Outdoor LCD Displays are in an uncontrolled, harsh environment which is constantly changing meaning it needs to have the ability to adapt to the elements in which it is subjected to.  The types of elements Outdoor LCD Displays face include different temperatures, humidity levels, direct sunlight, pollution, dirty power, windy conditions, rain, snow and hot sun.

The largest issue is direct and indirect sunlight and the impact it has on Outdoor LCD Displays.  It has been determined that a combination of various features of the LCD panel provide the ultimate viewing of the image or message.  These items are a high bright led backlit LCD panel with a brightness between 1,500 to 2,500 Nits, a high contrast ratio (between white & black), and an effective Anti-Reflective glare treatment of the glass.

When doing an installation, East/West Orientations are generally considered the worse as direct sunlight impacts the display especially with rising and setting sun.  Metromatics has developed various methods to overcome this type of installation by use of MetroSpec heat limiting glass and protective shrouds which filter and re-direct the sunlight making the screen still viewable in direct sunlight.

The most critical component for an Outdoor LCD Display is its enclosure and how it treats the LCD panel and its electronic components.  Our MetroSpec enclosures are IP65 rated which means there are no open filters in the enclosure which reduces the maintenance requirement of having to change filters on a regular basis and therefore producing a lower cost on ownership.  The enclosure has its own intelligent environmental control system which controls the cross cooling fans and heats the components in chillier conditions and the display can be controlled remotely to monitor the temperature, fans, power, brightness, start up and shut down timers (if required) using our SNMP software package.

Anti-Vandalism features may be another requirement for an Outdoor LCD Display in public areas.  Items which could be added to protect this system include a strong aluminium or stainless steel enclosure, thickened-shatterproof glass, anti-graffiti paint, inbuilt cameras for CCTV surveillance, monitoring alarms and shock/vibration sensors – all are items currently used in MetroSpec Outdoor LCD Displays.

 

Established in 1989, we have over 20 years’ experience in providing our customers with modular and customisable leading edge solutions and we are a leader in our industry for design, research and development, manufacture, management, and integration of our quality indoor and outdoor display products. We are ISO 9001 accredited with our Head Office located in Brisbane Australia, sales and support in all other major Australian cities and qualified exclusive distributors situated around the world.

Metromatics recognise the importance of “Green Technology” and our engineering department spends a significant part of their time researching and developing eco-friendly solutions and working with our customers to incorporate these requirements into their design. Our systems engineers are experienced in systems integration from product concept, prototype, to final product roll out. That is why our service track record is impeccable as our products are built to last. With over 1500+ of our MetroSpec Display products in the Australasian market working in the harsh conditions the return rate is less than 0.05% - which is impressive.

The majority of our display products incorporate the latest sunlight readable displays which are built to an IP66 standard to meet a range of hot / cool / dusty environments, with embedded pcs, vandal proofing, optional touch screens, way finding and many other features. Our products are available in Portrait or Landscape modes in a range of sizes from 8” – 82”.

Our MetroSpec display technology products have been installed in most major metro railway stations in Australian capital cities, bus ways in Brisbane, ferry wharfs and on-board ferries in Sydney and even at Australian Icons such as Federation Square in Melbourne and Taronga Zoo in Sydney. Our MIL-STD Large Format Displays were the first of their kind in the world to be given a Class A rating for display technology.  Applications for these products include station platform passenger information displays, railway entry / concourse entry ways; remote ferry interchanges; on-board vessel; information kiosks; pier bollards; building signage; defence retrofits and more.